Solar PV array outside a Google data centre in Belgium, at which the company is trialling the multi-application use of battery energy storage. Image: Google.
Microsoft, Google and 10 other companies have joined the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council, a CEO-led organisation launched at COP26 in November to push for the global deployment of technologies that can store and discharge energy for eight hours or longer.
Along with Danish energy company Ørsted, the tech giants are among five new ‘anchor’ members, bringing the total to 13. These comprise a mix of large conglomerates with interests in the renewable energy space, from Indian renewable energy giant Greenko to BP and Rio Tinto.
It has also welcomed seven new ‘technology’ members, companies focused on developing new forms of long duration energy storage, bringing the total to 23.
New technology…