Can we use old coal mines for energy storage?

BY RICHARD HEAP: Renewable energy is doing its best to put coal mines out of action. But the need for energy storage could give these shafts a new lease of lease of life. That’s the hope of Scottish firm Gravitricity, which wants to use disused mine shafts for utility-scale … Continue reading →

Could the grid stymie India’s storage plans?

By Jason Deign Doubts over the strength of the grid have called into question a USD$17.2bn plan to build 10GW of pumped hydro storage in India. Central Electricity Authority chairman SD Dubey unveiled the five-to-six-year pumped hydro programme last month. The administration … Continue reading →

The nuclear plant powering debate over storage

By Jason Deign A surprise U-turn over a UK nuclear power plant has ignited debate over whether renewables, backed by storage, might not be a better alternative. Last month the UK’s new, post-Brexit administration raised eyebrows after announcing a further review of Hinkley Point C, a … Continue reading →

Battery key to island’s hybrid system

By Jason Deign Inverter maker SMA Solar Technology yesterday confirmed commissioning of a hybrid battery, PV and diesel system covering the electricity needs of a small Caribbean island. The system will allow the 21km2, 3,500-population island of Sint Eustatius, in the Caribbean … Continue reading →

P2P energy player lobbies for storage

By Jason Deign Peer-to-peer (P2P) power supplier Open Utility is planning to pressure the UK electricity market regulator towards introducing grid-balancing measures that could include energy storage. The company, which runs an energy marketplace called Piclo, hopes to convince the Office … Continue reading →