World

A new survey from US-based impact measurement company 60 Decibels shows off-grid energy customers are currently facing a series of challenges such as product affordability, gender inequality, customer support, further investment in minigrids, and over-indebtedness. The report, however, reveals that most users say the quality of their lives “very much improved” thanks to off-grid PV.

Legislation that would require EU member states to integrate solar installations into future building works, and retroactively install PV on buildings, is one step closer to becoming law, after being approved by members of the European Parliament.

The co-founder of a Lithuanian company which has developed a new exercise bike that can generate and store electricity makes the case for the contribution “energy harvesting from daily human activity” can make to the energy transition.

Since 2016, some $2.4 billion worth of venture capital flowed to companies developing electric aviation and other air travel decarbonization technologies with a strong start in investment volume in 2024, according to Dealroom.co, a Dutch data and intelligence firm.

A unit of French construction group Vinci has developed a new tool to ensure efficient earthworks for ground-mounted PV systems, with a focus on optimization parameters, design restrictions, allowable slopes for mounting structures, and terrain adaptation.

Mitsui and MAN say they have converted a gas injection engine to hydrogen for the maritime industry, while 3M and HD Hyundai Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (KSOE) have agreed to develop large liquid hydrogen storage tanks.

In the first article of a series, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) presents data showing that we still have plenty of work to overcome external and internal barriers preventing women from pursuing STEM careers, accessing leadership roles, and being fairly represented across the whole value chain in the solar industry.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, offers bite-sized analysis on solar PV module supply and price trends.

Analysis from research firm Wood Mackenzie shows solar remained the most awarded form of renewable energy in government tenders last year, but its share of total volume dropped from 59% to 44%. In 2024, government tenders are predicted to at least match 2023 levels.

From July 2023 through summer 2024, battery cell pricing is expected to plummet by more than 60% due to a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and grid expansion in China and the United States.