Technology and R&D

Scientists in Belgium have developed a way to assess elevated agrivoltaic projects, by calculating key performance indicators such as energy yield and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). They have found that shade-tolerant crops such as potatoes could potentially be paired with around 1,290 GW of PV capacity in Europe.

An international research team has developed a new way to evaluate the economic value of energy storage technologies. They went beyond pure cost assumptions to consider the benefits that such technologies could bring to energy systems.

The use of waste heat from hydrogen production in district heating could increase the attractiveness of green hydrogen, according to new research from Sweden.

US scientists have tested a range of modern cell designs under strong ultraviolet light and have found that many of them, including p-type PERC and n-type heterojunction cells, are more susceptible to degradation than older back surface field designs. They noted that the rear side of bifacial cells may be particularly vulnerable.

GlobalData has predicted that the global electrolyzer market will hit 8.52 GW by 2026. BP and Thyssenkrupp have agreed to cooperate on the use of hydrogen in the steel sector, while electrolyzer supplier Nel Hydrogen has secured orders in Australia and Denmark.

The heat pump markets with the highest growth in Europe last year were Poland, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Norway, France, and Germany.

Researchers in Egypt have studied the use of solar power and anaerobic digestion for a 6,300-square-meter farm capable of housing 200 head of milk/beef cattle. They found that this combination could achieve a cost of energy of $0.0226/kWh.

China’s Cando-solar Photoelectric Technology said its newest solar panel has a power output of up to 425 W and a power conversion efficiency of up to 22.1%. Its temperature coefficient is -0.24% per degree Celsius.

Ion Storage System’s $30 million capital raising will go toward scaling up its solid-state battery cell production facility in the US state of Maryland, with aims to produce 10 MWh per year by the end of 2023, for a range of applications.

With a strong focus on solar and battery energy storage and their role in decarbonization right throughout the European continent and economy, this year’s pv magazine Roundtables Europe focused on how green electrons, jobs, and manufacturing can deliver a cleaner, freer future for Europe. The first five sessions are now available to view on demand.