Increasing voltage in cadmium telluride solar cells through nickel oxide back buffer layer
Cadmium telluride solar cells are commonly based on non-ohmic back contacts that affect the device open-circuit voltage. Researchers in the United Kingdom sought to address this issue by adding a nickel oxide back buffer layer, which formed an ohmic back contact and increased open-circuit voltage levels.
Floating photovoltaics for hydrogen generation, storage
New research from the UK shows that Oman could utilize a floating PV farm at the Wadi Dayqah Dam for hydrogen generation. The scientist said the project is technical viabile, although only with advancements in hydrogen energy storage technology could make it economically feasible.
Record installation figures for heat pumps, battery storage in UK
Half year data from UK certification body MCS reveal a step change in the number of heat pump installations in 2024, as well as a record breaking first six months for battery storage installations. At the current rate, the annual heat pump installation record will be broken by the end of 2024
The Hydrogen Stream: Canada, Italy announce funds for hydrogen trade, infrastructure
Canada and Italy announced funds for hydrogen projects. Meanwhile, a team of researchers explained that Australia should ship hydrogen to Japan by 2030 via methyl cyclohexane (MCH) or liquid ammonia (LNH3), not completely rejecting the option of liquid hydrogen (LH2).
UK installs 647 MW of solar in H1
The UK government’s quarterly energy report finds solar leading the pack in new capacity terms. Meanwhile, provisional data to the end of June 2024 reveals the United Kingdom is on course to comfortably exceed 17 GW of recorded capacity during summer months.
UK government earmarks GBP1.5 billion for contracts for difference pot
The UK government has increased the budget for its sixth Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction by half. Extra allocation includes millions of pounds for technologies such as solar and onshore wind, but offshore wind enjoys the lion’s share of the budget.
Baxi launches mid-temperature heat pump for commercial buildings
The UK-based manufacturer said its new air-to-water Auriga heat pump features a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) ranging from 3.33 to 4.83 and noise levels of 43 dBA to 65 dBA.
The Hydrogen Stream: German government adopts import strategy to create investment security
A new hydrogen import strategy is expected to make Germany better prepared for increasing demand in the medium and long term. The Netherlands, meanwhile, saw its hydrogen market grow considerably across supply and demand between October and April.
SSE Renewables plans 37 GWh pumped storage project in Scotland
As the UK awaits the outcome of the proposed Cap & Floor mechanism for long duration storage project, the pipeline of proposed pumped hydro storage projects is progressively growing.
The Hydrogen Stream: New way to make hydrogen, fertilizer from ammonia
German researchers have developed a new way to liberate hydrogen from ammonia, while a new MIT study shows the need for stringent emissions regulations on ammonia combustion for maritime mobility.
