Solar assets are underperforming expectations by 8%, what is the root cause?
The Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) raised the issue of ultraviolet-induced degradation of the trending technology in its PV Module Index 2022.
Researchers look beyond silicon to potentially double solar cell efficiency
A team at Colorado State University proposes making thin-film solar cells from naturally abundant molybdenum disulfide.
US Inflation Reduction Act triggers plans for 46 factories, says industry group
Since the passage of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) last August, the utility-scale clean power sector has announced USD 150 billion ($223b) in funding, 46 new manufacturing facilities, and nearly 20,000 new jobs, according to the American Clean Power Association.
Sydney start-up secures $23 million to accelerate clean lithium technology
Australian start-up Novalith Technologies has raised $23 million to accelerate the development of its novel lithium extraction process that uses carbonated water in place of sulfuric acid to isolate and extract battery grade lithium from resource deposits.
Saltwater flow battery produces graphene while charging
Salgenx has developed a way to produce graphene on demand from its saltwater flow battery. The tech exploits the electrochemical properties of the battery’s cathode to exfoliate graphite into individual layers of graphene. The company says it can produce graphene for less than USD 1.25 ($1.85) per gram, providing storage businesses with an additional revenue stream.
Weekend read: High time for solar
Cannabis prohibition drove a culture of clandestine production in the past and solar helped growers to cultivate it at remote, off-grid sites. Now, as a global commercial cannabis market emerges, solar has an even bigger role to play, reports Blake Matich.
Quinbrook moves into renewable fuels sector with US acquisition
Green energy investment manager Quinbrook Infrastructure is spreading its reach into the “exploding” renewable fuels and biogas sectors with the acquisition of United States-headquartered developer PurposeEnergy which specialises in converting food and beverage residuals and wastewater into renewable energy.
5 GW green hydrogen project wins bid for SA’s Eyre Peninsula
Canadian-headquartered clean energy firm Amp Energy has secured the rights to develop a green hydrogen project with up to 5 GW of electrolyser capacity on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Amp has signed an agreement with iron ore miner Iron Road which owns the coastal site, including the Cape Hardy Port Precinct.
Tesla to build new Megapack factory in China
Tesla has revealed plans to build a new Megapack battery factory in Shanghai, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Robotic solution to address installer shortage developed by US company
Sarcos has designed a robotic PV construction solution that delivers, detects, lifts, and places PV modules in large-scale solar plants. It has recently field tested and validated the prototype solution in a pilot project funded by the US Department of Energy.
