The Hydrogen Stream: Algeria, EU nations plan Southern Hydrogen Corridor
Algeria, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia have agreed to develop the Southern Hydrogen Corridor linking North Africa and Europe, while Sungrow Hydrogen has signed a deal to supply electrolysis gear for ACME’s 320 MW green ammonia project in Oman.
Reducing silver use in heterojunction solar cells via low-cost copper wires
A research team in Germany has proposed to use direct wire bonding to reduce silver consumption in heterojunction solar cells. The scientists used low-cost copper wires as electrodes with conductive paste applied in discrete pads to replace the traditional metallization and interconnection process.
All renewables PPA structures at a glance
German scientists have identified 18 typologies of power purchase agreements for the renewable energy market. Their research is intended to support policymakers, scientists and investors in implementing their own PPA analysis and choices.
Swiss company Synhelion to start producing solar fuels in Spain in 2027
The company has signed a long-term purchase agreement for solar gasoline with AMAG Group, which will purchase 50,000 liters of solar gasoline per year from Synhelion’s RISE plant in Spain starting in 2027.
Germany deploys 16.2 GW of solar in 2024
Germany installed 16.2 GW of solar in 2024, bringing total PV capacity to 99.3 GW by the end of December 2024, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
New simulation tool maps existing, planned district heating networks
Researchers in Germany have developed a simulation software tool that visualizes heat flows in existing district heating networks and is capable of predicting load peaks. It can also be used to help plan and commission new grids.
China’s Haitian Group to buy PV business from Heraeus for $68.6 million
China’s Haitian Group has agreed to acquire Heraeus’ photovoltaic silver paste business for $68.6 million, including 100% equity in Heraeus Photovoltaics (Shanghai), Heraeus Photovoltaic Technology (Shanghai), and Heraeus Photovoltaics Singapore.
Germany records 457 hours of negative electricity prices in 2024
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) says negative wholesale electricity prices occurred for 457 hours in 2024, up from 301 hours in 2023.
The best hole transport layers for perovskite solar cells
An international team has combined organic synthesis with predictive models to discover new functional materials that enhance performance of hole transport layers used in perovskite solar cells. The team asserts that optimizing for other solar cell properties is possible with the platform, as well as using it for development of materials for other kinds of devices.
Germany hits 62.7% renewables in 2024 electricity mix, with solar contributing 14%
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) reports that Germany generated 72.2 TWh of solar in Germany in 2024, accounting for 14% of total electricity generation.
