Helmholtz Center achieves 21.6% for perovskite CIGS tandem solar cell
The German researchers were able to improve the efficiency through a simplified production process.
Latest figures confirm large-scale solar is dormant in the UK
An encouraging number of new installations at the end of 2018 was almost entirely accounted for by the smallest household systems and is probably down to the looming end of the FIT program, which appears to typify the story of British solar to date.
E.on’s acquisition of Innogy would create customer energy data monopoly, claims rival utility
The planned acquisition of RWE subsidiary Innogy’s sales and network business, would make E.on the largest electricity supplier to two-thirds of Germany with a 70% market share in its distribution network. That is the finding of analysis conducted by consulting firm LBD on behalf of rival power firm Lichtblick.
Chad announces 120 MW solar project
The plant is set to be built in two phases by UAE-based Amea Power, and will provide electricity to state-owned utility Société Nationale d’Électricité.
DEWA begins work on hydrogen facility at Rashid Al Maktoum park
Only three months after issuing the project tender, the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority is building the plant with the support of Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens.
Tokyo Gas invests further in solar and creates JV for storage
The acquisition of a 4.8 MW solar plant in the Kyoto prefecture and creation of a joint venture with Japanese storage specialist Exergy are part of the group’s 2020 plan to diversify its business into renewables and acquire 1 GW of capacity in them.
Uzbekistan launches 100 MW solar tender for southwest
State-owned energy company Uzbekenergo has issued a request for pre-qualification for the projects, planned for the Navoiy region in southwestern Uzbekistan. The tender process is expected to be finalized by the end of June.
Solar rail and roads in the UK to get financial shot in the arm
The Department for Transport has announced funding for research projects which could help decarbonize Britain’s railways and generate power from roads and footpaths. Previously explored with limited success, it is hoped the research will push the frontiers of the field and give a fresh impetus to Britain’s ailing solar sector.
The weekend read: The untapped potential of the MENA region
The region’s climate, developing economies and demographic growth are driving increased electricity demand in the Middle East and North Africa. However, as a hub of conventional energy supply, the region has been slow to embrace PV. To capture more of the value chain and deliver the full potential of solar, there are increasing calls for distributed generation deployment to play a bigger role.
Tesla dives deeper into energy storage, as solar slumps
Elon Musk’s company is seeing tremendous success with its EVs and global manufacturing, as well as dramatically scaling its energy storage deployment. However the Solar Roof is still not being widely deployed.
