A new contactless system developed by a team led by Hameiri at UNSW is revolutionizing the way solar cells are tested, using luminescence to analyze key electrical properties and offering detailed maps of defects, performance, and predicted lifespan. This technology overcomes limitations of current testing methods, allowing intact cells during testing and early defect detection, working with both silicon and emerging perovskite and tandem solar cells. The collaboration between UNSW and BT Imaging is turning laboratory breakthroughs into practical, factory-ready products for manufacturers worldwide, providing a versatile solution for mass production of next-generation solar technologies.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
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TriplePundit • The Solar Revolution Has Only Just Begun
The evolution of global sustainability over the past 20 years has seen significant advancements in solar technology, with costs falling globally and integration with other systems. The history of solar energy dates back to the 1950s, with improvements in efficiency and cost reduction over time. In the United States, support for solar energy has seen peaks under Presidents Carter and Obama, leading to the SunShot program and a significant drop in solar panel costs. With solar energy now the most economical way to meet rising electricity demand, new developments in technology such as rooftop panels, agrivoltaics, and emerging technologies like perovskites and thin film solar cells are driving further innovation. The future of solar energy looks promising, with advancements like see-through solar cells and orbiting systems expected to revolutionize energy solutions for years to come.
https://triplepundit.com/2025/the-solar-revolution-has-only-just-begun/
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Wind hits record share of 150 pct of state demand, as fossil energy shrinks to just 1.5 pct of total generation
South Australia has achieved remarkable new records in renewable energy, with wind energy hitting a new peak share of 149.6% of state demand. The state has been running at an average of 75% wind and solar over the past year and aims to reach 100% "net" renewables by 2027. Battery storage is also playing a significant role in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, with 31.2% of demand being met by batteries at peak times. The state's increased capacity on interstate transmission lines and new big battery projects under construction are further contributing to the growth of renewable energy. A world-first trial by AEMO using battery inverters to run big grids with no synchronous generation showed promising results, setting records for renewables share, curtailment levels, and battery charging load on Sunday.
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New solar and battery hybrid project sets ball rolling on environmental approvals after CIS tender win
The Corop solar farm in Victoria, a new solar and battery hybrid project, has been chosen as a winner in a federal government tender. With 440 MW of solar PV and 800 MWh of battery storage, the project will span 1,100 hectares of farmland and include 1.19 million solar panels and 208 BESS containers. Since 2019, the project has been undergoing public consultation and has been referred for environmental assessment. This innovative project showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to help combat climate change.
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The Yangtze River Is Becoming the World’s Largest Electrified Trade Corridor
The electrification of ports and vessels along major river systems like the Yangtze, Rhine, Mississippi, and Mekong is a key step towards a sustainable shipping industry. The Gezhouba, an all-electric bulk carrier with containerized lithium battery modules, showcases the potential for clean energy in inland shipping. Inland ports like Yichang are integrating ship charging into their grid operations, while delta ports like Shanghai and Ningbo are evolving into partial power plants with renewable energy sources. The global trend is towards electrification of inland and short-sea shipping by mid-century, with deep-sea vessels transitioning more slowly. Once reliable electric power reaches these terminals, the transition to clean energy in the shipping industry is seen as inevitable.
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Portugal’s EDP, Rondo sign PPA for solar-powered industrial heat project
Portugal's EDP and Rondo Energy have partnered to provide zero-emission steam for industrial use through a heat-as-a-service agreement using a 7 MW solar plant and a 100 MWh thermal battery. The project with Central de Cervejas e Bebidas aims to store renewable electricity as high-temperature heat to supply continuous, carbon-free steam, replacing fossil-fuel boilers. This innovative approach of combining renewable energy generation with on-site heat storage could serve as a model for other energy-intensive industries like food and beverage, paper, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
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One Brownfield Down, One Clean Solar Power Plant Up
Solar power plants are being established as a quick and economical way to add kilowatts to the grid while also preserving farmland and transforming contaminated sites into community assets. The US Environmental Agency's Re-Powering America's Land program aims to harvest clean energy from contaminated sites, with brownfield-to-solar development becoming a mature sector of the solar industry. The Acton project in Massachusetts, utilizing ground screws for secure racking systems, showcases the industry's ability to transform contaminated sites into clean power stations. Terrasmart, a US racking firm, is manufacturing ground screws in-house to support the growth of the solar industry. The Acton project repurposes a contaminated Superfund site for solar energy production, creating local jobs and boosting grid resilience, with energy storage included to optimize the value of solar power for ratepayers. Community solar projects like Acton enable all ratepayers to save money as solar costs have dropped, driving significant growth in the community solar market and integrating with the agrivoltaic market. Despite challenges from the federal government, the demand for solar energy remains strong among ratepayers, with a new solar power plant in Acton, Massachusetts transforming a contaminated site into a community asset.
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World’s biggest isolated grid hits new peak of 89 per cent renewables, led by rooftop solar
Western Australia's South West Interconnected System has reached a record high of 89% renewables, led by rooftop solar, with plans to retire coal generators by 2029 and fill the gap with new wind and solar capacity. The grid is supported by large batteries to balance supply and demand, with the federal government seeking bids for 1.6 GW of new capacity. Winners will be announced in March or April next year, and support for independent media like Renew Economy is encouraged to promote accurate information and climate solutions. Giles Parkinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Renew Economy, is highlighted as a journalist with over 40 years of experience dedicated to supporting climate solutions through independent media.
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Mutirão in action at C40 World Mayors Summit as cities lead the way to COP30
City leaders from around the world are showcasing real solutions for climate action at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro ahead of COP30. The theme of the summit is "Mutirão in Motion: Cities Leading the Way to COP30" and highlights Brazil's tradition of community collaboration to build solutions. Initiatives such as the Global Methane Hub and the Urban Planning Accelerator are being launched to support cities in cutting methane emissions and integrating climate and equity into city master plans. Mayors are calling for increased funding for urban climate finance and are pushing for the 'Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion' to mobilize public and private investment in cities, states, and regions, especially in the Global South. Investment in electric bus fleets in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico has surged to US$4.3 billion, with a partnership aiming to drive port decarbonization through a $1 billion Global Port Sustainability-Linked Loan initiative. Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasizes the importance of cities in addressing climate change and building a sustainable future, while Mayor Eduardo Paes highlights the role of C40 cities in reducing emissions and creating green jobs. Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40, discusses China's "irreversible" green transition and growing global ambition, with efforts in transitioning to a more sustainable economy seen as a positive development in the fight against climate change, influencing other nations to follow suit. This shift towards sustainability is crucial in addressing the climate crisis and creating a more environmentally friendly future.
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We can have growth while fighting climate change
Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist at the University of Oxford, offers encouraging answers to climate questions in her book "Clearing the Air." She believes the world is decarbonizing faster than most realize, with the real bottleneck being belief in progress. Ritchie discusses the dueling climate narratives of denial vs. despair, individual choices vs. systemic change, and shifting politics of clean energy. She highlights objective trends like the collapse in costs of solar, wind, and batteries, and the increasing deployment of clean technologies. Ritchie's views on climate change shifted from doom to optimism as she observed long-term data and technological advancements. The section emphasizes the importance of making choices now that will benefit future generations in terms of climate change, stressing the need to use current resources and tools to create a safer, cleaner, and fairer world for future generations. The author sees the optimistic story of climate solutions as an opportunity that requires action and effort to become a reality.