Although exploding smartphone batteries have captured public attention lately, utilities around the country are battling an even bigger battery challenge—the need to create storage, said experts at the fall Engineering Distinguished Lecture Thursday.
Increased generation of renewable energy—especially solar—is quickly changing the game for utilities. Previously, nonrenewable energy allowed utilities in the state to better synch power generation with use in keeping with the requirements of the California Independent System Operator, which manages energy flow for 80 percent of California. Continue reading “With Renewable Energy Comes Need for Large-scale Battery Storage”