Researchers from Wuhan University of Technology in China have developed a polymer solar cell with 19.1% efficiency and remarkable stability by blending small-molecule acceptors into polymeric matrices. The incorporation of linearly packed small molecule acceptors disentangled polymeric chains, creating efficient pathways for charge transport and reducing degradation. The resulting devices retained 97% efficiency after 2,000 hours of operation in air, with an extrapolated lifetime exceeding 100,000 hours. This work provides a practical pathway towards commercialization of flexible organic photovoltaics, with various layers including a molybdenum trioxide hole transport layer and a buckminsterfullerene electron transport layer contributing to the cell's success.
Tag: China
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World’s first 628 Ah grid-scale battery enters operation
The world's first 628 Ah grid-scale battery has been successfully implemented in China, showcasing a major advancement in the industry. This project utilizes 200 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage with lithium iron phosphate cells, featuring an innovative design with stacking processes and high-toughness separators for improved safety and cost efficiency. EVE Energy has been mass-producing these large-capacity cells since December 2024, positioning themselves as a leader in the field of grid-scale battery solutions. This development highlights the potential for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions to support the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy system.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/12/worlds-first-628-ah-grid-scale-battery-enters-operation/
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BYD Challenges EV Range Assumptions With 1000 km Denza Z9
The article discusses the benefits of electric cars, particularly in terms of convenience, power, comfort, and technology, with the Denza Z9 from BYD's premium brand offering a range of over 1000 km. The expanding flash charging network in China and plans to launch the Z9 in Europe with thousands of flash charging stations are highlighted. The introduction of solid-state batteries may further increase EV driving ranges in the future, potentially leading to EV driving range parity with ICE vehicles. This shift in consumer mindset towards accepting slightly lower ranges is changing perspectives and allowing other positive attributes of EVs to shine, ultimately contributing to climate solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/10/byd-challenges-ev-range-assumptions-with-1000-km-denza-z9/
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EVs Lower Nitrous Oxide Levels In California
A study in California has found that increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is linked to lower levels of pollutants, specifically NO2 air pollution. Transitioning to 100% zero emissions vehicle sales by 2035 is projected to reduce ambient NO2 concentrations by 61% in the US and 30-80% in China, leading to significant health benefits and over $1.2 trillion in cumulative health benefits between 2020 and 2050. The study used satellite measurements of NO2 to relate to annual ZEV registrations and confirmed the positive impact of EV adoption on air quality. The researchers suggest that their approach can be generalized globally to other locations without air quality monitoring networks.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/09/evs-lower-nitrous-oxide-levels-in-california/
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China maximises battery recycling to shore up critical mineral supplies
China's rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales has led to a surge in spent batteries, with nearly 400,000 tonnes generated last year and projected to rise to one million tonnes per year by 2030. To address this waste issue, the Chinese government has launched new policies mandating end-of-life recycling for EVs and their batteries, with manufacturers responsible for recycling. This strategy not only addresses the waste problem but also aims to secure critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Chinese companies like CATL's Brunp subsidiary and Botree are leading the way in battery recycling, offering higher prices to EV owners and expanding into foreign markets to meet demand.
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BYD’s Turquois T-Shaped Second-Generation Flash Chargers Seen At Dealers Ahead Of Launch
BYD has revealed the next generation of "Flash Chargers" with up to 1200 kW of charging power, an upgrade from the previous model, aiming to make electric vehicle charging faster and more convenient. The company is introducing new electric vehicles with 1000V architecture and flash charging capabilities, expanding rapidly in China and Europe. A new flash charging ecosystem is emerging at "China speed," potentially changing how people use EVs and making traditional ICE vehicles less relevant. Overall, BYD is focusing on improving power and design aspects of their chargers to enable smooth and efficient usage, with 5-minute charging potentially becoming standard globally.
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Envision claims AI-enabled storage systems can detect battery safety risks days in advance
Envision Energy has introduced a fully integrated energy storage solution that incorporates hardware, software, and market capabilities to enhance battery deployment in evolving energy systems. The company's approach includes cell innovation, power conversion, system controls, artificial intelligence, and electricity trading to connect physical assets with real-time intelligence. Envision's strategy focuses on "physical AI," which integrates AI directly into the operation of storage assets to ensure grid stability, equipment safety, and operational efficiency. The company's Physical AI system, supported by the Dubhe Energy Foundation Model, analyzes real-world energy data to optimize renewable generation, storage, grids, and demand in real time. Envision's AI technologies are embedded across multiple layers of the storage system to support grid functions, operational optimization, market participation, and asset health and safety monitoring. Envision is utilizing AI technology to predict faults in energy storage systems, allowing for proactive maintenance and avoiding emergency shutdowns. The company's AI models can detect voltage irregularities associated with dendrite growth in battery cells, improving operational reliability and safety. Envision believes AI can optimize storage economics by improving price forecasting, reducing operational constraints, and enabling flexible trading strategies. The company sees strong potential for AI-enabled grid-forming storage in commercial and industrial applications, with projects already operating in China and development underway in other markets. Envision plans to deploy its AI-enabled storage solutions globally, co-located with renewable energy generation. Envision is focusing on developing in-house AI models to apply across the renewable energy system, believing that companies with large datasets and proprietary AI models will have an advantage in the sector. They see AI adoption as a widespread trend rather than a competition. Envision's CEO, Huang, emphasized that they don't just use AI, they develop it, and their goal is to build the foundation of a renewable energy system.
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Over 20 Million EV Chargers Operating In China Now
China is leading in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and has the largest number of EV chargers, with over 20 million by the end of 2025. The country has built the world's largest EV charging network, supporting over 40 million new energy vehicles. China's motivation for switching to EVs is driven by the need to reduce toxic air pollution, which causes over one million premature deaths annually. Critics of EVs claiming they run on coal-generated electricity are refuted, as China is a leader in clean, renewable energy sources like solar power. China's advancements in solar power and battery manufacturing position it to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce air pollution.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/25/over-20-million-ev-chargers-operating-in-china-now/
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India Poised To Become World’s First Electrostate?
China's economic growth was fueled by coal-fired thermal generating stations, leading to severe air pollution. Despite still relying on coal for electricity, China is now a leader in renewable energy technologies. In contrast, India is following a different path by embracing renewables to meet its growing energy needs. India aims to become the world's first electrostate, diverging from China's reliance on coal for industrial development. India is rapidly transitioning to a cleaner energy future with the help of cheap solar and batteries, avoiding the fossil fuel dependency seen in the West and China. Solar generation has increased significantly, with coal demand approaching its peak. The country is also leading in electric vehicle sales and reducing road oil demand. India's electrification rate is growing steadily, positioning the country to supply electrotech to the world. In contrast, the US is pushing for a more expensive and dirtier energy pathway. India is making significant progress in transitioning to clean electricity sources, outpacing China in electrification and reducing fossil fuel consumption per capita. The country is on track to achieve economic growth without relying heavily on coal generation. The availability of affordable solar panels and electric cars is driving this shift towards clean energy. India is moving towards becoming an "electrostate" that meets most of its energy needs through electricity generated from clean sources. Other developing countries are likely to follow suit as the cost of electricity technologies continues to decrease. Countries like Pakistan and South Africa are utilizing low-cost solar panels from China to transition away from fossil fuel electricity generation. China is also financing these transitions to expand its clean energy market. However, there are risks involved, such as India's reliance on Chinese equipment for lithium-ion battery production. The dominance of one country in clean energy industries, like China's control over rare earth materials, can impact the global transition to clean energy technologies. International trade dynamics play a significant role in the speed and success of electrification efforts.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/25/india-poised-to-become-worlds-first-electrostate/
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Jiangsu Electric Power reports 13.49GW of offshore wind connected
Jiangsu province in China has become a leader in offshore wind power capacity, reaching 13.49 GW by the end of 2025. This is expected to supply over 30 billion kWh of renewable electricity annually and reduce more than 22 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Jiangsu has a comprehensive offshore wind power development framework covering various areas, with continued expansion in Yancheng. The province has also developed grid-connection capabilities, including offshore booster stations and the largest grid-connection transmission facility in the country. China leads globally in cumulative offshore wind power installed capacity, with plans to exceed 100 million kW by the end of the Five-Year Plan.