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Scientists turn ordinary water into a powerful energy storage material

11 June 2026 at 15:47

Water is one of the most common substances on Earth, but scientists have now discovered that it may have a surprising new use: storing electrical energy. Researchers at the Hamburg University of Technology in Germany have developed a new type of energy storage device that uses pure water as its main working ingredient. The technology […]

The post Scientists turn ordinary water into a powerful energy storage material appeared first on Knowridge Science Report.

Used Waymo robotaxi batteries become backup storage for power grids

4 June 2026 at 12:00

Thousands of electric vehicles in Waymo’s autonomous robotaxi fleet may eventually give up their used batteries for a very different purpose—contributing up to hundreds of megawatt-hours of stationary energy storage to local power grids.

That prospect comes from a “strategic supply agreement” announced by Waymo and B2U Storage Solutions on June 4. B2U has been repurposing thousands of used batteries from various electric vehicles by installing them in large stationary energy storage projects. Such energy storage facilities can capture excess renewable energy during low demand periods and release such energy when local power grids are experiencing peak demand periods.

“Our business is getting the full residual value out of electric vehicle batteries after they're no longer suitable for automotive use,” Freeman Hall, CEO of B2U Storage Solution, told Ars. “Waymo puts a lot of miles on EVs and their model is expanding rapidly, and so we're just very pleased and honored to be able to work with them.”

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Australia’s battery-powered revolution: inside the 5 June Guardian Weekly

3 June 2026 at 18:00

How to change the energy market from within. Plus: Is Iran Trump’s Vietnam?

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Last week, as the war in Iran continued to choke global oil supplies, the UK government announced a 13% increase in the cap on energy prices. But it was another related story on the other side of the world that caught my eye.

In Australia, the energy minister announced a fall of up to 10% in the benchmark electricity price in parts of the country, driven by record levels of renewables and batteries in the power grid.

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© Illustration: Guardian Design

© Illustration: Guardian Design

© Illustration: Guardian Design

Power play: what to consider when installing a home battery in Australia

30 May 2026 at 01:00

More than 400,000 batteries have been installed under the cheaper home batteries scheme. Here’s how to get the best bang for your buck

  • Change by degrees offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household’s carbon footprint

  • Got a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.com

If Australians love solar, they are head over heels for home batteries. More than 400,000 batteries have been installed under the government’s subsidy scheme.

Here’s what you need to consider if you’re looking at getting one installed.

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© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

© Composite: Getty Images

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