article thumbnail

IIASA-led study proposes Underground Gravity Energy Storage as long-term energy storage solution for renewables

Green Car Congress

However, because sunshine and wind are inherently variable and inconsistent, finding ways to store energy in an accessible and efficient way is crucial. While there are many effective solutions for daily energy storage, the most common being batteries, a cost-effective long-term solution is still lacking.

article thumbnail

BNEF report finds hydrogen promising decarbonization pathway, but carbon prices and emissions policies required

Green Car Congress

The falling cost of making hydrogen from wind and solar power offers a promising route to cutting emissions in some of the most fossil-fuel-dependent sectors of the economy, such as steel, heavy-duty vehicles, shipping and cement, according to a new report from BloombergNEF (BNEF). Storing and moving hydrogen is challenging.

Hydrogen 221
article thumbnail

KU Leuven team creates solar panel that produces hydrogen from moisture in air

Green Car Congress

The hydrogen gas produced in the summer will be stored and converted into electricity and heat in the winter. The hydrogen gas produced in the summer can be stored in an underground pressure vessel until winter. We’re using cheap raw materials and don't need precious metals or other expensive components. —Johan Martens.

Solar 321
article thumbnail

Thermal Energy Storage Is No Longer Just Hot Air

Cars That Think

The company is building these shipping container systems, which work like giant batteries that store energy as heat and pressurized air , rather than a chemical reaction (Cheesecake’s name is derived from a nerdy acronym for their technology.) The compressed air, now cool and easier to store, is housed in a large air tank.

article thumbnail

Researchers use melamine to create effective, low-cost carbon capture; potential tailpipe application

Green Car Congress

Using an inexpensive polymer called melamine, researchers from UC Berkeley, Texas A&M and Stanford have created a cheap, easy and energy-efficient way to capture carbon dioxide from smokestacks. The low cost of porous melamine means that the material could be deployed widely.

Low Cost 243
article thumbnail

Renault and Powervault in EV battery “second-life” partnership trial

Green Car Congress

This partnership will reduce the cost of a Powervault smart battery unit by 30%, helping Powervault to bring home energy storage to the tipping point of mass-market roll-out in the UK. Powervault units can also automatically charge using low-cost, off-peak energy from the grid.

Batteries 199
article thumbnail

Nissan and Endesa collaborating to deliver vehicle-to-grid systems to market

Green Car Congress

Using this equipment, a Nissan LEAF or e-NV200 owner can connect to charge at low-demand, and cheap tariff periods, with an option to then use the electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery at home when costs are higher, or even feed back to the grid with a net financial benefit.

Grid 150