New irrigation tech helps reduce water use in agrivoltaics
Spanish researchers found that combining agrivoltaics with regulated deficit irrigation can cut tomato irrigation water use by about 50%, while improving land-use efficiency through simultaneous crop and solar energy production.
Grid-scale and distributed solar break quarterly generation records: AEMO
In Q1 2026, grid-scale solar generation jumped 648 MW compared to the same period in 2025, recording an all-time quarterly high of 2,706 MW output, according to new figures released by AEMO in its Quarterly Energy Dynamics Q1 2026 report.
Low-power ride-through tech keeps green hydrogen flowing in standalone PV–electrolyser
A UNSW-led research team proposed two low-power ride-through strategies for standalone PV–electrolyzer systems to maintain stability during sudden solar power fluctuations without using battery storage.
Clean energy gets thumbs up from renewable energy zone residents
Results from a poll conducted by farmer-led advocacy organisation Farmers for Climate Action, show 63% of residents living in regional Renewable Energy Zones support the shift to clean energy, and just 17% oppose.
Cooling PV modules with hydrogel-coated paper
A Vietnamese research team has developed a low-cost passive cooling system for PV modules based on hydrogel-coated paper that combines water flow and interfacial evaporation to reduce operating temperatures. Outdoor tests showed temperature reductions of up to 14 C and efficiency gains of up to 16.8%, with stable operation achieved using both freshwater and natural seawater.
Sungrow proposes multi-microgrid clusters for mining above 100 MW
Sungrow has released a mining microgrid power solutions white paper in partnership with TÜV Rheinland and the China Electrotechnical Society covering application scenarios from 2.5 MW up to more than 100 MW.
Solar rebound effect could raise Europe’s electricity demand 5% by 2050
Research from Germany’s FernUniversität Hagen finds the solar rebound effect, caused by households increasing their total electricity consumption after installing a solar system, is currently a blind stop in Europe’s energy system planning and abatement scenarios.
New Zealand’s grid operator finds emerging energy gap in early 2030s
Transpower’s latest assessment of New Zealand’s balance between electricity supply and demand suggests an energy gap could emerge in the early 2030s, even if all committed and likely investments are delivered without delay.
Australia’s energy commission targets lower solar curtailment
Australia’s Energy Market Commission says introducing a new distribution planning framework and undertaking enhanced data reporting will help to reduce rooftop solar curtailment.
Australia Post sorts mega hub energy needs with 450 kW solar / 300 kWh BESS
Australia Post has installed a 450 kW rooftop solar system and 300 kWh battery energy storage system at its largest air and speed parcel sorting hub at Brisbane Airport.
