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The paper discusses the use of a dual energy storage system based on batteries and supercapacitors in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The battery has a large energy density, enabling an all-electric driving range of 100 km, while the supercapacitor has a large power density and provides peak power during acceleration and regenerative breaking. The paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of both storage systems and the specific requirements imposed by the hybrid drive train. Coupling such a HEV to the grid allows interaction between grid and HEV, providing the grid with a controllable load. Depending on the communication between the hybrid fleet and the grid, this load can be controlled by adjusting the electricity price in order to allow a higher penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind parks in the grid and if the communication allows the transmission system operator to reduce the load imposed on the grid by the hybrid fleet, the hybrid fleet can become part of the secondary frequency control reserve. In case of sudden demand or supply fluctuations, the hybrid fleet can assist in primary control of the grid. Due to the dual energy storage system the HEVs can also provide fast load tracking to keep the voltage in microgrids at the desired set point. An experimental setup with a battery, grid coupling and induction machine proves the feasibility of the concept.

At the point where our research began we had seen a new theme of ‘community based localism’ in policy supporting a surge of new activity on the ground.  Very little research had been undertaken to explore the motives and rationales of those involved, to examine the ways in which policy and action at a local level were interconnecting or to understand the profile and pattern of outcomes that were being achieved. 

The Energy Council of Thursday 19th February focused on the second Strategic Energy Review. Inevitably, the Council was cautious agreeing concrete changes to existing rules or arrangements on the basis of the Strategic Energy Review. Instead it has cautiously welcomed many of the proposals tabled or announced in the Review, awaiting the detailed Commission proposals or the outcome of discussions in Council on the specific proposals. Nonetheless, the conclusions do demonstrate a willingness of the member States for some - probably gradual - change in developing a more Community approach to energy security issues.

On December 21, the Finavera Renewables Ocean Energy, Ltd conditionally secured a FERC license for its hydrokinetic power project located 1.9 nautical miles offshore Washington State.  The 5-year license to the Makah Bay Offshore Wave Pilot Project is designed "to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of wave energy conversion power plants near coastal communities."   The project will generate an average of 1,500 MWh annually.

Communities across the US restrict the use of clotheslines for aesthetic reasons, even though it is estimated that clothes dryers account for 6% of America’s electrical consumption.

After ten years of research and development, Statkraft believes the time is now right to build the first osmotic power plant prototype and is therefore stepping up its initiatives and investments to develop the technology. With this decision Statkraft will have invested more than NOK 100 million to develop a new, renewable energy technology. The research work is supported by The Research Council of Norway.  The global technical potential for osmotic power production is estimated at around 1600 TWh, including around 200 TWh in Europe and 12 TWh in Norway, or 10 percent of Norway’s current power production. The innovation has already attracted attention in the international energy community.

From wind turbines to shared heating systems, small-scale renewable energy doesn’t just help in the fight against climate change. It can also bring people together, revitalise local economies and help alleviate poverty.