Researchers have developed a cable-supported photovoltaic structure (CSPS) for solar projects on challenging terrain, overcoming limitations of traditional ground-mounted PV structures. Inspired by bridge aerodynamics, the system splits a single cable truss into two parallel trusses to enhance torsional load-resisting mechanism. Key design parameters include cable sags, truss height, and cable pretensions, influencing structural behavior and stiffness. The system configuration improves torsional mode frequency and critical flutter wind speed, with added components like purlins and braces enhancing stiffness and vibration control. The study validated the proposed two-parallel cable truss system as a structurally efficient and aerodynamically robust solution for large-span CSPS designs in high-wind environments, providing a practical design framework for future large-scale solar infrastructure in challenging terrain environments.
Category: Electricity & Industry
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Southeast Asia Has 5 Proposed Subsea Power Cable Projects By 2040 — But The First Link It Needs Is Governance
The technical case for subsea power cables connecting Southeast Asia's electricity systems has been established, with a focus on governance arrangements evolving alongside regional electricity integration. ASEAN's cross-border electricity ambitions will require stronger regional planning, cost allocation approaches, and coordination across the maritime domain. The region aims to more than double its interconnector capacity by 2040, benefiting from abundant renewable energy resources and the potential to reduce fossil fuel imports through subsea cables. Addressing gaps in regional planning, cost allocation, and navigating territorial waters will be crucial for successful implementation of cross-border subsea interconnection projects in ASEAN. The article discusses the need for governance arrangements to support the development of cross-border energy infrastructure in the ASEAN region, particularly focusing on the ASEAN Power Grid Generation and Transmission Planning function. It highlights the importance of coordination in planning, regulation, financing, and maritime governance for the success of subsea power cable development, drawing lessons from Europe's experience in evolving governance frameworks for energy infrastructure. The ASEAN region already has foundational institutions in place, such as the ASEAN Centre for Energy, HAPUA, and the APGCC, but there is a need to strengthen governance arrangements to support regional electricity integration.
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India Needs 10 GWh of Battery Storage Now to Stop Coal’s Inflexibility Wasting Clean Power
India's coal-based power plants are struggling to ramp down during midday solar surges, leading to renewable energy curtailment. Ember's analysis shows that around 10 GWh of battery storage is needed to absorb surplus energy and prevent curtailment. The lack of flexibility in the grid, with coal providing most of the reserves, is causing renewable curtailment to accommodate coal plants operating at their minimum technical loads. Without sufficient storage and flexibility, curtailment of clean electricity will continue to rise as solar capacity grows in India. The article discusses the increasing curtailment of solar and wind energy in India due to the lack of storage solutions, highlighting the need for battery storage projects to absorb surplus generation and provide downward reserves. It recommends allowing grid charging during solar surplus hours to reduce curtailment, lower system stress, and improve flexibility, emphasizing the importance of correcting the current framework to unlock the next phase of India's renewable energy growth. The Khavda project in Gujarat is cited as a successful and quick deployment model for battery storage projects.
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JinkoSolar achieves 34.82% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Chinese PV module manufacturer JinkoSolar recently achieved a power conversion efficiency of 34.82% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by China's Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology. This breakthrough, credited to innovations in core technologies, marks progress in the industrialization of next-generation perovskite tandem technology. Longi currently holds the world record for perovskite-tandem solar cell efficiency at 34.85%, achieved in partnership with Soochow University. These advancements in efficiency are crucial for the development of more effective and sustainable solar energy solutions.
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Pattern Energy launches SunZia energy project in US
Pattern Energy Group has launched the SunZia renewable energy project, which includes a 3.65GW wind facility and a 550-mile HVDC transmission line to transmit power from New Mexico to Arizona and the western grid. This project has the capacity to supply electricity to approximately one million US households annually and has created over 2,000 jobs during construction. With an investment of over $20bn and $1.3bn in direct payments to various entities over 30 years, SunZia showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects. The HVDC technology utilized in the project enables efficient long-distance electricity transfer, addressing grid infrastructure limitations in the energy sector and providing a promising solution for sustainable energy production.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/pattern-energy-launches-sunzia/
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ComEd, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Honor 9 Communities Advancing EV Readiness Across Northern Illinois
ComEd, in partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, recognized nine communities in northern Illinois for graduating from the 2026 EV Readiness Program, aimed at preparing municipalities for the growth of electric vehicles through improved policies, permitting, and first-responder readiness. The state of Illinois has a goal of having one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, with the EV Readiness Program supporting communities in updating zoning codes, streamlining processes, and training first responders to support EV adoption. ComEd has invested over $200M in EV incentive and rebate funding to support the transition to electric transportation, focusing on equity investment eligible communities and low-income customers to drive investment and promote long-term sustainability in the region.
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Huawei’s FusionSolar9.0 solution aims to redefine optimal LCOE for utility-scale solar projects
Huawei's FusionSolar 9.0 solution addresses key challenges facing utility-scale solar PV projects by improving LCOE through minimizing BOS costs, increasing power density, boosting energy yield, and enhancing reliability with features like self-cleaning and anti-icing technologies. The solution also includes grid forming capabilities that enable the generation of reactive power within 10 ms to cope with transient voltage instability. Smart Virtual Inertia technology can further enhance frequency stability and increase the short-circuit-ratio of PV plants, improving renewable energy transmission capability. Grid-forming inverters not only automatically recover reactive power at night but also provide off-grid power supply during the commissioning phase of a solar farm, using self-generated PV power for equipment testing. These advancements are cost-saving, environmentally friendly, and enable faster grid-connection compared to diesel generators.
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Agrivoltaics Gets A Huge Thumbs-Up With Bipartisan Support
Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining crops with solar panels, is gaining traction in Virginia with the introduction of legislation such as SB 340/HB 508 to support and accelerate this transition. The bill defines agrivoltaics as co-locating agricultural production and solar energy generation, emphasizing the need for projects to complement existing farm businesses. Supported by the PEC and passed with bipartisan support, the legislation also promotes on-farm energy storage and virtual power plants to enable farmers to collaborate with local utilities. The Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows serves as a model for small-scale, distributed generation and storage opportunities, showcasing the benefits of crop-based agrivoltaics systems in achieving energy independence and sustainability.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/18/agrivoltaics-virginia-solar-energy-storage-conserve-farmland/
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Korean scientists build shingled solar module for thermoelectric generators
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Energy Research have developed a shingled photovoltaic module that can be combined with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for efficient waste-heat energy recovery. The shingled cell technology increases light absorption and module reliability by eliminating soldered ribbons and reducing thermal stresses, improving efficiency and long-term reliability compared to standard interconnection approaches. The module architecture benefits TEG integration by increasing operating voltage, reducing output current, and minimizing resistive losses, ultimately enabling more efficient power extraction in PV-TEG hybrid systems. A custom experimental platform was developed to accurately characterize PV, TEG, and combined PV-TEG devices under controlled thermal and optical loading, revealing that optimal designs with low current and high voltage operation can significantly reduce power loss, with the new solar module concept showing promising results for field-scale thermoelectric coupling.
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Siemens Energy wins massive deal as offshore converter rig production returns to Germany
Siemens Energy has secured a significant order to construct a 2GW offshore wind converter platform in Germany for 50Hertz, aiding in the expansion of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions. This project will be crucial in integrating clean energy into the grid and supporting Germany's shift towards a more sustainable energy system. The offshore wind converter platform represents a key step in advancing climate solutions and promoting the transition to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sector.