Replacing MPPT with direct PV-battery coupling
Researchers in Germany have assessed direct coupling and integration between PV and batteries at the scale of a single PV module. They say their solution could be cheaper and provide superior performance than maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in optimizing PV system performance.
Guidelines for pumped storage projects in India
The draft guidelines released by the power ministry include concessional climate finance and utilization of exhausted coal mines as sites for pumped storage projects.
Australian scientists unveil method to produce hydrogen straight from ocean
University of Adelaide researchers and their international partners have successfully used seawater with no pre-treatment to produce green hydrogen. They did this by introducing an acid layer over the catalysts in situ.
Budget 2023-24 reaffirms government’s focus on domestic solar and battery manufacturing, green hydrogen
The budget signifies the government’s intent to drive domestic manufacturing of lithium battery cells as it waives customs duty on the import of machinery required for manufacturing these cells. It also continues with nil customs duty on critical inputs for solar manufacturing. The budget also aims to support large-scale battery storage projects through viability gap funding.
Retired coal sites to host multi-day iron-air batteries
Form Energy will install two 10 MW / 1,000 MWh batteries on the sites of Xcel Energy’s former coal-fired plants.
THDC, RRECL form JV to build 10 GW of renewable energy projects in Rajasthan
State-run hydropower producer THDC has formed a 74:26 joint venture with Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corp. Ltd to develop 10 GW of renewable energy projects in Rajasthan. The JV partners also plan floating solar and pumped hydro storage projects in the state.
US startup unveils saltwater flow battery for large-scale storage
US-based Salgenx has developed a scalable redox flow battery with two separate tanks of electrolytes, one of which is saltwater. Unlike other flow batteries, the new device is membrane-free, promising big gains at the levelized cost of storage level.
Storing renewables via regenerative braking in underground mines
Scientists in Austria have developed a long-term energy storage system that uses regenerative braking to adjust the descent speed of sand in mine shafts and generate electricity.
Rajasthan signs MoUs worth $14.85 billion for renewable energy, storage, and hydrogen projects
The State government has signed agreements for various giga-scale projects across renewable energy generation, solar manufacturing, pumped hydro storage, and green hydrogen.
Govt signs pact with Rajesh Exports for 5 GWh lithium-ion cell factory
The central government and the state government of Karnataka have signed an agreement with Bengaluru-headquartered Rajesh Exports to lend support and a tailormade incentive package for its 5 GWh lithium cell factory in Karnataka.
