Huge room for European PV production
A highly competitive new era of solar installations has arrived. Europe has an important role to play in producing these technologies, argues Javier Sanz, thematic leader of renewable energy for EIT InnoEnergy. And the organization is putting its money where its mouth is.
The fight for energy justice
Renewable energy in the form of community and rooftop solar can bring relief to people who are disproportionately affected by climate change, pollution, and rising energy prices. Many groups are working hard to open up access to solar and the recently passed US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has a plan, backed by generous funding, reports pv magazine USA senior editor Anne Fischer.
To be ‘the battery’
Another year has passed, with 2021 seeing significant growth for residential storage globally, up 30%. Germany and Japan are the world’s leading markets, followed by the rest of Europe, the US, and Australia. Factors driving residential storage around the world include high power prices and power outage backup.
Grid access threatens Poland’s PV prosperity
Solar dominated the Polish renewable energy sector in 2021. PV was responsible for the largest increase in nominal capacity last year, but until recently, it was only a niche market in the country. Rising electricity prices were the main contributor to Poland’s record year for PV, as they ensured profitability for solar installations, in combination with stable, flexible support via an energy auction system. Piotr Mrowiec, associate partner at Rödl & Partner, offers an update on PV in Poland.
The burning question
Until thermal runaway is no longer a problem, early detection of failing battery cells will remain critical for active countermeasures that can literally save lives. To this end, US-based Amphenol has been working on its REDTR gas sensor platform, which can detect initial flammable gas venting from cell failures within lithium-ion battery enclosures. pv magazine sat down with Brian Engle, business development manager for the Amphenol Advanced Sensor Division, to dissect the technology and evaluate the safety improvement opportunities it offers.
In for the long haul
Italian module materials manufacturer Coveme has weathered many a solar storm since the 1980s, when it commercialized its first backsheet. The president and founder of the company, Pier Luigi Miciano, shares some of the lessons learned, how the company embraces sustainability, the importance of re-establishing a European solar value chain, and what’s in store for the future.
First notes of a symphony
Project Symphony provides a glimpse into Western Australia’s energy future, argues the project’s communications lead, Megan Allan. With a large, islanded network featuring high levels of rooftop PV penetration, the pilot on Western Australia’s grid is aggregating residential PV into a virtual power plant (VPP) to participate in a simulated bidirectional wholesale electricity market.
Africanization of energy
Chanda Nxumalo, director of Harmattan Renewables and chairperson of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA)
Digital finance for direct impact
As finance goes digital, apps and services are helping investors to make easier green investments: solar projects with real carbon savings, cleaner investments, and even direct investment in startups. But can people really make better green investments just from their phone? Tristan Rayner speaks to three different companies looking to make a difference.
The green ammonia opportunity
High gas prices have pushed ammonia prices sky-high, reaching $1,600 per ton. At this price, by the end of its contract in 2035, the Beatrice offshore wind farm in the United Kingdom would be more profitable producing green ammonia than electricity if the capture price for electricity is below $114/MWh. Everoze partner David Thomason highlights how designing renewable energy projects for diversified revenue streams such as green ammonia can allow them to capture high electricity prices today, while protecting them from cannibalization tomorrow.
