Energy Storage

Hinduja Group, an Indian multinational, has invested GBP 15 million (($18.4 million) with four other investors in Connected Energy, a developer of energy storage systems based on second-life electric vehicle batteries. The investment will help Connected Energy to scale up its operations and move into utility-scale project development. 

The selected developers shall set up grid-connected solar, wind or hybrid wind-solar projects on a ‘build-own-operate’ basis along with required energy storage systems for assured peak power supply. Bidding closes on July 30.

A couple of weeks ago, Goldman Sachs sent shockwaves through battery metals markets, issuing a prediction that cobalt and lithium in particular were due for a sharp price decline in the next two years. But London-based Benchmark Mineral Intelligence is loudly pushing back, outlining its reasons why it believes the call on lithium was wrong. Meanwhile, US analyst Wood Mackenzie says that the battery raw material chain will remain tight, but notes that recycling could help to ease the supply deficit.

Japan’s Rinnai has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first 100% hydrogen combustion technology for residential water heaters. It is currently using the hydrogen water heater in demonstration projects in Australia, prior to commercialization.

Hiren Pravin Shah, the executive director and CEO of Replus, told pv magazine that the company aims to scale its lithium battery factory in Pune to 5 GWh by 2025-26. It also plans to recycle end-of-life batteries.

Japan’s Arth has designed an autonomous habitation module that produces water in places without energy and water infrastructure. The company said the residential unit could also be used as an emergency evacuation site.

Italian solar panel manufacturer Sunerg has developed an integrated photovoltaic water heater solution based on two resistances. The system relies on a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller and can work with a PV module with a power output of up to 450 W.

France’s TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Adani Enterprises to acquire 25% of its new energy arm, Adani New Industries Ltd. The joint venture platform, ANIL, will be integrated across the value chain to drive down green hydrogen production costs. It aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of 1 million tons per annum by 2030.

Amara Raja’s power system business has landed a contract with NTPC to set up India’s first green hydrogen fueling station in Leh district, Ladakh. NTPC is running a pilot project in the region with five hydrogen fuel cell buses.

Tata Power’s profit after tax grew by 50% year on year to INR 2,156 crore ($276 million) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.