Marian Willuhn
Thin-film amorphous silicon greenhouses begin to sprout
Researchers have matched the tinting of semi-transparent PV modules with the bandwidth of light that plants absorb for photosynthesis. A promising trial with basil and spinach has opened up economic opportunities for farmers.
Amorphous lithium discovery could lead to new high-performance batteries
Researchers have set out to study the kinetics of lithium deposition during cycling in a battery. By changing different parameters, they’ve found that it’s fairly easy to put lithium into amorphous form, which is superior on an electromechanical level.
The weekend read: In pursuit of universal energy access
Koen Peters has been the executive director of global offgrid solar association GOGLA since 2014. He has more than 20 years of international work experience, with more than 12 years in relation to energy access. He has gathered insights from many different perspectives and organizations, including government, consulting, startup businesses, and international finance organizations.
Finnish industrial park gets 12 MW smart grid with central inverters
Inverter manufacturer Fimer provided its PVS980-58 central inverter solution for the project, which will derive 35% of its energy from solar PV.
Northvolt secures $1.6bn backing for twin battery gigafactories
In a little over ten years, Northvolt aims to pour 150 GWh of batteries onto the European market, annually. The company is also working to source end-of-life batteries for half its raw materials.
New solar+storage converter for greater grid stability
Scientists from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers have presented research suggesting a new topology for residential solar+storage inverters.
Vehicle-to-grid business model would make Canadian EVs cheaper than conventional rivals
Canadian non-profit Plug’n Drive has looked at Ontario’s time-of-use electricity rates and found electric vehicle owners could generate substantial income by charging at night and selling to businesses during the daytime. Doing so could mean EVs have a lower net cost than conventional vehicles.
Kaco, Fraunhofer ISE develop silicon-carbide gallium nitride transistor hybrid inverter
Kaco New Energy, STS Transformatoren Stockach, and Fraunhofer ISE have developed a new topology, management software, and transistors for hybrid inverters. Existing devices often suffer efficiency losses when power demand is low, as circuits and transistors are made to operate close to design specifications. The researchers claim their new tech could enable more battery use, based on simulation results.
Multilateral lenders finance Armenia’s biggest PV plant
It has been two years since Fotowatio Renewable Ventures won the bid to develop the 55 MW site and with finance finally secured, the build can go ahead.
Green hydrogen to reach price parity with grey hydrogen in 2030
IHS Markit’s latest report looks at a wave of new investments in large-scale projects. Economies of scale and technological improvements, as well as renewables deployment, could make green hydrogen price-competitive with grey and blue hydrogen.
