Right first time
With the energy crisis putting ever more pressure on Europe to deliver on clean power, Karsten Nielsen, the CEO of Danish renewables business Greengo, takes a look at how to develop unsubsidized big solar and keep everyone onside.
Shining magnate
Mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest is the founder and executive chair of Fortescue Metals Group, a major Australian iron ore producer. The company recently announced an ambitious $6.2 billion decarbonization strategy. Meanwhile, a fully owned subsidiary – Fortescue Future Industries – has rapidly become a global player in green hydrogen, along with a host of other technology pathways in the energy transition. Whether it is pushing to decarbonize mining, hashing out headline-making green energy deals, or using the popular “Rick and Morty” cartoon to educate people about the potential of green hydrogen, Fortescue and its shining magnate are talking the talk. But can they walk the walk? Blake Matich reports.
pv magazine Award
Throughout the year we have encouraged solar and energy storage companies that are going above and beyond in the realm of sustainability to submit their work for consideration in the annual pv magazine Award. Here, we feature some of the most promising applications received thus far, that are in the running to be the 2022 sustainability champion. Award winners in all categories will be announced at the start of 2023.
Elusive longevity
The expected lifetime of PV inverters is significantly shorter than that of modules. In many projects, inverter replacement is included in financial calculations from the start, despite the high costs. Research is being conducted into the causes of faults to develop more durable inverters and components. But plant design can already improve the lifespan of inverters in use today, reports pv magazine Germany’s Marian Willuhn.
Solar tops the bill
The US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 sets aside $369 billion to decarbonize the economy and respond to climate change. pv magazine USA’s Anne Fischer and Ryan Kennedy report on the boost the landmark legislation is expected to provide to solar and battery deployment and manufacturing.
No flash in the pan
German flasher supplier Wavelabs marked the 11th anniversary of its founding at the WCPEC-8 conference, which brings the global PV research community together every four years in Milan, Italy. The occasion was a milestone for the Leipzig-based company, with co-founder Torsten Brammer moving to its newly minted advisory board and Patrick Mergell signing on as managing director, alongside his twin role as chief technology and operations officer. Jonathan Gifford spoke to both men to discuss the company’s legacy and future.
pv magazine test – September 2022 results
We are pleased to present the September 2022 energy yield results from the outdoor test field in Xi’an, China, alongside additional analysis from George Touloupas, senior director of technology and quality at CEA.
A sustainability swan song
Pioneering PV researcher Martin Green has received an abundance of accolades over his 50-year career of fundamental solar research with teams at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). That contribution was further recognized on Sept. 26, when he picked up the WCPEC-8 Award in Milan, Italy. Green spoke with pv magazine about the role of technologies such as PERC cells and his efforts to advance non-toxic thin film semiconductors for the tandem cells of the future.
Mind the gap
Wood Mackenzie Senior Research Analyst Max Reid explains why recycling battery materials will not be enough to meet projected electric vehicle demand in 2030. Miners need to get to work, and fast.
The scramble for lithium
Electric vehicle and stationary energy storage companies have experienced battery cell shortages this year. InfoLink predicts overcapacity in 2024, but the concentration of production in China means customers elsewhere are mulling deals with miners.
