Category Archives: Energy Storage

Shipments of DC Fast Charging for Batteries Will Reach Nearly 100,000 Annually by 2020

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on March 25, 2013 by CGR Staff Writer

Direct current (DC) fast charging technology promises drastic reductions in the time needed to restore a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to full charge.  The barriers to adoption, however, are significant: installation of DC charging stations is still more expensive than conventional alternating current (AC) systems, and slower than expected sales of electric vehicles in general have caused automakers to hesitate in embracing the most advanced technology.  Nevertheless, according to a new report from Navigant Research, shipments of DC fast charging equipment will grow steadily over the remainder of this decade, reaching nearly 100,000 units a year by 2020. Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Energy, Energy Storage, Sustainability News, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Emerging Battery Technologies Will Address Issues of Energy Density, Cost, and Cycle Life

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on February 13, 2013 by CGR Staff Writer

batteryBOULDER, Colo.–()–Currently available advanced battery technologies for cleantech applications fall short of market needs. While lithium ion batteries have emerged as an early leader in cleantech applications such as energy storage and electrified vehicles, after nearly 20 years of commercialization efforts, the competitive field remains open. According to a new research brief from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, over the next decade, the advanced battery industry will witness the introduction of new approaches to technology and project development, targeting a wide variety of end-use products and services. Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, BusinessWire, Energy, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Green Business, Home Energy, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Worldwide Electric Vehicle Sales to Reach 3.8 Million Annually by 2020

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on January 3, 2013 by CGR Staff Writer

Electric vehicle_wallpaperSince the launch of the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, in late 2010, plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) have become more widely available in Asia Pacific, North America, and Western Europe.  Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which first appeared a decade earlier, are now selling steadily in those regions as well.  According to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, annual worldwide sales of these vehicles, collectively referred to as electric vehicles (EVs), will reach 3.8 million by 2020.

“Sales of EVs have not lived up to automakers’ expectations and politicians’ proclamations, but the market is expanding steadily as fuel prices remain high and consumers increasingly seek alternatives to internal combustion engines,” says senior research analyst Dave Hurst.  “Indeed, sales of plug-in EVs will grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 40 percent over the remainder of the decade, while the overall auto market will expand by only two percent a year.” Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Business, Business Transportation, Energy, Energy Storage, Environment, Green Business, Home Energy, Smart Grid, Sustainability News, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Energy Vision Publishes New Report Documenting Renewable Natural Gas as the Solution to a Major U.S. Transportation Challenge

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on December 4, 2012 by CGR Staff Writer

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A newly released publication, Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): The Solution to a Major Transportation Challenge, reports that the use of renewable natural gas as a vehicle fuel is a technologically viable alternative to relying exclusively on petroleum-based fuels for transportation. The new publication was prepared by Energy Vision, a noted, national, New York-based energy research organization, and CALSTART, a California-based leader in clean transportation technologies.

“Today we can turn this country’s expensive organic waste burden into a clean vehicle fuel solution,” said Energy Vision President Joanna Underwood. “Waste biogases can also be used to generate power and heat homes; but other renewable energy sources can meet those needs. Fossil-based and renewable natural gas used as vehicle fuels are the only options for displacing significant amounts of oil. By aggressively embracing this strategy as part of an overall energy plan, the new Obama Administration and the 113th Congress can achieve measurable progress in moving toward this country’s key clean air, climate change, energy, national security, economic and job creation goals. For many reasons, RNG is just what the doctor ordered.” Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Business, Business Transportation, BusinessWire, Carbon Management, Emissions Trading, Energy, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Environment, Green Business | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Almost 23 Million Autogas Vehicles Will be Operating on Roads Worldwide by 2020

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on October 10, 2012 by CGR Staff Writer

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As a vehicle fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as propane or autogas, has some powerful positive characteristics. It is relatively clean burning, easy to store and transport, has high energy content, and is widely available in many countries. The cost per gallon of autogas is significantly lower than gasoline or diesel in many countries, but increasing interest in natural gas as a vehicle fuel is likely to constrain future growth in the autogas market. Nevertheless, according to a new report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the number of autogas vehicles will rise steadily through the remainder of this decade. By 2020, the study concludes, there will be 22.6 million autogas vehicles on roads worldwide.

“The autogas market is caught in a classic chicken and egg scenario,” says senior research analyst David Alexander. “As with any fuel, availability is the key to market growth. Unfortunately, fuel suppliers have taken the view that no need exists to grow the infrastructure if not that many vehicles are equipped to use the fuel. Some form of incentive will be needed to kick-start growth if autogas is going to advance.” Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Business, Business Transportation, BusinessWire, Carbon Management, Climate Change, CSR, Emissions Trading, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Goods, Services & Product Design, Green Business, Home Energy, Pollution, Sustainability News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More than 75,000 Electric Drive Buses Will Be on Roads Worldwide by 2018

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on August 30, 2012 by CGR Staff Writer

No other category of heavy duty vehicles has seen more adoption of electric drivetrains than buses.  In North America, hybrid models have captured as much as 40 percent of new transit bus purchases in recent years.  Electric drivetrains – whether for hybrid systems, battery electric, or fuel cell – hold appeal for the bus market for many of the same reasons they do for light duty vehicles: the promise of moving away from oil, efficiency gains, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, and, in many cases, lower operating costs.  According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the global market for electric drive buses is expected to grow steadily over the next six years, with a compound annual growth rate of 26 percent from 2012 to 2018.  By 2018, the report concludes, more than 75,000 electric drivetrain buses will be in service around the world. Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Business, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Fuel Cells, Green Business, Sustainability News, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Semprius to Exhibit New Solar Technology at 2012 Democratic National Convention

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on August 30, 2012 by CGR Staff Writer

DURHAM, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Semprius, Inc., an innovator in high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar modules, will display a new branding application for its world record technology at Duke Energy’s exhibit in the Legacy Village at CarolinaFest, which runs in conjunction with the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Semprius, the world record holder for photovoltaic module conversion efficiency and the first company to covert over one-third of the sun’s energy into electricity, has developed a new solar module with unique branding potential. Semprius’ technology begins with its proprietary micro-transfer printing process, enabling the company to use the world’s smallest solar cell – approximately the size of a pencil point – to manufacture modules with unmatched performance and cost advantages. In addition to supporting large-scale power generation projects, Semprius also possesses the exclusive ability to incorporate graphics into its modules. Semprius’ new “Marquee” design will be demonstrated at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, installed by Charlotte-based Argand Energy Solutions, highlighting the ability to incorporate corporate logos into Semprius solar arrays of any size. Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Biofuels, Business, BusinessWire, Carbon Capture and Storage, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Fuel Cells, Geothermal, Goods, Services & Product Design, Green Business, Smart Grid, Solar, Sustainability News, Technology, Waste to Energy, Water Power, Wind | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Low Charging Costs Reduces Lifetime Cost of Electric Vehicles

by CGR Staff Writer
Posted on August 28, 2012 by CGR Staff Writer

Faced with pressure to reduce both the costs and the environmental impacts of their vehicles, fleet managers are seeking the most cost-effective ways to “green” their vehicle fleets while ensuring that operations continue to run smoothly.  While a wide array of alternative vehicle options are now available on the market, many of them come with high upfront price premiums compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.  According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, the low “fuel cost” (i.e. cost of charging) of electric vehicles, including both plug-in hybrid and battery electric models, brings their total cost of ownership (TCO) to below those of conventional vehicles or other types of alternative fuel vehicles, offsetting the higher average vehicle prices.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer the lowest TCO of any of the 17 vehicles compared in the report, when taking into account the federal tax credit available for electric vehicle (EV) purchases.

“One of the primary benefits of BEVs is their very high efficiency compared to conventional ICE vehicles,” says senior research analyst Lisa Jerram.  “BEVs also offer higher overall fuel efficiency than conventional hybrids and low electric range plug-in hybrids.  That’s a major reason why battery electric vehicles have been experiencing a resurgence of automaker and consumer interest over the past few years, particularly for fleet operations.” Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Energy, Business, Business Transportation, Energy, Energy Management, Energy Storage, Green Business, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Page 1 of 812345678