Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a novel thermochromic bifacial photovoltaic glazing system that passively regulates solar heat gain while harvesting energy from both sides. The system integrates hydrogel-based thermochromic layers with bifacial PV modules to reduce cooling loads, indoor temperatures, and energy consumption. The hydrogel transitions from transparent to translucent as temperature rises, reflecting light towards the rear side of the PV glass for enhanced electricity generation. The prototype system optimizes building energy use, reduces costs, and emissions by dynamically modulating solar transmission and capturing reflected energy. The design addresses limitations of previous hybrid solutions by combining PV glazing and hydrogel-based TC technology in a single system for advanced glazing applications. The research on TC‐BiPV glazing shows significant benefits in reducing direct solar heat gain and increasing electricity generation compared to other glazing options. Annual simulations indicate that TC‐BiPV can provide a gain of 9-18% for skylights and 6-14% for vertical windows. The system also reduces indoor heat gain and cooling loads, making it a practical solution for energy-efficient building envelopes in warm climates. The study highlights the scalability and passive nature of the TC‐BiPV approach, emphasizing its potential for climate solutions.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future
Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/
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China’s new five-year plan deepens shift toward focus on renewables system
China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes clean electricity as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to meet incremental electricity demand with incremental clean power generation while peaking fossil fuel consumption. The plan includes a "new energy system" concept that expands beyond wind and solar to include hydropower, offshore wind, nuclear, and more, with non-fossil energy expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption by 2030. Aligning renewable energy policy with wider industrial and regional development strategies, the plan sets targets for wind and solar capacity doubling by 2035, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration to combat climate change.
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“Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid
Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.
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Vena Group and InCommodities sign $142m battery deal
In a $200m agreement, Vena Group has partnered with InCommodities to establish the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is designed to enhance grid stability in response to the increasing expansion of renewable energy generation in the region. The BESS will play a crucial role in utilizing surplus solar power to supply approximately 280,000 homes with electricity. InCommodities' investment demonstrates a long-term dedication to the Australian energy market and supports the growing emphasis on renewable investment and strengthening critical grid infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vena-group-incommodities-142m-battery-deal/
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Europe’s first 110MW data centre microgrid launches in Dublin
Pure DC and AVK have launched Europe's first large-scale on-site data centre microgrid in Dublin, Ireland, designed to provide dispatchable power during early development phases. The microgrid includes three interconnected 30MW energy centres blending combined heat and power with heat recovery, battery energy storage system integration, rainwater harvesting, and future hydrogen blending. This innovative system supports AI-driven data centre demand, hybrid grid-renewable operations, and potential district heating links, addressing power shortages for hyperscale cloud and AI facilities. Positioned as a model for the energy-as-strategic-asset approach in the data centre industry, this project showcases sustainable solutions for reliable and efficient power generation.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/europes-first-110mw-data-centre-microgrid-launches-in-dublin/
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Regulators will have to be nimble to deal with home battery boom and bigger solar systems, says Kean
Australia's energy regulators and market operators are urged to quickly adapt to the rise in battery storage, rooftop solar systems, and the shift towards electrification. The success of home battery installations and the growth of rooftop solar systems demonstrate the community's appetite for new energy solutions. Regulators must prepare for the increasing adoption of home energy storage, EVs, and advanced load shifting technologies to balance demand peaks and ease strain on the grid. Despite challenges like grid bottlenecks and increased prices for infrastructure, with the right regulatory framework and incentives, the transition to green energy is manageable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Integrated and complex planning is emphasized as crucial for a successful and reliable transition to clean energy.
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New Jersey announces 355-MW storage procurement, solicits 645 MW more
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved incentives for three transmission-connected battery energy storage projects totaling 355 MW, with plans for an additional 645 MW of standalone storage or solar-plus-storage. This fulfills the state's goal of procuring 1 GW of bulk energy storage by summer and 2 GW by 2030, with projects set to participate in PJM Interconnection's capacity auction next year. The projects, located at operating or retired fossil power plants, aim to save ratepayers over $169 million by moderating wholesale electricity prices during peak demand. New Jersey's push for energy storage is driven by strong market fundamentals and high capacity prices, with support from political leadership and plans to use funds from the regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program for ratepayer bill credits.
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Iceland’s utility commissions solar-plus-storage for EV charging
ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy, has deployed a hybrid solar-plus-storage facility in Reykjavík to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The project, known as Peaker Plant, combines solar PV, a lithium-ion battery system, and fast chargers to reduce peak demand, improve grid stability, and lower operational costs. The system is testing dynamic control strategies and has shown promising results in aligning solar generation with charging demand, even during winter conditions. ON Power views the project as more than a pilot and believes hybrid energy hubs can play a meaningful role in optimizing grid interaction and operational economics, especially in countries like Iceland with limited solar capacity.
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Marstek launches 2 kWh plug-in battery storage system
Chinese battery manufacturer Marstek has introduced the Venus B, a 2 kWh plug-in energy storage system specifically designed for small photovoltaic systems. This device allows for the storage of solar power or the utilization of cheap electricity from dynamic pricing tariffs. With a maximum charging power of 1.5 kW, the Venus B can output either 800 W or up to 1.5 kW of power. This storage system is easily installable without the need for modifications to existing plug-in solar systems and is compatible with a variety of photovoltaic systems, offering a promising solution for enhancing renewable energy integration.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/17/marstek-launches-2-kwh-plug-in-battery-storage-system/