Improving magnesium-based batteries with chaos
Researchers have found strong anodic activity in disordered particles of magnesium chromium oxide. Unlike conventional, ordered nanocrystals, the disordered particles reportedly achieved reversible magnesium extraction and insertion.
Eni completes solar project on chemical industry site
The Italian oil super major says its latest, 31 MW facility takes it to 80 MW of installed capacity across 13 solar plants in five Italian regions. Some 70% of the power generated by the new project will be used by Eni chemicals subsidiary Versalis.
Parent company of Algerian module maker Condor reported to have filed for insolvency
The electronics manufacturer has a 130 MW capacity module production facility.
The psychology of climate-change denial – we’re all on the spectrum
With fire-extinguishing rain on the east coast, coronavirus flagged an urgent threat and PM Scott Morrison drumming up support for technology and free-market forces to beat climate change, it all made for a weekend to shake the resolve of some Australians to act on their carbon emissions. Understanding the psychology of how we perceive risk and commit to action can help us focus and keep fighting the fight.
New impetus for Ghana’s solar ambitions
The government has announced 17 MW of utility scale solar is under construction and the Ministry of Energy is seeking consultants to help promote mini-grids and solar net metering.
Silicon heterojunction solar cell hits 23.5% efficiency with new hole-selective contact
Researchers from Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have used molybdenum oxide as the hole-selective contact in an heterojuction silicon cell. The scientists claim the compound can compete with traditional contacts despite a lower level of optimization.
Is fair lithium from Chile possible?
Batteries, and the raw materials that make them, are a frequent target of public criticism. The high water consumption required for lithium extraction is speeding up desertification around the salt lakes of Latin America’s “lithium triangle”, for example. The mining debate highlights general problems with the extraction of raw materials including copper, crude oil and lithium but international companies can still influence extraction methods – and there are plenty of different approaches.
Solar and wind generation outpaced coal in Europe last year
Renewables generated more electricity than coal in the EU for the first time ever in 2019, driving the sharpest reduction in the European power sector’s carbon emissions in three decades, according to a new report.
Greece’s second PV-wind auction to tender 500 MW in April
Energy regulator the RAE has said the country will host its second joint PV and wind capacity auction on April 2.
European battery providers mindful of possible coronavirus shortages as LG Chem halts production in China
Storage system providers in Europe have told pv magazine output has thus far been unaffected by the virus outbreak in China. Manufacturers are aware, however, the situation may change rapidly if self-isolation measures taken by the authorities continue.
