Hydraulic robotic cleaning solutions for ground-mounted solar plants
France’s AX Solar Robot has unveiled two battery-free, hydraulic-powered cleaning solutions for ground-mounted PV plants. It is also distributing a modular battery-powered solution suitable for rooftop installations.
Solid-state hydrogen storage techniques at a glance
Scientists compared hydrogen storage techniques and found that physical methods are closer to commercial feasibility, while materials-based techniques have strong potential.
France publishes new specifications for 17 renewables tender
France’s energy regulator has published an update of the specifications for 17 renewable energy tenders, adapted to facilitate the rapid deployment of projects in the context of energy and the pandemic. The proposed adjustments are applicable to winners of all periods, from Sept. 1, 2022, provided that they submit a request to the energy ministry.
Airbus solar airplane crashes after 64 days of flying
The 25-meter-wide Airbus solar drone, which is remotely controlled by satellite, is entirely covered with PV modules.
The Hydrogen Stream: Dye-sensitized photocatalyst promises most efficient solar water splitting to date
Japanese researchers have developed a new way to improve water splitting, while South Korea has completed its largest hydrogen production complex. Scotland and England have announced new hydrogen investments, and Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power have agreed to collaborate on hydrogen projects.
BayWa r.e. to develop hybrid solar-storage-hydrogen project in France
The Community of Communes of Haute-Saintonge on the mid-Atlantic coast of France has picked BayWa r.e. to develop an innovative hybrid project on the site of the Pôle Mécanique de la Haute Saintonge.
TotalEnergies, InVivo switch on vertical agrivoltaic system in France
TotalEnergies said its new 111 kW pilot facility in France will show the impact of solar panels on agricultural yield, while also shedding light on biodiversity, carbon storage, and water quality.
France publishes new FITs for PV systems up to 500 kW
France’s new tariffs range from €0.1951 ($0.1984)/kWh for installations below 3 kW in size to €0.1068/kWh for arrays ranging in capacity from 100 kW to 500 kW.
KKR acquires 83.44% stake in Albioma
The transaction is part of KKR’s expansion strategy in the renewable energy sector.
Photovoltaic micro-inverter based on gallium nitride transistors
Scientists from France’s CEA-Ines developed a 400 W micro-inverter with a power density of 1.1 kW/L and an efficiency of 97%. The device utilizes GaN 600V diodes and power transistors developed by CEA’s electronic branch CEA-Leti.
