Alternative energy storage -- batteries, flywheels, fuel cells and more -- are rising to meet the challenge of utility-scale intermittent energy production. BCC Research finds that energy storage technologies might hit a 5.4% CAGR 2011-2016.

Microgrids, pockets of distributed energy resources that can be isolated from the utility power grid, have been called "the ultimate example of energy democracy," diversifying supply infrastructure ownership, says Pike Research.

Jean-Christophe Eloy, president & CEO, Yole Développement, shares an analyst's view of the micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) industry, calling 2011 a year of transition and changes.

VC funding in solar PV companies and projects rose modestly in 3Q11 while M&A activity is really heating up, and one sector is getting even more of investors' attention, according to a pair of analyst reports.

TU Delft and VU University Amsterdam researchers demonstrated that hydrogen gas stored in a metal hydride is released faster when the metal alloy nanoparticle is smaller. The research, focused on fuel cells, aims to reduce the energy required for hydrogen storage.

The consumer electronics sector represents a promising emerging market for portable fuel cells, despite adoption delays. The first major fuel cell product for consumer electronics will be external battery chargers that power up devices without an electricity grid needed.

Marlow Industries launched the EverGen series, thermoelectric-based energy harvesting devices offering low-cost, zero-maintenance power for wireless sensor applications.

Pike Research senior analyst John Gartner forecasts that ultracapacitors will play a bigger role in the stop/start vehicle sector in the future, though battery-heavy vehicles like hybrids will be a tougher sell on the technology.

Ener1 Inc. (NASDAQ:HEV) will restructure its 8.25% Senior Amortizing Notes with Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P. and other Note holders. Ener1’s primary shareholder, BzinFin S.A., has extended the maturity of its $15-million line of credit from November 2011 to July 2013.

The University of Rochester opened the Integrated Nanosystems Center (URnano) on campus. The center will be used for physics, optics, chemistry, biomedicine and bioengineering research on commercialization of fuel cells, biosensors and other high-tech devices.

Key themes from the final day of this week's AVS/ALD Conference include agreement on the need for more precursor options, time-dependent vs. spatial ALD, and ALD's use in solar cells, fuel cells, and future semiconductor devices, reports Intermolecular's Chi-I Lang

Ultrasonic Systems, Inc. (USI) released a heated vacuum chuck option for the Prism spray coating system. The heated vacuum chuck option for Prism suits thin substrate, wafer, foil, and membrane coating applications, where it enhances control of the substrate.

Researchers at Oregon State U. have come up with yet another unique application for nanocoatings -- help produce more electricity from sewage.

Photovoltaics World interviewed several recipients of this year's Tech Awards Laureates who showcased their projects at a Nov. 19 gala; and Al Gore brought it all together by describing with multiple examples what it means to be a humanitarian.