Solar’s ‘success story’ could soon be over, says SolarPower Europe
European Union member states have installed a “record-breaking” 56 GW of PV over the last 12 months – consistent with the last three years of 40% year-on-year growth, according to SolarPower Europe. But the association warns that solar’s moment in the sun could soon be over, as energy prices stabilize and project interest rates skyrocket.
Swedish zinc-ion battery startup secures funding for megafactory
Enerpoly, a Swedish startup that produces zinc-ion battery storage systems with durations of two to 10 hours, plans to scale production up to 100 MWh per year by 2026.
Australian firm secures PPA for 700 MW of floating PV plus battery in Sri Lanka
Australia’s United Solar Group has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 700 MW of floating solar and a 1.5 GWh battery project in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka.
Canadian Solar launches new grid-scale battery
Canadian Solar says its new SolBank 3.0 grid-scale battery supports up to 2.35 MW/5 MWh of grid-scale renewable energy storage and dispatch.
Canadian startup unveils residential air source heat pump for cold climates
Terravis Energy said its heat pump prototype uses difluoromethane (R32) as the refrigerant and has a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of approximately 3.0 under Ontario’s environmental conditions.
Turkey could generate 120 GW through better solar rooftop rollout
Introducing rooftop solar “obligations” for new structures and public buildings, as well as tendering suitable apartment building roofs by municipalities, could help Turkey drive up its rooftop solar capacity to 120 GW, according to a new report by think tank Ember.
Gates-backed Fourth Power pilots thermal storage based on TPV cells
Fourth Power, backed by Bill Gates’ venture firm, has developed high-density thermal energy storage (TES) based on thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells. The tech, which is reportedly 10 times cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, is based on the US company’s patented liquid metal heat transfer system.
Uganda kicks off solar tender for 40 PV-powered water supply schemes
Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment is inviting eligible bidders to apply to develop 40 solar-powered “packages” for water schemes in a range of locations in the East African country.
Australian state to roll out rebate scheme for home batteries
The government of the Australian state of Queensland has indicated that it will support the rollout of household battery energy storage systems with a new AUD 24 million ($15.75 million) residential battery rebate program in 2024.
December drop in gas, CO2, Euro electricity market prices
In the first week of December, prices in almost all electricity markets decreased compared to the previous week due to lower gas and CO2 prices, lower electricity demand and higher wind energy production, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.
