Lightweight solar for agricultural water reservoirs
The Genap Energy Cover uses HyET Solar Powerfoil thin-film solar modules, rated at 12.0% efficiency, for agricultural water storage and reservoirs, with an initial focus on the greenhouse and horticulture markets in the Netherlands. Genap said a 12kWp test setup had a generation density of 60W/m2, rising to 120W/m2 within a year, with an eventual target of 165W/m2.
Radiative cooling-based solar cell with 50 mW/m2 of generation at night
Stanford University scientists have developed a solar cell with 24 hours of power generation via an embedded thermoelectric generator, which extracts power from the radiative cooler at night. Extra daytime power from excess heating comes from the cell itself.
Rule change aiming to delay coal retirement of “limited” impact
An attempt by the Morrison Government to extend the closure requirement notification for electricity generators from 3.5 years to five years will likely have “limited” impact, says industry observers. Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor announced the move today, requesting that the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) enact the rule change.
Mineral Resources set to double Mount Marion Lithium capacity in response to ‘extraordinary lithium demand’
Mineral Resources Limited along with its joint venture partners is set to double the spodumene output of its Mount Marion Lithium mine over the course of 2022 in response to enormous lithium price due to electric vehicle demand.
Australian battery storage market passed 1GWh in 2021
Australian deployment of battery storage remained steady in 2021, according to market research firm SunWiz, bringing cumulative installations to 1,089MWh.
University’s own PV plant plays host to study into large-scale solar’s impact on biodiversity
The University of New England’s own 3.2MW solar farm is proving its worth in more ways than one, not only as an independent renewable energy source for the university, but also as the setting of a pilot study to better understand the impact of large-scale solar on biodiversity. The study aims to learn whether solar plants are useful habitats for wildlife and if simple land management strategies during construction could better cater to native species.
Aluminium-nickel molten salt battery for seasonal renewables storage
US scientists have developed a battery that can retain 92% of its initial capacity over periods of 12 weeks, with a theoretical energy density of 260W/hour per kg. It was built with an aluminium anode and a nickel cathode, immersed in molten-salt electrolyte.
Australia’s first university set to match 100% of its energy with renewables
The University of Sydney, Australia’s oldest, has signed a contract with Snowy Hydro and its subsidiary Red Energy to match “100%” of its energy consumption with renewables, in particular solar.
New technologies, new opportunities
UK-based analyst Exawatt and Germany’s Nexwafe published a white paper this week that takes a close look at the current state of PV manufacturing worldwide, and how Nexwafe’s innovative wafer production tech might fit into it. They said that if the potential of its Epiwafer can be realised, the PV industry may yet see “another revolution in wafer manufacturing.”
Greens make $6.1 billion electric vehicle pitch ahead of election
The Greens have announced a $6.1 billion plan to boost the uptake of electric vehicles and reestablish auto manufacturing in its previous hub, South Australia.
