Hydro One Networks, NEC and ON Semiconductor join SRC’s global Energy Research Initiative, expanding the focus to include finding new materials, devices and methodologies for power controls/management and energy collection, conversion and storage.

Global manufacturers of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are preparing for "one of the largest factory buildouts in world history" to meet what is expected to be massive demand, particularly for plug-in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage.

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.

BYD and the State Grid Corporation of China completed construction on a large battery energy storage station, comprising 100MW of wind, 40MW of solar, 36MWh of energy storage, and a smart power transmission system.

Factors from rising fuel costs and dropping PV prices, to remote application interest, are bringing microgrids into the mainstream for a diverse base of electricity users, shows Pike Research.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries delivered a large-capacity, indoor, lithium-ion rechargeable battery energy storage system to the Shimizu Institute of Technology for tests with the institute's mixed-power-source microgrid.

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.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales will be limited by their price tags in 2012, according to Pike Research. Recent price reductions for batteries won't show up in vehicle costs until 2013 or 2014.

ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE Amex: ZBB) will develop flow batteries, aiming for low-cost, high-energy-density flow battery stacks and systems for grid-level storage, with an undisclosed new partner from the technology sector.

Advanced Energy Industries Inc. launched the PV Powered HE String inverter line for rooftop installations. It offers standard ZigBee wireless monitoring, high-efficiency, and multiple ease-of-installation features.

ara Birmingham, The Solar Alliance, covers California -- and US -- solar energy policy at Solar Power International 2011.

China's lithium ion battery market rose 38% in 2010 to RMB 27.61 billion and is expected to keep growing rapidly, thanks to the country's strong automotive industry and competitive local governments pushing to develop high-end technologies, CCID Consulting reports.

MIT named Vladimir Bulović as director of MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL). Bulović has experience in a range of advanced electronics technologies, from photovoltaics to MEMS.

Petra Solar launched its IntelliView smart energy platform for utilities managing a range of smart grid applications. IntelliView combines smart grid network infrastructure management and renewable energy management services.

From the Semiconductor Research Corp.'s Energy Research Initiative to student work on consumer privacy protection in the smart grid, energy was a major topic at this week's TECHCON 2011. Check out this video coverage from the event on smart grids and leading-edge energy work.

The Siemens Industry Automation Division debuted Poly Power Units (PPU), modular power supplies for polysilicon manufacturing. The power units integrate easily with Siemens CVD reactors and forgo rigid cabinets to ease maintenance and factory floor planning.