How remote microgrid systems are driving capacity growth for the sector

Microgrids in areas far from the traditional utility grid are driving rapid growth in capacity. But while the value proposition behind the projects may be simple, execution is anything but.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 2, 2015

How NRG is testing the next step of energy storage: Vehicle-to-grid integration

NRG EVgo and University of California, San Diego are testing out electric vehicle batteries on UCSD's microgrid as an energy storage option. 

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 1, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

The U.S. clean energy transition is expected to accelerate in 2024 but faces question around transmission, financing, federal elections and other issues.

By Utility Dive staff

Tesla competitor Sonnenbatterie unveils community solar-storage system

The German company says its new solar-storage-control system will make conventional utilities obsolete.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 30, 2015

5 battery energy storage projects to watch in 2016

From New York and Hawaii to remote communities in Indonesia, these projects could change the way the power sector sees storage.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 30, 2015

IHS: Grid-scale lithium-ion battery storage prices will decline by half by 2019

Falling lithium-ion battery prices will drive the spread of commercial energy storage installations beyond the concentration in the current market leading countries.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 25, 2015

Some energy storage already cost competitive, new valuation study shows

A new report from Lazard breaks down the costs of 8 different technologies, finding some can already compete against traditional generation sources, and others are getting closer.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 24, 2015

12 charts that show the state of the US clean energy revolution

A new DOE report highlights deployment and price trends for five key technologies in the clean energy revolution.

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 24, 2015

Despite green outcry, CPUC approves SoCal Edison gas & storage plans

The California Public Utilities Commission approves 57 of 63 of controversial SoCal Ed procurement contracts, but sees room for improvment in the "all-source RFO process."

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 24, 2015

Toronto utility unveils novel underwater energy storage system

Developed with Hydrostor, the grid-connected storage system two miles off the coast of Lake Ontario will now be assessed in a two-year pilot program.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 20, 2015

Duke Energy restyles retired Ohio coal plant into battery storage facility

Duke Energy has added 2 MW more to its energy storage system at its retired Beckjord coal plant in Ohio.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 20, 2015

The future of rate design: Why the utility industry may shift away from fixed charges

A focus on fixed charges is giving way to more comprehensive rate structures for utilities, but big questions loom on the horizon for regulators. 

By Gavin Bade • Nov. 19, 2015

How solar will grow through the ITC sunset and beyond

The ITC reversion is expected to deliver the first year-over-year downturn in the U.S. solar market, but brighter days will follow for the industry, according to a new GTM report.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 19, 2015

Oregon saddles up to implement trailblazing energy storage mandate

Oregon's mandate is the second in the nation, but novel in the guidance it gives to regulators on how to value storage.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 17, 2015

Remote Alaskan town turns to cold-weather battery microgrid as diesel alternative

The system, designed specifically for cold temperatures, will be used to reduce dependence on dirty generation and combat high electrical and fuel transportation costs. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 17, 2015

Smart EV charger tested by Michigan researchers can be mini-microgrid in outages

University researchers in Michigan are working on technology to transform an electric vehicle charging stations into an extension of the grid.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2015

Why clean energy advocates are challenging SCE's historic storage buy

Southern California Edison's award for new capacity resources has drawn criticism from intervenors who think it relies too much on gas and not enough on alternative resources. 

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 16, 2015

From provider to adviser: Opower launches suite of tools for utilities

The Opower Marketplace Suite, built in partnership with Enervee, is designed to help utilities match programs and incentives to customers.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2015

Former FERC Chair Wellinghoff: Utility gas investments risky as energy storage prices fall

The falling prices of wind, solar and energy storage pose a real threat to utility gas investments, according to former FERC Chair Jon Wellinghoff.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 13, 2015

Hawaii distributed energy and smart grid companies form new trade group

“It is not just about solar anymore,” says the a founding member of the Distributed Energy Resources Council of Hawaii.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 12, 2015

California water agency to use Tesla battery to slash peak demand by up to 14%

The utility plans to go "'gridless' by 2020 with almost no capital outlay."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 12, 2015

Coming soon to affordable housing: Solar-plus-storage?

Combining solar and storage at affordable housing projects can pay for itself if the conditions are right, according to a new report.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2015

Researchers identify new storage tech for concentrated solar power plants

Researchers in Oregon and Florida have identified a storage medium that could widen the reach of concentrated solar power projects.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 10, 2015

Swiss researchers developing cheap alternative to lithium-ion battery storage

A new report in the Journal Chemistry of Materials highlights research into storage options based around sodium and magnesium ions, potentially cheap alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 10, 2015

BP technology report sees solar's biggest gains in storage

BP's Technology Outlook sees faster prices declines for storage technologies than any other sector in the energy industry.

By Peter Maloney • Nov. 6, 2015

Greens slam SoCal Edison plan for 3 new gas plants in $12B grid modernization

While SCE is one of the nation's leading utilities in energy storage, it wants to construct three new gas plants it says are needed to integrate more renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2015