Utility-scale solar installation goes automated
Powered by installation robots, on-site assembly line and digital twin software, the Terabase automated power plant construction system aims to boost productivity and cut construction costs.
Why Australia needs friends (and a climate AUKUS) to reach its climate goals
AUKUS has been widely hailed as Australia’s largest-ever defence investment and the Quad as a new focus for defence strategy – but what do they mean for our energy landscape? SMA’s Joshua Birmingham argues it’s time to look beyond defence cost and grow our relationships to fight the climate change war.
US solar installers list Qcells, Enphase as top brands
An industry survey led by SolarReviews and NABCEP found two-thirds of solar installers expect high electricity prices to drive demand.
Swiss team sets record solar-to-hydrogen rate
Researchers from Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have unveiled a new solar dish plant design, while Plug Power has delivered its first electrolyser system to Europe.
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.
