Draghi says EU cleantech industry doesn’t need simple solutions
Italian economist Mario Draghi says European countries are legitimately using local-content requirements to maintain technological sovereignty. In a new report on the EU cleantech industry, he warns about the risk of following the United States in closing off markets to Chinese technology.
Japanese scientists build heterojunction solar cell based on titanium dioxide, selenium
Scientists in Japan developed a 4.49%-efficient solar cell based on titanium dioxide and selenium. The devices is based on a new approach aimed at reducing interfacial recombination and increasing open-circuit voltage and efficiency.
Intersolar South America underscores Brazil’s solar growth, tech innovation
The Intersolar South America trade show drew 650 exhibitors and 55,000 visitors in August, highlighting industry growth with new pavilions on storage and electric mobility. Brazil is on track to reach 47.2 GW of installed solar capacity by the end of this year, with 11 GW of new PV capacity additions, according to Brazilian PV association ABsolar.
Ecostal Group acquires Solexis
Ecostal Group, a B2B solar specialist, has acquired Swiss PV equipment distributor Solexis. The group says the merger will expand its operations in Switzerland.
Midea presents 4.5 kW residential heat pump
The Chinese manufacturer said its new propane heat pump doesn’t need an outdoor unit and is able to operate with temperatures down to -20 C.
Actis invests in 3.5 GW/4.5 GWh of solar-plus-storage in Philippines
Private equity investor Actis has become a strategic partner in a 3.5 GW/4.5 GWh solar-plus-storage project in the Philippines. The project is poised to become the world’s largest integrated renewables and energy storage installation upon completion. Actis is investing $600 million for a 40% equity stake.
Clime Capital invests $10 million in PV developer in Philippines
Singapore-based fund manager Clime Capital is investing up to $10 million in Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP). The money will go toward supporting commercial and industrial (C&I) and utility-scale solar deployment.
India proposes ALMM mandate for solar cells from April
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has started accepting feedback on draft guidelines for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells. The MNRE plans to implement the guidelines from April 2026.
Lightweight ventilated BIPV system for low-load rooftop applications
Scientists in China have designed a ventilated building-integrated photovoltaic system that relies on flexible solar modules with a weight of 6 kg/m2. The system also uses an airflow channel under the PV panels to reduce their operating temperature and increase their power yield.
Bolivia picks companies from China, Italy, France, Australia for lithium projects
The Bolivian National Strategic Public Company for Lithium Deposits (YLB) says it has selected companies from China, Italy, France, and Australia to negotiate lithium exploitation projects and evaluate their mineral processing proposals.
