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.
Author: Pv Magazine
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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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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/
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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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Argentina’s YPF Luz begins 100 MW output at El Quemado solar park
YPF Luz has activated the first 100 MW of its El Quemado solar park in Mendoza province, the first renewable energy facility to operate under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). With an estimated investment of $210 million, the project is progressing towards a total capacity of 305 MW, generating enough electricity for over 233,000 Argentine households. This milestone marks a significant step towards the country's renewable energy goals, showcasing the potential for large-scale projects in energy infrastructure to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.
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US solar installer adapts business model as policy support shifts
ReVision Energy, a leading residential solar installer in New England, has grown and evolved with a focus on building a just and equitable electric future. The company prioritizes relationships over transactional marketing, becoming a Certified B Corp and emphasizing employee ownership. With increased demand for installations as tax credits expire, ReVision is meeting customer obligations with a sense of urgency. By focusing on community-driven models, customer engagement, and education, the company has built high customer loyalty and a competitive advantage. Additionally, ReVision's electrical apprenticeship program ensures a skilled workforce for the future of solar projects, despite challenges such as policy changes and tax credit expiration.
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Massachusetts awards 1.3 GW in first large-scale energy storage tender
The Massachusetts DOER has chosen four energy storage projects, including Jupiter Power's Trimount ESS, to contribute to reaching a goal of 5,000 MW of operational storage capacity by 2030. Trimount ESS will be located at a former Exxon oil terminal in Everett, repurposing the site into a clean energy hub. This project is anticipated to defer $2.2 billion in regional transmission upgrades, showcasing the potential for large-scale energy storage to support the transition to renewable energy sources and reduce the need for costly infrastructure investments.
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Carmaker uses repurposed EV batteries to help power factory in Australia
Nissan Australia has repurposed retired electric vehicle batteries to power part of its production facility in Melbourne and supply EV chargers through the Nissan Node project. This collaboration with Relectrify aims to increase battery cycle life, reduce energy storage costs, and promote a circular economy. The initiative is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 259 tonnes and save 128 MWh of energy each year, showcasing a sustainable future for end-of-life EV batteries.
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Sembcorp completes acquisition of 300 MW solar project in India
Sembcorp Industries has expanded its renewable energy operations in India by acquiring a 300 MW solar project in Rajasthan, connected to the national grid and operating under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. This acquisition boosts Sembcorp's renewable energy capacity in India to over 7.6 GW, furthering its global renewables portfolio to 20.2 GW. This move highlights the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat climate change through the expansion of renewable energy sources.