Researchers from Guangdong University of Technology in China have developed a lignin-based silver paste for solar cell metallization, replacing petroleum-based components in silicon heterojunction solar cells to reduce costs and improve sustainability. The incorporation of lignin in the paste has shown improved performance in terms of viscosity, adhesion, and electrical conductivity, ultimately enhancing solar cell efficiency. This enhancement is attributed to the lignin promoting the formation of continuous conductive pathways, reducing electrical losses, and improving power conversion efficiency from 25.01% to 25.96%. The study highlights the benefits of using lignin in the metallization process, as it improves paste rheology, grid morphology, interfacial contact, and electrical conductivity, contributing to improved photovoltaic performance in high-efficiency solar cells.
Tag: China
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China’s 700 MW Jintan salt-cavern CAES project completes full-system startup
China Huaneng's Jintan salt-cavern compressed air energy storage project in Jiangsu province has successfully started up its two 350 MW generating units, making it the largest salt-cavern CAES facility globally with a total capacity of 700 MW. Utilizing underground salt caverns for gas storage, the project boasts a high round-trip energy conversion efficiency exceeding 70%. With a focus on peak shifting, renewable energy integration, and grid-balancing services, this project exemplifies China's transition towards large-scale, long-duration storage plants to address energy challenges.
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Hybrid PV cooling system boosts electrical efficiency by 26%, provides building ventilation
An international research team has developed a hybrid PV-evaporative cooling system that improves PV electrical efficiency and provides precooled ventilation air in hyper-arid desert climates like Iraq. The system combines rear-side evaporative cooling with intermittent water spraying on the front surface of the PV module, resulting in a significant reduction in module temperature and increased electrical efficiency. Researchers aim to optimize water spraying and airflow rates using AI and IoT technologies to minimize water consumption while maintaining peak performance. The study involved scientists from various universities in Iraq, Sweden, Qatar, Sudan, Serbia, and China, focusing on enhancing the system's efficiency for large-scale commercial deployments in hot arid regions. The system demonstrated exceptional thermal regulation stability and efficiency enhancements, proving that hyper-efficient thermal management can be achieved sustainably even in extreme desert conditions.
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Researchers test laminated bamboo structures for floating PV platforms
A research team in China and Hong Kong collaborated on a study examining the flexural behavior of thin-plate glued laminated bamboo (glubam) systems for floating photovoltaic platforms. They found that glubam systems offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, low carbon footprint, and a good balance between flexibility and bending stiffness. By testing different glubam assemblies and developing mechanics-based models, the researchers were able to assess how factors like bolt diameter, spacing, and plate thickness affected load-bearing capacity. The study demonstrated that certain configurations and adjustments could significantly impact the ultimate load capacity of the glubam systems, providing valuable insights for climate solutions experts.
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Chinese province moves grid-side batteries into spot market
Regulators in China's Zhejiang province have opened the provincial electricity spot market to independent grid-side batteries, allowing them to trade in the spot market on a self-scheduled basis and choose between the energy market or frequency-regulation ancillary services market. The notice includes rules for registration, settlement, and technical requirements for market entry, with a project list of 40 projects totaling 2.54 GW/5.1 GWh attached. Plans are in place to transition to price-and-quantity bidding by 2027, providing opportunities for independent grid-side storage projects to participate in the market and contribute to the region's renewable energy goals.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/26/chinese-province-moves-grid-side-batteries-into-spot-market/
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CWNYC26: Brazil “very optimistic” about reaching forest finance goal, speaking to several Article 6 buyers
Brazil is optimistic about reaching the $10 billion funding goal for its Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) through public and philanthropic capital to attract private investment. The TFFF has secured $7.3 billion in funding, with Norway and the UK making significant contributions, aiming to raise $25 billion in sponsor capital and mobilize $100 billion from private investors. Brazil is preparing to participate in international carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with discussions ongoing with interested countries like China. The country sees carbon finance as crucial for ecosystem restoration and chairs the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets, with China and the EU as co-chairs. The TFFF aims to provide payments to developing countries that maintain their tropical forests, with global participation ensuring its continuity despite potential political changes in participating countries.
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China’s Electric Aviation Advantage Is A Transport System, Not A Prototype
China is making significant progress in the development of electric aviation, with a focus on demonstrating economic viability and scalability through large-scale operations and international sales. The country's advantage in battery production and well-established high-speed rail network contribute to its strong position in this sector. China's state aerospace industry is actively involved in electric propulsion and aircraft integration work, with a particular emphasis on next-generation regional aircraft. The successful integration of hundreds of electric aircraft into routine service will be crucial for establishing a sustainable industry and proving China's advancements in the field.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/09/19/china-electric-aviation-transport-system/
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The Unstoppable Rise of Leapmotor — August’s China EV Sales Report (45% BEV Share)
The Chinese automotive market is experiencing a shift towards electric vehicles, with local brands like NIO and Leapmotor seeing surging sales. Foreign legacy OEMs like Honda and Nissan are struggling, while local brands like BYD and Geely are holding onto their market share. Leapmotor is quickly approaching Geely in market share and could become the new silver medalist in the coming months. Tesla remains in the 4th spot, but faces competition from Wuling. BYD leads in market share, with Geely in second place, and Leapmotor poised to surpass Changan and potentially threaten SAIC. Leapmotor is preparing to launch a second brand in China, following in the footsteps of BYD, and may consider approaching Stellantis to buy or form a joint venture with Lancia in Europe, potentially making Leapmotor a larger automaker globally than Tesla by 2030.
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Shower wastewater heat pump achieves year-round COP of up to 4.1
Researchers in China developed a shower wastewater-source heat pump (WSHP) coupled with an air-source heat pump (ASHP) to recover heat from shower wastewater and provide hot water in university dormitories. The system, consisting of a 200 kW WSHP, a 120 kW ASHP, a hot-water tank, and a wastewater tank, was tested for energy performance, life-cycle costs, and environmental impact. Dynamic simulations and comprehensive benefit analysis showed that the hybrid system has a stable monthly coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.4 to 4.1, offering significant life cycle cost advantages and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 77.77% compared to an electric boiler and by 60.76% compared to a coal-fired boiler. The WSHP-ASHP system also maintains an economic advantage over a gas boiler under typical market conditions, making it a promising climate solution.
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Stranded Asset, What Happens When A Gas Car Becomes Worth Less Than Zero As Transportation?
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) in countries like Norway and China is leading to a decrease in the residual value of gasoline and diesel cars, with the author predicting that the US will follow suit within five years. Owners of gas cars are advised to consider the cost savings of switching to a used EV, while car manufacturers are urged to transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The importance of considering the total cost of ownership when deciding between a gasoline car and an EV is emphasized, especially as EV prices continue to decrease. The article highlights the need for multiple factors to align for successful electric vehicle adoption in the US by 2031.