The proposed 4GW nuclear plant in the UK has been labelled too expensive and too risky but supporters say it is crucial for the UK’s future energy mix. James Blackman looks into the realistic role energy storage technology could play in any mooted alternative plans to keep Britain’s lights on.

The Solar Power Portal Awards, sponsored by Trina Solar, is organised each year by Energy Storage News’ publisher, Solar Media. Today we run through the nominations for this year’s Commercial Energy Storage Project award.

There is “great appetite” within the commercial battery storage market, however far more investment certainty is needed over pricing and regulatory hurdles such as double-pricing for it to realise its potential.

Southern California Edison appoints Canadian firm AltaGas to build 20MW energy storage facility in California; AltaGas recruits Greensmith for software and integration.

Australian power company AGL is to install the largest ‘virtual power plant’ in the world in Adelaide, South Australia, using batteries from energy storage firm Sunverge Energy.

Korean battery provider Kokam is to develop a 36MW/13MWh energy storage system for South Korea’s largest utility Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Tesla Motors’ US$2.6 billion all-stock offer for SolarCity this week raised questions, as both firms’ share prices slumped on the announcement, and markets reflected a sense of both awe and unease at the proposed deal. GTM Research director of energy storage Ravi Manghani considers these questions, through the prism of Tesla chief Elon Musk’s self-titled ‘master plan, part deux’.

New research predicts the energy storage market in Germany will increase 11-fold in the next five years, with the residential market buoyed by declining feed-in tariffs, high electricity prices and €30 million in subsidies, while the primary reserve market boosts activity within the utilities sector.

German PV module and storage manufacturer Solarwatt recently announced its intention to expand into the UK market with the launch of its MyReserve storage system.Energy Storage News caught up with Pol Spronck, Solarwatt’s international sales manager, to discuss the latest expansion and with the company is hoping to bring to the UK.

Moixa Technology is hoping to raise up to £20 million by the end of the year to fund its expansion into Europe, and has recently gained investment from three big beasts from the UK energy sector.