New York expected to set high bar for energy storage after target bill passage

Two bills passed last week only direct the state to establish storage targets, but analysts say it's likely regulators will opt for an ambitious mandate.

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2017

As gas plants struggle, California seeks new flexible capacity strategies

With up to 6 GW of gas plants at risk of closure in the coming years, energy stakeholders are scrambling for new compensation techniques and zero-carbon alternatives. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 27, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Virtual Power Plants

Virtual power plants and their ability to balance energy supply and demand are increasingly sought by utilities as electricity demand increases, but their lack of standardization remains a barrier.

By Utility Dive staff

Dominion Energy scouting for pumped storage sites in Virginia

Officials said they are evaluating how to take advantage of a pumped hydro bill that encouraged utilities to site facilities in the state's coalfield region. 

By Peter Maloney • June 27, 2017

NYSERDA announces $6.3M to commercialize storage for renewables support

The agency is looking for energy storage projects that can help advance the state's goal of obtaining 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2017

Updated: New York lawmakers clear bill creating energy storage targets

The measure directs the state Public Service Commission to develop an Energy Storage Deployment Program, including a storage procurement target for 2030.

By Peter Maloney • June 23, 2017

Stop, collaborate and listen: California stakeholders want to open electric system communications

The state's utilities, DER providers and CAISO outline a new plan that would streamline communications between transmission and distribution operators and DER developers. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 22, 2017

Maui company aims for Hawaii's self-supply market with all-day storage option

HiVE Energy says its residential and commercial batteries can provide a full day of storage, making them appealing for Hawaii's non-export solar tariff. 

By Peter Maloney • June 21, 2017

Utilities in hot water: Realizing the benefits of grid-integrated water heaters

Water heaters offer storage capabilities at a fraction of the cost of batteries. The challenge is getting everyone a piece of the returns. 

By Herman K. Trabish • June 20, 2017

Genbright, Ice Energy team up for non-wires alternative storage on Nantucket

The thermal storage project aims to provide 1 MW of peak load reduction to avoid the need for a new undersea transmission line.

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2017

Navigant sees hybrid storage installations growing to 2.1 GW by 2026

Battery-battery and battery-capacitor combinations are expected to dominate the hybrid market for the next decade. 

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2017

Powin and Hecate to install storage projects totaling 52.8 MWh in Canada

The projects, at two sites in Ontario, are all contracted with Canada's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of its long-term energy plan.

By Peter Maloney • June 20, 2017

Nevada governor vetoes popular RPS, community solar bills

The renewable portfolio standard would have mandated 40% renewables by 2030 and included a carveout for energy storage. 

By Robert Walton • June 19, 2017

SMUD's holistic DER planning process could set new standard for utilities

Even solar advocates are praising the distributed resource planning done by Sacramento's municipal utility.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 16, 2017

A new study defends ARPA-E in wake of Trump's proposed budget cuts

A congressionally mandated study found the Department of Energy's APRA-E secured $1.25 billion in private funding and 74 patents so far. 

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2017

Illinois researchers are trying to create a self-healing battery

The researchers published a study that says their experimental technology made it possible for a lithium ion battery to retain 80% of its initial capacity after 400 charging cycles.

By Peter Maloney • June 15, 2017

Massachusetts bill would compel utilities to consider non-wires alternatives

Under H. 1725, utilities would have to submit any plans for system upgrades to a newly created Grid Modernization Board, which would evaluate the viability of NWAs.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • June 14, 2017

Energy storage hits record growth in Q1 2017, but slowdown likely

Energy storage deployment grew nearly 1,000% in Q1 2017. But a new GTM Research report says that pace will probably not last the rest of the year. 

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2017

SaltX, Aalborg team up to develop CSP project with storage

A prototype using SaltX’s EnerStore technology is scheduled to be built later this year with the aim of securing a commercial pilot plant in 2018.

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2017

US could lag on battery research if Trump's proposed budget clears, researchers warn

Budget cuts to the Department of Energy could result in an outflow of U.S. research talent to countries with better-funded programs, such as China, Japan and South Korea. 

By Peter Maloney • June 13, 2017

Wordwide appetite for power sector M&A is rising, new reports find

An EY survey says 59% of power and utility CEOs expect to pursue an M&A deal this year.

By Peter Maloney • June 12, 2017

LG subsidiary will install 40 MW of batteries on Guam

The two storage facilities are expected to help reduce intermittent power outages and integrate more solar energy for the U.S. territory. 

By Peter Maloney • June 8, 2017

Duke files for grid modernization rider in Ohio, proposes 10 MW storage pilot

The battery project would be located to allow it to provide ancillary services to the grid and backup power to critical infrastructure.

By Peter Maloney • June 7, 2017

Maryland, Hawaii turn to storage incentives as state markets gain momentum

A new GTM Research report examines Hawaii and Maryland as examples of a trend in state energy storage incentives.

By Peter Maloney • June 6, 2017

California Senate passes bill for residential energy storage incentives

The new storage incentives would be modeled after the California Solar Initiative and provide an alternative to the Self-Generation Incentive Program. 

By Peter Maloney • June 5, 2017

EIA: Batteries, pumped storage, 'other' renewables make up 4% of US capacity

Hydroelectric pumped storage still dominates the Energy Information Administration's "other" generation category, but batteries, flywheels and smaller renewable energy fuels are catching up. 

By Robert Walton • June 5, 2017