Technology and R&D

Scientists in Australia have developed an optimization framework for building-integrated photovoltaics that allows the selection of design variables according to user preferences. Their model considers PV-related features such as tilt angle, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), PV placement, and PV product type, as well as objective functions and constraints such as the net present value and the payback period.

Adani and Canadian PEM fuel cell producer Ballard Power Systems will examine various co-operation opportunities including fuel cell production.

Madagascar-based Filatex has invested €10 million in French flywheel storage system manufacturer Energiestro. The two companies are planning to deploy Energiestro’s flywheel storage solutions across Madagascar and Mauritius

Australian technology company Lavo’s innovative energy storage system – based on storing green hydrogen in a patented metal hydride – has attracted the attention of the UK government which has provided financial backing to allow for a demonstration facility to be installed in England’s northwest.

Australia’s only solar panel manufacturer, has launched its first module designed specifically for utility-scale projects, the 545W Karra module. Australia-made, the module boasts a 23.1% cell efficiency with a low cell-to-module loss rate of 0.07%.

One of France’s largest canal networks is set to host four PV systems totaling 12MW of generation capacity. The arrays are expected to occupy a total canal surface with a length of 5,420m and to generate a total of 19GWh per year.

HyET Solar and the Delft University of Technology are developing a photovoltaic foil technology that is claimed to be suitable for any type of surface. The solar foil has a 12.0% conversion efficiency and is based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon and nanocrystalline silicon in a tandem cell configuration.

British start-up Gravitricity secured funds from the UK Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to build its second gravity-based storage project. The feasibility study is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.

NTPC has invited bids to carry out a feasibility study for canal-top, elevated module mounting structures and floating solar at its Tanda thermal power station in the Ambedkar Nagar district.

The floater consists of a structure made of HDPE plastic which is claimed to withstand waves of up to 3m and currents of up to 2m/s. According to the manufacturer — Austrian tech company SolOcean — the floating structure can be used for either onshore or offshore projects.