A startup named Aquion recently began commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries that solve some lithium-ion toxicity and flammability issues. The company says when scaled up, the batteries could supplant natural gas peaker plants, allowing stored renewable energy to be used during power demand spikes instead of gas. “The batteries could allow the grid to accommodate… Keep reading →
ExxonMobil’s Ken Cohen highlights the tax payments made by some of the largest US-based oil companies, three of which – Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips – appear in a list of the Top 10 corporate tax payers in 2012 compiled by 24/7 Wall Street. “In fact, ExxonMobil and Chevron are ranked #1 and #3 respectively, with… Keep reading →
As the US tight oil and gas boom continues, reliance on Canadian crude oil and gas softens. Robust US production also sparked a vibrant export discussion, which could eventually see Canadian and US companies competing for customers and market share. “The protracted controversy over the Keystone XL Pipeline project has focused a great deal of… Keep reading →
A Japan Airlines flight was grounded after smoke was discovered coming from the battery system. Roughly one year ago, Dreamliners worldwide were grounded due to overheating batteries that caught fire. “”We are making sure of the safety of every plane before its departure. We will continue regular flights (with Dreamliners),” company spokesman Norihisa Hanyu said.… Keep reading →
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will rule whether a solar project or natural gas plant should be constructed based on which facility is most in the public interest. A judge recently ruled the solar project was best for consumers. [Fresh Energy] Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently said the nuclear talks “showed the enmity… Keep reading →
SolarCity has unveiled an energy storage system for businesses. The system includes software that determines when to charge and when to discharge so as to minimize the utility bill. They use batteries from sister company Tesla motors. Although SolarCity has previously teamed batteries with rooftop solar, the new DemandLogic systems are meant for peak shaving.… Keep reading →
Tesla has a strong and growing presence in Germany, with 5 existing dealerships and 5 more coming soon, which is why the German safety regulator’s review of the company’s recent fire incidents is so important. “Tesla received a recent inquiry from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA), regarding the Model S post-crash fire… Keep reading →
Quick Take: An excellent article in the Atlantic provides a valuable summary of solar’s existential threat to utilities. Team up rooftop solar with a Tesla battery unit and you can (theoretically) do away with your electric power utility. In reality of course, few homeowners will really want grid divorce. First, they will want to sell… Keep reading →
Video of a Tesla luxury electric car burning after an apparent battery problem went crazy time all over the internet and major news organizations across the US yesterday. But while a battery malfunction at the darling of the electric car industry would be news worthy, what if it was a hoax designed to profit from… Keep reading →
Energy storage is an exciting space for researchers, investors and established energy industry players alike because as technology advances and costs come down the potential for truly disruptive – and highly lucrative – innovation feels almost within grasp. The ability to cheaply and reliably store and dispatch utility-scale volumes of electricity will alter existing power… Keep reading →
