Grid & Energy
Stories
12 October 2026
750 affordable homes in UK now heated by mine water geothermal network
A new energy centre at Seaham Garden Village in the UK is now supplying low carbon heat to around 750 affordable homes using naturally warm mine water pumped from a Durham treatment facility. Energy Live News reported that the network has completed commissioning and is fully operational. The system uses geothermal processes that keep mine water at a relatively constant temperature year round, providing a dependable heat source instead of traditional heating fuel.
Why it matters
The operational mine water heating network demonstrates a replicable model for decarbonising heat in social housing developments, potentially informing procurement specifications for low carbon heating infrastructure at scale. The proven reliability of geothermal mine water as a consistent year round heat source may influence future district heating tenders and public sector energy resilience planning.
11 October 2026
Tesla Powerwall autonomously grid-charged before peak rates to offset low solar yield in Arizona
A Tesla Powerwall owner in Tucson, Arizona, reported that the battery began charging from the grid at around 2:30 p.m. on a rainy day, ahead of a 3 to 7 p.m. peak rate window, after solar generation fell short. The homeowner had set the system to Saving mode and disabled Stormwatch, allowing the Powerwall to draw enough grid power to cover the high cost period. The case, shared on Reddit's r/Powerwall forum, illustrates how residential storage can automatically balance low renewable output with time of use tariffs.
Why it matters
The example shows demand side flexibility in action, with home batteries responding to tariff signals and weather conditions without manual intervention. For CPOs and utilities, it underscores the growing role of behind the meter storage in load shifting and the need for rate structures that reward or integrate such behaviour at scale.
10 October 2026
Wound Type Current Transformer Market Forecast to 2035 Highlights EV Charging Infrastructure as Key Growth Driver
IndexBox's latest global market report identifies wound type current transformers as entering a decade of structurally higher demand through 2035, driven by electricity system digitalization, decarbonization and decentralization. Growth will be anchored in utility smart meter rollouts, renewable energy integration, EV charging infrastructure and industrial automation. The market is bifurcating between standardized catalog parts for high volume OEMs and customized, application engineered solutions for critical infrastructure.
Why it matters
For CPOs and charging network developers, the report signals that precision current measurement components essential for revenue grade metering and power quality monitoring in EV charging stations will see sustained supply and innovation through 2035. The bifurcation between standardized and custom solutions suggests procurement teams should assess whether catalog parts meet accuracy requirements or if critical sites warrant engineered transformer specifications.
Pasadena Water and Power seeks lenders for 0% to 3% solar and battery loans up to $65,000
Pasadena Water and Power is tendering for banking partners to offer residential customers loans of up to $65,000 at 0% to 3% APR for solar panels and battery storage, with repayment terms of 10 to 15 years. The California utility will buy down interest rates to enable cheaper financing and plans to prioritise customers already enrolled in bill assistance programmes for lower income residents. The scheme aims to expand access to solar and storage for households facing high upfront costs.
Why it matters
The procurement creates a potential pipeline of residential solar and storage installations in Pasadena, with financing structured to reach lower income households that typically face barriers to adoption. Lenders and installers targeting utility backed programmes will want to track this tender as a model for subsidised clean energy financing in California.
Tesla secures 90% of output from 450 MW Arizona solar farm with 1.4 GWh battery storage
ContourGlobal broke ground on 6 October for Project Sterling, a 450 MW AC solar farm paired with 360 MW and 1.4 gigawatt hours of battery storage in Mohave County, Arizona, expected online in 2028. Tesla has signed a long term power purchase agreement covering around 1 terawatt hour per year, or 90% of the project's anticipated 1.1 TWh annual output. The 2,000 acre site will use over 760,000 solar panels and more than 300 lithium iron phosphate battery containers with liquid cooling.
Why it matters
Large scale battery storage paired with solar generation demonstrates the infrastructure needed to support EV charging networks with reliable, dispatchable renewable power. Tesla's commitment to procure nearly all the output signals growing corporate appetite for long term clean energy contracts that can underpin grid stability and charging uptime.
9 October 2026
US edition · Europe edition · Uruguay edition · Turkey edition
Wholesale electricity prices in PJM forecast to rise 41 percent in 2026 as Quanta Services reports matching revenue growth
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts wholesale electricity prices in PJM, America's largest power market, will increase 41 percent in 2026 compared to 2025, according to its October Short-Term Energy Outlook. Infrastructure contractor Quanta Services reported second quarter 2026 revenue growth of 41.1 percent year over year to $9.56 billion in its filing dated 30 July 2026. The EIA attributes much of the increase to weather events including hot summer temperatures and winter storms, with data centres explaining only part of the rise, while commercial electricity demand is projected to grow a further 2.8 percent in 2027.
Why it matters
The parallel between wholesale price increases and infrastructure contractor revenue signals sustained grid investment opportunities, particularly as commercial and industrial demand growth of 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent respectively in 2027 will require expanded transmission and distribution capacity. For charging point operators, rising wholesale costs may feed through to higher electricity procurement expenses, though retail rates depend on additional transmission, distribution and regulatory factors.
Spain logs 596 hours of negative power prices in Q2 2026 as solar output surges across Europe
Europe's solar generation hit a new record in Q2 2026, rising roughly 20% above the previous peak, according to Montel's European Power Market Outlook Q3 2026. Spain recorded 596 hours of negative electricity prices during the quarter, the most in Europe, followed by Portugal with 462 hours, France with 370 hours and Greece with 317 hours. In late April, prices in some markets approached the technical floor of minus 500 euros per megawatt hour, which was later lowered to minus 600 euros.
Why it matters
Frequent negative pricing windows create opportunities for EV charging operators to arbitrage cheap or free midday power, but also underscore the need for flexible load management and storage to smooth revenue across volatile daily price swings.
Uruguay inaugurates first green hydrogen and electric mobility pilot plant in Durazno
The Technological University (UTEC) and the University of the Republic (Udelar) have opened Uruguay's first pilot plant combining green hydrogen production with electromobility infrastructure in Durazno. The facility features thermal compressor technology described as unique in Latin America, marking Uruguay's entry into integrated hydrogen and EV charging development.
Why it matters
The pilot demonstrates how hydrogen production can be co-located with EV charging infrastructure, a model that could inform future procurement specifications for integrated energy sites. For CPOs and contractors, this Latin American first signals potential new project types blending hydrogen refuelling with electric vehicle charging networks.
Italian startup Syntropia launches hybrid solar panel claiming 66.8% total energy conversion efficiency
Syntropia has introduced DuoSolis, a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) hybrid system that generates both electricity and hot water from the same panel surface. The company reports the panel achieved 66.8% total energy conversion efficiency in testing. An aluminium heat absorber with micro channels on the rear of the panel captures excess heat from photovoltaic cells, transferring it to a fluid that can be directed to hot water tanks, heat pumps or geothermal systems.
Why it matters
While PVT technology remains niche, higher combined efficiency from a single installation footprint could appeal to site owners seeking to maximise energy output per square metre, particularly for depots or facilities with both power and heating demand. The cooling effect on photovoltaic cells may also support more stable electricity generation for on site EV charging infrastructure.
86% of new European wind startups now focus on alternative turbines, software and sensors
The share of European wind energy startups working on conventional horizontal axis turbines has dropped from 64% in 1996 to 2000 to just 14% in 2021 to 2025, according to Avnet Silica research analysing Crunchbase data. Alternative turbine designs now account for 37% of new startups, while software and sensors represent 49%, with the latter split across wind measurement and forecasting (31%), turbine monitoring and inspection (29%), and performance optimisation and predictive maintenance (26%). The study examined European startups developing wind energy hardware and software, excluding project developers, installers and consultants.
Why it matters
The shift signals a maturing wind sector where innovation has moved from core turbine manufacturing to digital optimisation and novel designs, potentially opening procurement opportunities in monitoring, forecasting and maintenance software for operators managing large wind portfolios. For EV charging professionals, the trend mirrors the sector's own evolution towards software led asset management and predictive maintenance platforms.
California grid operator issues maintenance restrictions as heat wave drives demand toward supply limits
The California Independent System Operator issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations notice for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 5 and 6 October, asking suppliers not to take actions affecting generator or transmission availability as a heat wave pushed demand in Los Angeles and surrounding areas closer to grid capacity. Cal-ISO said it was not forecasting supply shortfalls but wanted to prepare consumers for a possible Flex Alert, a voluntary conservation request issued when electricity demand could exceed available supply. Southern California Edison said it is monitoring the system and preparing for potential impacts of increased electrical demand, noting very high temperatures can increase strain and raise the odds of temporary outages.
Why it matters
Grid strain events highlight the need for distributed energy resources and managed charging strategies that can shift EV load away from peak hours, reducing pressure on transmission infrastructure. Utilities and charge point operators in high demand regions may face stronger incentives to deploy smart charging and vehicle to grid capabilities that support grid stability during heat driven peaks.
8 October 2026
US edition · Turkey edition · Global edition · France edition · South Africa edition · UK edition
New Orleans approves $23.6 million home battery scheme with 40% reserved for lower income households
New Orleans City Council has unanimously approved a $23.6 million battery storage initiative to provide backup power to approximately 800 homes and more than 200 businesses. The scheme reserves 40% of upfront funding for low and moderate income households and forms part of the city's Neighborhood Power Plan microgrid effort. Council Vice President Matthew Willard described it as the largest per capita investment in distributed battery storage in the nation.
Why it matters
The programme signals growing municipal investment in residential energy resilience infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for battery suppliers and installers targeting public sector contracts. The 40% low income allocation may influence how vendors structure bids and financing models for similar schemes elsewhere.
Homeowner highlights 64.4 kWh Fogstar battery system as lower cost alternative to Sunsynk and Sigenergy
A homeowner posting in r/SolarUK detailed a Fogstar 10 kW hybrid inverter paired with 64.4 kWh of storage, stating it could power a house for nearly a week and was priced more competitively than Sunsynk Elite and Sigenergy systems they had considered. The system weighs over half a tonne, limiting installation options such as decking. The post appeared on The Cool Down, a consumer electrification news site, and prompted discussion from owners of smaller 32 kWh versions.
Why it matters
The comparison flags Fogstar as a budget option in the residential storage market, relevant to installers and suppliers tracking competitive pricing and product positioning. Weight and space constraints highlight practical site assessment issues for procurement teams specifying large capacity home battery systems.
Solar, wind and hydro supplied over half of Turkey's electricity in August
Turkey's renewable energy sources generated 20.7 billion kilowatt hours in August, accounting for 56.4% of total electricity production, according to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Solar produced 5.16 billion kilowatt hours (14.1% share), wind 4.74 billion kilowatt hours (12.9%), and hydroelectric 9.08 billion kilowatt hours (24.7%), with combined solar and wind output reaching an all time monthly high of 9.9 billion kilowatt hours. Domestic energy sources overall contributed 69.7% of generation, totalling 25.58 billion kilowatt hours.
Why it matters
A grid increasingly powered by renewables strengthens the business case for EV charging infrastructure in Turkey, as cleaner electricity improves the carbon credentials and potentially lowers operating costs for charge point operators. The record solar and wind output signals growing capacity that can support expanded charging networks without straining fossil fuel generation.
Wood Mackenzie finds four hour battery storage now cheaper than gas peaking in all 43 modelled markets
Wood Mackenzie's global levelised cost of electricity report shows four hour battery storage has become less expensive than open cycle gas turbines across all 43 markets where both technologies were modelled. In the Middle East and Africa, four hour storage is forecast to fall a further 33% to US$80/MWh by 2035, while China remains the global storage cost benchmark at more than 55% below the rest of Asia Pacific average. Single axis tracker solar is now the lowest cost new build technology in 43 of 48 modelled markets, with solar LCOE in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on track to fall below US$20/MWh by 2033.
Why it matters
The cost crossover between battery storage and gas peaking plants reshapes the business case for grid infrastructure and charging site energy management, as cheaper storage enables CPOs to buffer demand peaks and reduce grid connection costs. Falling solar and storage costs in key EV growth markets like China and the Middle East improve the economics of renewable powered charging networks.
US households could pay $6,500 more for energy by 2040 as clean projects get axed
New modeling from Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan think tank, suggests households in the contiguous United States could spend an average of $6,500 more on energy by 2040 as a result of federal policy shifts made since President Donald Trump returned to office. The steepest cumulative increases appeared in Oregon, Mississippi, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wyoming, where the added cost comes to about $9,000 per household. The projected increase is tied to demand rising in two areas: more natural gas fired electricity as the administration stops new wind, solar, and hydrogen projects, and more gasoline use after Trump and Congress rolled back policies that promoted more efficient, lower pollution vehicles.
Why it matters
Higher household energy costs could dampen EV adoption if fuel savings become less compelling, while reduced federal support for clean energy projects may slow charging infrastructure buildout and increase reliance on fossil fuel generation. CPOs and procurement teams may face higher electricity costs for charging operations, affecting business case economics for new sites.
French startup repurposes used EV batteries for solar energy storage
A French startup is integrating reconditioned electric vehicle batteries into solar energy storage systems. After around ten years of automotive use, EV batteries typically retain 70 to 80 per cent of their original capacity, which is insufficient for vehicle range but adequate for stationary storage applications that face less demanding performance requirements than onboard automotive use.
Why it matters
Second life battery storage can lower the capital cost of grid scale and commercial solar installations, potentially reducing electricity costs for depot and forecourt charging operators. The technology also extends battery value chains, which may influence residual values and total cost of ownership calculations in fleet procurement.
Renault Group and EDF partner to accelerate bidirectional charging in France
Renault Group and EDF Group have launched a partnership in France to offer an integrated EV solution combining electric cars with home charging systems and smart charging capabilities, including bidirectional charging, vehicle to grid (V2G), and vehicle to home (V2H). The package will be available to private customers through Renault dealerships from summer next year, with home charger installation handled by EDF subsidiary IZI and smart charging management provided by DREEV. The partnership will expand to all bidirectional capable EVs within the Renault Group, including the Renault 5, Renault Twingo, and Dacia Spring.
Why it matters
This partnership creates a new integrated procurement route for home charging infrastructure in France, bundling hardware installation and smart charging services through a single OEM and utility collaboration. The focus on bidirectional technology positions EDF and Renault to capture value from V2G and V2H services, potentially reshaping how residential charging infrastructure is specified and deployed at scale.
South Africa to procure 4,600MW battery storage and 5,000MW gas power to cut curtailment
Electricity and energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced on Wednesday that South Africa will prioritise procurement of 4,600MW of battery energy storage systems and 5,000MW of gas to power generation under its Integrated Resource Plan unveiled last year. The 9,600MW combined allocation addresses immediate needs for storage, flexibility and dispatchable supply as rising curtailment increases system costs. The country also plans to build 14,000km of new high voltage transmission lines over the next decade at an estimated cost of R440bn to connect new wind, solar, battery storage and gas projects to the national grid.
Why it matters
The 4,600MW battery storage procurement represents a major opportunity for energy storage developers and EPC contractors in South Africa's rapidly diversifying power market. The parallel transmission investment of R440bn signals substantial grid infrastructure work to support renewable and storage integration, creating a pipeline for electrical contractors and equipment suppliers.
UK homeowner cuts daytime grid use by 65 kWh in first week after installing 10 kWh battery and solar
A UK household on Octopus Go reduced daytime grid imports from roughly 80 kWh to around 15 kWh in the first week after installing two Anker Solarbank 4 Pro units (10 kWh total) and four 410 watt solar panels, according to a Reddit post. The system avoided approximately 65 kWh of peak rate purchases (30.1p per kWh) by storing 30 kWh during the day and using 10 kWh directly, delivering a net saving of about £16.50 in the first week. Overnight charging at 8.5p per kWh cost around £3 for 35 kWh.
Why it matters
The case demonstrates measurable payback velocity for residential battery and solar combinations on time of use tariffs, a model that could inform business cases for domestic storage rollouts. For installers and equipment suppliers, the data point offers a real world reference for customer savings claims in the UK market.
7 October 2026
Global edition · US edition · Ireland edition · France edition
Portsmouth launches UK's first multi-berth shore power system but grid tariffs make it costlier than diesel generators
Portsmouth International Port has opened the UK's first high voltage, multi berth shore power installation, enabling docked ships to plug into grid electricity and switch off onboard generators. While shore power typically cuts emissions and fuel costs at ports including Long Beach and New York and New Jersey, the UK system is more expensive to use than running diesel generators due to policy driven tariff structures. Electric port equipment such as cranes and terminal trucks has demonstrated lower total cost of ownership than diesel equivalents, yet the shore power economics remain challenging.
Why it matters
Procurement teams planning port electrification or shore power tenders must account for tariff design alongside capital costs, as unfavourable electricity pricing can undermine operational savings and adoption rates. The Portsmouth case highlights that infrastructure alone does not guarantee uptake without supportive policy frameworks.
US homeowners continue solar and storage purchases despite loss of 30% federal tax credit
EnergySage's 23rd marketplace report, covering January to June 2026 and millions of homeowner transactions, shows the US residential solar market remained viable after the 30% federal tax credit ended. Seventy per cent of contractors surveyed said bill reduction remains the primary driver, with electricity rates exceeding 29 cents per kilowatt hour in Massachusetts and New York and reaching 35 cents in California. Rising electricity prices, wider financing options, and growing battery storage interest have sustained demand despite the tax break's disappearance.
Why it matters
The resilience of US residential solar and storage demand without federal subsidy signals that high electricity rates and financing innovation can sustain distributed energy investment, potentially expanding the addressable market for home charging infrastructure bundled with solar and battery systems.
North Carolina school rooftops could host 900 MW of solar capacity, report finds
A report by Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group estimates that public school rooftops in North Carolina could accommodate more than 900 megawatts of solar capacity, generating 1.6 terawatt hours of electricity in the first year. That output would represent roughly 1.2% of the state's annual electricity use and could power nearly 150,000 typical homes per year, while also lowering school power bills and providing backup during severe weather.
Why it matters
The finding highlights a large, underutilised asset class for distributed solar deployment, with potential grid services and resilience benefits that could inform procurement strategies for school districts and utilities. It also signals a pipeline opportunity for installers and financiers targeting the education sector in North Carolina.
Ireland pilots free hot water for 40 social homes using surplus renewable electricity
Clare County Council, EnergyCloud and FuturEnergy Ireland are installing smart controls in 40 social housing units in Broadford and Scariff to heat water automatically when the national grid has excess renewable power. The devices turn on immersion heaters during surplus periods, which occur roughly one night in three, allowing tenants to heat a full tank at no charge.
Why it matters
The pilot demonstrates demand side response technology that can absorb renewable oversupply, a capability relevant to grid operators and energy storage planners. It also shows how local authorities can reduce energy costs for social housing tenants through automated load shifting.
New York family earned 150 dollars running window AC on plug-in batteries during heat dome
A New York City household earned approximately 150 dollars per air conditioner annually through Every Electric's demand response programme, which provides batteries that power window AC units during Con Edison grid stress events. The batteries recharge overnight from wall outlets and supply AC during peak demand periods, allowing residents to reduce grid load without sacrificing comfort during extreme heat. Every Electric co-founder Andrew Wang told Ars Technica the system enables air conditioners to drop off the grid while maintaining resident comfort.
Why it matters
The programme demonstrates a scalable model for demand response that could inform procurement strategies for utilities and building operators seeking to manage peak loads without capital intensive grid upgrades. Battery backed AC systems offer a replicable approach for reducing strain on urban electricity networks during extreme weather events while compensating participants.
France's largest battery storage system goes live with 240 MW capacity and 140 Tesla Megapacks
TagEnergy has commissioned a 240 MW, 480 MWh battery energy storage system in Cernay-les-Reims, northeastern France, now the country's largest operational battery project. The facility uses 140 Tesla Megapack units across three hectares and connects to grid operator RTE's 225 kV network. During its first four months of grid connection before the official 1 October opening, the system delivered 70.5 GWh to the grid and completed 145 full charge and discharge cycles over 125 days.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates utility scale battery deployment velocity in France and validates Tesla Megapack performance in European grid balancing applications. TagEnergy, a Portugal based developer with over 10 GW of renewables and storage projects across six countries, signals growing procurement opportunities for large format battery systems tied to transmission infrastructure.
New Mexico coal plant may run to 2038 instead of 2031 closure as Arizona electricity demand surges
Arizona Public Service and Navajo Transitional Energy Co. agreed in September to potentially extend the Four Corners Power Plant's operation by seven years to 2038, beyond its planned 2031 shutdown. APS, Arizona's largest utility, cites hotter summers, economic expansion and new large-scale power users driving electricity demand growth at the fastest pace in the state's history. The plant's permit runs until 2041, allowing operations to continue after the original closure date, though the extension would increase emissions and water use.
Why it matters
Rising electricity demand from data centres, manufacturing and electrification is forcing utilities to reconsider fossil plant retirements, potentially slowing the grid decarbonisation that underpins EV charging infrastructure expansion. Procurement teams planning charging networks in the Southwest must account for a slower clean-energy transition and possible grid-carbon intensity impacts on sustainability targets.
6 October 2026
China edition · Finland edition
China completes testing of 700 MW compressed air energy storage plant in Jiangsu
China has finished full system commissioning tests on two generation units in the second phase of the Jintan compressed air energy storage facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, bringing total capacity to 700 MW. The plant stores energy by compressing air to over 130 atmospheres in four underground salt caverns at roughly 1,000 metres depth, with a combined volume of approximately 1.2 million cubic metres, then releases the air through turbines to generate electricity when needed. The facility now moves to grid connection trials and final commissioning, following project approval in December 2024.
Why it matters
Large scale energy storage infrastructure like this 700 MW CAES plant supports grid stability for variable renewables, indirectly enabling higher EV adoption by smoothing electricity supply for charging networks. Procurement teams tracking grid resilience projects can benchmark storage capacity and deployment timelines in markets with high renewable penetration.
Centrica Energy signs partial tolling deal for 125MW AKKU One battery project in Finland
Centrica Energy, Covenergo and Delta Capacity have signed a partial tolling agreement for AKKU One, a 125MW/300MWh standalone battery energy storage system under development in Lapinlahti, Finland. Centrica Energy will optimise and trade the asset across Nordic power markets, with commissioning planned for Q4 2027. This is the second such agreement between Centrica Energy and Delta Capacity in Finland this month, following a similar structure for the 125MW/300MWh Karppio BESS project.
Why it matters
The partial tolling structure offers a revenue model that combines secured income with merchant upside, a framework increasingly attractive to BESS developers and investors in the Nordics. The repeat deal signals growing confidence in battery storage as critical flexibility infrastructure for renewable integration and grid balancing in Finland.
5 October 2026
US edition · Germany edition · Hong Kong edition · UK edition · China edition
Home battery market expands beyond Tesla Powerwall with modular alternatives
A review of residential energy storage systems highlights growing competition in the home battery sector, with alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall gaining traction. The Anker SOLIX X1 offers modular storage starting at 5 kWh and scaling to 180 kWh using LiFePO4 batteries, whilst the article also covers the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. The piece notes that extreme weather, rising electricity demand and data centre expansion are driving homeowner interest in solar plus battery solutions.
Why it matters
As residential energy storage procurement diversifies, CPOs and installers can offer clients a wider range of battery systems with different capacity profiles and price points. The shift towards modular, scalable home storage may influence future grid services and demand side response opportunities in the residential sector.
Germany adopts MiSpeL regulation to enable vehicle to grid electricity sales from parked EVs
Germany's Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) adopted the MiSpeL regulation in late September 2025, creating a framework to simplify the resale of electricity stored in EV batteries back to the grid during peak demand periods. The regulation addresses previous bureaucratic barriers that complicated mixing subsidised renewable energy with grid electricity in the same battery for vehicle to grid (V2G) operations. The framework aims to allow EV owners to charge when electricity prices are low and sell back to the grid when prices rise.
Why it matters
The regulatory clarity removes a key barrier to bidirectional charging infrastructure deployment in Germany, potentially creating new revenue models for charge point operators and fleet managers. Procurement teams evaluating V2G capable hardware can now plan installations with greater certainty around the commercial and compliance framework.
HKUST develops self-sustaining seawater hydrogen system with 99% salt rejection
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has created a seawater to hydrogen production system that uses waste heat for water purification, achieving 99% rejection of seawater constituents through a thermal symbiosis design. The system aims to provide sustainable hydrogen generation without requiring pre-treated freshwater inputs.
Why it matters
Seawater to hydrogen technology could lower infrastructure costs for coastal hydrogen refuelling stations and green hydrogen production facilities that supply fuel cell electric vehicle networks. The 99% purification rate addresses a key technical barrier to scaling ocean based hydrogen generation for transport decarbonisation.
EP Cube unveils 10 kVA residential storage system and 7.4 kW EV charger for UK market
EP Cube, a Canadian Solar subsidiary, showcased its EP CUBE Single-Phase 2.0 residential energy storage system and Three-Phase Light C&I Solution at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 in Birmingham. The residential system offers 5 to 40 kWh modular lithium-iron phosphate storage, a 10 kVA hybrid inverter supporting up to 15 kW of PV capacity, and integrates with a forthcoming 7.4 kW AC EV charger and smart home app. The all-in-one units stack 5 kWh battery packs and include dynamic tariff pricing AI for connected home energy management.
Why it matters
The integrated 7.4 kW charger and storage platform targets the UK residential retrofit and new-build market, offering procurement teams a single-vendor solution for PV, battery and EV charging installations. Dynamic tariff optimisation may appeal to installers and housing developers seeking to differentiate smart-home propositions in a competitive residential energy market.
China targets 50 GW virtual power plant capacity by 2030 under new grid plan
China's 15th Five-Year Plan for New Power System Construction (2026 to 2030) sets a maximum regulation capacity target of over 50 gigawatts for virtual power plants by 2030, positioning VPPs as a key demand side tool for grid stability. The plan also mandates absorption of over 2.8 billion kilowatts of renewable energy by decade end. VPPs aggregate distributed assets including rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging networks through cloud based platforms using IoT, big data and AI.
Why it matters
The 50 GW VPP target signals major procurement opportunities for aggregation platforms and smart charging infrastructure that can provide grid services. EV charging operators able to integrate demand response and bidirectional capabilities will be positioned to monetise flexibility in China's evolving ancillary services market.
29 September 2026
UK Tesla owner builds custom dashboard to manage Powerwall 3 and EV charging, avoiding subscription fees
A United Kingdom homeowner with a Tesla Wall Connector, Powerwall 3, and Model 3 has created a custom monitoring dashboard and automation system to avoid paying for the Netzero subscription app. The system detects when the EV starts charging and prevents the Powerwall from discharging stored power into the vehicle during off peak periods, allowing the battery to charge during cheaper rate windows. The owner also reduced the Powerwall reserve setting from 20% to 5%, noting their setup lacks a gateway for island mode or off grid backup.
Why it matters
The workaround highlights growing demand for interoperable, cost effective home energy management solutions that integrate EV charging with battery storage. For CPOs and installers, it underscores the importance of flexible control systems and the potential for third party or open source alternatives to proprietary subscription services in residential charging deployments.
23 September 2026
UK Power Networks opens DERMS platform to IDNO customers for faster EV hub connections
UK Power Networks has extended access to its Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) to Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) customers, enabling real time management of renewable and flexible energy assets including EV charging hubs. The intelligent platform unlocks unused network capacity to help low carbon projects connect faster and at lower cost. GRIDSERVE is among the early adopters already using the new capability.
Why it matters
Faster, cheaper grid connections through DERMS could accelerate EV charging hub deployment by reducing upfront costs and connection timescales for charge point operators working with IDNOs. The platform's ability to manage high demand EV sites in real time may also improve operational efficiency for hub operators.
17 September 2026
UL Solutions launches V2G certification programme for bidirectional EV chargers
US testing and certification company UL Solutions has launched a certification programme for vehicle to grid technologies, enabling testing and certification of bidirectional EV supply equipment under UL 1741 Supplement SC, the standard for inverters and interconnection equipment for distributed energy resources. Products certified under the programme can work with EVs using onboard bidirectional inverters designed to SAE J3072, and can also be certified for grid interconnection under new UL 1741 multipiece distributed energy resources requirements coupled with UL 9741, the standard for electric vehicle power export equipment. Testing and certification services are available at UL Solutions laboratories in Fremont, California and Northbrook, Illinois.
Why it matters
The certification programme provides a clear compliance pathway for manufacturers developing bidirectional charging equipment, potentially accelerating V2G deployment by standardising testing requirements for equipment that bridges EVs and utility grids. For charge point operators and procurement teams, certified products offer assurance of interoperability and grid interconnection compliance, reducing technical risk in V2G projects.
14 September 2026
Volvo Penta unveils mobile battery storage for EV charging at IAA Transportation 2026
Volvo Penta is displaying its battery energy storage system (BESS) subsystem at IAA Transportation 2026, alongside the Hivolt 380X mobile unit developed by Contour Advanced Systems. The solution targets locations with limited grid capacity or no permanent charging infrastructure, offering transport and logistics operators additional charging capacity without fixed grid connections or lengthy permitting processes. The technology can be deployed at temporary sites, events or where existing charging has been disrupted, and can supplement limited grid connections in permanent installations to support high power EV charging.
Why it matters
Mobile battery storage offers procurement teams and charge point operators a faster route to deploying high power charging without waiting for grid upgrades or civil works, addressing a key constraint in expanding EV infrastructure. The technology provides flexibility for temporary deployments and backup capacity, potentially reducing project timelines and capital costs for operators facing grid connection delays.
End of the published archive.