Industry news

Swiss battery manufacturer Leclanché has been selected to supply “customised marine energy storage” systems for Norway-based technology group Kongsberg.

A new lithium-ion battery energy storage facility connected to a wind farm in northern Germany has started operations as part of a research programme.

Researchers in South Korea say they have developed “essential technologies” to boost the safety and performance of lithium metal batteries.

The North American arm of EDF Renewables has signed two 20-year solar-plus-storage deals in California.

Swiss technology company Ecovolta has unveiled a “standardised” lithium-ion battery, aimed at speeding up the development of electric vehicles.

Volkswagen has expanded its Asian network of electric vehicle battery suppliers to include South Korean manufacturer SK Innovation (SKI).

International automotive partnership Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance Ventures is stepping up its investment in fast-charge battery technology research.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted approval for four energy storage projects— totalling 567.5MW/2,270MWh— which the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) utility will use to replace retiring gas generators.

Johnson Controls International (JCI) has announced a definitive agreement to sell its battery business Power Solutions to US and Canadian investment firms Brookfield Business Partners and CDPQ in a cash transaction valued at US$13.2 billion.

Germany has pledged to pump €1 billion (US$1.1bn) into promoting battery cell production by 2021— with the aim of German and European producers “supplying 30% of global demand” by 2030.