Total works to store solar energy

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- French supermajor Total announced it signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a battery to store solar power.

The joint research project focuses on developing a stationary long-life battery that can store the power from solar panels.

"The ability to store power is a major challenge and an essential ingredient for the scale up and widespread deployment of affordable solar power," the French giant said.

Total through its Tenesol and Photovoltech subsidiaries has worked in the solar energy sector since 1983.

Philippe Boisseau, president of the gas and power division at Total, said the agreement was a significant step in the development of storable solar energy.

"Our partnership with MIT and its Energy Initiative will support groundbreaking research designed to meet the needs of energy consumers," he added.

The five-year partnership is valued at $4 million.