UNSW researchers have identified a new damp-heat degradation mechanism in TOPCon modules, driven by rear-side recombination and open-circuit voltage loss rather than series-resistance increase. The study emphasizes that magnesium in white EVA encapsulants accelerates degradation, guiding improved encapsulant and backsheet selection for more reliable modules in humid environments. The primary driver of degradation is a reduction in open-circuit voltage, particularly attributed to additives containing magnesium in white EVA. Insights from the research have led to design changes that reduce risks in commercial modules, aiming to refine encapsulant and material selection strategies for TOPCon modules, especially in humid climates. Other studies by UNSW have explored the effects of different encapsulants, soldering flux, and contaminants on TOPCon solar cells, as well as the impact of electron irradiation and UV-induced degradation.
Category: Industry, Materials & Waste
Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources
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Envision claims AI-enabled storage systems can detect battery safety risks days in advance
Envision Energy has introduced a fully integrated energy storage solution that incorporates hardware, software, and market capabilities to enhance battery deployment in evolving energy systems. The company's approach includes cell innovation, power conversion, system controls, artificial intelligence, and electricity trading to connect physical assets with real-time intelligence. Envision's strategy focuses on "physical AI," which integrates AI directly into the operation of storage assets to ensure grid stability, equipment safety, and operational efficiency. The company's Physical AI system, supported by the Dubhe Energy Foundation Model, analyzes real-world energy data to optimize renewable generation, storage, grids, and demand in real time. Envision's AI technologies are embedded across multiple layers of the storage system to support grid functions, operational optimization, market participation, and asset health and safety monitoring. Envision is utilizing AI technology to predict faults in energy storage systems, allowing for proactive maintenance and avoiding emergency shutdowns. The company's AI models can detect voltage irregularities associated with dendrite growth in battery cells, improving operational reliability and safety. Envision believes AI can optimize storage economics by improving price forecasting, reducing operational constraints, and enabling flexible trading strategies. The company sees strong potential for AI-enabled grid-forming storage in commercial and industrial applications, with projects already operating in China and development underway in other markets. Envision plans to deploy its AI-enabled storage solutions globally, co-located with renewable energy generation. Envision is focusing on developing in-house AI models to apply across the renewable energy system, believing that companies with large datasets and proprietary AI models will have an advantage in the sector. They see AI adoption as a widespread trend rather than a competition. Envision's CEO, Huang, emphasized that they don't just use AI, they develop it, and their goal is to build the foundation of a renewable energy system.
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Suzlon to supply ArcelorMittal with 248.85MW of wind capacity
Suzlon has secured a significant order from ArcelorMittal for 248.85MW of wind energy in Gujarat, India, as part of a 550MW hybrid project aimed at decarbonising steel production. This marks Suzlon's fourth wind order for green steel capacity in India, bringing their total contribution to approximately 1.16GW. The company is dedicated to supporting the transition towards low-carbon steel production through renewable energy partnerships. Suzlon's strategic focus on the EPC segment is aimed at increasing their share to 50% of their overall order book, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable solutions for the steel industry.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/suzlon-arcelormittal-248mw-wind-capacity/
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Energy Transition and Critical Minerals in Morocco – PACJA – Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance
The United Nations Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is addressing the projected increase in demand for these minerals by 2030 and 2040. The workshop in Morocco focused on fair policies for mineral extraction and renewable energy to mitigate negative impacts. The African Energy Chamber predicts a rise in renewables in Africa's power generation mix, with North Africa potentially exporting electricity and green hydrogen to Europe. Participants discussed guidelines for strengthening governance, financing, and regulation of value chains to promote low-carbon industrial development and emphasized the importance of Just Energy Transition and Responsible Governance. Key proposals included creating synergies between energy, mobility, and hydrogen storage through public-private partnerships and innovation to promote sustainable development.
https://pacja.org/energy-transition-and-critical-minerals-in-morocco/
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8 reasons to celebrate on this International Day of Clean Energy
The world is experiencing a significant shift towards clean, renewable energy, with investment surpassing that in fossil fuels and over 80 countries calling for a roadmap to phase out coal, oil, and gas. Investor behavior is changing towards sustainable investing, with big investors tightening rules for fossil fuel companies. Courts and legal standards are moving towards climate accountability, and even conservative energy authorities are advocating for no new oil and gas fields to be approved. The path forward involves stopping new fossil fuel expansion, building an alternative clean energy system, and holding decision-makers accountable for the transition.
https://350.org/8-reasons-to-celebrate-on-this-international-day-of-clean-energy/
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CATL Wins World Economic Forum’s MINDS Award for AI-Driven Next-Generation Battery Design
CATL has been honored with the World Economic Forum's 2026 MINDS Award for their groundbreaking project on AI-driven lithium-ion battery design, which revolutionizes battery R&D by delivering virtual batteries with superior performance, reliability, and efficiency. The use of augmented intelligence transforms human design into co-design between AI and customers, aiming to accelerate the adoption of AI and data-driven technologies across industries. CATL emphasizes the importance of 'Augmented Intelligence' in battery production, combining human expertise with AI to ensure product quality and advance AI in the energy transition. The intelligent design platform combines physics-based electrochemical models with machine learning to speed up key steps in cell design, focusing on creating value and discovering new frontiers in technology.
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Massachusetts can make ‘bottom-up’ distribution reforms for a better grid
Massachusetts is making strides in modernizing its electric grid and regulatory systems to meet decarbonization mandates and better serve customers. The state is exploring the DSO model to integrate distributed energy resources like solar, storage, heat pumps, and EVs, creating a more flexible and democratized energy system. The Grid Modernization Advisory Council is providing transparency and stakeholder input on utility planning, focusing on community needs and bottom-up planning. Stakeholders are advocating for a customer-driven, flexible grid, with the DSO model being recommended to enable grid edge flexibility and advance energy justice. Massachusetts utilities are recognizing the importance of a more flexible grid and modernized regulation, with the DSO structure seen as crucial in delivering an affordable, equitable, and efficient energy transition.
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At CES 2026, Limited Sustainability Presence Is Actually Its Biggest Win
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased a growing number of sustainable innovations, with sustainability being integrated into product design rather than treated as a standalone category. Key examples include Solarstic's moldable solar modules for electric vehicles, SolreBorn's mobile units for recovering raw materials from decommissioned solar panels, and WES-Tec Global's plastic waste conversion technology. Additionally, AI-driven solutions like Siemens x NVIDIA Industrial AI Operating System and SaeFarm AI Satellite Farm Monitor are reshaping industrial value chains and agricultural practices for increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The deployment of Boston Dynamics Atlas Humanoid robots in manufacturing also highlights the potential for AI to improve operations and sustainability. However, the growing energy footprint of AI raises concerns about whether its efficiencies can outpace resource demands. The focus is on embedding sustainability into intelligent systems by pushing for energy transparency in AI, lifecycle thinking in system design, and ensuring efficiency gains are measurable, durable, and equitable, to avoid missing a second chance later.
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Chinese scientists build 31.13%-efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell via 2D seeding agent
Researchers in China have developed a novel 2D seeding agent, CsPb2Br5, to regulate crystallization in wide-bandgap perovskite films, achieving an efficiency of 31.13% in perovskite-silicon tandem devices. This seeding agent addresses issues of uncontrollable crystallization and phase separation, promoting top-down vertical crystal growth to enhance charge transport and suppress phase separation. The optimized wide-bandgap perovskite also shows high power conversion efficiency and stability compared to control devices, with potential for use in large area devices. Co-corresponding author Wei Huang emphasized the focus on optimizing long-term stability for future applications.
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SoftBank pilots solar-wind-powered AI-controlled base station
SoftBank Group is piloting AI-controlled cellular base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. The system reduces energy use while maintaining service quality by storing excess power in batteries and switching to the grid when needed. AI manages the station's "sleep" mode to lower power consumption during low communication traffic, making it suitable for deployment in remote areas. The compact design and AI analysis allow for a broader selection of cells without compromising communication quality. SoftBank plans to expand testing of the wind- and solar-powered base stations in the future.