Global heat pump sales rose by 11% in 2022, says IEA
China sold the most heat pumps in the world in 2022, but Europe recorded the highest growth in overall sales, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It says Italy, France, and Germany accounted for almost half of all sales in Europe, and notes that air-to-water heat pumps were the most popular technology.
SMA unveils new commercial battery storage solution
Germany’s SMA has developed a modular lithium-ion solution for commercial storage applications. It comes in two versions, with capacities of 32 kWh and 56 kWh. The two variants feature SMA Sunny Tripower Storage X battery inverters, with up to 8,000 complete charge cycles.
UK government scrutinizing British-Moroccan solar-wind interconnector
The UK government is now evaluating a 3,800-km submarine cable that Xlinks plans to build. It will connect a 10.5 GW wind-solar facility in Morocco to locations in Wales and England. The UK authorities might eventually buy power from the plant via a contract-for-difference scheme.
Ireland to slash VAT on residential PV to 0%
The Irish cabinet plans to present a new measure in its finance bill this week to eliminate value-added tax (VAT) on solar products.
Copper thiocyanate to eliminate moisture leaks in perovskite PV cells
Indian scientists have replaced Spiro-OMeTAD with copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) as a hole-transporting material in a perovskite solar cell. They say that the new precursor can offer the same efficiency levels, while reducing moisture leakage.
Austria launches $16 million rebate scheme for residential storage
Austria’s new incentive program will support the deployment of residential batteries with storage capacities of 4 kWh to 50 kWh.
Spain reports soaring number of hybrid wind-solar projects now under review
Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition says it is now reviewing a significant amount of hybrid wind-solar power projects. The developers include Iberdrola, Acciona, Forestalia, Ignis, and Enel Green Power.
India launches 2 GW solar tender
Developers have until May 10 to submit bids to set up 2 GW of solar capacity anywhere in India, as long as the installations are connected to the interstate transmission system. The projects will be developed on a build-own-operate basis.
Australian manufacturer reveals 1 MWh sodium chloride battery design
Altech Batteries, a battery tech company in Western Australia, has included “game-changing” sodium chloride technology in its new battery 1 MWh GridPack. It said it expects the new systems to be up to 40% cheaper to produce than dominant lithium-ion alternatives.
Fluence introduces utility-scale battery for transmission networks
Storage specialist Fluence has launched Ultrastack, a battery energy storage system (BESS) for storage-as-transmission assets (SATA). It is designed to help network owners and operators to manage renewables curtailment, increase the use of power lines, and limit congestion.
