Zinc batteries: Redflow teams with Stanwell on 400 MWh project, e-Zinc secures $31m commercialization funding
Australian zinc bromide flow battery specialist Redflow has struck a partnership with Queensland state-owned generation company Stanwell to work together on the development of a non-lithium long-duration battery energy storage solution for use in a 400 MWh project. Meanwhile, Toronto long duration energy storage specialist e-Zinc has secured $31 million which will go towards developement and completion of its pilot manufacturing facility in Mississauga, Ontario.
Bolivian president ties coup attempt to nation’s lithium interests
Bolivian soldiers sparked controversy last week by questioning President Luis Arce, prompting allies of the ruling party, including former President Evo Morales, to describe the incident as a “self-coup.” However, Arce has blamed the the situation on entities interested in exploiting Bolivia’s lithium reserves.
SolarDuck, RWE install offshore floating solar pilot in North Sea
RWE and SolarDuck have built a 0.5 MWp offshore floating solar pilot project in the North Sea, 12 km off the Dutch coast. The installation features six interconnected platforms capable of withstanding extreme offshore conditions.
South Africa imposes 10% import tariff on solar panels
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has imposed a 10% import tariff on solar panels to protect local manufacturers, attract investment, and deepen the value chain. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association has questioned the lack of formal industry engagement, calling the timing “not ideal.”
Colombia’s PV capacity hits 1.2 GW
Colombia’s Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) says the country’s PV capacity has reached 1,193 MW. The nation surpassed the 1 GW threshold several weeks ago with the commissioning of two large-scale solar facilities.
Imminent introduction of perovskite-silicon tandems is unlikely, says Prof. Martin Green
At SNEC 2024 in Shanghai, pv magazine spoke with Martin Green, Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales and solar cell technology expert. He said perovskite-silicon tandem technologies still have a long way to go before reaching commercial maturity and predicts silicon-based technologies will still dominate the market for many years. He also sees potential for copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) solar cells and other absorber materials. “Until we don’t solve the stability issues with perovskite, is good to have other candidates,” he stated.
Optimal size ratios for solar, wind-powered hydrogen production
Researchers in Italy outlined a new model for estimating hydrogen production cost as a function of the plant’s component sizes. They tested both PV, wind, and hybrid production of hydrogen to determine the optimal size ratio for the 2030-2050 period. They also found that PV-powered hydrogen may currently achieve a levelized cost of hydrogen of €5.11/kg in Italy, with a PV ratio of 2.2.
Canada’s B.C. Hydro to offer solar, battery rebates
Homeowners in the Canadian province of British Columbia who install rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems will soon be able to apply for up to CAD 10,000 ($7,341) in rebates from electric utility B.C. Hydro.
Sulzer supplies molten salt pumps for 100 MW solar tower in China
Sulzer, a Switzerland-based fluid engineering specialist, has supplied molten salt pumps for a 100 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) project in China. The facility is designed to provide solar power 24 hours a day.
United Kingdom breaks 16 GW barrier for solar deployment
Revised figures reveal UK solar capacity surpassed 16 GW in 2023, thanks to the inclusion of the newly available distribution network operator (DNO). Provisional figures for the first quarter of 2024 show the pace of new capacity lagging the same period in 2023.
