Weekly Global Battery and Energy Storage Industry Updates

1. North America’s Enel CEO: ‘US Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Industry Ultimately Requires Local Manufacturing’

On July 22, in this Q&A session, Paolo Romanacci, CEO of Enel North America, discussed independent power producers (IPPs) operating battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects, project pipelines and deployments, and his views on broader challenges facing the US industry. Enel North America is the local branch of Enel, a global utility company and independent power producer headquartered in Italy, and is the largest owner and operator of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Texas ERCOT market.

2. Sinovoltaics Introduces Battery System Analysis Service to Detect Imbalance Issues in Factories

On July 23, Sinovoltaics, a global supplier offering quality assurance for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries, launched its BESSential analysis service, providing 100% battery pack inspection. The service aims to directly detect and rectify thermal, electrical, and capacity imbalance issues within BESS factories. Sinovoltaics partnered with cloud-based battery diagnostic software developer, volytica diagnostics, for this service. The BESS systems are formed by stacking battery cells into modules, which are then assembled into racks and installed into containers. These containers undergo electrical and performance testing in factories to ensure they meet industry standards. However, factory acceptance tests (FAT) at the container level may overlook minor defects and anomalies that could manifest years later. Additionally, Sinovoltaics noted that some BESS integrators only conduct sampling performance tests, often missing potential issues in subsystems, racks, or battery packs post-installation. According to Sinovoltaics, the BESSential analysis service collects and consolidates data from FAT, then assesses each battery pack down to the individual battery cell level. BESSential identifies fluctuations within individual battery packs and cells, such as temperature variations, irregular voltages, capacity imbalances, and other factors predicting battery defects. These metrics are then used to model the microenvironment of each battery pack. Any anomalies discovered are flagged in the system for further inspection. Unstable components are removed and tested further, and replacement components audited by BESSential replace defective ones. “At Sinovoltaics, we aim to protect our clients’ investments by ensuring the performance and safety of BESS assets,” said Technical Director Arthur Claire. “Even minor defects in individual battery cells can jeopardize the entire BESS investment. Our BESSential 100% battery pack analysis can mitigate this risk, safeguarding clients’ physical assets while ensuring their return on investment.”

3. Alinta Secures Approval for 300MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project in Western Australia

On July 23, the new battery energy storage system (BESS) by Alinta Energy will be located near the Wagerup power station in Western Australia. Energy generation and retail company Alinta Energy has obtained approval to construct its 300MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Wagerup, Western Australia. The new BESS will be located near the Wagerup power station. The power station is a 380MW dual-fuel (natural gas and distillate) generation facility located 120 kilometers south of Perth, providing peak capacity for Western Australia’s grid—the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

4. New Hampshire Law Provides New Solar Incentives for Cities, Ends Defunct Consumer Rebate Program

On July 23, By Sarah Shemkus, Energy News Network A recent law signed in New Hampshire has made significant adjustments to the operation of the state’s Renewable Energy Fund, directing funds to help towns and cities develop municipal solar projects and terminating a residential solar rebate program that was generally seen as having serious flaws. “The previous program had completed its mission,” said Joshua Elliott, Director of Policy and Projects at the state’s Department of Energy. Established in 2007, the Renewable Energy Fund is a pool of money used by the state government to support renewable and thermal energy projects through grants and rebates. The fund is financed by annual compliance payments from electricity service providers who have failed to purchase the required proportion of renewable energy electricity in the previous year. The amount collected by the fund each year can vary significantly, ranging from $1.3 million in 2009 to $19.1 million in 2011. In recent years, the revenue has been around $7 million. These funds are then allocated to various projects, including support for solar hot water heating, solar for moderate and low-income communities, as well as wood pellet boilers and stoves projects for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

5. US Independent Power Producer (IPP) BrightNight Receives Grid Connection Approval for Australian Hybrid Solar Project

On July 25, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has approved US independent power producer (IPP) BrightNight to connect its Mortlake Energy Hub, consisting of a solar and storage facility, to the Victorian grid in Australia. This project marks BrightNight’s first hybrid renewable energy project in Australia, comprising a 360MW solar farm and a 300MW battery energy storage system (BESS), which will account for over 1% of the state’s total electricity consumption. The company plans to commence construction of the project in 2025.