Europe

Trina Storage has struck a deal to supply 1.5 GWh of integrated energy storage solutions to Pacific Green which has plans to construct what is to be one of Australia’s largest grid-scale battery energy storage systems.

Spanish manufacturer Soltec has developed a new dual-row, single-axis tracker with a tracking range of up to 60 degrees, offering compatibility with 60-cell, 72-cell and 78-cell modules.

Ireland-headquartered smart energy company GridBeyond plans to expand its operations in “key market” Australia as part of a broader global growth strategy after securing more than $86 million in new funding.

German investment firm Hansainvest Real Assets has switched on Europe’s largest solar plant – a 605 MW installation in Germany’s Saxony region. The project spans 500 hectares and operates under a power purchase agreement th Shell Energy Europe.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has acquired a majority stake in Elgin Energy that will help the Ireland-headquartered solar developer to transition into an independent power producer and grow its pipeline of projects in new and existing markets, including Australia.

The new efficiency record for fully roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cells set by an international team of scientists from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO unlocks new manufacturing potential. These lightweight and flexible solar cells manufactured on very long, continuous rolls of plastic can dramatically increase the rate of production and scope for deployment.

Legislation that would require EU member states to integrate solar installations into future building works, and retroactively install PV on buildings, is one step closer to becoming law, after being approved by members of the European Parliament.

The International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) helps to predict future solar cell and module technology trends and is influential in directing research funding and technology investment. Scientists in Australia and the United Kingdom have analyzed ITRPV predictions over the past decade, highlighting the difficulties of forecasting PV trends.

German solar technology developer and retailer 1komma5° has continued to strengthen its presence in the Australian market with the acquisition of Queensland-based Arkana Energy Group.

The Australian arm of French energy giant EDF Group has acquired and agreed to co-develop the proposed 300 MW / 3 GWh Dungowan pumped hydro energy storage project being progressed in the New South Wales New England region.