More than 30 states embrace grid modernization, new policy tracker finds

A new quarterly report from the folks who brought you "50 States of Solar" aims to chronicle grid modernization initiatives across the U.S.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 31, 2017

Younicos, Austin Energy sign deal for 1.75 MW, 3.2 MWh energy storage system

The project is part of the Department of Energy’s Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar PV program. 

By Peter Maloney • May 31, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Energy Storage

The proliferation of energy storage in everything from utility-scale batteries to electric vehicles is a driving force in the transition to a cleaner, more distributed power system. This trendline includes the best Utility Dive reporting on this dynamic sector.

By Utility Dive staff

Fuel cell developer snags $3M in ARPA-E funding

The Department of Energy has slowed research funding, but FuelCell Energy's announcement is a sign some investments are still moving ahead.

By Robert Walton • May 31, 2017

How can Tucson Electric get solar + storage for 4.5¢/kWh?

Subsidies and aggressive pricing strategies are key to the stunning Arizona PPA price, analysts say.

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

How water can save solar: Using bulk storage to flatten the duck

While batteries are making progress toward providing low cost energy storage, bulk storage facilities are currently the best suited technologies for solving the Duck Curve.

By Charles Janecek, Dave Cherney and Mark Repsher • May 30, 2017

New Ohio bill would revamp state power market for full deregulation

HB 247 would require regulated utilities to divest their generation assets and put an end to lengthy procedings on utility resource planning. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

ABB plans to roll out modular microgrid unit by end of 2017

The company says the unit can be applied to remote villages that are not connected to the grid, and as a back-up source of power for small commercial and industrial facilities. 

By Peter Maloney • May 30, 2017

Powin, SDG&E ink contract for 6.5 MW, 26 MWh storage project

The project will help San Diego Gas & Electric meet its mandated storage goal of 165 MW by 2020. 

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

Sunetric, Sunnova team up to offer solar + storage systems in Hawaii

The partners will offer customers the PowerStack product on a lease basis with monthly payments and no money down.  

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

NY PSC order amends tariff to allow ConEd to export battery power to the grid

The PSC’s order also directs other utilities to study the effects of batteries to export power to the grid under existing dynamic load management programs.

By Peter Maloney • May 25, 2017

Brattle: Wider electrification key to averting both climate change and utility death spiral

Tapping into power demand from EVs and electrified heating can help the utility industry thrive as it pushes the economy toward deep decarbonization, the consultancy says. 

By Peter Maloney • May 24, 2017

Updated: Tucson Electric signs solar + storage PPA for 'less than 4.5¢/kWh'

While exact prices are confidential, the PPA for the 100 MW of solar and 120 MWh of storage would be less than half the cost of other major solar and battery contracts. 

By Gavin Bade , Peter Maloney • May 23, 2017

California muni IID completes first US demonstration of black start battery capability

Imperial Irrigation District's 33 MW / 20 MWh battery was able to start its combined-cycle natural gas turbine at the El Centro Generating Station.

By Peter Maloney • May 19, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Energy forms partnership with Vivint for US solar + storage systems

The partnership will allow customers the choice of buying a system outright or financing it through institutions Vivint uses for its solar business. 

By Peter Maloney • May 19, 2017

BPA turns to non-wire alternatives in cancellation of transmission project

Instead of constructing an 80-mile, 500-kV transmission line, the federal power administration will look to DSM and grid technologies like storage.

By Robert Walton • May 19, 2017

The SoCal Edison rate case: A canary in the coal mine for DER policy debates

SCE wants $2.1 billion to upgrade its grid for distributed resources — a request that's raised ire from consumer advocates and DER providers alike.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2017

Stem to expand storage at California State University campus with 4.2 MWh battery

Combined with an existing battery, the storage facility is slated for 6.2 MWh and will eventually be paired with solar.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

Solar developer 8minutenergy expands into energy storage with 1 GW pipeline

The nation's largest independent solar developer says it is is working with manufacturers to offer lithium-ion and flow batteries, flywheels, and other storage technologies.

By Robert Walton • May 17, 2017

How to navigate California's mammoth SGIP storage incentive program

A new report from Strategen and Utility Dive outlines strategies to get a piece of $448 million in behind-the-meter storage incentives.

By Peter Maloney • May 16, 2017

Wartsila aims to become 'global systems integrator' with Greensmith acquisition

Buying the storage software provider moves Wartsila further into the energy storage market, less than a week after it announced a suite of new battery offerings. 

By Peter Maloney • May 16, 2017

California's SGIP program closes first funding round with $90M allocated

Nearly all the funding for the first step of the SGIP program was used up in the first day, with Engie and AMS winning the most money in the large-scale (over 10 kW) storage category. 

By Peter Maloney • May 15, 2017

NRStor wins approval for 7 MWh compressed air storage project in Ontario

Developed with Hydrostor, officials say the project in a Goderich salt cave will be the first fuel-free CAES facility in the world. 

By Peter Maloney • May 15, 2017

National Grid taps AutoGrid to manage DR, DER projects in Northeast territory

The partnership is expected to enroll over 400 MW of demand response and distributed energy resource programs over three years.

By Peter Maloney • May 12, 2017

Wartsila adds energy storage, hybrid gas plants to its power portfolio

The power technology developer better known for thermal turbines is moving quickly into renewables and energy storage. 

By Peter Maloney • May 11, 2017

Storage developer Sunverge pairs up with PetersenDean for energy storage offering

PetersenDean will pair Sunverge's energy management platform with its rooftop solar arrays to help customers curtail bills and provide backup power. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2017