Germany is investing over €22 million in public funding to support Moll Batterien's sodium-ion battery plant in Bavaria, part of a larger €103 million investment. Set to begin operations in 2026 with an initial capacity of 1 GWh per year, the project is expected to create 126 jobs and training positions. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the European Union's European Regional Development Fund are the primary sources of public funding for this initiative.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Imaging tech to analyze sub-cells in tandem and triple junction PV devices
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have developed new imaging methods to measure losses in individual sub-cells of multi-junction solar cells, specifically perovskite-silicon tandem and perovskite-perovskite-silicon triple junction devices. The research team detailed the Suns-Voc and Suns-PL imaging methods for tandem cells, and used a combination of luminescence imaging and lock-in thermography for triple-junction cells. These methods provide insights into electric losses, selectivity losses, and resistive losses, making them valuable for quality assurance in production and research settings. Additionally, the effectiveness of these imaging techniques in analyzing the quality of electron and hole transport layers in solar cells is demonstrated, with the potential for application in other tandem and triple junction cell technologies, including III-V compound solar cells for space applications.
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Solar, wind and storage: stable prices, stable grid
Australia's rapid expansion of solar and wind energy has not increased wholesale electricity prices since 2016, making it a global renewable energy leader. Solar and wind are displacing coal and gas, meeting all growth in demand, with stable grid infrastructure and high rooftop solar adoption rates contributing to falling wholesale prices. Rooftop solar systems in Australia cost $6,000 and last 20 years, with an annual electricity output of 1200-1400 kWh per kW, driving widespread adoption at a low cost of 3 US-cents per kWh. All-electric solar homes in Australia have zero gas and petrol bills, with large energy storage options available, and the quick installation and high resilience of Australian rooftop solar systems make them a promising solution for climate experts.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/19/solar-wind-and-storage-stable-prices-stable-grid/
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Awendio Solaris plans multi-gigawatt solar manufacturing hub in Canada
Awendio Solaris plans to invest CAD 1 billion in a solar manufacturing facility in Montreal, Quebec, targeting the Canadian and US markets. The facility will create 1,000 jobs and produce up to 5,000 MW of solar cells and modules per year using n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact technology with a fully North American supply chain. Operations will be powered by Quebec's hydroelectric grid and on-site solar generation, with support from First Nations groups and research partnerships with local universities. Additionally, Hydro-Québec plans to deploy up to 3 GW of solar capacity by 2035, starting with a 300 MW solar tender and offering financial incentives for residential and commercial solar installations. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to Canada's clean energy transition and economic growth.
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Amea Power begins construction on 1 GW/600 MWh solar-plus-storage plant in Egypt
Amea Power has secured financing and begun construction on Africa's largest single-site hybrid renewable facility in Egypt, integrating 1 GW of solar PV with 600 MWh of BESS and expected to be operational by June 2026. Located in the Aswan Governorate, the project is a key part of Egypt's clean energy journey, enhancing energy security, supporting local employment, and contributing to national development. The project's financing, led by the IFC and involving international partners, highlights the growing momentum towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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Sparc hits production milestone at hydrogen pilot plant in Australia
Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture involving Sparc Technologies, Fortescue, and the University of Adelaide, has successfully achieved sustained hydrogen generation at its pilot plant in South Australia using a photocatalytic water-splitting process powered by concentrated solar energy. This breakthrough technology eliminates the need for electrolyzers or electricity, positioning Sparc Hydrogen as a leader in direct solar-to-hydrogen production. The company aims to further optimize its technology for scalability and commercialization, with the potential to unlock low-cost green hydrogen production. With the global green hydrogen market projected to reach $1.4 trillion per year by 2050, this innovation could play a significant role in advancing climate solutions.
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Hithium pushes into long-duration storage and AI data centres with 1,300Ah cell, 6.9 MW/55.2 MWh system, and lithium-sodium hybrid
Hithium Energy Storage has unveiled new 1300Ah cell and long-duration storage system, as well as a lithium-sodium hybrid solution for AI data centers, to tackle the issues of renewable energy intermittency and growing electricity demand in digital infrastructure. By positioning long-duration storage as a grid asset and foundation for energy-intensive AI infrastructure, the company is making a strategic shift towards more sustainable and efficient energy solutions in response to climate change.
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Germany brings world’s first supercapacitor STATCOM online
Siemens Energy and TenneT have successfully installed the world's first supercapacitor-based grid-stabilization system in Mehrum, Germany. The SVC Plus FS system utilizes supercapacitors to provide instantaneous reserve and reactive power, eliminating the need for large fossil-fuel power plant generators. After over a decade of development and three years of construction, the system now operates fully automatically and remotely controlled. This groundbreaking project sets a new standard for the global energy transition, showcasing the potential of supercapacitors to revolutionize traditional grid-stabilizing functions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/15/germany-brings-worlds-first-supercapacitor-statcom-online/
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China National Petroleum Corporation achieves 25.05% efficiency for inverted perovskite solar cell
China National Petroleum Corporation has developed a high-efficiency inverted perovskite solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 25.05%, validated by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology. This cell utilizes an inverted architecture and interface molecules to enhance stability and boost open-circuit voltage. CNPC plans to integrate this technology with traditional silicon cells to lower the cost of energy production. They are set to establish a pilot line in 2026 and a mass production facility in 2028, aiming to achieve renewable energy capacity on par with their oil and gas output by 2035.
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Indian researchers develop stable liquid hydrogen transport system
Researchers at MIT World Peace University in India have developed a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system that allows for the safe and stable transportation of hydrogen in liquid form. This innovation addresses the challenges of integrating hydrogen into energy systems due to its explosive nature and complex transportation requirements. The LOHC system involves a two-stage chemical process where hydrogen is bonded into a liquid for storage and transport, and then released at the point of use. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce costs and transport risks associated with hydrogen supply chains, positioning India at the forefront of LOHC development and potentially accelerating the national hydrogen mission for clean-energy logistics in transportation and heavy industry.