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.
Author: Pv Magazine
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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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California water district plans up to 21 GW of solar on fallowed farmland
The Westlands Water District in California has adopted the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan to develop up to 21 GW of solar generation on fallowed agricultural land in response to water shortages in the San Joaquin Valley. California law AB 2661 allows the district to repurpose the land for solar, storage, and transmission facilities, aiming to preserve agriculture viability and create economic opportunities for farmworkers. Stakeholder collaboration will be key in advancing project planning and implementation steps for this initiative, which seeks to address water scarcity while promoting sustainable solutions for the region's agricultural sector.
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EPFL researchers enhance perovskite solar cell performance via rubidium
Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland and a collaborative team from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National University of Singapore, University of Ioannina, and Politecnico di Milano have made significant advancements in perovskite solar cell technology. By incorporating rubidium (Rb) into the perovskite lattice structure, they were able to enhance stability and efficiency, achieving champion efficiency levels of 25.77% and 20.65% respectively. The introduction of Rb+ cations at grain domain boundaries and the lattice strain approach led to improved carrier diffusion length, lifetime, and suppression of halide phase segregation. These developments mark a promising step forward in the quest for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.
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Japanese airport terminal hosting chalcopyrite solar modules
Kyuden Mirai Energy and Nissan Motor are showcasing the use of flexible, glass-free chalcopyrite PV panels from PXP Corporation in projects at Fukuoka International Airport and a Nissan dealership in Yokohama City, Japan. The goal is to evaluate the potential applications of thin film solar PV technology, raise awareness about flexible solar cell technology, and emphasize Nissan's commitment to sustainability. PXP Corporation has received financial support to advance their technology in Japan, highlighting the growing interest in renewable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/japanese-airport-terminal-hosting-chalcopyrite-solar-modules/
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Google acquires Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion
Google has acquired Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion to develop solar and storage projects for its AI data centers, aiming to bypass grid bottlenecks and scale rapidly with energy parks co-locating data centers with generation and storage assets. With $15 billion in assets, Intersect Power plans to have 10.8 GW of capacity by 2028. Google's energy park development strategy, including the Quantum Clean Energy Project in Texas, focuses on clean energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/google-acquires-intersect-power-for-nearly-5-billion/
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Battery technology outlook for 2026 sharpens beyond lithium-ion
In 2026, the energy storage industry is focused on advancements in technology to meet the demands of AI-driven load growth, data center demand, and wildfire risks. Longer-duration storage, safer chemistries, and resilient supply chains are key priorities for industry leaders, with a shift towards non-lithium chemistries for safety, affordability, and long-term confidence. Recycling and domestic processing will become essential for maintaining domestic battery supply chains, with a push towards localized materials recovery and finished batteries. Companies investing in secure, scalable supply chains and embracing new chemistries will be well-positioned to succeed in meeting the country's energy needs, particularly in adding flexible power near high-demand areas like AI data centers.
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UK study finds azimuthal trackers boost floating PV performance
A University of Exeter study found that azimuthal tracking systems deliver the largest energy gains and lowest levelized cost of energy for floating solar PV plants in the UK, with a 26.9% increase in production compared to fixed systems. This makes floating solar a competitive option for marine-based renewable energy. Meanwhile, in the United States, Texas has become one of the top states for solar energy production due to its abundant sunlight, large land area, and decreasing costs of solar technology. The expansion of solar power in Texas is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
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Growing agri-PV tomatoes while producing hydrogen for smart windows
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a concept for a residential building in the UK that combines rooftop agrivoltaics with onsite hydrogen production. The electricity generated by the solar system is used to produce hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles and smart windows, with the system able to meet the annual demand of the smart windows and support up to 64.23 km of driving per day. The study also discusses the thermal performance of vacuum gasochromic windows and the potential of small rooftop areas to support building-scale hydrogen applications. The impact of agrivoltaics on home insulation and the use of produced hydrogen for home heating are areas of future research, as detailed in the publication in Energy and Buildings titled "Rooftop agrivoltaic powered onsite hydrogen production for insulated gasochromic smart glazing and hydrogen vehicles: A holistic approach to sustainable residential building."
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China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
China has activated the world's largest liquid-air energy storage facility, the Super Air Power Bank, with a capacity of 60 MW/600 MWh, co-located with a 250 MW photovoltaic plant in the Gobi Desert near Golmud city. The facility compresses and cools air to -194°C, liquefies it, and stores it in specialized tanks for energy storage. When electricity is needed, the liquid air expands, driving turbines to generate power, transforming air into an energy storage carrier under extreme cold conditions. This innovative project showcases a sustainable solution for high levels of green energy self-sufficiency.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/30/china-powers-up-worlds-largest-liquid-air-storage-project/