NEWS I ROUNDUP
Energy storage is key to future success of photovoltaics
ELECTRIC ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS are crucial for the further development and transformation of a range of sectors, including renewable energy, automotive, grid stabilization, smart grid, back-up power and portable devices.
Big scale, reliable and durable electric energy storage technologies will enhance the usage and commercial attractiveness of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Electricity Storage Technologies: Market Penetration and Roadmapping research finds that electric energy storage systems are inscribed in the development strategies of intermittent renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) developers, grid operators and utility companies.
“The most important drivers for developing electric energy storage systems are grid stability and reliability, mass integration of intermittent renewable energy generators, better use of energy resources, fossil fuels shortage, and limiting of greenhouse gases,” said Technical Insights Research Analyst Tomasz Kaminski. “Electric energy storage technologies will be an inseparable part of smart grids and distributed energy generating systems in the future.”
Among the various electric energy storage systems, advanced batteries are set to attract the greatest interest in the near future. This is because of their flexibility in use, allowing for their employment in grid balancing and connecting intermittent renewable energy generators to the main electric grid.
“Frost & Sullivan research reveals that lithium-ion batteries will play the most important role in the future of electric energy storage systems over the next five to seven years,” said Kaminski. “EVs will be a key and sizeable application area for this technology.”
Other electric energy storage technologies include flywheels and compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. Advanced adiabatic CAES systems are anticipated to play an important role in enabling the safe connection of big wind farms to the main electric grid in an economically viable way.
“Nevertheless, all of these systems are still either at the developmental stage (advanced batteries) or are not yet mature (CAES),” said Kaminski. “Currently, the only available and economically viable storage system is pumped hydro, whose use is significantly limited because of the need for proximity to large water reservoirs.”
Before electric energy storage technology can be adopted on a mass scale, certain technical problems need to be resolved. For instance, investors and developers are already focused on developing new chemistry that will optimize battery durability and energy density.
This, together with efforts to reduce the time needed for battery recharging, is likely to encourage widespread adoption of battery technology by the automotive and electric grid industries. Another important problem is the initial cost of storage technologies.
Further R&D needs to focus on increasing energy/power density and reducing initial costs through ramped up production. This will render electric energy storage systems more attractive across applications.
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www.solar-international.net I Issue III 2012
Spanish solar company expands in Asia
PROINSO has extended its global reach to Southeast Asia. From it’s new centre in Bangkok, Thailand, PROINSO plans to expand its international network of over 2020 Qualified Installers throughout Southeast Asia. The company’s global network already accounts for 88% of sales across Europe and North America, while emerging markets which presently represent 5% of overall revenues.
Mr. David Anthony Carten has been appointed Director of Operations & Sales and will lead the effort based from Bangkok, Thailand. Carten brings 14 years experience in solar energy in international markets across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
PROINSO works with several key partnerships in Thailand to expand into Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia by the end of 2013. Thailand is of strategic interest for PROINSO, and has led the “solar boom” in Southeast Asia via strong solar PV incentives. “Just in the last year Thai electrical authorities have approved close to 700 MWs of Power Purchase Agreements for grid connected solar power plants,” says Carten “and with solar power now cheaper than diesel in many areas, we will see the emergence of new important markets, all across Southeast Asia. The present cost of Solar has now reached the point where we can make a significant contribution to the electrification of those areas that rely entirely on fossil fuels.”
“PROINSO’s offering to the Souteast Asian market is unique, beyond offering quality bankable equipment, we are also able to provide project development support and through our partnerships, post sales service support,” Carten adds.
“The team working here is a highly experienced and professional group who will distinguish PROINSO as key partner for any solar power development, large or small.”
Asian solar markets (China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia) in the next 2 years are expected to surpass 10,000 MW.
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