Scientists in Ghana have developed a solar PV-powered steam cooker with sand-based thermal energy storage, achieving a thermal efficiency of 38.9% and a payback period of 4.5 years. The system utilizes sand for its thermal stability and low cost, with the potential to reduce emissions and support Ghana's climate targets. Testing showed the system could cook large quantities of food efficiently and reliably, with a lifecycle cost analysis indicating significant cost savings compared to traditional biomass stoves. The integration of steam cooking with sand-based TES in solar PV-electric systems is a novel approach with promising results for sustainable cooking solutions. The Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Technology Consultancy Centre, International Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship, and Cape Coast Technical University are likely involved in technology and innovation related to climate solutions.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Skyven Technologies commissions steam-generating, industrial heat pump
Skyven Technologies has commissioned its Arcturus steam-generating heat pump demonstration project in Dallas, Texas, capable of delivering 1 MWth of boiler-quality steam by capturing waste heat. The system is highly efficient, being eight times more efficient than natural gas boilers and six times more efficient than electric boilers and thermal energy storage. With a control system that can monitor grid loads, optimize cost and emissions reductions, and seamlessly integrate into industrial facilities, the Arcturus product line scales from 1 MWth to 60 MWth of emissions-free steam output, making it suitable for various manufacturing sectors.
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Huawei unveils next-generation solutions for C&I energy and e-mobility
Huawei has unveiled its latest advancements in commercial and industrial (C&I) energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including the versatile C&I One-Fits-All Solution and the ultra-fast FusionCharge solution capable of adding 200 km of range in 5 minutes. The LUNA2000-215 Series offers high system round-trip efficiency and extended battery life. Additionally, Huawei has introduced a new safety architecture for improved electrical and thermal safety, showcasing their commitment to innovative climate solutions in the energy and transportation sectors.
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How to balance power losses, cost effectiveness in PV-BESS-driven EV charging stations
Scientists in India have developed a novel method for optimizing the placement and operation of EV charging stations with PV generation and battery storage, aiming to improve power flow efficiency, reduce emissions and expenses, and make EVs a practical choice for all drivers. The method includes an optimization component for station placement and sizing, a hierarchization component for determining the order in which EVs are charged, and uses a multi-objective optimization algorithm and analytical hierarchy process to allocate charging spots based on various parameters. Testing the method's effectiveness in a network with two EV charging stations showed promising results, with potential for further integration of AI for predictive EV traffic modeling and hybrid renewables like wind to optimize larger networks and drive down costs and emissions for a seamless transition to electrified transport worldwide.
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SunCable secures Northern Territory land deal for Australian solar farm
SunCable has reached a 70-year agreement with traditional owners to build a 12,000-hectare solar farm in the Northern Territory, aiming to deliver up to 6 GW of renewable electricity to industrial customers in Australia and Southeast Asia. The project includes economic benefits for the local community, strict environmental protection measures, and highlights the potential for large-scale energy projects developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities. Additionally, the company is proposing to build a large-scale solar and battery energy storage precinct on Muckaty Station, supporting the SunCable project and expanding clean energy infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy solutions.
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World’s largest foldable rooftop PV system comes online in Switzerland
A 3.6 MW foldable rooftop solar installation has been inaugurated at a wastewater treatment plant in Switzerland, making it the largest of its kind globally. The system spans treatment basins, allowing the site to serve dual purposes of wastewater treatment and solar power generation. The project is expected to produce 3 GWh of electricity per year, with most of it consumed on-site. The folding-roof technology, derived from Swiss cable car engineering, automatically retracts during extreme weather events for protection. This innovative project demonstrates a pragmatic and effective way to advance the energy transition, utilizing existing space intelligently for economic efficiency and climate protection.
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Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
Researchers from Purdue University have developed a sodium-ion battery pouch cell that can operate reliably at temperatures as low as -100 C, achieving specific energy levels of 96 Wh/kg at room temperature, 74 Wh/kg at -25 C, and 46 Wh/kg at -50 C. The battery was tested with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, showing stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions. This sodium-ion battery technology is considered a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium compounds. The research paves the way for sustainable battery energy storage systems in harsh climates and space applications, with potential for solar energy storage in extreme conditions like deep-space missions or cold climates. Scientists are now exploring other solar cell and battery combinations for extreme environments, such as high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with sustainable battery chemistries.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/18/sodium-ion-battery-storage-for-ultra-low-temperatures/
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Spain allocates €2 billion to expand clean energy and industry programs
Spain's Ministry for Ecological Transition has announced a €2 billion funding package to accelerate industrial capacity, expand renewable deployment, and enhance energy resilience. The program, funded through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Facility, focuses on industrial value chain development, renewable energy integration, electric mobility, and innovative thermal solutions. The package extends implementation deadlines and targets initiatives such as manufacturing renewable energy equipment, supporting renewable hydrogen projects, modernizing port infrastructure for offshore wind, and promoting electric mobility. The aim is to advance Spain's transition to a resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced energy landscape in line with European energy and industrial objectives.
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Fraunhofer ISE builds first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with copper metallization
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany have developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 19.35% using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, showcasing the potential for industrial metallization of next-generation solar cells. The method involves inkjet printing a resist "mask" with narrow openings and electroplating metals like copper to reduce shading and improve efficiency. The use of copper instead of silver lowers material costs and improves resource scalability. Additionally, academics have found that using copper in the metallization process does not harm perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, with various technologies developed to reduce the use of silver in solar cells. These advancements were presented in a study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
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MIT researchers develop polymer film that could prevent solar panel corrosion
MIT engineers have developed a polymer coating, 2DPA-1, that is highly impermeable to gases, making it ideal for protecting solar panels and extending the lifetime of perovskite crystals. This material, stronger than steel but much lighter, repels gases such as nitrogen and oxygen with permeability at least 1/10,000 that of other polymers. The unique structure of 2DPA-1 has shown remarkable results, making it a promising solution for protecting infrastructure exposed to the elements. Climate solutions experts should take note of this innovative development in materials science for enhancing the durability and efficiency of renewable energy technologies.