UNSW researchers have found that electron irradiation significantly degrades the bulk minority carrier lifetime of silicon solar cells, leading to up to a 60% drop in efficiency. The study identified vacancy-vacancy defects as the main radiation-induced defects affecting the cells. They emphasized the need to increase radiation tolerance in commercial space silicon solar cells, with p-PERC cells showing superior radiation tolerance compared to p-TOPCon cells. Front-junction architectures were found to perform better than rear-junction designs in terms of radiation damage. The findings were presented in the study "Electron radiation-induced degradation of silicon solar cells" published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, highlighting various degradation mechanisms and vulnerabilities in TOPCon solar cells.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
-
Solar sidewalks in Canada cut urban emissions 98%, claim scientists
Research from Concordia University in Montreal suggests that integrating solar panels into sidewalks could be an effective way to create a green city. The study proposes using sidewalk-embedded photovoltaic panels to power local electric vehicle-based delivery networks and food logistics, while traditional solar sites are used for community gardens. The 15-minute city model aims to bring daily needs closer to residents to reduce fossil-fuel-consuming trips. The research, focusing on the impacts of sidewalk PV panels, found that a small area of panels could power the entire urban mobility system and significantly reduce emissions. The model also incorporates vegetable crops into the urban landscape, creating a self-sufficient cluster for certain vegetables.
-
Skyven Technologies commissions steam-generating, industrial heat pump
Skyven Technologies has commissioned its Arcturus steam-generating heat pump demonstration project in Dallas, Texas, capable of delivering 1 MWth of boiler-quality steam by capturing waste heat. The system is highly efficient, being eight times more efficient than natural gas boilers and six times more efficient than electric boilers and thermal energy storage. With a control system that can monitor grid loads, optimize cost and emissions reductions, and seamlessly integrate into industrial facilities, the Arcturus product line scales from 1 MWth to 60 MWth of emissions-free steam output, making it suitable for various manufacturing sectors.
-
Kiira Motors Kayoola Electric Coach Embarks On A 13,000km Trip From Uganda To South Africa
Uganda's Kiira Motors Corporation is embarking on a 30-day journey across six African nations to showcase their new electric coach, the Kayoola Electric Coach 13M, with a 500 km range and top speed of 100 km/hr. The expedition aims to demonstrate the reliability and scalability of locally-designed technology for long-distance travel and promote African solutions for climate action and industrial growth. Electric road trips across several countries are becoming more feasible with the increasing investment in charging infrastructure and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), showcasing the potential of African innovation in sustainable transportation. The project highlights the endless roads, landscapes, and natural environments of South Africa, as well as the diverse mix of cultures and interests in the country, proving the viability of EVs for travel in the region.
-
How to balance power losses, cost effectiveness in PV-BESS-driven EV charging stations
Scientists in India have developed a novel method for optimizing the placement and operation of EV charging stations with PV generation and battery storage, aiming to improve power flow efficiency, reduce emissions and expenses, and make EVs a practical choice for all drivers. The method includes an optimization component for station placement and sizing, a hierarchization component for determining the order in which EVs are charged, and uses a multi-objective optimization algorithm and analytical hierarchy process to allocate charging spots based on various parameters. Testing the method's effectiveness in a network with two EV charging stations showed promising results, with potential for further integration of AI for predictive EV traffic modeling and hybrid renewables like wind to optimize larger networks and drive down costs and emissions for a seamless transition to electrified transport worldwide.
-
Kia Reveals New PV5 Chassis Cab
Kia has unveiled its new PV5 Chassis Cab, part of its modular Platform Beyond Vehicle electric fleet lineup, at the SOLUTRANS 2025 event in Lyon, France. The model offers a modern, sleek design and is designed for electrification, efficiency, and conversion flexibility, supporting a range of professional conversions. With a range of up to 416 kilometers and fast charging capabilities, the PV5 Chassis Cab includes advanced driver assistance systems, a 7-year warranty, and an Android OS infotainment system. Kia also provides a comprehensive charging network and solutions for home and depot charging, aiming to help cities accelerate climate action by promoting zero-emissions transportation policies and meet the needs of businesses with flexibility for future demands.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/18/kia-reveals-new-pv5-chassis-cab/
-
Europe’s Affordable Car Project Needs to Put the Va Va Voom into Small EVs
The EU is considering a "small affordable car initiative" to benefit consumers and the domestic car industry by focusing on small, affordable electric vehicles. The initiative aims to address the challenges of consumer affordability and industry competitiveness in the EV transition. Demand for small electric cars is high but uptake remains low due to limited options and higher upfront costs. European carmakers are preparing to launch new small BEV models to meet this demand and potentially boost production volumes back to pre-Covid levels. The initiative could lead to the sale of up to 1.5 million additional small EVs in the EU annually and create around 120,000 new jobs. The Small Affordable Electric Vehicle (SAEV) strategy aims to make clean mobility more accessible by producing compact electric cars in Europe with European-made batteries, targeting a price range of €15,000–€20,000 to put electric vehicles on par with small combustion cars. The strategy involves launching an Affordable EV Platform using ETS2 revenues to support the production of small electric cars in Europe, emphasizing the need for reforms in car labelling, favorable tax treatment, and targeted purchase support to make small EVs more affordable for low and middle-income drivers.
-
New Sodium-Ion Batteries Threaten The US Coal Recovery Plan
Peak Energy, a US startup, is leading the way in sodium-ion battery technology, offering advantages over lithium-ion systems in terms of cost, supply chain security, scale, and safety. Partnering with Jupiter Power, they are set to build the world's largest sodium-ion battery energy storage system, delivering a 720-megawatt system in 2027. This development comes as coal power plants in the US face challenges from falling costs of renewable energy and energy storage systems, leading to scheduled retirements. The shift towards cleaner energy sources is driven by factors such as grid conditions, rising electricity demand, and the need for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, highlighting the potential for reliable and economical energy storage systems to support the transition to renewable energy in the US.
-
How are the big wind, solar and battery projects that won CIS deals doing on benefit sharing?
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia is a $70 billion government initiative focused on accelerating investment in clean energy projects, with a strong emphasis on including First Nations people and communities. The CIS incorporates social and First Nations outcomes into its merit criteria and makes them contractually binding, with the First Nations Clean Energy Network tracking progress of 59 awarded projects in areas where First Nations have rights and interests. Proponents of CIS projects are required to actively engage with impacted First Nations communities to ensure equitable participation and benefit sharing, as the government is committed to ensuring First Nations have equitable opportunities, benefit-sharing, and self-determination in the energy transition.
-
C40 Cities calls for COP30 to raise ambition and progress plan to phase out fossil fuels
C40 member cities are leading the way in the fossil-free transition by committing to halving fossil fuel use by 2030 and implementing measures such as electrifying transport fleets and creating clean energy utilities. They are taking concrete actions to drive down fossil fuel use, scale renewable energy production, and ensure a fair and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels. Cities around the world are already implementing ambitious climate actions like solar minigrids and clean cooking solutions, with a focus on just and inclusive transitions. National governments must collaborate with cities to create a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels across various sectors and mobilizing finance at scale, ensuring a fair process that includes input from cities, workers, unions, and civil society.