News

Scientists from the Central European University in Hungary have estimated the global technical potential of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) energy production by using a high-resolution geospatial model.

Victoria’s Deakin University today launched its $10.3 million (USD 6.5 million) “world-class” facility for advanced battery design, fabrication and testing, in Burwood, a suburb in Melbourne’s east.

The demand for electric vehicles in Australia increased by 65% in 2022, reaching 3.39% market share of total new car sales, according to the Electric Vehicle Council’s latest report. Tesla continues to be the dominant brand, with New South Wales and Australia Capital Territory governments topping the charts on policy leadership.

Australian manufacturer GreatCell has built a cell with roll-to-roll coating technology. It designed it without a hole transport layer (HTL) and used carbon composite back contacts, which offer excellent electrical conductivity.

After acquiring Victorian developer Akaysha Energy in August, the world’s largest asset manager, US company BlackRock, has won the contract to deliver what will apparently be one of the world’s most powerful batteries – the New South Wales Waratah Super Battery. The battery is now expected to have a total capacity of 850 MW / 1,680 MWh.

According to VDMA, a German engineering association, there are now more orders coming in for German production equipment from Europe than from China. Nevertheless, shipments to Asia remain dominant.

Clean Energy Associates said in a new report that it expects polysilicon production capacity to exceed PV installations next year.

The Australian Energy Market Operator plans to launch a world-first ‘connections simulator’ this year after completing pilot testing of the online tool that is designed to help fast-track the evaluation and approval process for new clean energy grid connections.

West Australian smart solar glass developer ClearVue has made the move into the residential housing market, securing its first order to supply its power-generating solar PV windows for a luxury residence being constructed in the Australian Capital Territory.

University of New South Wales researchers have teamed up with Tindo Solar to develop a line of semi-transparent modules, specialised for agrivoltaic cropping, which will use nanoparticles tuned to capture different parts of the light spectrum. “There is evidence you don’t need the full spectrum and some plants will work even better if you provide them with only part of the spectrum,” project lead and UNSW Associate Professor Ziv Hameiri tells pv magazine Australia. Crucially, he says, the project will also open a line between farmers, solar researchers and industry, creating the potential for mutual benefits.