Articles written by Petra Hannen

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ITRPV: Global solar module shipments reached 706 GW in 2025 Global shipments of photovoltaic modules slightly exceeded the previous year’s level in 2025. The latest edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) highlights ongoing consolidation of cell technologies, alongside continued progress in material efficiency and manufacturing processes.
Petra Hannen
Jun 25, 2026
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German startup building vertical air-to-water heat pump The vertical air-to-water heat pump is expected to supply heat to the Klimacampus Bremen and neighboring artist studios.
Petra Hannen
Jun 03, 2026
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Solar and wind generated more electricity globally than gas power for the first time in April At 531 TWh, electricity generated from wind and solar reached a new global record in April 2026, according to energy think tank Ember. Gas-fired power plants supplied 477 TWh.
Petra Hannen
May 22, 2026
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Iran conflict boosts interest in short-term PPAs in Europe According to Montel, energy consumers in Europe are seeking to hedge against price volatility and supply shocks amid rising geopolitical tensions. The report said the hedging value is highest in short-term PPAs.
Petra Hannen
May 22, 2026
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German companies launch ‘world’s largest’ plug-in PV system Indielux and EPP Solar have released the “world’s largest” plug-in PV system, a 6 kW unit with a power storage option that connects to existing electrical setups via a safety plug. It is available in Germany, France, Austria, Poland, and Spain.
Petra Hannen
Nov 05, 2024
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Fraunhofer ISE developing lithium extraction processes in Germany The ThermIon project is intended to take into account the entire process chain from the pretreatment of the brine to lithium extraction and lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide crystallization to the controlled return of the brine. The new process is intended to be both environmentally friendly and economical.
Petra Hannen
Oct 31, 2024
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SMA Altenso to build 92.5 MW battery park in Germany MEAG, the asset manager of Munich Re and Ergo Group, has acquired all shares in the ready-to-build storage project in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. SMA Altenso is to provide the full EPC and O&M services for the battery park, which is scheduled to go online in the second half of 2025.
Petra Hannen
Oct 31, 2024
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Researchers extend lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries The method developed at the Technical University of Munich is intended to make several hundred thousand charge and discharge cycles possible in the future instead of a few thousand. A special protective layer for the zinc anodes of the batteries is crucial.
Petra Hannen
Oct 30, 2024
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German researchers develop highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyzer The new electrolyzer is designed to match the performance of established PEM electrolyzers. Its anode catalyst consists of inexpensive nickel double hydroxide compounds with iron, cobalt or manganese.
Petra Hannen
Oct 29, 2024