Cold thermal storage crucial to boosting liquid-air energy storage efficiency
Researchers reviewed 110 studies on cold thermal energy storage in liquid-air energy storage, finding that cold storage performance has a far greater impact on system efficiency than previously assumed. While phase change materials offer high theoretical efficiency gains, simpler packed-bed sensible heat systems are currently the most mature and cost-effective option, with further experimental validation needed to bridge the gap to large-scale deployment.
Prepaid rooftop solar model targets 40% US federal tax credits
US companies SolSource Solutions and TriBeam Financial have launched a prepaid residential solar and storage financing product designed to unlock federal tax credits of up to 40%.
Ground-mounted perovksite solar module testing field goes online in China
The 1 MW testing facility is located in Xuwei New Area, Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. It is designed to generate long-term field data on large-area perovskite modules in coastal conditions.
Alfa Laval to build South Korea’s first large-scale liquid air storage system
Swedish engineering company Alfa Laval and South Korea’s Institute for Advanced Engineering (IAE) plan to build a liquid air energy storage (LAES) facility designed to liquefy up to 10 tons of air per day for long-duration grid balancing.
Enel Colombia’s 180 MW Atlántico solar park starts supplying national grid
Enel Colombia has started transmitting power from its Atlántico solar project near Sabanalarga and Usiacurí, Colombia, featuring more than 403,000 panels and an investment of around $200 million.
Japan adds 5.8 GW of solar in 2025
Estimates indicate Japan added between 5.8 GW and 6 GW of solar last year, likely taking the country past 100 GW of cumulative solar capacity. Last year’s installations were led by the commercial and industrial market, while the residential sector also saw increased demand.
Brazil’s 439 MW Bom Jardim solar site begins testing phase
The Bom Jardim PV complex, a 439 MW solar installation in Icó, Brazil, has begun test operations on four of its 10 plants, with full commercial commissioning expected by December 2027.
AI energy management system to unlock VPP potential
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and installer Aussie Solar Batteries will develop and test AI-driven energy management platforms to optimize solar and battery systems and support virtual power plant (VPP) deployment.
European Commission proposes Made in EU requirements for solar inverters, cells
The Industrial Accelerator Act says solar projects awarded through public procurements or other public support schemes would need to feature Europe-made solar inverters and cells within three years after the act becomes law. For battery energy storage systems, similar requirements would be introduced using a phased approach from one year after the act enters force.
Heliup raises €16 million to scale lightweight solar panel production
French solar manufacturer Heliup has raised €16 million ($18.6 million) to scale production of lightweight solar panels designed for commercial and industrial rooftops with low load-bearing capacity.
