Technology

Researchers have developed a smart water-spray cooling system for PV panels that activates only when temperatures exceed a set threshold, boosting efficiency while minimising water use in arid conditions. The system raised power output and reduced module temperatures, offering similar efficiency to continuous cooling but with far lower water consumption, pump operation, and costs.

Researchers from the Australian National University and Longi used photoluminescence imaging to analyse dopant distributions in RCz-grown silicon wafers doped with antimony, phosphorus, and gallium, finding highly uniform radial concentration profiles suitable for high-efficiency solar cells. The study also found that antimony-doped wafers provide more stable axial doping along the ingot, highlighting their potential for next-generation PV manufacturing.

Australian battery and electric vehicle tech company 3ME Technology has teamed with United States-based South 8 Technologies to develop lithium-ion battery solutions utilising liquefied gas electrolyte-enabled cells for extreme cold weather and Arctic applications.

New South Wales-based thermal energy storage system developer MGA Thermal intends to rapidly scale its manufacturing capacity and commercial capability after securing $17 million in new funding.

VicGrid is inviting expressions of interest from developers to partner in the delivery of at least three new synchronous condensers at or near the Hazelwood terminal station in the Latrobe Valley.

Edify Energy’s proposed Burroway 100 MW solar farm and 400 MWh battery energy storage system in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone has been approved by the NSW government, subject to development consent conditions.

Australia’s transition to clean industry could unlock approximately $300 billion in economic opportunity if action is taken to deliver a pipeline of 70 projects, according to a new briefing from two global alliances pushing to decarbonise large scale industry.

New research by Monash University identifies pre-treatment of lithium-ion batteries as an overlooked recycling strategy in the recovery of valuable metals lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

An international collaboration plans to set up floating solar microgrids in remote Asia-Pacific locations to charge high-tech electric hydrofoil ferries and help island communities break diesel fuel dependence.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new back-contact module delivers up to 545 W and over 25% efficiency in a compact rooftop format for residential, C&I, and off-grid applications.