Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Pv Magazine

  • Agrivoltaics? Yes in my vineyard

    Researchers in Spain conducted a study in the Murcia region, surveying 238 wine tourists and finding broad support for trellis-integrated agrivoltaics in vineyards, with 94% backing solar integration. The study focused on vineyards in a region where viticulture is significant, with questions about the importance of photovoltaic energy, preferred system configurations, and perceptions of landscape integration. Overall, the research found a positive social perception of agrivoltaic systems, particularly in vineyard settings, confirming high acceptance of this dual-use land model among the surveyed population. The results were presented in a study published in Renewable Energy Focus, with involvement from academics at Technical University of Cartagena and Miguel Hernández University of Elche.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/12/agrivoltaics-yes-in-my-vineyard/

  • Comparing safety profiles of lithium-ion, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries

    New research challenges the reputation of LFP batteries as the "safest" chemistry due to high levels of hydrogen fluoride emissions, highlighting the need for battery energy storage technologies with high performance and safety in the global transition to sustainable energy systems. Researchers compared lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries for safety attributes tailored to different deployment scenarios, including factors like initiation resistance, abuse tolerance, gas hazards, and application-specific constraints. The study established a safety baseline for lithium-ion batteries by analyzing failure mechanisms under various abuse conditions, providing valuable insights for climate solutions experts in selecting the most suitable battery technology for sustainable energy storage.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/12/comparing-safety-profiles-of-lithium-ion-sodium-ion-and-solid-state-batteries/

  • Ore Energy completes 100-hour iron-air storage system for EDF in France

    Ore Energy has successfully completed a pioneering 100-hour iron-air long-duration energy storage system pilot project for EDF in France, funded by the EU. This groundbreaking project, the first of its kind in Europe, showcases the potential of iron-air technology to offer multi-day energy storage in a practical utility environment. Through testing under different load profiles and seasonal conditions, the system demonstrated its ability to store and discharge energy for up to four days. The valuable data gathered from this pilot project will play a crucial role in assessing long-duration storage technologies for meeting renewable energy balancing requirements in Europe.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/10/ore-energy-completes-100-hour-iron-air-storage-system-for-edf-in-france/

  • EU invests €3 billion in decarbonization of buildings, road transport

    The EIB has announced a €3 billion facility to support investments in cleaner heating, cooling, and reducing energy demands in buildings and road transport, including programs that benefit low- and middle-income households to prepare for the new emissions trading system. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of solutions like heat pumps and electric vehicles to reduce energy and transport bills, while also supporting a shift to public and shared transport, expanding e-mobility schemes, and deploying recharging infrastructure. Additionally, the EU has opened the IF25 Heat Auction to support electrified and direct-renewable heat production, further advancing climate solutions in the region.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/eu-invests-e3-billion-in-decarbonization-of-buildings-road-transport/

  • Australian state awards 12 GWh of long-duration storage contracts

    New South Wales has awarded long-term energy service agreements to six battery energy storage projects totaling 1.17 GW and nearly 12 GWh, increasing the state's contracted storage capacity to 30 GWh. These projects meet the state's legislated objective of delivering 2 GW of long-duration storage by 2030 and 28 GWh by 2034, with a focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing price volatility. The New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap aims to replace old coal-fired power stations with 12 GW of renewable energy and 2 GW of storage by 2030, with tenders being sought for additional projects to further strengthen competition in the market. The overall goal is to increase renewable energy capacity and transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner and more reliable sources.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/australian-state-awards-12-gwh-of-long-duration-storage-contracts/

  • US solar market positioned for continued growth in 2026

    The US solar industry is experiencing significant growth and job creation, with the global solar industry expected to expand by 2050. Safe harbor provisions are driving project pipelines and domestic manufacturing capacity, making solar the cheapest form of energy with cost declines expected to continue. The trend towards affordable and reliable energy access is benefiting the solar market, with large-scale projects offering low-cost generation capacity. Reshoring efforts in US solar manufacturing are contributing to long-term confidence in solar markets, reducing dependence on foreign entities and supply chains while creating new jobs and guarding against price volatility. Manufacturers investing in domestic operations and onshoring supply chains are well-positioned for success in the face of uncertainty and policy changes, setting the industry up for another record year in 2026.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/09/us-solar-market-positioned-for-continued-growth-in-2026/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: Verna completes first two hydrogen pilot wells in Canada

    Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are progressing on hydrogen projects in India. Canada and South Korea are discussing potential collaboration in auto manufacturing for Hyundai/Kia in Canada, with a focus on hydrogen energy. The University of Cagliari and the Indian Institute of Technology are collaborating on a research project on hydrogen energy systems. Hiringa Energy has reached Financial Close on the Kapuni Project in New Zealand, integrating wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale. These developments highlight the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policy support and investment in renewable energy technologies are crucial to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet global electricity demand with clean energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/06/the-hydrogen-stream-verna-completes-first-two-hydrogen-pilot-wells-in-quebec/

  • ‘Today, women leaders are no longer a quota: they are a competitive advantage’

    Yolanda Hoyos, Chief Technical Officer at Blacksalt in Spain, emphasizes the importance of inclusion, mentorship, and authentic leadership in shaping the future of the energy transition. Gender diversity and inclusion in the solar, energy storage, EV charging, and grid infrastructure sectors are crucial for success. A diverse team is better equipped to anticipate challenges and risks in the fast-evolving renewable sector. Women leaders are no longer seen as a quota but as a competitive advantage, with mentorship networks growing stronger to support their integration in decision-making roles. The industry is moving towards a more future-ready and inclusive environment by dismantling old preconceptions and biases. Yolanda Hoyos, a senior renewable-energy professional, is committed to advancing the energy transition and advocating for greater representation of women in the industry.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/06/today-women-leaders-are-no-longer-a-quota-they-are-a-competitive-advantage/

  • Over 85% silver extraction efficiency achieved in solar panel recycling test

    Iondrive, an Australian recycling developer, has achieved over 85% silver extraction efficiency in initial bench-scale testing with their IONSolv platform, which uses deep eutectic solvents to selectively dissolve and extract targeted metals. The company plans to optimize the process further before applying it to end-of-life PV materials, aiming to prevent valuable materials like silver and silicon from ending up in landfills. This development is crucial for improving recovery of materials from solar panels and advancing sustainable solutions for recycling in the renewable energy industry.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/05/over-85-silver-extraction-efficiency-achieved-in-solar-panel-recycling-test/

  • Astronergy adopts quarter-cut cell design, boosting TOPCon module efficiency and reliability

    Astronergy's new ASTRO N7 Pro PV modules feature quarter-cut cell technology and TOPCon 5.0+ technology, increasing module power and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with previous generations. The modules also have a high bifaciality rate and innovative module layout design to maximize solar area and improve efficiency. These advancements benefit utility and C&I solar projects by reducing system costs, increasing energy yield, and providing resilience in harsh environments. Major reliability challenges for solar products in utility-scale and C&I projects include prolonged outdoor exposure, thermal cycling, UV radiation, and physical damage from extreme weather. The ASTRO N7 Pro PV module incorporates innovative technologies to ensure stable power generation and support a 30-year linear power warranty with high end power retention. Optimized cell passivation and upgraded encapsulation materials enhance resistance to PID and UVID, improving long-term durability. Higher conversion efficiency leads to lower operating temperatures, slowing material aging. The quarter-cut circuit design reduces shading losses and peak hot-spot temperatures, improving safety and adaptability. The reinforced frame offers higher mechanical load capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/05/astronergy-adopts-quarter-cut-cell-design-boosting-topcon-module-efficiency-and-reliability/