CSP ‘Black Hole’ Material Unveiled
University of San Diego engineers have developed a nanomaterial that dramatically enhances the collection of solar energy in concentrating solar plants. The material has been dubbed the “black hole”, due to its enormous ability to absorb solar energy. The team were challenged as part of the U.S. government’s SunShot program to increase the efficiency of […]
Bearded Dragons And Solar Power
Australia’s central bearded dragon has developed a very interesting way of fine tuning its use of solar power. Reptiles are cold blooded creatures that rely on their environment for warmth. They bask in the sun during the day to help provide them with the energy they need. Like humans, reptiles also get their daily dose […]
Clean Energy Uptake In Developing Nations Growing Rapidly
Clean energy uptake in 55 emerging markets has grown at a faster pace than in developed countries in the past 5 years says Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). According to Climatescope 2014, a joint initiative of BNEF, the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) and the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), the 55 nations added […]
From Cigarettes To Energy Storage
A former cigarette manufacturing facility has become home to a major grid battery production venture. Alevo purchased the massive former Philip Morris cigarette manufacturing facility in Concord, North Carolina, for USD $68.5 million and renamed it to Victory Industrial Park (VIP). Alevo says manufacturing should commence at VIP next year and the facility will produce […]
SunEdison To Contribute 5GW To India’s Solar Mission
SunEdison Inc. (NYSE: SUNE) has announced it will make a significant contribution to India’s ambitious plan of adding 25GW of new solar energy projects in the sun-soaked region of Rajasthan. SunEdison has signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government to build 5GW of mega-scale (above 500MW in capacity) grid-connected solar plants […]
A Tangled Renewable Energy Target Web
Any reduction to the Renewable Energy Target could result in a massive legal and financial mess according to a new report. Analysis by law firm Baker & McKenzie for the Clean Energy Council reveals a number of concerning prospects should the government succeed in slashing the RET. Among them, a reduction will likely be the […]
Wind Power To Play Vital Role In Global Energy Mix
The latest biennial report from the Global Wind Energy Council and Greenpeace International shows that by 2050, wind power could supply up to 30 per cent of the world’s energy needs and play a vital role in avoiding catastrophic climate change. The GWEC’s Global Wind Energy Outlook 2014 (PDF) presents three scenarios for the future […]
The Solar Giant Flag Project
Fundraising is under way for the Giant Flag project in South Africa, which will be made up of millions of coloured desert plants and a four-megawatt solar farm. “The Giant Flag will not only claim its place as a natural wonder, but also as a new model of economic stimulus for previously disadvantaged communities.” states […]
Uncertainty Remains For Australian Small Scale Solar
REC Agents Association (RAA) has called on the Federal Government to clarify the future of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), part of the Renewable Energy Target. Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane is yet to make assurances (or otherwise) in terms of what will occur with support for non-household solar panel systems. “The RAA welcomes the […]
REC Group Inks 300 MW Solar Panel Supply Deal
Norway based REC Group has finalised two supply agreements with Recurrent Energy LLC for the supply of 300 MW of REC Peak Energy series solar panels, which will be used in utility-scale facilities. “With our successful push into the U.S. market, we have been able to build up an order book that significantly exceeds our […]