World’s largest pumped storage power plant fully operational in China
The plant features 12 reversible pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 300 MW, including two variable-speed units, bringing the total installed capacity to 3.6 GW.
Chile has 15 GW of energy storage under environmental permitting
The Chilean Association of Renewable Energy and Storage (Acera) says 3 GW of energy storage projects have gotten off the ground and another 15 GW are at the environmental permitting stage.
New rules allow VPPs to compete in Australia’s energy market from 2027
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a final determination to allow virtual power plants (VPPs) to compete directly with large-scale generators in the energy market, scheduled to begin in 2027.
Korean scientists build PV-powered supercapacitor with 35.5 Wh/kg energy density
Scientists in Korea have fabricated a solar-powered charging device that can reportedly achieve a power density of 2,555.6 W kg and an energy efficiency of 63%. The system uses nickel-based compounds to enhance the electrochemical performance of its electrodes.
Phnix releases PV-ready heat pumps for commercial buildings
The Chinese manufacturer said the latest version of its Phnix HeatMaster heat pump series enables seamless integration with PV arrays. The systems have a coefficient of performance of up to 5 and can reach an outlet water temperature of 75 C.
New simulation tool maps existing, planned district heating networks
Researchers in Germany have developed a simulation software tool that visualizes heat flows in existing district heating networks and is capable of predicting load peaks. It can also be used to help plan and commission new grids.
Storing photovoltaic-thermal energy with volcanic tuff stones
Scientists in China have used ground heat exchangers based on volcanic tuff stones to improve storage capabilities and efficiency of photovoltaic-thermal systems. Their experiments showed that the proposed combination effectively improves PV module cooling and thermal efficiency.
Australian researchers question lack of solar microgrids in remote areas
Researchers from four Australian universities have released a new paper questioning why solar microgrids are not the norm in remote central Australia.
EcoFlow launches residential energy management system
At CES 2025, EcoFlow has launched its Oasis energy management platform, which uses AI to optimize home energy consumption, storage, and solar power use.
Spanish startup deploys utility-scale batteries made from used EV devices
The Port of Alicante will install three 7 MW systems, each comprised of hundreds of 14 kW modules assembled by Spanish startup GDV.
