Korean researchers build back-contact perovskite solar cells with lower recombination losses
The research team developed the perovskite solar cell with a spin-coated bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer that boosts charge extraction, achieving a 4.52% efficiency and improved stability.
UK grid software cuts MV solar connection quotes to 15 minutes
A new automated platform allows commercial and industrial rooftop solar developers to receive medium-voltage connection assessments from network operators in 15 minutes.
Australian startup scaling up printed solar technology
Kardinia Energy has secured AUD 2.15 million from the Australian government’s Industry Growth Program to scale up its flexible, low-cost printed solar technology from university proof-of-concept to pilot manufacturing.
Industry alliance calls for 100% renewables for Australian data centers
An alliance of 11 industry, environmental and union groups has urged the Australian federal government to require new data centers throughout the country to secure 100% additional renewable energy and fund workforce training as a condition of approval.
New Zealand selects 32 farms for solar and battery trial
New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has selected 32 agricultural businesses for its Solar on Farms program to test solar and battery systems across key sectors.
Global utility-scale battery capacity rises 12-fold in 2020-24 period
The global capacity of utility-scale batteries increased more than 12-fold between 2020 and 2024 to 124 GW, while average battery costs fell 58% over the period, according to the Electricity 2026 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Hallett battery project reaches financial close in Australia
EnergyAustralia’s 50 MW/245 MWh Stage 1 Hallett battery energy storage system (BESS), co-located with a gas-fired power station, has reached financial close and is moving into the delivery phase.
Australia grid constraints push data centers to regions
Grid capacity constraints in major Australian metropolitan hubs are prompting data center developers to consider regional locations with integrated on-site gas and solar generation, according to renewable energy land brokerage Rok Solid.
Australian state awards 12 GWh of long-duration storage contracts
New South Wales has awarded long-term energy service agreements to six battery energy storage projects totaling 1.17 GW and nearly 12 GWh, lifting the state’s contracted storage capacity to 30 GWh.
Australia rooftop solar volumes fall 32% after four-month rebound
Rooftop solar installations in Australia declined sharply in January, with small-scale technology certificate (STC) volumes down 32% month on month after four consecutive months of growth, according to market analyst SunWiz. It says the result was broadly in line with seasonal norms and does not signal a trend for 2026.
