New Hampshire utility proposes virtual power plant with Tesla Powerwalls

Liberty Utilities has petitioned the state Public Utilities Commission to install 300 Tesla Powerwall batteries in homes in Lebanon. 

By Robert Walton • April 9, 2018

The two key questions about going to 100% renewables in Los Angeles

The city council wants its municipal utility to reach the clean energy goal, and a new report says it can by 2030 — if the utility can learn new ways.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 5, 2018

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

Unnecessary complexity? Assessing New York and California's landmark DER proceedings

New York and California have spent years opening opportunities for distributed energy resources with minimal real impact. Could they have done it differently?

By Herman K. Trabish • April 4, 2018

Utilities take note: Hybrid renewables projects are coming

In 2017, combinations of cost-effective renewables plus storage went online, with more due this year. And 2019 looks like a hybrid boom year.

By Herman K. Trabish • April 3, 2018

Market-based IRPs: A new paradigm for grid planning?

Instead of forecasts, utilities like Hawaiian Electric and Xcel are beginning to use real-world prices in their integrated resource plans, allowing them to better compare renewables and DERs to traditional grid investments. 

By Gavin Bade • April 2, 2018

Simply Energy to develop 8 MW virtual power plant in South Australia

The project would build upon another VPP developed by AGL, while Tesla has been in talks for a much larger project.

By Robert Walton • April 2, 2018

EDF to invest nearly $10B in energy storage by 2035

The French utility giant is targeting the residential sector in France and Europe with a variety of self-consumption services that use batteries.

By Peter Maloney • March 29, 2018

Itron, Sonnen say battery partnership will let utilities maximize grid efficiency

The demand response-enabled system will store and discharge energy to keep electric bills low and maximize the use of solar energy, the companies said.

By Robert Walton • March 28, 2018

Bomb cyclone showed coal retirements could raise risks for grid, DOE says

DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory examines the role of fossil fuels during the bomb cyclone and sees risks to grid resilience and reliability from the loss of coal capacity.

By Peter Maloney • March 28, 2018

Proposed Texas rule highlights storage's challenges in bridging competitive, regulated energy markets

Energy storage’s unique characteristics make it a difficult fit on the regulated side of Texas’ power market.

By Peter Maloney • March 27, 2018

ABB launches flexible, modular residential storage solution

The company's new inverter and energy storage solution includes a high-voltage battery capable of storing up to 12 kWh.  

By Robert Walton • March 26, 2018

Project finance getting more viable for energy storage, Moody's says

New financing options could be available as declining costs and regulatory support spur energy storage projects.

By Peter Maloney • March 21, 2018

Nearly 1/3 of planned gas peakers at risk from energy storage, GTM finds

While it could take a while to compete with existing peakers, storage costs are dropping at a rate that could start making it competitive with new peaking plants in about five years.

By Peter Maloney • March 20, 2018

New business models may be the next frontier in lower energy storage costs

Often overlooked in discussions about the declining price of energy storage are business models that aim to lower capital expenses.

By Peter Maloney • March 20, 2018

CEC: California EV chargers will add 1 GW of peak demand by 2025

A new report from the California Energy Commission also details the "Dragon Curve" — expected electricity demand effects of electric vehicle growth. 

By Gavin Bade • March 20, 2018

Multiple concerns drive MISO, utilities to seek rehearing on FERC storage order

Some utilities say FERC overstepped its jurisdiction by mandating that distribution-connected storage be able to provide both retail and wholesale services.

By Robert Walton , Gavin Bade • March 20, 2018

British billionaire plans 140 MWh battery storage for Australia, beating Tesla

At 120 MW/140 MWh, the project is slated to be the largest battery in the world...for now. 

By Robert Walton • March 19, 2018

Utilities pressure Congress to lift EV tax credit manufacturing cap

A group of 44 utilities, including Duke Energy and Southern Co., sent a letter to the House of Representatives saying that lifting the cap will help the sector.

By Krysti Shallenberger • March 16, 2018

New access to managing high-demand refrigeration loads in cold storage facilities

Thousands of megawatts now are able to be removed for around $1,000/kW with Thermal Energy Storage (TES).

March 15, 2018

Volkswagen will expand EV production, signs battery contracts worth $25B

The company now produces electric vehicles at three locations but will add nine more within two years, with plans to reach 16 by 2022.

By Robert Walton • March 14, 2018

Younicos launches service to rent energy storage systems

The company’s “Energy-Storage-as-a-Service” is designed to meet immediate storage requirements while avoiding a long-term capital commitment.

By Peter Maloney • March 13, 2018

Not so fast: Battery prices will continue to decrease, but at a slower pace, GTM says

Cost declines for storage systems will slow as raw material prices rise, but deployments will continue apace, according to GTM.

By Peter Maloney • March 13, 2018

FPL adds 40 MWh battery to solar array, claiming largest combined system

Florida Power & Light says it will dispatch the battery at the 75 MW Babcock Ranch solar farm when the plant's output dips or in times of peak demand.  

By Robert Walton • March 12, 2018

Colorado lawmakers send storage bill to Hickenlooper's desk

The legislation would declare that power customers have a right to install and use energy storage systems, directing regulators to adopt rules governing the resource.

By Robert Walton • March 8, 2018

GE aims to enhance solar, wind power performance with new storage platform

The company wants to make inroads into the utility-scale storage market with Reservoir, a modular, four-hour duration battery system.

By Peter Maloney • March 7, 2018