Winners, prices of Spain’s latest renewables auction
A number of companies spoke to pv magazine this week about the results of Spain’s latest clean-energy auction.
Mini perovskite solar module with 14.55% efficiency
The 5x5cm device was developed by a Japanese research group. The thickness of the perovskite films was increased to reduce defects and pinholes and this was achieved by adding ammonium chloride to the lead iodine solution used in the formation of the films. The device was able to work for 1,600 hours at more than 80% of this efficiency.
European Commission bids to ease planning of trans-border battery and hydrogen projects
The commission has proposed updating the law which regulates the bloc’s cross-border energy networks to include new energy storage technologies and smart grids as well as removing fossil fuel eligibility for public funding.
Poland’s first solar PPA will see photovoltaics power cement production
The local subsidiary of German company Heidelbergcement will take solar electricity from the 65 MWp Witnica solar park between Poznań and Berlin for ten years under the power purchase agreement.
Global actions delivering electricity for rural households through off-grid renewable energy
The Sustainable Development Goal set forth in SDG 7.1 calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030. It is estimated that currently 789 million people do not have access to electricity in their homes or communities. Rural inhabitants encompass 80% of the total number of people lacking household electricity access. On a global scale, rural inhabitants have been gaining access to electricity at a rapid rate over the past couple decades (IRENA 2020, 23). However, certain regions have seen little improvement in this area. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the starkest example.
Sterling and Wilson commissions 25 MW solar project in Oman
The Indian multinational said the project is its second PV installation in Oman, following the completion of a 125 MWp solar plant in June.
EDF acquires US solar installer
EDF Renewables North America said that its latest investment capitalizes on the growth of the commercial and industrial solar market.
Lithium batteries have edge over hydrogen for transport, says Australian professor
University of Western Australia Professor Ray Wills says it’s “unlikely” that hydrogen will overtake batteries as the world’s preferred transport fuel.
European Commission approves further €2.9bn battery research project
Companies from a dozen EU member states will commit the public funds in a bid to come up with novel battery chemistries and production methods as well as recycling and circular economy innovation.
Boeing brings more PV power to NASA International Space Station
Six new arrays with a combined capacity of 120 kW will be installed on the International Space Station starting from this year. The panels will be brought to the station with the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft during three resupply missions. The installation of each solar array will require two spacewalks.
