Sungrow-Samsung SDI in latest 30MWh northern Japan project

on March 13, 2018

Energy-Storage-NewsChinese inverter manufacturer Sungrow has leaned on its joint venture with Samsung SDI to supply both inverters and lithium batteries to a large-scale energy storage project in Japan.

Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has been deploying renewables at pace, particularly since the creation of the current feed-in tariff (FiT) policy in 2012. The region only has old-fashioned undersea cables to interconnect it with the rest of Japan.

As with the rest of Japan, Hokkaido’s local grid network is maintained and operated by a utility, Hokkaido Electric Power (HEPCO). Long-running issues of grid constraints, both perceived and real, led to some of the 10 regional utilities calling for a temporary halt to new solar farm approvals in 2014.

In response, HEPCO started looking at energy storage, deploying a 60MWh flow battery in 2015 and a 102.3MW solar PV project combined with 27MWh of battery storage is underway from SB Energy – the renewables arm of Japanese firm Softbank – and Mitsubishi UFJ Leasing, as reported by Energy-Storage.News in late 2017. HEPCO also added various technical requirements for renewable energy plant installations to obtain grid connections, including curtailing the offtake of power from solar or wind in times of overproduction and requiring energy storage to mitigate the variable output of the generators.

Sungrow said it will supply a full turnkey energy storage system for the island, with around 30MWh storage capacity and 23 containers of inverters. It will utilise lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries from the Sungrow-Samsung SDI joint venture. The JV began a series of demonstration energy storage projects in China in April 2016.

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Fractal Energy Storage ConsultantsSungrow-Samsung SDI in latest 30MWh northern Japan project

Engie Advances ‘Energy Transition’ Plan With Major Stake in Electro Power Systems

on March 13, 2018

Greentech-MediaEngie last week made official its agreement to acquire a majority stake in Electro Power Systems, a French-based energy storage and microgrid company with projects in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The acquisition aligns with a strategy Engie announced in 2016 “to become leader of the world energy transition.” The EPS deal, originally announced in January, kicks off the last leg of Engie’s three-year, $12.5 billion investment plan.

“It’s a full ‘3-D’ vision. D as in ‘decarbonization.’ D as in ‘decentralization.’ And D as in ‘digitalization,’” Thierry Lepercq, executive vice president at Engie in charge of research, technology and innovation, told Greentech Media in early 2017. The EPS investment is the latest indication of this vision becoming a reality.

The purchase also reaffirms a several-year trend of large energy companies, especially in Europe, pouring money into customer energy management.

“As of right now, building out a distributed practice for these European energy giants will not result into a multibillion-dollar business in the near term,” said GTM Research grid edge analyst Elta Kolo. “Rather, acquisitions and large investments are expected to continue throughout 2018 as these energy giants seek to remain on top of emerging activity at the grid edge and in tune with where competitors are concentrating.”

EPS joins the Engie portfolio at €9,5 ($11.70) per share and joins recent solar additions Fenix International and SoCore and 2016 acquisitions including OpTerra, Ecova and Green Charge, which have been rebranded under Engie. The French utility said it will continue to list EPS shares.

Kolo said that after a spate of acquisitions and investments, 2018 will be a big year for consolidation. Companies are also likely to continue eyeing investments and acquisitions in energy storage, e-mobility, demand response, energy efficiency, smart home and residential retail spaces.

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Fractal Energy Storage ConsultantsEngie Advances ‘Energy Transition’ Plan With Major Stake in Electro Power Systems

2018 Intersolar North America – Jul 10-12, 2018

on March 13, 2018

Event Name: 2018 Intersolar North America

Event Date(s): July 10 – 12, 2018

Event Location: Moscone Center West, 800 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Event Description:
Intersolar North America, North America’s most attended solar event and premier networking platform, takes place July 10-12, 2018 in San Francisco. The event’s exhibition and conference both focus on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, smart renewable energy and solar thermal technologies. Since being founded, Intersolar has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the solar industry.

Find Fractal: Find Fractal in the exhibition hall at Booth 8145. Contact Us to setup a meeting time.

Event Website: http://infocastinc.com/event/storage-week/

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md-admin2018 Intersolar North America – Jul 10-12, 2018

2018 AWEA National Wind Conference – May 7-10, 2018

on March 12, 2018

Event Name: 2018 AWEA National Wind Conference

Event Date(s): May 7 – 10, 2018

Event Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, 2301 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL  60616-1490

Event Description:
The theme of WINDPOWER 2018 is Powering Forward to Reach New Heights.  American wind energy is a success story, growing jobs and opportunity for rural communities.  We are committed to fighting for 100,000 Americans working in wind.  WINDPOWER is the place where the industry comes together to plan for future challenges, to get business done, and ultimately to keep this success story growing.  Together, we will continue to Power Forward! The Wind industry has momentum in the push to expand our lead as the largest renewable energy source in the US. WINDPOWER is the place to turn that momentum into action – make the connections, get the training, and learn about the innovative technologies that will power this industry forward.

Find Fractal: Find Fractal in the exhibition hall!

Event Website: http://www.windpowerexpo.org/Index2018.aspx

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md-admin2018 AWEA National Wind Conference – May 7-10, 2018

2018 Energy Storage Association National Conference – Apr 18-20, 2018

on March 12, 2018

Event Name: 2018 Energy Storage Association National Conference

Event Date(s): April 18-20, 2018

Event Location:  Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115

Event Description:
For decades, energy storage technology has continued to advance towards integrating electricity from any source into a more resilient and reliable grid, creating jobs, lowering energy bills, and helping to secure our energy future. Now, energy storage is proven and ready for business, and the Energy Storage Association’s 28th Annual Conference and Expo (#ESACon18) is where that business happens. ESA creates networking opportunities where you will make connections to grow your business. ESA provides premier education from the energy storage industry’s best and brightest. ESA  brings stakeholders from across the full spectrum of energy resources for collaboration. Finally, ESA makes you a vital part of transforming and expanding energy storage markets in the United States. ESA has firmly established itself as the recognized leader for energy storage education and a vital gathering place for the industry.

  • More than 150 leading industry speakers,
  • Insightful education sessions,
  • Site tours to advanced energy projects,
  • Workshops led by renowned experts,
  • 70+ exhibiting companies, and
  • Nearly 2,000 attendees from 30+ countries

Find Fractal: Find Fractal in the exhibition hall!

Event Website: http://esacon.energystorage-events.org/

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md-admin2018 Energy Storage Association National Conference – Apr 18-20, 2018

2018 California Solar Power Expo – Mar 27-28, 2018

on March 12, 2018

Event Name: 2018 California Solar Power Expo

Event Date(s): March 27 – 28, 2018

Event Location: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA 92101

Event Description:
The California Solar Power Expo is an interactive event designed for solar, smart energy, and storage professionals who are working in and with the California solar market to make powerful business connections. The event will feature exhibitor-led interactive training for installers as well as networking opportunities.

Commitment to Collaboration
The success of this event, and all Solar Power Events, is heavily driven by the two non-profit, membership organizations behind it. The partnership between SEPA and SEIA, through their joint ownership of the Solar Power Events, has resulted in the creation of a robust suite of business and education opportunities for the solar industry. Solar Power Events organizers and speakers will strive to create a welcoming, collaborative environment for all attendees and stakeholders. At times, debatable issues are discussed at Solar Power Events. These debates make the industry stronger and facilitate the healthy exchange of ideas in a collegial setting. All Solar Power Events speakers will strive to present balanced perspectives on contentious issues in a professional, constructive manner.

Find Fractal: Find Fractal in the exhibition hall!

Event Website: https://events.solar/expo/about/

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md-admin2018 California Solar Power Expo – Mar 27-28, 2018

2018 Solar Power Finance and Investment – Mar 20-22, 2018

on March 12, 2018

Event Name: 2018 Solar Power Finance and Investment

Event Date(s): March 20 – March 22, 2018

Event Location:  Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Event Description:
The Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit is the leading gathering place for the industry’s dealmakers. Each year, senior-level solar and financial executives mingle in an intimate setting that provides for an efficient, in-depth and focused networking experience. From beginning to end, the Summit offers up constant opportunities to meet key dealmakers, learn about their plans for the upcoming year, and capitalize on new prospects that will lead to successful deals. Networking extends into the night with hosted dinners and other activities!

The Summit is the primary industry event where key industry players come to stay abreast of the solar financing landscape. It also provides valuable insights into the ongoing developments in the industry, highlights upcoming strategic opportunities, and explores the industry’s efforts to overcome pressing challenges. The Summit’s unique environment has led previous attendees to rate it as the best value solar event in the industry — “worth every minute of my time”, says one attendee.

Executive Briefing – March 20, 2018: Solar Market Outlook and Business Development Landscape
Get the latest information on the business development landscape and which markets will be offering up opportunities for growth.

Workshop – March 20, 2018: Solar + Storage
Pick up all the information needed to build a solid understanding of the solar + storage market— both front-of- the meter and behind-the- meter. Find out the latest on storage + storage technology, policy, business models, project economics, financing and the business development outlook.

Workshop – March 20, 2018: Solar Power Finance and Investment Guide for Emerging Developers and Investors
Get a comprehensive primer on the financing of and investing in solar power in today’s solar market.

Find Fractal: Find Fractal in the exhibition hall. Fractal will also be sponsoring the Summit Briefing lunch reception.

Event Website: http://infocastinc.com/event/solar-power-finance-investment/

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md-admin2018 Solar Power Finance and Investment – Mar 20-22, 2018

GE India’s microgrid offering close to commercialization

on March 12, 2018

Decentralized-EnergyMicropower generation units, designed by GE’s India R&D centre in Bengaluru over the past two years, are now close to the stage of commercialisation. The units are expected to be hugely beneficial to remote microgrid-dependent communities.

Business Standard reports that the technology is currently being used in two remote Bihar villages, Tayabpur and Behlolpur, some 2,000 km away, and also in some global locations.

They are checking the real-time power demand in these villages at different times using GE’s industrial IoT software platform Predix and are accordingly feeding the grid with energy so that there is no wastage or short supply.

“It’s loaded with our Predix software that forecasts demand and automatically balances between solar, diesel and the battery so that the grid is stable,” says Vinay B Jammu, vice president and head of physical-digital analytics and digital research at GE Global Research. “The only person on the ground is a site engineer who we can contact via an SMS in case the solar panels have become dusty, or to fill diesel for the generator, or for any other maintenance.”

The 15KW hybrid power units in Bihar are two of five such units GE is testing globally to find a viable and cost-effective solution to power microgrids. While two other units are located in villages in Ethiopia, it has another one in a mining town in Australia.

All the locations picked for the pilots are so inaccessible that the company thinks they might never get connected to the grid.

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Fractal Energy Storage ConsultantsGE India’s microgrid offering close to commercialization

Vikram Solar partners France’s CEA for R&D in PV and energy storage

on March 12, 2018

PV-TechIndia-based solar manufacturer and EPC player Vikram Solar has signed a collaboration agreement with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), while at the founding ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Vikram Solar’s partnerhsip with the French public research agency will go towards enhancing R&D on high efficiency crystalline silicon cells, modules and systems as well as energy storage technologies for the French and Indian markets.

CEA will share its expertise and technology in solar, storage, smart grid and thermal efficiency, while Vikram Solar will apply these technologies in large-scale manufacturing. It will also aim to improve battery storage solutions. The partnership will also look into crystallization and wafering, mono and bifacial modules, Agri-photovoltaics, and solar mobility among other segments.

Gyanesh Chaudhary, MD and CEO, Vikram Solar, said: “Vikram Solar has always been at the forefront of innovation through research and development that helps India grow and develop and be a more sustainable nation. Our association with CEA will strengthen our focus on newer technology and in turn increase opportunity for both parties to work towards a more sustainable and efficient ecosystem.”

Christophe Gégout, deputy chairman of the CEA, said: “Our association with Vikram Solar comes at a time when the need for renewables is at an all time high in India as well as globally.  This is a perfect time for us to leverage our strength in research and development and fuse it with Vikram Solar’s long standing position as a leading global solar module player with key focus on quality, technology and innovation.”

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Fractal Energy Storage ConsultantsVikram Solar partners France’s CEA for R&D in PV and energy storage

‘Proton’ battery uses cheap carbon instead of lithium

on March 12, 2018

EngadgetA big challenge for the EV and renewable energy revolution is that the much-needed batteries are made from lithium, a relatively rare and pricey metal. Rather than focusing on other metals like magnesium, a team of scientists from RMIT University in Melbourne have figured it out to build rechargeable “proton” batteries from abundant carbon and water. If commercialized, the technology could allow for cheaper Powerwall-type home or grid storage to back up solar panels or windmills.

The batteries are a hybrid between a chemical battery and a hydrogen fuel cell. During charging, water is split to produce protons, which then pass through a cell membrane and bond to the carbon electrodes, without producing hydrogen gas. To tap the stored energy, the hydrogen ions are released and lose an electron to re-form the protons. The electrons supply power, while the hydrogen protons combine with oxygen and other electrons to re-form into water.

The big advantage with proton batteries compared to fuel cells is efficiency. The latter must produce hydrogen gas then split it back into protons, which creates losses. But a proton battery never produces hydrogen gas, so the energy efficiency is comparable to lithium-ion batteries. And even though the system is far from optimized, energy density is also comparable to lithium ion, the team said.

The researchers built a small, 1.2 volt battery, so the next step is to scale it up and improve efficiency. “Future work will now focus on further improving performance and energy density through use of atomically-thin layered carbon-based materials such as graphene, with the target of a proton battery that is truly competitive with lithium ion batteries firmly in sight,” said lead researcher Professor John Andrews.

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Fractal Energy Storage Consultants‘Proton’ battery uses cheap carbon instead of lithium

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