Patrick Jowett
Global hydrogen atlas shows potential import countries for Germany
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have analyzed the techno-economic potential of importing hydrogen to Germany from Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.
String inverters best for partially shaded PV systems, says IEA-PVPS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) has released a technical report exploring innovations and challenges in optimizing the performance of partially shaded PV systems.
Scientists reveal factors for morphology control in organic solar cells
An international research team has fabricated organic solar cells using non-toxic solvents. The researchers identified interactions between the acceptor material side chains and the solvent, along with interactions between donor and acceptor materials, as key factors for controlling morphology in organic solar cells.
TotalEnergies to acquire Germany’s VSB Group
France’s TotalEnergies is set to buy German renewables company VSB Group for €1.57 billion ($1.65 billion). It has also agreed to sell 50% of a 2 GW solar-plus-storage portfolio in Texas for $800 million.
Malaysian developer to construct 100 MW of solar
Malaysian solar specialist Founder Group Ltd. has secured a conditional letter of award to build 100 MW of solar in Malaysia. It says the energy will help to power an AI data center.
Higher gas costs driving up European electricity prices, says AleaSoft
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says European electricity prices rose last week due to lower wind energy production and higher gas prices. All analyzed markets, except France and the Nordics, recorded average prices above €100 ($104.85)/MWh.
UN invests $700,000 in 120 kW hybrid solar plant in DR Congo
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has invested nearly $700,000 to build a 120 kW hybrid solar plant in Mambasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The community PV project will supply power to more than 300 users, including six health centers, 224 small businesses, and 89 households.
Swiss utility to support more targeted use of solar power with dynamic tariff
Swiss energy company CKW says its new tariff, which will calculate prices according to kilowatts, rather than just kilowatt-hours, will incentivize more targeted use of solar power during the day.
European Commission opens second hydrogen auction
The European Commission’s second hydrogen auction allocates €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) for projects supporting renewable hydrogen production, with €200 million earmarked for projects with off-takers in the maritime sector. Bidding is open until Feb. 20, 2025.
Czech electricity grid to get €400 million upgrade
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €400 million ($420 million) loan to Czech utility ČEZ to upgrade and expand Czechia’s electricity distribution grid. The upgrades are expected to help absorb up to 5.5 GW of new renewable capacity.
