The Hydrogen Stream: Scientists see iridium as obstacle to hydrogen aviation
A German research team says that demand for iridium, lanthanum and nickel could weigh on the growth of the global hydrogen-powered aviation market.
Rooftop solar system average size climbs above 9 kW
The average size of rooftop solar systems installed in Australia has climbed to a new high with data analysis from the Australian Energy Council showing the typical unit size is now averaging more than 9 kW.
Enel develops robot for waterless cleaning of PV plants
Enel says it will work with Italian startup Reiwa to develop a robot for waterless cleaning of PV plants. The innovative device features brushes and can autonomously navigate across panel rows, eliminating the need for human intervention.
EnergyCo ‘right sizes’ plans for Central-West Orana REZ
The size of Australia’s first coordinated renewable energy zone is set to be increased with the New South Wales government announcing the network capacity of the declared Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone will be expanded to better meet the state’s future energy needs as coal-fired power stations progressively retire.
Modelling shows solar ‘ramps’ future threat to grid stability
Developers of large-scale PV projects in Australia are being told it is of the utmost importance that they plan for increased frequency of sudden solar power fluctuation events – known as ramps – with new research suggesting that climate change may affect the future stability of grid-connected solar power systems.
End-of-life PV panels used as building material
Scientists in India have proposed using solar modules at the end of their lifecycle as a building material for low-cost small housing units. With solar module recycling currently not viable economically, the researchers said their approach makes conventional solar panels into BIPV products without any modifications.
PVC knife-scratch coated fabric to increase albedo, energy yield in bifacial PV
China-based Halead is offering a reflective material for ground-mounted bifacial PV projects, which it claims can increase the annual power production of a solar plant by over 9%. Germany’s TÜV SÜD certified the performance of the solution.
Australian lithium miner gives go-ahead for on-site processing plant
Pilbara Minerals and Australian technology company Calix have received board approvals to build a ‘game changing’ processing plant to produce value-added lithium product at the miner’s flagship Pilgangoora project in Western Australia.
First commercial gravity-based energy storage tower begins commissioning
Energy Vault has begun commissioning a 25 MW / 100 MWh energy storage tower adjacent to a wind power facility outside of Shanghai.
State taps local companies to test out flow battery technology
Flow battery technology is under the microscope with the Queensland government committing $24 million (USD 15.83 million) to further evaluate and assess the capacity of the technology to support the next stage of the state’s battery capability and help meet its renewable energy targets.
