Big batteries overshadow residential rollout in Australia
Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a notable shift with new data from market analyst Sunwiz showing a record surge in utility-scale battery energy storage projects above 10 MWh in 2023, while residential and commercial installations also reached new highs.
UK records 189,000 new solar installations for 2023
Independent Advisor Solar says there were 189,826 MCS-certified solar installations in the United Kingdom last year, up 37.5% year on year. The researchers have also identified the 10 regions with the most solar panels installations to date.
Tender opens for solar, storage in Togo
The World Bank’s Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project is funding a tender for solar and storage in Togo, with a bid deadline of June 4.
Ivory Coast inaugurates 37.5 MW solar plant
The authorities in the Ivory Coast have completed a 37.5 MW solar plant, with a second development phase now underway to increase its capacity to 80 MW.
Feasibility study assesses PV plants for Ukrainian hospitals, water facilities
A new study by the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine assesses the feasibility of 37 solar projects proposed at hospitals and water supply facilities in 18 Ukrainian cities. It shows the potential to generate around 16 million kWh of clean energy if fully implemented, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Fuji Electric launches high-power module for large power converters
The Japanese manufacturer said its latest power semiconductor module is based on a compact insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and is designed for large capacity industrial power converters voltage of 2,300 V.
Fortescue opens 2 GW electrolyzer factory
Fortescue has officially opened a 2 GW hydrogen electrolyzer factory in Australia and has followed that by also confirming plans to set up a 50 MW green hydrogen production plant in the state of Queensland.
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaic system for medical support
A spinoff of Germany’s Fraunhofer Gesellschaft has developed a compact vehicle-integrated PV system integrated with medical support equipment to provide off-grid, off-road mobile healthcare in rural communities. The PV modules with integrated energy management system supply all the electricity required for maintaining a cold chain for vaccines, medicines and samples.
Microsoft signs two large solar power purchase agreements
The software giant entered into two power purchase agreements for a total of 400 MW of solar energy from Texas solar plants.
Weekend Read: A battery worth its salt
While lithium ion battery prices are falling again, interest in sodium ion (Na-ion) energy storage has not waned. With a global ramp-up of cell manufacturing capacity under way, it remains unclear whether this promising technology can tip the scales on supply and demand.
