Batteries

Long-duration energy storage

The biggest grid storage project using old batteries is online in Texas

Startup Element Energy set out to prove that second-life batteries could deliver cheaper energy storage safely and at scale.

By Julian Spector . 21 November 2024

Startup Element Energy installed 53 megawatt-hours of used electric vehicle batteries in West Texas earlier this year, the largest project of its kind so far. (Element Energy)

Solar

What to expect from California’s new rooftop-solar plan? More batteries

California is about to dump its net-metering regime and adopt a new system that emphasizes home batteries. Here’s how companies are preparing.

By Jeff St. John . 12 December 2022
Solar

Biden admin seeks $3B to fund rooftop solar+batteries in Puerto Rico

Geared toward low-income households, the federal funding could help avert future blackouts, but some question whether they'll ever see the money.

By Brett Marsh . 7 December 2022
Air travel

United plans to electrify airport operations with sodium-ion batteries

United Airlines is making a strategic equity investment in sodium-ion battery maker Natron Energy as the aviation industry works to curb emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 November 2022
Batteries

Kore Power raises $75M to build lithium-ion battery cells in Arizona

Federal tax credits and incentives are driving a boom in U.S. battery manufacturing. This U.S.-based battery maker wants in.

By Jeff St. John . 30 November 2022
Grid edge

Swell raises $120M for virtual power plants to link solar and batteries

Getting networks of homes with rooftop solar and batteries to help balance the grid requires innovative tech and financing. L.A.-based Swell Energy is on it.

By Jeff St. John . 22 November 2022
Energy storage

Long-duration storage firm Energy Vault pivots to short-term batteries

The startup pulled in millions for its novel gravity-based storage design, but most of its deal flow these days comes from garden-variety lithium-ion batteries.

By Julian Spector . 18 November 2022
Electrification

This startup is adding a battery to induction stoves

Impulse's innovation allows induction stoves to plug into regular outlets so buyers can avoid expensive electrical upgrades.

By Maria Virginia Olano . 17 November 2022
Batteries

The used EV market can't thrive without accurate battery-health data

Batteries are the most expensive part of an EV. They’re also a black box. These companies are finding ways to diagnose their health and value.

By Jeff St. John . 16 November 2022
Solar

New California rooftop-solar plan drops ‘solar tax,’ but fears remain

California regulators want to promote equity and boost batteries to shore up the grid. Critics on both sides say the latest net-metering plan misses the mark.

By Jeff St. John . 10 November 2022
Solar

7.000 sistemas solares vinculados van a ayudar a la red central en Puerto Rico

Sunrun está desarrollando la primera planta de energía virtual en la isla utilizando sistemas solares y de baterías ya instalados.

By Maria Gallucci . 1 November 2022