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New $30M ARPA-E program to develop new solar conversion and storage technologies; targeting higher solar penetration in mix

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Schematic comparing the cost and dispatchability of PV to CSP with thermal storage. The “PV+Storage” box includes the high cost of electrical storage for PV. The FOCUS Program target zone for electricity generation is indicated. a) Hybrid solar converter (award Categories 1A and 1B). Source: ARPA-E.

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Nissan and 4R Energy develop new EV charging system combining solar and Li-ion batteries

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and 4R Energy Corporation, a joint venture established by Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation in September 2010 to explore second-life applications for automotive battery packs ( earlier post ), have developed a charging system for electric vehicles that combines a solar power generation system with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.

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Volvo Buses in project researching use of second-life electric bus batteries to store solar energy

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Volvo Buses is participating in a research project in which used electric bus batteries are used as solar energy storage units. Batteries from electric bus route 55 in Gothenburg, Sweden are being used for solar energy storage in a second-life application.

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DLR team integrates solar heat into solid oxide electrolyzer for highly efficient hydrogen production

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A team at Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) has successfully integrated solar heat into a solid oxide electrolyzer. The experimental setup of the prototype system consisted of a solar simulator, a solar steam generator, a steam accumulator and a solid oxide electrolyzer. kW electrical power. Schiller et al.

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Toyota Motor to sell electricity management system using recycled NiMH vehicle batteries to Toyota dealers in Japan

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and will be sold in combination with Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), solar carports, solar power generation, LED lighting, energy-conserving air conditioning and other items. The 10 kWh systems will be sold via TMC’s energy business company, Toyota Turbine and Systems Inc.,

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JRC study finds 8 metals for low-carbon energy technologies at risk of shortages; EVs, wind and solar, and lighting the applications of most concern

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The applications, i.e. technologies, of particular concern as a result are electric vehicles, wind and solar energy, and lighting. The risk arises from EU dependency on imports, growing demand worldwide and geopolitical reasons. The EU demand for lithium is projected at nearly 15% of the global supply, while that of graphite at 10%.

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California Energy Commission awards more than $5.5M for green transportation projects and $1.8M for 20 energy research projects

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Funds for these projects—which span areas as diverse as a new crossover valve for the split-cycle Tour Engine ( earlier post ) to a new solar thermal storage device capable of integration with utility scale solar thermal power plants—come from Commission’s Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) program.

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