Chinese state-owned power group SPIC has introduced the world's first ultra-high-temperature heat-pump energy storage system, known as "Chuno" or the "Carnot battery." This innovative technology offers a long-duration energy storage solution that converts electricity into stored heat and cold, providing an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage. Developed by SPIC's Central Research Institute, the pilot system has been successfully tested with seven full charge-discharge cycles at a rating of 1 MW/4 MWh. Climate solutions experts can look to this breakthrough as a promising advancement in sustainable energy storage solutions.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Danish researchers develop color-tunable BIPV foil
Danish researchers have developed Colorfoil technology for building integrated PV modules, allowing for a wide range of colors with low iridescence and minimal efficiency loss. The Colorfoil is a polymer foil inserted between the encapsulation layer and c-Si solar cells in PV panels, created using nanoimprinting lithography and magnetron sputtering in a roll-to-roll process. Additionally, researchers have developed Solar RRL, a low iridescence optimization methodology for PV modules, aiming to create simple multilayer configurations that reflect specific colors with minimal angular variation. These advancements show promising results in maintaining PV performance and potential for large-scale manufacturing, with future research focusing on implementing the methodology on a larger scale and ensuring the durability of colored PV modules for aesthetically pleasing energy-producing facades.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/12/danish-researchers-develop-color-tunable-bipv-foil/
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China’s switches on world’s first GWh-scale supercapacitor-energy storage project
China has achieved a significant milestone by connecting the world's first GWh-scale supercapacitor-energy storage project to the grid in northwest China. The Jiayuguan NingSheng project, invested by China National Nuclear Corporation, utilizes a hybrid configuration of lithium batteries and supercapacitors to support grid stability, integrate renewables, and enable long-duration energy shifting and peak shaving. Located in a key renewable energy hub in Gansu province, this project showcases the potential for supercapacitors to provide millisecond-level response for frequency regulation and rapid grid stabilization, highlighting innovative solutions for the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
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India’s smart metering boom reshapes grid through decentralized IoT
India's power system in India is rapidly decentralizing through the expansion of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and distributed generation, driven by the smart metering rollout under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. The focus is on achieving financial sustainability for distribution companies, reliability for consumers, and supporting renewable energy ambitions. Decentralized RF mesh networks are crucial in connecting millions of devices reliably and affordably, while the ecosystem model promotes collaboration among multiple vendors, making the system more resilient and responsive. India's approach to smart metering, focusing on interoperability and transparent performance validation, sets global benchmarks and shows that decentralization is a practical path towards a resilient grid in the transition to a high-renewables grid.
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JinkoSolar pushes on perovskite-silicon tandem solar with new partnership
JinkoSolar has partnered with XtalPi to utilize AI and quantum physics-based models in advancing research on perovskite-crystalline-silicon tandem solar cells, with the goal of accelerating the discovery and optimization of tandem device stacks for increased efficiency and stability. Recently achieving a 34.76% power conversion efficiency for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, JinkoSolar attributes the breakthrough to innovations in perovskite and tandem technologies. This collaboration with XtalPi is viewed as an extension of JinkoSolar's "next-gen" cell roadmap, showcasing a promising step towards more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.
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Maldives microgrid project with floating solar becomes model for island renewables projects
The Soneva Secret resort project in the Maldives, designed by Canopy Power, features a 2 MWp floating solar PV plant and a 3 MWh battery storage system, aiming to increase renewable energy penetration to 75-80% on the island and reduce diesel reliance. This sustainable energy solution, utilizing Ocean Sun's floating solar technology, is projected to save 900,000 to 1,000,000 liters of diesel per year and cut over 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions. With a focus on longevity and minimal maintenance, the system is built to last two decades and offers affordable and reliable power for islands, fostering economic growth and improving the lives of island communities worldwide.
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Türkiye installs 4.7 GW of solar in 2025
Türkiye's cumulative solar capacity is nearing 25 GW, with 4,694 MW of new solar deployed in 2025, primarily for self-consumption in the commercial and industrial sector. Unlicensed and licensed power plants both contributed to this growth, with a focus on easing bureaucratic barriers for residential solar systems to unlock rooftop solar potential. The solar market in Türkiye is expected to continue expanding, particularly in licensed power plant installations and the rising popularity of floating solar, showcasing the country's commitment to renewable energy solutions and addressing climate change.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/07/turkiye-installs-4-7-gw-of-solar-in-2025/
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New European solid-state battery business targets commercial production
Axens Group, Syensqo, and IFP Energies nouvelles have joined forces to establish Argylium, a company dedicated to developing high-performance sulfide solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries in Europe. Utilizing technology from Syensqo's Paris laboratory, Argylium aims to industrialize next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials for all-solid state batteries. With a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle, France, the company's goal is to commercialize these materials and contribute to the advancement of climate-friendly energy storage solutions.
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Thicker alumunium oxide layers can reduce ultraviolet-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells
Researchers from UNSW have developed a model linking UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells to hydrogen transport, charge trapping, and structural changes in the passivation stack. Thicker aluminum oxide layers improve UV resilience by limiting hydrogen migration. The study conducted on TOPCon cells showed a complex interaction between chemical degradation and temporary enhancement in field-effect passivation. High-energy UV photons break Si-H bonds in the SiNx capping layer, releasing mobile hydrogen that degrades chemical passivation. Thicker 7 nm AlOx layers act as a more effective barrier to hydrogen transport, improving UVID resilience. Researchers have identified new failure modes and degradation mechanisms in TOPCon solar modules, including the impact of soldering flux, contact corrosion, and sodium-induced degradation. The research also highlights the vulnerability of TOPCon solar cells to various forms of degradation under different conditions. The study provides design guidance for more UV-robust passivation stacks and improved testing protocols, as presented in a paper published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
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Japanese companies to build world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy are collaborating on the construction of a 40,000 cubic meter vessel to address global hydrogen demand by the 2030s. The liquefied hydrogen carrier will feature a diesel- and hydrogen-fueled electric propulsion system, specialized cargo tanks, and advanced insulation to minimize boil-off gas. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' expertise in hydrogen transportation, along with Japan Suiso Energy's ship-to-base loading project, highlights the growing focus on sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. This innovative approach to hydrogen transportation signifies a significant step towards achieving a more environmentally friendly and efficient global energy system.