The four million-dollar, five-year agreement for the development of a new stationary batteries for solar power storage, which was signed by Total and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is in line with the MIT Energy Initiative [1] that the French oil group has been partnered with since November 2008.
The issue of electricity storage is vital for greater solar power growth and more widespread deployment. The rationale behind the research agreement is to develop a long-lasting, cheaper battery that will save solar panel power. "Total's support for solar power storage can really make the difference," said MIT Energy Initiative Director Ernest Moniz.