Australia accelerates approval for 25 GW of renewables projects
More than 16 GW of solar and wind generation and approximately 6 GW of energy storage projects could benefit from an accelerated environmental approvals process as the Australian government works to deliver critical infrastructure needed to achieve its clean energy targets, including 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
Carrier introduces residential R32 air-to-water heat pump
The new product features a coefficient of performance of 4.9 and sound levels of 52–56 db(A).
The Hydrogen Stream: Morocco approves $32.5 billion of green hydrogen projects
The Moroccan government has approved six projects by a range of foreign companies, while the European Hydrogen Bank’s second auction for renewable hydrogen production has attracted 61 bids from projects in 11 countries.
Vikram Solar to enter solid-state battery manufacturing
Indian PV manufacturer Vikram Solar says it plans to open a 1 GWh fully integrated solid-state cell and battery factory, expandable up to 5 GWh.
Iberdrola switches on 210 GWh Spanish pumped hydro-battery project
Iberdrola Spain has started commissioning the 225 MW Valdecañas pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) plant, which is hybridized with a 15 MW/7.5 MWh battery energy storage system.
Tesla lands tax abatement for Texas Megapack factory
County officials in Texas have approved a tax abatement for Tesla to build a factory for its Megapack utility-scale storage product in the Lone Star State. The final approval is conditional on an agreement with city authorities.
Daikin unveils air-to-water heat pump for commercial buildings
The new heat pump series uses propane as the refrigerant and can reportedly provide hot water up to 75 C.
Fortress Power introduces 9.6 kWh stackable home battery
The battery stacks up to three units for 28.8 kWh and is rated for 8000 cycles at a 70% depth-of-discharge.
Global battery industry enters new phase, says IEA
The industry will reach the 1 TWh demand milestone in 2024, with China producing more than three-quarters of the batteries sold globally. The concentration of the production chain in the country has led to a fall in costs and a possible technological shift with the focus on LFP batteries. Cooperation between countries can be strategic to diversify the battery production chain and create sustained demand, assesses the International Energy Agency.
Somalia kicks off solar-plus-storage tender
The Somali government is running a tender for the development of a 12 MW solar/36 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the northeastern part of the country. The deadline for applications is May 5.
