Storing renewables via radial-flow packed bed thermal energy storage
Researchers in Sweden have created a thermal energy storage system relying on a dynamic air mass flow rate that is applied during both charge and discharge processes. It achieved a maximum thermal efficiency of around 70%.
Solar power costs continued to fall in 2021, despite rising panel prices
The average global price of solar kilowatt-hours fell 13% on 2020’s prices, as around two-thirds of the renewables capacity installed last year was cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternative.
Novel method to turn existing solar parks into agrivoltaic facilities
An international research team has developed a new methodology to increase levels of pollination at ground-mounted solar plants. It involves the development of new vegetated land cover below and around solar parks.
Eco-friendly solvent for a 16.7% perovskite solar cell
Scientists in Germany looked to eliminate the use of toxic solvents in the production of perovskite solar cells, replacing them with a more environmentally material called dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which has so far proved difficult to integrate into processes suitable for large-scale production. The group demonstrated a scalable blade coating process using DMSO as the only solvent, and reached cell efficiencies close to those achieved using more toxic substances.
Greece to launch 1 GW renewables tender in September
The Greek energy regulator has published the details of a 1 GW joint renewable power tender scheduled for September. The nation has planned a number of additional competitive tenders up to 2024, in order to procure about 3 GW of renewables, including energy storage.
Four-terminal tandem perovskite/CIGS solar cell with 26.2% efficiency
Japanese scientists have developed a tandem device with a 19.5%-efficient perovskite top cell. They claim to have created a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell while maintaining high performance.
Swedish consortium completes rock cavern for green hydrogen storage
Vattenfall and its partners have finished building a 100-cubic-meter underground facility to store green hydrogen.
Shipping costs remain key challenge for solar sector
The solar industry will face elevated shipping costs and supply disruptions for at least another year until the global ocean freight system starts to normalize.
Energy Toolbase launches PPA generator platform for solar, storage
US commercial, industrial, and non-profit solar developers can now generate power purchase agreements via Sustainable Capital Finance’s developer platform.
Uzbekistan reveals bidders for 500 MW PV tender
Uzbekistan launched its latest procurement exercise in September 2021. The country aims to build three solar parks in the Namangan, Bukhara and Khorezm regions.
