Kuwait to test crystalline and CIGS modules side-by-side
The Kuwait Shagaya Renewable Energy Project will install crystalline silicon PV modules alongside CIGS thin film, to test the technologies at PV power plant scale in a 10 MW facility. Japan’s Solar Frontier has announced it will be supplying 5 MW of modules to the facility.
Energy Watch Group releases PV graphics to again highlight IEAs unrealistic renewable scenarios
Following its comment in September that the International Energy Agency (IEA) is “holding back” global renewable expansion by consistently underestimating its supply potential, the Energy Watch Group (EWG) has now released graphics highlighting the shortfalls in the agencys solar PV projections.
COP21: Coalition of billionaires, 20 governments pledge increased clean energy investment
Under two initiatives aiming to work in tandem, an international coalition of billionaires, including Microsofts Bill Gates, Alibabas Jack Ma, and African Rainbow Minerals Patrice Motsepe have pledged to channel their cash into clean energy alongside 20 governments, which have said theyll double investment in clean energy innovation. Solar, energy storage, and efficiency will be key focus areas.
The world could be 100% renewable by 2050
Researchers from Stanford University have layed out exactly how the planet could forego fossil fuel and nuclear power and adopt renewable energy across the board.
Underwater solar cells turn greenhouse gases into 'solar fuel'
The process could one day play a key role in fighting climate change. The engineers have also provided design principles to help the photovoltaic industry build energy-efficient, corrosion-protected solar cells for other purposes.
DOE: New report paves way for energy future
Solar PV power has increased tenfold over the past four years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review.
Swiss team develops low-temperature deposition for transparent perovskite
Researchers have developed a method to produce perovskite PV cells at low temperature, which does not result in a device exhibiting hysteretic current-voltage behavior. The technique employs a semi-transparent indium oxide rear electrode and when incorporated into a CIGS tandem device has achieved 20.5% conversion efficiency.
FOE: Finance for 100% renewables exist, but policies are absent
In a new report, Friends of the Earth (FOE) calculates that switching to 100% renewable energy in Africa, Latin America and most of Asia by 2030 would cost US$5.15 trillion equivalent to the amount held by the worlds 782 wealthiest people. It concludes the financing for transforming the energy landscape exists, but that the political will is “shockingly” absent. Solar, meanwhile, is envisaged as playing a key role.
US Energy Department: US$22.7 million for 23 solar tech projects
The new government program is aimed at supporting projects with the potential to significantly reduce the costs for solar energy systems while also boosting U.S. competitiveness and strengthening the country’s clean energy manufacturing sector.
German research reveals keys to "perpetual youth" batteries
Researchers from Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM) have discovered key processes by which lithium ion batteries lose capacity. The scientists believe that battery life can be enhanced through adjusting the process by which lithium ion batteries form a pacifying layer on graphite anodes or by carrying out modifications on the cathode surface.
