Global Power Synergy, Tesla, DOE, BASF, VW.

Petrol dollars for battery factory: Thai oil company PTT sends his subsidiary Global Power Synergy (GPSC) to erect a plant for battery production in Thailand by next year. A technology has been found already as GPSC signed a license agreement with 24M, an A123 spin-off, for their semi-solid electrolyte technology. GPSC thus has the copyright to produce Li-ion batteries in Thailand and Asean countries and hopes to utilise them as back up storage for energy from renewables. However, talks have been held with both Tesla and GM regarding battery back up for their vehicles allegedly.
nationmultimedia.com

Tesla delivers details for its solar tiles and says one square foot (0.09 sqm) cost about 22 dollars on average – less than conventional PV systems and including battery backup. Installations are lined up this summer in the States, but clients overseas will have to wait until next year.
bloomberg.com, tesla.com (cost calculator)

Nanoparticles improve fuel cells: Researchers at the DOE’s Ames Laboratory started to make smaller, more efficient intermetallic nanoparticles which also use less platinum for fuel cells. The trick lies in the surface-to-volume ratio and some added zinc.
ameslab.gov, greencarcongress.com

Applications are open for the ‘Science Award Electrochemistry’ from BASF and VW. The award is worth 100,000 euros in total with 40,000 for the winner alone. Researchers may apply until August 18.
Apply via basf.com