Schüco warns of more solar modules with defective backsheets
Schüco has expanded its recent warning letter about potential solar panel defects to include more products. The new list includes PV modules the company delivered between 2010 and 2014.
Offshore wind farm in North Sea to host 5 MW floating PV plant
SolarDuck, an offshore solar developer in the Netherlands, has been chosen to build a 5 MW floating PV project with energy storage. It aims to start operations in 2026.
Swiss startup builds ground-mounted solar thermal power plant in Netherlands
Switzerland-based TVP Solar is applying the typical business model of utility-scale PV plants to its new project in the Netherlands. The project will inject heat into the Dutch heating network at temperatures ranging from 69 C to 93 C and under a 30-year heat purchase agreement.
The Hydrogen Stream: Africa could become key green hydrogen market by 2050, says Masdar
Masdar says Africa’s annual hydrogen exports could hit 40 million tons by 2050, while Israeli researchers have published a new study on the discharge characteristics of oxidized intermediates formed under water photo-oxidation conditions.
The economic case for heat pumps in Poland
A new Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) study shows there is a strong economic case for owning and operating heat pumps in Poland, which was Europe’s fastest-growing market in 2021. Air-to-water heat pumps cost about €8,000 ($8,210) in the country, with lifetime operating costs estimated at €12,500.
How to protect BESS to increase reliability and maximize return on investments
Electrical overcurrent, ground faults, arc-flash, and transient overvoltage are major concerns for battery energy storage system (BESS) operators and owners. To protect the system and extend the life of the equipment, a comprehensive circuit protection strategy is necessary. But selecting and implementing an appropriate one is no easy business. In this pv magazine Webinar, we will be exploring key components of the battery energy storage system, understand different types of architecture, learn how to design in safety with circuit protection, and discover real-world examples utilizing circuit protection to increase reliability, system efficiencies, and ROI.
French government sets up PPA guarantee fund for renewables
The French government has revealed that French lender Bpifrance will manage a fund to guarantee power purchase agreements for up to 500 MW of cumulative installed capacity.
World’s first utility-scale, rock-based storage facility goes online in Italy
Enel is testing a 24 MWh thermal energy storage system that could be used for seasonal renewables storage. The facility uses rocks that store excess energy as heat, then releases that heat to generate steam for electricity.
Sun-tracking mounting structure for agrivoltaics
Italy’s Rem Tec has developed a rotating mounting structure for agrivoltaics. It is reportedly ideal for flat surfaces with a maximum slope of 3%, and is designed to produce a dynamic, controlled shadow on the ground.
Wärtsilä releases 12.4 MW grid-balancing engine
Finland’s Wärtsilä has unveiled its next-generation grid balancing technology. It has an efficiency of 52.3% and can be used for baseload production. It connects to the grid in 30 seconds and operates on natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen blends.
