Green, ethical, energy issues in the news

Exiled_Tyke

I find this storage news particularly interesting.  As well as it being (yet) another illustration of the growth of BESS alongside renewables what struck me about this is that it's spec'd to provide 300mw for four hours.   This is interesting to me as the company (for those that don't know) is developing tidal energy and so this appears to be aimed at smoothing out the ebb and flow of the tides for even power supply.  The company has also been through a very rough time over the last few years so this does show some level of optimism.  

https://saerenewables.com/application-for-up-to-300mw-1-2gwh-scotland-bess-project/

Martyn1981

Simply staggering levels of PV now being deployed each year. 2024 could see ~650GWp, up ~200GWp from 2023, which was up ~200GWp from 2022. If the annual growth in deployments can just stick at +200GWp, then we could see 1TWp of PV being installed in 2026(ish).

And stll getting cheaper, and more efficient. 

Global PV installations may hit 660 GW in 2024, says Bernreuter Research

Global PV installations will range from 600 GW to 660 GW in 2024, according to Bernreuter Research.

Bernreuter said its forecast is supported by the shipment targets of the world's six largest solar module suppliers for 2024. On average, JinkoSolar, Longi, Trina, JA Solar, Tongwei, and Canadian Solar aim for a growth rate of 40%, which, based on global solar installations of 444 GW in 2023, would result in 622 GW of newly installed capacity in 2024.

Martyn1981

I'm not 100% sure what this story/development means ..... are we there yet? I've been looking for a few days for more info?

I believe, Oxford PV have produced an 'actual' rooftop tandem PV panel, with perovskite/silicon. I got the feeling this was for demonstration purposes, and not yet quite ready for production / sale. But the link below to Sunmaxx who are  PV panel manufacturers seems to suggest it's happening now. [Hope I have this right, and it means things are here or very close.]

In this example, at 26.6% efficiency, they suggest a 20% increase in power over a normal panel, which works out if you use a baseline of ~22% efficiency, which seems reasonable.

News Article - Oxford PV achieves solar panel world-record with 26.6% efficiency

Perovskite solar cell researcher Oxford PV has unveiled a new perovskite-silicon tandem module in conjunction with German module producer Sunmaxx, with a record conversion efficiency of 26.6%.

Oxford PV said the efficiency was certified by the photovoltaic calibration laboratory at the Fraunhofer ISE (Fraunhofer CalLab), which provides measurement services for solar cells and modules. The 60-cell double-glass module, with a designated area of just over 1.6 square metres, weighs under 25 kilograms and is “an ideal size for residential applications”, according to Oxford PV.

“Oxford PV’s record-setting module represents a significant advancement for solar power generation. Homeowners, along with commercial and utility customers, will all benefit from upwards of 20% more power with the same footprint,” said David Ward, CEO of Oxford PV.

Oxford PV Site - Oxford PV debuts residential solar module with record-setting 26.9% efficiency

June 19 2024 – Oxford PV, a global pioneer in next-generation solar technology, has achieved a new world record in solar module efficiency. The 60-cell residential-size module, produced with Oxford PV’s perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells, has achieved an unprecedented efficiency of 26.9%, surpassing the current best silicon modules ~25% with a similar designated module area.

The breakthrough double-glass module, with a designated area just over 1.6 m2, weighs under 25 kg and is an ideal size for residential applications. The efficiency was independently measured and certified by the Fraunhofer CalLab. Oxford PV produces the proprietary high efficiency tandem solar cells at its manufacturing facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, and uses both in-house and contract services for the module assembly. 

Sunmaxx website - Sunmaxx PVT and Oxford PV produce the world’s most efficient and 100% European made solar PVT module

Dresden, 19 June 2024 – Sunmaxx PVT, a leading developer and manufacturer of photovoltaic-thermal solar modules, and Oxford PV, a producer of high-efficiency tandem solar cells, announced the launch of “Solar Hammer,” the most innovative solar PVT module to date. This partnership marks the first use of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells in a photovoltaic thermal module, enabling a very high conversion efficiency. Both the cells and the modules are produced in Germany.

Coastalwatch

Didn't think I would ever see Saudi Arabia feature within this thread in such a positive vein but the announcement below suggests they are beginning to take the matter seriously. Unless of course it's just another false dawn, but lets give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

Saudi Arabia launches ‘unprecedented’ geographical survey of renewable energy sites

Part of the National Renewable Energy Program, the ambitious project will identify the best sites to develop renewable energy projects throughout the country. Contracted companies will install 1,200 stations across all regions of the kingdom to measure solar and wind energy. Beginning this year, Saudi Arabia will tender new renewable energy projects with a capacity of 20 GW annually.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/25/saudi-arabia-launches-unprecedented-geographical-survey-of-renewable-energy-sites/?utm_source=Global+|+Newsletter&utm_campaign=bb163b0fa1-dailynl_gl&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6916ce32b6-bb163b0fa1-159300013

Coastalwatch

While yours truly thought it would take a decade or more for battery manufacture to satisfy the seemingly insatiable appetites of both EV's and commercial storage facilities the report below suggests that time has now been surpassed.

So take a bow Zeupater and Mart for their vision and belief.

Accompanying the text is a video of around seven minutes of an interview with Dr George Hilton, a Research and Analysis Manager with SP Global who explains further, contributing to the conclusion I have reluctantly had to arrive at.

Thinking back further, I first came across Zeup and Mart on this forum in 2017. 

Doesn't time fly!

‘Good time to be battery storage developer’

At Intersolar Europe 2024, ESS News spoke with George Hilton, research and analysis manager at S&P Global, about the state of play in the battery energy storage supply chain and falling prices. According to Hilton, the overcapacity at every level of the supply chain has led to prices that are no longer sustainable for many market players. Meanwhile, technological innovation has led to an unprecedented variety of battery storage technologies on offer, and for a great number of markets the right time to jump in is now.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/26/good-time-to-be-battery-storage-developer/?utm_source=Global+|+Newsletter&utm_campaign=28186ff660-dailynl_gl&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6916ce32b6-28186ff660-159300013

Coastalwatch

This study into agrivoltaics in Canada revealed a surprising outcome based upon results obtained from the variety of crops grown in between rows of panels with varying spacings. Suggesting that 84% of the countries electricity consumption could be met utilising these techniques in just three of the country's Provinces.

What crops fit with vertical agrivoltaics?

Research at three Canadian locations tried to identify which crops can grow between differently spaced rows of vertical agrivoltaic systems. The scientists concluded that all traditional corps could be grown at the research sites, including arugula, beets, bok choy, celery, coriander, collards, fava beans, kale, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, swiss chard, and thyme.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/26/what-crops-fit-with-vertical-agrivoltaics/?utm_source=Global+|+Newsletter&utm_campaign=28186ff660-dailynl_gl&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6916ce32b6-28186ff660-159300013

zeupater

Coastalwatch said:

While yours truly thought it would take a decade or more for battery manufacture to satisfy the seemingly insatiable appetites of both EV's and commercial storage facilities the report below suggests that time has now been surpassed.

So take a bow Zeupater and Mart for their vision and belief.

Accompanying the text is a video of around seven minutes of an interview with Dr George Hilton, a Research and Analysis Manager with SP Global who explains further, contributing to the conclusion I have reluctantly had to arrive at.

Thinking back further, I first came across Zeup and Mart on this forum in 2017. 

Doesn't time fly!

‘Good time to be battery storage developer’

At Intersolar Europe 2024, ESS News spoke with George Hilton, research and analysis manager at S&P Global, about the state of play in the battery energy storage supply chain and falling prices. According to Hilton, the overcapacity at every level of the supply chain has led to prices that are no longer sustainable for many market players. Meanwhile, technological innovation has led to an unprecedented variety of battery storage technologies on offer, and for a great number of markets the right time to jump in is now.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/26/good-time-to-be-battery-storage-developer/?utm_source=Global+|+Newsletter&utm_campaign=28186ff660-dailynl_gl&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6916ce32b6-28186ff660-159300013

• Enter Stage Left & walk into spotlight ...
• <cough> .... "Firstly I'd like to thank my grandparents for .... " .... long and highly interesting acceptance speech curtailed for copyright purposes ...
• Bow left, Bow centre, Bow right
• Exit Stage Right, to tumultuous applause ..... 

.... Still need prices to be below £150/kWh to stimulate consumer demand though !!!! ....

Z

Coastalwatch

zeupater said:

Coastalwatch said:

While yours truly thought it would take a decade or more for battery manufacture to satisfy the seemingly insatiable appetites of both EV's and commercial storage facilities the report below suggests that time has now been surpassed.

So take a bow Zeupater and Mart for their vision and belief.

Accompanying the text is a video of around seven minutes of an interview with Dr George Hilton, a Research and Analysis Manager with SP Global who explains further, contributing to the conclusion I have reluctantly had to arrive at.

Thinking back further, I first came across Zeup and Mart on this forum in 2017. 

Doesn't time fly!

• Enter Stage Left & walk into spotlight ...
• <cough> .... "Firstly I'd like to thank my grandparents for .... " .... long and highly interesting acceptance speech curtailed for copyright purposes ...
• Bow left, Bow centre, Bow right
• Exit Stage Right, to tumultuous applause ..... 

.... Still need prices to be below £150/kWh to stimulate consumer demand though !!!! ....

Z

Nice one, gave me a smile, thanks.

Martyn1981

zeupater said:

Coastalwatch said:

While yours truly thought it would take a decade or more for battery manufacture to satisfy the seemingly insatiable appetites of both EV's and commercial storage facilities the report below suggests that time has now been surpassed.

So take a bow Zeupater and Mart for their vision and belief.

Accompanying the text is a video of around seven minutes of an interview with Dr George Hilton, a Research and Analysis Manager with SP Global who explains further, contributing to the conclusion I have reluctantly had to arrive at.

Thinking back further, I first came across Zeup and Mart on this forum in 2017. 

Doesn't time fly!

‘Good time to be battery storage developer’

At Intersolar Europe 2024, ESS News spoke with George Hilton, research and analysis manager at S&P Global, about the state of play in the battery energy storage supply chain and falling prices. According to Hilton, the overcapacity at every level of the supply chain has led to prices that are no longer sustainable for many market players. Meanwhile, technological innovation has led to an unprecedented variety of battery storage technologies on offer, and for a great number of markets the right time to jump in is now.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/06/26/good-time-to-be-battery-storage-developer/?utm_source=Global+|+Newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=28186ff660-dailynl_gl&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_6916ce32b6-28186ff660-159300013

• Enter Stage Left & walk into spotlight ...
• <cough> .... "Firstly I'd like to thank my grandparents for .... " .... long and highly interesting acceptance speech curtailed for copyright purposes ...
• Bow left, Bow centre, Bow right
• Exit Stage Right, to tumultuous applause ..... 

.... Still need prices to be below £150/kWh to stimulate consumer demand though !!!! ....

Z

Hi Z, slight digression with a shift to grid scale storage, but I see that the Tesla Megapack prices have fallen again. Unfortunately they've changed their site a bit, so no longer give estimated installed costs, just cost before install.

I mention this, as back in Nov the est cost for 1,000 units (1MW/3.9MWh each) with install was $1.3bn, but I forget what the non-installed price was for comparison. Now, for 1,000 units (without install) it's $0.834bn, or ~ $214/kWh.

The cost for a single unit is higher (proportionately) at $915k, so that's a cost of ~$234/kWh.

And we now have CATL selling what looks to be an excellent grid scale containerised unit too, so prices going in the right direction fast ..... at least at the huge scale storage deployment.

gefnew

The last coal delivery to power station.
Nottinghamshire power station's final coal delivery arrives - BBC News
So ends a chapter of coal power use in energy.