India’s energy storage market set for breakout year in 2026
After a record year for energy storage tenders in 2025, projects awarded since mid-2023 are expected to begin commissioning in 2026, reflecting typical development timelines of 18 to 24 months.
Thicker alumunium oxide layers can reduce ultraviolet-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells
UNSW researchers developed an experimentally validated model linking UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells to hydrogen transport, charge trapping, and permanent structural changes in the passivation stack. They show that thicker aluminum oxide layers significantly improve UV resilience by limiting hydrogen migration, offering clear guidance for more robust TOPCon designs.
Japanese companies to build world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy will construct a 40,000 cubic meter vessel designed to meet global hydrogen demand in the 2030s.
Semi-transparent photovoltaics cost-competitive only up to 50% transparency
Researchers from Spain found that semi-transparent PV systems are commercially viable only up to about 50% transparency, as higher transparency sharply reduces efficiency and increases system costs. Their analysis shows that declining power density, and not balance-of-system or financing factors, is the main driver of higher LCOE, even in high-irradiation regions.
Corrosion-free bromine flow battery promises longer life and higher energy density
A new two-electron bromine chemistry sharply cuts corrosion while boosting performance, opening a clearer path for zinc–bromine flow batteries at grid scale.
Rising silver prices drive China’s Longi shift to copper-metallized solar cells
China’s Longi says it will begin mass production of base-metal PV modules in the second quarter of 2026 as rising silver prices intensify pressure to reduce metallization costs.
Germany adds 17.5 GW of solar in 2025
Germany installed about 17.5 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, taking cumulative installations past 117 GW by year end, according to preliminary data from the German Solar Association.
Spain opens €90 million funding round for 7 GWh of pumped hydro storage
Spain will provide €90 million ($105.3 million) in funding for nearly 1 GW of pumped hydro projects, adding 7 GWh of long-duration energy storage (LDES) by 2035. Each project will be eligible for a maximum €50 million grant and all work must be completed by June 30, 2035.
US state repurposes wastewater land for 250 MW solar plant
Consumers Energy has switched on a 250 MW solar project in western Michigan built on an active municipal wastewater treatment site, using a dedicated 138 kV grid connection.
Fox ESS rolls out stackable battery system
Chinese manufacturer Fox ESS has launched a 5.99 kWh capacity modular battery energy storage system that can be scaled up to 83.86 kWh per stack.
