Panasonic launches new air-cooled heat pumps
The heating and cooling business of the Japanese giant has released a new range of heat pumps for commercial projects. The systems have capacities of 40 kW and 50 kW.
Paraguay set to host autonomous solar-powered data center
Sollar Machine plans to build a $9 million off-grid data center in Paraguay powered entirely by solar and batteries to deliver high-performance computing services for international clients, with a focus on AI.
Atlas Renewable Energy energizes 201 MW solar park in Colombia
Atlas Renewable Energy says its 201 MW solar project in Ibagué represents the company’s first utility-scale installation in Colombia and is supported by financing from multilateral and local lenders.
Cash flow analysis shows adiabatic compressed air storage is viable for 10–100 h applications
Scientists in the United Kingdom have compiled a new database of adiabatic compressed air energy storage projects. Using this data, they were able to determine the experience rate and identify the conditions under which the technology would be economically viable. According to their findings, costs have declined at a 15% learning rate since 2013.
Chinese scientists build 18%-efficient organic solar cells with enhanced stability
Chinese researchers have demonstrated organic solar cells with novel encapsulation and a protective interfacial layer for enhanced stability and efficiency. The best performing cell based on the new approach retained 94% of its initial power conversion efficiency after standards-based damp heat testing for 1,032 hours damp heat and across 200 thermal cycles.
World’s largest foldable rooftop PV system comes online in Switzerland
A wastewater treatment plant in the canton of Bern has been inaugurated with what dhp Technology claims is the world’s largest foldable rooftop solar installation to date. The 3.6 MW array spans several treatment basins, allowing the existing site to serve dual purposes: wastewater treatment at ground level and solar power generation overhead.
Hydro approves largest pumped hydro project in more than 20 years in Norway
Norsk Hydro will invest about $110 million after tax to build the Illvatn pumped hydro plant in western Norway.
Germany’s January-October solar additions reach 13 GW
The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) says Germany’s installation pace reflects shifting demand patterns between ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems.
Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
U.S. researchers have developed a sodium-ion pouch cell that operates reliably at temperatures as low as –100 C. The battery was tested with simulated and real renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, and maintained stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions.
A late but decisive move to ESS: LONGi takes majority control of PotisEdge
China’s largest solar manufacturer seeks to escape shrinking margins by securing 62% voting control of a fast-rising storage integrator.
