Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) added three members to the global Energy Research Initiative (ERI) that focuses on new technologies for renewable energy and its efficient and reliable distribution on the power grid.

AIXTRON SE sold 2 BM Pro 4"-wafer deposition tools to the Italian Institute of Technology for the development and production of graphene used in novel hydrogen storage systems.

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.

mPhase Technologies says it is in the home stretch with a "refined prototype" of a new automotive and marine battery technology, with a plan to reveal the mysterious product sometime in 1Q12.

Printed, flexible, and organic electronics enable next-gen displays and other applications; however, technical hurdles and dev cycles impede ROI. The key is partnerships sharing materials, equipment, and device development expertise, shows Jonathan Melnick, Lux Research.

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.

Rapid adoption of smart meters to save energy and improve grid efficiency means an opportunity for a broad range of semiconductor suppliers.

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.

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.

Applied Materials released a new film treatment, Applied Producer Onyx, that reduces the power consumption in semiconductor chips while increasing mechanical strength. The product targets the challenges associated with 3D packaging applications and technologies.

Ahead of next week's 57th IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM, Dec. 5-7), we've scanned the entire program to present a quick slideshow sampling of some of the more intriguing papers.

A team of engineers from Northwestern University has created an electrode for lithium-ion batteries that allows the batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. Batteries with the new electrode also can charge 10 times faster than current batteries.

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.