The long read: Cobalt clings on
Cobalt is key for boosting energy density and battery life, but it comes with caveats: expensive, scarce, and linked to unethical mining practices, wild price fluctuations, and a tenuous supply chain. In recent years, battery manufacturers and automakers have intensified efforts to reduce or eliminate cobalt in lithium-ion cathodes. But sometimes, old habits die hard, as pv magazine’s Marija Maisch explains.
GUVNL tenders 1 GW of solar projects
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) has launched a tender to procure up to 500 MW of solar power from non-park-based PV projects to be set up anywhere in India with greenshoe option of additional up to 500 MW. Bidding closes on November 28.
Automating maintenance for solar power plants
Robotics is evolving to ease the maintenance of solar power plants. From drones combined with thermal imaging to the robotic cleaning crew for large-scale solar PV plants, automation and robotics are constantly evolving for the cleaning and maintenance of PV plants.
Kelwon introduces wall-mountable lithium battery inverters in India
Kelwon has introduced Lithium battery inverters as a compact and safe alternative to conventional lead-acid battery inverters. These inverters have an inbuilt lithium battery, which can be charged with solar as well as grid electricity.
New industrial plant concept for end-of-life PV panel recycling
Italian startup Tialpi is developing a process to recycle end-of-life solar panels that promises to recover 100% of a PV module’s weight. The new plant design is currently being tested at the company’s facility in the Italian northern province of Biella.
Non-flammable, graphene-based lithium-ion batteries approaching stationary storage market
US-based Nanotech Energy’s graphene battery uses proprietary electrodes with a thermally stable separator, and non-flammable electrolyte that is said to be inexpensive to manufacture. The technology is said to be superior in terms of safety and competitive in terms of cell performance.
KSolare unveils three-phase solar inverters
The 5G-Pro series grid-tie solar inverters are available with a power range of 3 to 60 kW.
SJVN’s 75 MW Parasaran solar project to go online this month
The state-owned hydropower producer is developing the 75 MW solar power project in the Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh.
SunEdison changes its name to Refex Renewables & Infrastructure
Tamil Nadu-headquartered SunEdison Infrastructure Ltd will now be known as Refex Renewables & Infrastructure Ltd.
NTPC tenders 21 MW of solar EPC in Madhya Pradesh
Domestic bids are open for the installation, commissioning, and three-year operation and maintenance support for two grid-connected solar projects of 10.5 MW each in the Neemuch district. Bidding closes on November 15.
