Access to grid services markets could be a critical part of enabling wider adoption of solar PV and battery storage for low-income households, partners behind a new programme in California have said.

CPUC approved rules of programme to offer US$200 million funding for microgrid projects in the service areas of investor-owned utilities.

This edition of the round-up is an eclectic mix of stories from the US and Europe.

With the award of funding from the California Energy Commission, advanced energy hardware and software including solar-plus-storage, blockchain and EV charging stations will help demonstrate the feasibility of decarbonising a disadvantaged community in Los Angeles.