Total to acquire 20% stake in Adani Green Energy
French oil and gas giant Total already owns a stake in developer Adani Green Energy’s 2.3 GW of operational solar assets in India through a joint venture.
Industrial processes key for Australian solar, wind projects
Last year was the time for mega-solar projects to strike record low prices – $0.0135/kWh in Abu Dhabi for the unimaginably vast 2 GW Al Dhafra project. Not to be left behind, some Australian project developers are pursuing equally grand plans, with clean-tech guru Michael Liebreich saying that their likelihood for success will lie in what the proponents plan to do with the vast amount of clean, cheap energy.
Puerto Rico awaits procurements to add 3.75 GW solar, 1.5 GW storage
Puerto Rican regulators have ordered PREPA to procure solar and storage, but the utility’s board chairman says that the island’s grid can support only a fraction of the mandated amount.
Japan PV auctions not a failure, says IRENA
Land scarcity and grid congestion are the main reasons for unexpectedly low capacity allocations in Japan’s five PV auctions between 2017 and January 2020. However, the auction outcomes should not be seen as disappointing, as the average final prices were close to the cost of electricity for solar, says the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Pulsating spray cooling system for PV modules
Iranian scientists have assessed a new active approach for solar module cooling based on water spraying. Water sprayed from different angles can reduce the operating temperature of PV modules, with limited water consumption. However, the team noted that they have yet to assess the economic viability of the system.
New phased microgrid approach for industrial-estate development
Peel Renewable Energy is about to energize a 1.2 MW solar farm in Australia, as part of a fresh approach to microgrids. Infrastructure remains small, but the renewables-powered microgrid can grow to meet the needs of incoming businesses.
New manufacturing method for kesterite solar cells
German scientists have designed a manufacturing process to reduce the thickness of the molybdenum diselenide interface layer in kesterite solar cells. They used two different configurations of silicon-oxynitride diffusion-barrier layers.
North Macedonia announces 60 MW solar tender
The procurement exercise has been planned for the first quarter of the year.
Transparent PV-based greenhouse takes shape in Australia
Western Australia-based solar glass developer ClearVue has commenced installation of its transparent solar PV glazing panels at what will be the world’s first clear solar glass greenhouse.
Offshore hydrogen production powered by floating PV
Spain’s Repsol will develop a €4.5 million ($5.5 million) pilot project to produce green hydrogen with floating PV for the Santander Port Authority. It will be completed in December 2023.
