Novel fuel cell tech based on silicon-based bipolar plates
Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation has backed a hydrogen fuel cell developer $7 million to support an innovative form of technology using silicon-based bipolar plates.
Italy’s first agrivoltaic tenders draws bids for 1.7 GW
Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) says it has received 643 bids totaling 1.7 GW in its first agrivoltaic tender. About 56% of the proposals have come from the country’s sunny southern regions.
Belgium to allow plug-in solar panels, batteries
Belgium’s transmission and distribution system operator says it plans to allow household solar panels and batteries with a plug and socket to connect to the grid from May 2025.
Egypt set for giant solar-plus-battery storage project
Norwegian developer Scatec ASA has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 1 GW solar array and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage project in Egypt. CEO Terje Pilskog says it is Egypt’s first hybrid solar-plus-battery project.
Enel completes 486.7 MW solar park in Colombia
Enel has finished installing PV modules at a 486.7 MW solar park in Colombia. Once fully operational, it will be the largest PV project in the country.
Aluminium-polymer battery for stationary electricity storage
The device developed by TU Bergakademie Freiberg researchers uses aluminum as an anode, graphite as a cathode, and a polymer-based solid electrolyte. It is being validated and further developed for industrial production. The goal is storage capacity of 10 kWh.
Guyana seeks consultants for glint and glare study at airport
The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is looking for a consulting firm to undertake a glint and glare study for a proposed solar plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 1.
New solar carport opens at 4,300 meters on Mount Everest
Chinese module maker Aiko Solar says it has built a 150 kW off-grid solar carport at an altitude of 4,300 meters on Mount Everest, featuring 645 W bifacial dual-glass modules and 200 kWh of battery storage.
Electricity prices continue to rise in most European markets
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says higher demand pushed electricity prices up across most major European markets last week. However, prices fell in Portugal and Spain due to lower demand and rising solar production.
New refrigerant may improve coefficient of performance of air-source heat pumps by up to 21%
Developed by a Chinese research group, the novel refrigerant is made of a mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a non-flammable hydrofluoroolefin. It has slightly higher costs compared to conventional compounds, but its creators claims these costs could be significantly reduced with large-scale industrial production.
