Technology and R&D

The Norwegian industrial heat pump specialist said its HoegTemp system has a heat supply capacity of 0.2 MW to 5 MW and a coefficient of performance above 2 at high lifts.

Researchers in China have developed a dipolar passivation method that reduces defects and improves charge transport in solar cells based on narrow-bandgap tin lead perovskite. The approach has enabled the fabrication of all-perovskite tandem solar cells with efficiencies of around 30% and enhanced stability,

Heritage buildings face mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions, but traditional solar panels often clash with their historic appearance and face public resistance. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a discreet alternative, blending solar technology into roofing materials and enabling wider adoption across protected sites. As UK policy increasingly supports solar on historic buildings, BIPV presents a scalable solution that reconciles climate action with architectural preservation.

South Korean solar inverter makers have jointly launched a new association of inverter manufacturers to coordinate domestic production, safeguard local expertise, and address import-driven market issues and grid stability challenges.

EWE says construction has started on its 320 MW hydrogen plant in Germany as it seeks regulatory reforms, while Japan Suiso Energy and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have broken ground on a commercial-scale liquefied hydrogen terminal set to begin operations in 2030.

Offered primarily as a 10 MW unit, the new product is also available in a 5.5 MW version for customers with specific requirements.

Enowatt says its modular, demountable photovoltaic structures allow companies to deploy solar capacity on existing sites without major building reinforcement, using ballasted units that install directly on asphalt.

Spanish manufacturer Sumcab says its new ToughGround and Overground cables are designed for underground and overhead photovoltaic systems throughout the world, offering durability, rapid installation, and a 30-year lifespan.

Italian research agency Enea has created a web tool that assesses the feasibility of replacing residential gas boilers with heat pumps by providing an estimate of the potential energy and economic savings. The app also provides information on the technical specifications of the photovoltaic system necessary to meet the heat pump’s electricity demand.

A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) notes that while it is still uncertain whether sodium-ion batteries will become a disruptive alternative to lithium-ion technology, they could offer significant cost-saving opportunities in applications such as electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage.