Australia

Controlling the crystallization process of perovskite thin films is one of the most challenging aspects for upscaling solar tech, but an Australian research team claims to have made a breakthrough by creating next-generation PV cells with the potential to rival the durability of silicon alternatives.

Australian modular solar manufacturer 5B has secured a $13.7 million (AUD 20 million) investment from the venture capital arm of British energy giant bp, which will allow it to accelerate the development of its preassembled, relocatable modular solar technology.

Researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) have unveiled a new online tool to identify the best possible locations for the development of new large-scale wind and solar farms.

Researchers from RMIT University and the University of Melbourne claim that high-frequency vibrations can release 14 times more hydrogen than standard electrolysis techniques. The discovery has ramifications for the expensive, rare materials currently used in electrolyzers.

University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers in Australia have discovered a low-cost way to stabilize perovskite solar cells with a triple function additive. Perovskite cells have shown the best stability results with it so far.

Germany has announced plans to sign long-term green ammonia purchase agreements, in addition to strengthening its ties with Australia. Repsol and Fusion Fuel, meanwhile, are advancing their hydrogen projects on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has urged the Australian government to develop a domestic solar manufacturing industry. A new report warns that the high concentration of global silicon and PV cell supply chains pose real risks to the national energy security.

A Chinese-Australian research group has created a new sodium-sulfur battery that purportedly provides four times the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries. They say it is far cheaper to produce and offers the potential to dramatically reduce energy storage costs.

China’s Trina Solar has developed an upgraded version of its Vertex S All Black PV module, with about 30 W of additional output. It is offering the new product on the Australian market.

The Australian state of Queensland’s push to source 70% of its energy supplies from renewables by 2032 has received a boost with the completion of the 162 MW Columboola Solar Farm.