Prysmian secures a further milestone with EGL1 HVDC cable connection to assure capability for the planned project delivery
Epishine and Raynergy Tek Forge a Stronger Partnership to Drive Innovation in Sustainable Indoor Solar Cells
Prysmian to develop a new submarine power cable link for the Hornsea 3 offshore windfarm in the UK
City Energy and Senoko Energy embark on collaborative effort to support Singapore’s Green agenda
Prysmian Launches ECOSLIM
RENOVA to Participate in The Future Energy Show Philippines 2023
Epishine’s Unique Production Process Brings Further Advancements to the Solar Energy Industry
Meyer Burger enters Australian market and exhibits at Smart Energy Expo in Sydney
Apical’s Entry to Sustainable Aviation Fuels Takes Flight with Cepsa to Build the Largest 2G Biofuels Plant in Southern Europe
Delta Honored with the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award for the Sixth Consecutive Year
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Gunung Raja Paksi (GRP) Inaugurates Solar Panel Installation As a Continuation of ESG Program
PT Gunung Raja Paksi Tbk (GRP), a member of the Gunung Steel Group and one of the largest private steelmakers in Indonesia continues to develop its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) program. Following the ESG strategy, the company is expanding on the core pillar of Energy Transition and Low Carbon Solution, with the inauguration of its PV-Module Solar Panels as one of its new renewable energy sources. The inauguration of the solar panel, is intended to support the company's operational activities in West Cikarang. Present at the event were Tony Taniwan, Member of the Executive Committee at GRP and Abednedju Giovano Warani Sangkaeng (Argo), President Director at GRP. Also present were UP3 PLN Cikarang Manager Zamzami, as well as the Total Energies team, who is responsible for the design and selection of a trusted EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) partner for construction implementation. "The solar panel's installation is part of GRP's commitment to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and is a part of the ESG program which we launched in 2022," said Abednedju Giovano Warani Sangkaeng, President Director at GRP. According to Argo, there are a number of benefits that GRP can achieve by installing the solar panels. These include the potential reduction of annual carbon dioxide emissions as part of the ESG program and cost savings due to the relatively lower power requirements of the solar panels. "This is a sustainable and long-term benefit. Because in the future, this effort will increase the competitiveness of our products and we would be able to achieve green energy," he continued. The solar panels installed in phase 1 in the Forming Service Center (FSC) area have total system capacity of 900 kWp (kilowatt peak) and are capable of producing 1,239,068 kWh of electricity per year. This is equivalent to a reduction of 991.25 tons of CO2 emissions per Megawatt hour per year towards cleaner and more sustainable energy utilization. Going forward, GRP will install more solar panels with a total target capacity of 33,000 kwp (kilowatt peak) on the roof of the GRP factory, and it is planned to be completed in 2025. With regards to operation and maintenance, the rooftop solar power plant is equipped with several sensors to monitor temperature, wind speed and ambient temperature. In addition, the system will employ remote monitoring that can provide performance analysis and carbon footprint data. All power that will be generated are going to be channelled and used to support production activities. The utilization of solar panels is planned to be one of the company's renewable energy sources in the future. By implementing solar panels supported by advanced and modern technology, GRP contributes to reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and help fight the threat of climate change, which is in line with the implementation of the Green Energy culture within the company.
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WiTTRA Launches Market-Ready Solution for Sustainable Energy Management
As energy costs continue to rise, energy management has become crucial for businesses looking to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. WiTTRA, an IoT technology provider, believes that the Internet of Things (IoT) can provide the solution for sustainable energy management. WiTTRA's market-ready solution is a split core current clamp connected to the WiTTRA Current Meter that can measure up to 400 Amps AC current on the primary centre conductor. The clamp can be easily fitted around existing electrical wiring, reducing installation time, and the Current Meter can operate without an external power source, making it perfect for field deployment. WiTTRA's IoT solution offers real-time monitoring and control of energy usage, enabling businesses to identify patterns and anomalies in energy usage to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. In commercial buildings, the power clamps can be used to monitor the energy consumption of different systems and devices, while in industrial settings, they can monitor the energy consumption of industrial machines and processes, enabling the identification of inefficiencies and the optimization of energy usage. The WiTTRA solution is small, rugged, and easy to set up, making it ideal for use in various environments. It is certified for EU/NA/UK and can operate without a permanent power source, making it easy to deploy and use. WiTTRA's solution provides a wide range of benefits, including optimizing factory operations to save energy, monitoring machinery usage, and predictive maintenance.
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Worldwide Launch of the Epishine OneCell, Brings Design and Market-Leading Performance Together
Today, the majority of sensors and low-power electronics rely on disposable batteries, resulting in a higher environmental impact and increased maintenance costs due to frequent battery replacements. Devices using light power provide an excellent solution to these issues, but often design choices such as buttons or other form factor issues can limit the available surface area for the solar cell. For a viable solution, the device must be integrated with a solar cell that is both high in performance, and flexible in design. The Epishine OneCell , with its high performance and innovative design, is a combination that the market has not seen before. It is produced in Sweden, using a unique roll-to-roll manufacturing technique that enables efficient mass-production of the modules. OneCell is composed of organic and non-toxic materials, making it the most sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for powering small wireless electronics on the market. “The adaptability and design of our OneCell introduces a range of new possibilities for applications in the industry. Our mission has been to help our partners create self-powered applications through light power, and the OneCell is our next big step.” - Hassan Abdalla, Product Manager at Epishine A unique feature of the OneCell is its ability to maintain its high performance even with cut-outs in the surface, enabling new types of light-powered applications with customized layouts. The OneCell can be adapted to various surface finishes, such as soft touch plastics, leather, and brushed materials and can thereby be seamlessly integrated into devices made with these materials. OneCell is available in sizes ranging from 20cm2 to 300cm2, making it adaptable for a wide range of applications. “This is the next level in our important progress of sustainable powering solutions, eliminating the need to compromise on design to maintain high performance. “- Anna Björklou, CEO at Epishine The product is available today as engineering samples and in pre-series production later this year.
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ELEO Introduces its New Generation of Battery Systems at CONEXPO
Yanmar Group company, ELEO Technologies B.V, a battery technology manufacturer located in Helmond, the Netherlands, will display its next generation of battery systems at CONEXPO in Las Vegas in March 2023 on Yanmar America’s booth in the at South Hall 2nd Level — S84014. The new system offers increased energy density and ultimate integration flexibility following from the unique modular concept. - All-in-one systems integrator of e-powertrains for off-road OEM equipment Yanmar will establish itself as the all-in-one systems integrator for smart electrified power solutions tailored to the application-specific needs of individual OEMs. In its capacity as a systems integrator, Yanmar will implement system engineering, design and manufacturing of e-powertrains, while also providing control development, system evaluation, procurement, manufacturing and quality assurance. As Yanmar transitions to an advanced supplier of electrified solutions, the company remains true to its core values of durability, reliability, quality and robustness, together with the commitment to be a reliable and trusted partner for customers - values the company has lived by for more than 110 years. An important milestone for realizing the urgent environmental challenges that we must overcome is Yanmar’s acquisition of battery-technology company ELEO, a fast-growing developer and manufacturer of high-performance modular battery systems. This acquisition will further Yanmar’s electrified powertrain capabilities with versatile, customized solutions for off-road applications. - Ultimate flexibility The new battery system is the second product generation from the Dutch manufacturer after the first generation started production in early 2020. With the new product, ELEO offers industrial OEMs ultimate flexibility from the scalable design to meet the wide variety of requirements present in the off-highway industry. ELEO’s unique concept features modular battery modules that come in different sizes created from the same tooling, components and production process. This allows for an extensive selection of customized packs without the need for extensive engineering. By combining a set of modules, the ideal voltage, capacity and dimensions can be reached for any application, ranging from 50-800 V and 10-1000 kWh in a wide range of shapes. All customized battery systems are provided as full turnkey solutions and are automatically certified according to R10, UN38.3, IEC62619, SIL-2 and designed to comply with R100-3 and a host of others. - Advanced technology To deliver customers optimal battery performance, ELEO has developed and integrated advanced technology into its new battery system. State-of-the-art cylindrical cells in combination with optimal packing flexibility enable an industry-leading energy density and maximum autonomy. Additionally, ELEO’s unique flexible approach is enabled by its in-house designed Battery Management System (BMS). Each pack has a central pack management unit that collects and controls data from all individual modules, establishing active safety and comprehensive communication to the application. ELEO’s BMS accommodates various communication protocols and features highly accurate estimations for state-of-charge (SOC), state-of-health (SOH), and state-of-power (SOP) while better balancing cells in the battery pack. This affirms that the pack is operating at its full potential while enabling optimal user experience. To ensure maximum performance under all circumstances, ELEO uses a single-surface cooling method that accommodates both passive and active cooling, minimizing temperature differences between all batteries while ensuring maximum performance in both cold and hot environments. Safety has been top priority in the design process. Thermal runaway propagation prevention technology is integrated in each battery system, which means that in the unlikely event a cell goes into thermal runaway, ELEO's proprietary propagation prevention technology assures no thermal runaway propagation will occur and all surrounding cells are protected—limiting damage to a single replaceable module and thoroughly mitigating any safety risks. - Availability ELEO has already started the production of its new battery system and is ramping up production in its newly built battery production plant at the Automotive Campus in Helmond, the Netherlands. The batteries have been on display during bauma in Munich in October last year and will be introduced to the North American market from March 14-18 at CONEXPO. For both events ELEO joined Yanmar’s booth to highlight the company’s efforts towards the decarbonized powertrain as part of its Yanmar Green Challenge 2050. At its new facility, annual battery production capacity has increased tenfold to 500MWh – equivalent of approximately 10,000 battery packs.
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Trive Capital, with Sidekick Operators, forms OWL Services
Trive Capital, a Dallas, TX-based private equity firm, along with strategic operating partner, SideKick Operators, announces the formation of OWL Services (“OWL” or the “Company”), the leading sales, installation, program management, and service provider to petroleum and clean energy companies across North America. The Company is the result of the recent acquisition of seven industry leading businesses—including, WildcoPES, CBE, Crompco, e-Structure Solutions, Great Dane Petroleum, JBI Electrical Systems and Oscar W. Larson Company (“Oscar Larson”). Oscar Larson’s accomplished management team, skilled staff and technicians, and state-of-the-art technology platform, combined with the expert service offering of these six other leading companies, are the foundation of the OWL Services platform. OWL Services will be headquartered in the Metro Detroit area, and has 21 offices and more than 1,300 field service professionals located across the U.S. OWL provides integrated solutions for all facets of the petroleum convenience and electric vehicle markets, including security, point-of-sale, environmental compliance, and petroleum convenience and EV charging station design, construction, and maintenance. Greg Ergenbright, former President of U.S. Operations for Schindler Elevator Group, joins the newly formed company as its Chief Executive Officer. A 30-year equipment, construction, and maintenance veteran, Ergenbright is a strategic and collaborative leader with a demonstrated record of success building business and driving high-performance cultures focused on operational excellence. “It’s an exciting and transformative time—not only for OWL, but also for our industry,” says Ergenbright. “By combining the capabilities and strengths of these seven businesses, we have created a turnkey solutions company that will shape and define the future of how we fuel and power our vehicles. I’m thrilled to be a part of this transformation.” Beyond its existing offering, OWL will continue to invest in its already industry-leading eMobility services. The Company is a premier partner for fast-charging original equipment manufacturers and customers looking for a solutions provider that can comprehensively build, operate, and manage the electrical charging infrastructure needed to support the rising number of electric vehicles in the U.S. “OWL is fully equipped to take on the unique demands of electrification safely, efficiently, and sustainably, just as our partner companies have done for decades with petroleum equipment,” says Ergenbright. Blake Bonner, Partner at Trive Capital, added, “We are thrilled to announce the formation of OWL Services and onboarding of Greg Ergenbright after completing seven transactions in less than two years from the original acquisition of Oscar W. Larson. We have built a differentiated facility maintenance platform to address the unprecedented challenges faced by OWL customers in managing electrification while also maintaining existing infrastructure. OWL is another example of Trive’s ability to serve as the preferred partner for owner-operators who want to quickly execute a shared strategic plan.” “It has been an honor working side-by-side with the tremendous leadership of these companies,” says SideKick CEO Justin Steen. “For over 70 years, OWL’s leadership team has fostered a culture of service excellence, fueling the future of these combined organizations. They understand the importance of relentless service to its customers 24/7/365, which positions OWL as the nation’s partner of choice for maintaining existing infrastructure and future innovations.”
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Powering Ubiquitous Electronics with Perovskite Photovoltaics
Internet of Things (IoT) devices promise to enable a world of smart, connected objects, with their number expected to rapidly accelerate to billions by 2030. However, small electronic devices typically rely on batteries that require frequent re-charging or replacement every few years, leading to high material and labor costs as well as unwanted waste. Powering IoT devices in a cheap, sustainable fashion is thus crucial to achieve the promised vision of a connected world. Small, low-cost thin film solar cells, optimized to work with diffuse indoor light, offer a solution to this dilemma. - Perovskite PV for Indoor Energy Harvesting A connected world comes with the burden of batteries and unsightly extensive wiring. As more technologies are adopted into homes and businesses, the chaotic clutter of wires and the dwindling count of nearby power sockets become an increasing nuisance. The use of batteries is an environmentally unfriendly solution and replacing them on a mass scale every 3-4 years is expensive and labor intensive. The integration of a thin film solar module within smoke alarms, motion sensors, smaller electronic displays, and other gadgets means that there is no need for batteries or external wiring and so the device can be placed anywhere that has sufficient light exposure. Solar-powered devices are of interest to both homeowners and to retailers and would eliminate the need for batteries in many indoor IoT devices. Perovskite solar cells are an exciting new thin film technology that have demonstrated remarkably high efficiencies. Perovskite PV can provide similarly high-power density as silicon PV at a lower cost, a fraction of the weight, and with a simpler manufacturing process. Perovskite solar cells are able to maintain relatively high efficiencies even under low intensity or diffuse light, which makes them well-suited to both indoor and outdoor energy harvesting. This is a key advantage over the conventional silicon technology that suffers poor efficiencies under indoor light. Since the perovskite material applies like an ink, the solar cells are very lightweight, flexible, and unobtrusive. They can easily be integrated into small electronic devices and used to power them directly. IDTechEx has recently released a report, “Perovskite Photovoltaics 2023-2033”, identifying the key challenges, competition, and innovation opportunities behind perovskite PV. - Cost Trumps Efficiency and Durability For a lot of household and consumer electronics, high power is not a strict requirement. For example, powering headphones, sensors, and lights does not require state-of-the-art solar technology. Solar cells with an efficiency of 10-15 % could be sufficient to operate most small and portable electronics. Durability is another typically important criterion that can be relaxed since many electronics are intended for short-term use, with consumers frequently updating their devices for newer models. The need for 25-year lifespans, as is typical for rooftop solar panels, is no longer the standard to measure by. The key metric for the successful deployment of solar cells in consumer and retail electronics is cost. Given the increasingly high volume of consumer and retail electronics, energy solutions need to be economical. Additionally, solar technology will be competing with well-established and relatively inexpensive batteries. Solar could move into a competitive position with batteries if it were to demonstrate lower costs and greater practicality. - Perovskite PV Joins a Burgeoning Market Perovskite is not the only PV technology being targeted at everyday electronics. In fact, there already exist wireless headphones powered by dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that are available to purchase in shops. The household brand Adidas has recently announced it is partnering with DSSC-manufacturer, Exeger, to make their own solar-powered headphones. In addition, organic solar cells are being used on a small scale to power motion sensors and people counters. The advantage of perovskite PV over these already commercial technologies is that it is expected to be simpler to manufacture at scale. This is because, unlike DSSCs and organic PV, perovskite solar cells do not depend heavily on complex molecular synthesis. Perovskite PV also delivers higher efficiencies, which may make them the more suitable option as the functionality of IoT electronics becomes increasingly multifaceted. To discover how the various thin film PV technologies, including cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, gallium arsenide, and more, may revolutionize the transition to green energy, please see the brand new IDTechEx report, “Beyond Silicon: Thin Film Photovoltaics 2023-2033”. For more information on this report please visit www.IDTechEx.com/BeyondSilicon. All IDTechEx reports contain detailed analysis of established and emerging technologies, their potential adoption barriers and suitability for different applications, and an assessment of technological and commercial readiness. Reports also include multiple company profiles based on interviews with early-stage and established companies, along with 10-year market forecasts. A full list of IDTechEx reports can be found at www.IDTechEx.com
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The EU grants 25 MSEK to Epishine’s Sunrise project
The connected society requires a huge number of sensors, sensors that historically relied on batteries, which continue to contribute to the 200,000 tons of batteries sold in the EU alone each year. Less than half of these batteries are recycled, resulting in that batteries are also a major source of waste. The market's reliance on batteries has historically limited the deployment of sensors everywhere, particularly indoors; a problem that the IoT sensor industry urgently needs to address. By bringing a resource- and energy-efficient indoor solar cell to market, Epishine will be able to assist the European Commission in accelerating the progress of preventing and reducing battery waste in the IoT sector. Solar cells replace batteries, reducing both environmental impact and costs, as the cost of changing batteries exceeds the cost of the solar cells several times over. ”Since properties consume a significant portion of our total energy consumption, it feels extremely important to be able to contribute to the necessary energy optimization with the help of sensors. Together with our customers, we can offer solutions that use self-sufficient electronics to reduce energy consumption and thus costs in properties. Energy optimization will be critical to ensure that the energy available can meet our future needs.” Anna Björklou, CEO Epishine The LIFE Sunrise project's main goal is to scale up Epishine's innovative production technology in order to increase the availability of organic indoor solar cells. Epishine's vision is to be a sustainability leader in the production and sale of organic solar cells, thereby accelerating the global shift to sustainable energy solutions. The LIFE co-financing fund requires projects to contribute to the implementation of European environmental and climate legislation, as well as the goals specified in the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement. “LIFE Sunrise will be an important step in our journey to provide an environmentally friendly power supply to the market. It is also a springboard for our scalable process to find more and more applications, fulfilling our long-term vision of planetary impact.” Anders Elfwing, Passion Manager Epishine A successful LIFE SUNRISE project will enable Epishine's vision of creating planetary impact by making organic light power available everywhere. Epishine's long-term vision is to accelerate the progress towards net zero emissions in line with the EU's net zero emissions target of 2050, Sunrise is one of the steps the company is taking in the direction of achieving that. Ulf Castenfors, CEO GIA Sweden AB has assisted in the application process and sees a significant environmental benefit in the progress of projects such as the Sunrise project “That the Sunrise project received funding from the EU is completely in line with LIFE's purpose. The future potential in this project is a big reason to why we want to contribute to facilitate the process of financing” Ulf Castenfors, CEO GIA Sweden The official name for this project is 101074260 — LIFE21-CCM-SE-LIFE SUNRISE
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Solutions to California’s Power Problems
Mr. Burns of Simpson’s fame — the personification of utility greed and political power — is happily rubbing his hands together as California roasts in the dark. And this situation will get much worse in the coming years. First, there is insufficient power during heat waves. Even with large solar and wind farms, gas peaker plants, one remaining nuclear plant, and long distance transmission lines importing power — the state is dangerously close to rolling blackouts. As I write this, the predicted power demand is 51,000 megawatts and the theoretical supply of power is 56,000 megawatts. Too close for comfort if temperatures are higher, if power plants go off line, if wildfires get worse, if people do not respond to flex alerts, and if there are also power shortages in nearby states. Second, electric rates are skyrocketing. Rates increased 3% from 2000 to 2015, 6% from 2015 to 2020, and 14% in 2021 and 2022 (so far) — all before the impact of inflation over the past year. These skyrocketing rates are simply unaffordable to many homeowners and businesses. The driving factors behind these rate increases are out of control investments by California’s investor owned utilities (IOUs). For example, PG&E’s plan to bury 10,000 miles of transmission lines will cost ratepayers in the neighborhood of $100 billion dollars over the next 10 years. That $100 billion is more than enough to install solar and storage on every building in northern California with a sunny rooftop. Third, electrification will require even more power. The state plans to stop selling gas cars by 2035, requiring a rapid transition to electric vehicles as gas stations are replaced with EV chargers. All new buildings will be heated with electricity, and gas heating equipment in existing buildings will be steadily converted to heat pumps. These factors are likely to increase power demands by another 50% per capita. Practical solutions to solve these power problems are limited. We can’t go back to the fossil fuel age. New nuclear plants will take 20+ years to construct, and are more expensive than renewables with batteries. Importing power via long distance transmission lines is expensive, dangerous and unreliable. Continued droughts mean we cannot depend on hydroelectric power. The fastest, cheapest and cleanest solution is to accelerate solar and storage installation on homes and businesses. Buildings can be converted to zero net energy in fewer than six months. Funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act coupled with widely available clean energy loans make solar and storage cash flow positive for almost every building owner. But monopoly utilities, the biggest lobbyists in the state, spend millions to discourage customer solar and storage installations. Please tune in to this week’s Energy Show for specific details on what each of us can do to reduce the impacts of these power shortages. We’ll also discuss the actions that must be taken to reign in the destructive economic influence of investor-owned utilities as they crowd out faster and cheaper private sector investments in distributed generation power supplies.
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Going Beyond Silicon’s Limitations: IDTechEx Discuss the Rise of Thin Film Photovoltaics
In the shadows of a silicon-dominated field, other photovoltaic (PV) technologies have been edging closer to the spotlight. Emerging PV applications, such as indoor energy harvesting and building integrated PV, have specific requirements that will enable ‘thin film’ alternatives to flourish. Thin film PV can deliver several unique advantages such as lighter weight, better indoor light conversion efficiency, simpler manufacturing, and potentially lower costs than conventional silicon PV. A particularly exciting opportunity is the role of thin film photovoltaics in powering Internet of Things devices – a market expected to reach billions following the increasing smartification of home and retail electronics. - Photovoltaics diversifying into emerging markets Thin film PV is expected to gain traction in the coming years, with the market set to grow to US$ 6.1 billion by 2033. Substantial strides have been made within the thin film sector, with efficiencies increasing and manufacturing processes becoming cheaper and more streamlined. New applications are being developed that conventional silicon PV is not suitable for due to its rigidity, bulk, and weight. These applications include building integrated PV where the panels are attached to the sides of buildings. Some types of thin film PV can be made semi-transparent and very lightweight, which makes them less aesthetically obtrusive and ideally suited to deployment on windows. Other emerging applications belong to the small self-powered electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) sector, which is expected to grow substantially in the coming years as ‘smart’ electronics become more prevalent in everyday life. Lightweight thin film minimodules can be used to power such devices and could serve as a cheaper and more long-lasting alternative to batteries or extensive wiring. Many household and retail appliances such as temperature, humidity, motion, and security sensors are likely to become increasingly ‘smart’ over the next decade and able to transmit data to the cloud to enable greater functionality. This is often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT) and represents a substantial opportunity for thin film PV. IDTechEx’s new report, “Beyond Silicon: Thin Film Photovoltaics 2023-2033”, explores the wide range of opportunities presented by thin film PV. - What will dominate the thin film market? Currently, the thin film market is dominated by cadmium telluride (CdTe), followed in second place by copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). CdTe is best known in the USA, where it is used for 40 % of all utility-scale PV power. Despite concerns over the use of the scarce element tellurium, the CdTe market is expected to keep its position following strong investment and the creation of recycling initiatives that are at present already operative. CIGS technology, on the other hand, has been plagued by commercial failures, with the largest manufacturer having exited the market in June 2022. It is expected that CIGS will be surpassed in the coming years by perovskite PV – a very young and exciting technology that has shown remarkable efficiency gains in just a few years, with record efficiencies already on par with those of silicon PV, a technology with decades of research behind it. Perovskite PV is well-suited to both outdoor high power density applications as well as indoor energy harvesting and powering small electronics. Organic PV and dye sensitized solar cells are contenders that are already commercial on a small scale in both outdoor and indoor applications. Given their short lifespans of typically 5 years, organic and dye sensitized solar cells are better suited to powering short-term use electronics rather than large area outdoor energy harvesting units that are expected to last >15 years. For this reason, the application range is limited. - Outlook Decarbonization of global energy sources is being catapulted forward as both nations and industries race to achieve net zero. While silicon PV is affordable to consumers and delivers high efficiencies, its application range is limited by its weight, size, and rigidity, as well as a complicated manufacturing process. Thin film alternatives present numerous advantages to overcome these limitations and cater to emerging applications such as building-integrated PV and indoor energy harvesting. To find out more about the IDTechEx report “Beyond Silicon: Thin Film Photovoltaics 2023-2033”, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/BeyondSilicon
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Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds win 1.8GW ScotWind site off Shetland
Mainstream Renewable Power (“Mainstream”), the global renewable energy company, and Ocean Winds, the international company dedicated to offshore wind energy, have been appointed preferred bidder by Crown Estate Scotland for an area with the potential for a 1.8 GW offshore wind farm off the Shetland Islands. Mainstream and Ocean Winds, as the preferred bidders, are now offered the opportunity to enter into an option agreement for the site which is located east of the Shetland Islands in approximately 100m water depth and is well suited for floating offshore wind. The project partners, which hold a 50-50 ownership, are committed to developing floating offshore wind on an industrial scale in Scotland, generating local jobs and opportunities in Scotland and the Shetland Islands. The site output is expected to power for the equivalent of over 2 million homes and save 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Commenting on the award, Mainstream’s Chief Executive Officer, Mary Quaney, said: “This is a very significant win for Mainstream which plays to our key strengths as a global leader in floating offshore wind technology as well as our track record in offshore wind project development. In Scotland we have already developed the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm and we now look forward to working with all stakeholders to further develop and strengthen Scotland’s offshore wind industry and help position it a global leader in floating offshore wind power.” Commenting on the partnership, Bautista Rodriguez, Ocean Winds’ Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are proud of the strength that Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power teams have combined to secure this major new project. As Ocean Winds, we are looking forward to using our more than 10-year expertise as pioneer in floating offshore wind farms from development to operation to progress this large floating project awarded with Mainstream, as well as the 500 MW floating project also awarded to Ocean Winds during this clearing round. Both will bring major benefits to Shetland and Scotland, and an important contribution to Net Zero.” Mainstream and Aker Offshore Wind recently completed a transaction to combine the two companies to create a stronger renewable energy company with more than 27 GW net portfolio. Combining Aker Offshore Wind’s strong technical and engineering capabilities and early mover position in floating offshore wind with Mainstream’s proven project development methodology, execution track record and global presence unlocks new opportunities worldwide. The company is currently bringing forward multi-gigawatt scale developments of offshore wind assets in markets including Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Norway, Ireland, the UK and Sweden. Mainstream, through its recent combination with Aker Offshore Wind, has already partnered with Ocean Winds in the joint venture KF Wind in South Korea and are in consortium to bid in the upcoming leasing round for floating wind at Utsira Nord in Norway. Mainstream and Ocean Winds are also major shareholders of the leading floating wind technology provider Principle Power. Ocean Winds was created as a 50-50 joint venture in 2020 by EDP Renewables and ENGIE. The company is one of Scotland’s leading offshore wind developers, with 950 MW currently in operation at Moray East and 882 MW in late development stage at Moray West. In January 2022, Ocean Winds was successful in its ScotWind bid, the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, with a plan for up to 2GW.
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Netherlands has ambition to lead Europe in the fight against climate change
Eurocell, the Anglo-Korean next-generation battery company, has confirmed that it is in advanced discussions to build its first European Gigafactory in the Netherlands, supplying battery cells to the energy storage and e-mobility ecosystem across the continent. Eurocell intends to construct its new Gigafactory in two phases reaching full capacity as early as 2025. The first phase will produce advanced battery cells at scale by early 2023 for existing European customers. The second phase, potentially on the same site, will be capable of producing more than 40 million cells per year by 2025. Representing an initial investment of $800m rising to $2bn by 2028 to support the fast growing Energy Storage market in Europe, the Gigafactory will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, transferring vital skills from Korean battery experts, as well as boosting the economy in this strategic sector crucial to achieving the Netherlands’ and Europe’s net zero ambitions. Eurocell will produce ‘production ready’ technologies in just 12 months, far faster that other Gigafactories, using its proven battery product which is verified and validated for scaled-up manufacturing. Nick Clay, Chief Commercial Officer, Eurocell EMEA, “In its Climate Policy, the Netherlands outlines its ambition to lead Europe in the fight against global warming with a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions across industries.” “With rapid expansion plans in Europe, Eurocell is encouraged by the positive engagement we have had with both the Dutch Government and NOM investment and development agency for the Northern Netherlands over the last few months. As we enter the final stages of discussions, we are confident that we will be able to confirm the exact location of our first European Gigafactory in the near future.” Eurocell’s batteries, developed in Korea, also have a considerable technical advantage, lasting over ten times longer than conventional lithium-ion cells, making them far more sustainable, with no ‘end of life’ issues and perfect for ESS applications given it is also 100% safe. Eurocell EMEA is backed by its South Korean partners with decades of experience in electro-chemistry, making batteries at mass-scale and building Gigafactories. It has ambitious expansion plans which have been strengthened by the number of competitive opportunities available in Mainland Europe identified during its search for the first phase of its project.
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GreenSpur Wind and Niron Magnetics Collaborate to Develop New Rare Earth-free Generator Solution for the Offshore Wind Market
GreenSpur Wind, the company who has developed a new generator for the global offshore wind market, and Niron Magnetics, the company pioneering the world’s first high-performance, rare earth-free permanent magnets, today announced a milestone in developing a new, lighter, and highly efficient rare earth-free generator solution for the offshore wind market. The findings have been verified by ORE Catapult, the UK’s leading technology innovation and research center for offshore renewable energy. According to the Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition (OREAC), offshore wind is forecast to reach 1,400GW by 2050 and will be a crucial component in the transition to net-zero emissions. However, the industry’s reliance on expensive, supply-constrained rare earth magnets, historically considered essential components in generators for wind turbines, has created a barrier to rapid progress. “Existing turbines use radial-flux generators, and the current designs are reliant on rare earth magnets,” said Andrew Hine, Commercial Director at GreenSpur Wind. “However, we employ a unique and highly innovative axial-flux architecture that makes the use of rare-earth free magnets possible. Our patented concept can eliminate the risks associated with supply chain constraints and volatile pricing.” Past iterations of the GreenSpur generator had attracted interest, but there were concerns about its mass. Keeping generator mass within the same range as existing machines is important, as adding weight requires more structural support, which increases cost. By designing with Niron’s Generation 1 Clean Earth Magnet™, which offers significantly stronger magnetic performance than the ferrites used in its earlier generator designs, GreenSpur developed a new 15MW generator. Based upon initial non-optimized results, the new generator delivers a significant 56% reduction in mass. “Our Clean Earth Magnet™ technology helps eliminate reliance on expensive, supply constrained, rare earth-based magnets, without compromising on performance,” said Andy Blackburn, CEO of Niron Magnetics. “Device designers and manufacturers take our technology and realize its impact. By working with GreenSpur, we have been able to demonstrate what can be achieved with our Generation 1 technology in wind applications, with innovative materials and innovative device design coming together to enable a potentially transformative solution for the offshore market.” Supported by an Innovate UK grant, the new 15MW generator design was reviewed by ORE Catapult, the UK’s leading technology innovation and research center for offshore renewable energy. The review confirmed that GreenSpur’s 15MW generator design is now able to meet the mass and efficiency targets required by the market. “We have worked with GreenSpur in support of their hugely innovative and disruptive technology for several years. Although there was interest in a rare earth-free solution, there were concerns that their generator would be too heavy,” said Tony Quinn, Director of Technology Development at ORE Catapult. “However, with Niron’s novel rare earth-free magnet, GreenSpur is able to show attractive mass and efficiency targets and a credible solution for consideration within a next generation turbine. We are now helping GreenSpur and Niron to present this opportunity to OEMs, developers, and strategic investors. The aim is to create an industry consortium with the right combination of players to bring this offering to market”. Work to form the consortium is underway. For more information on this effort, please reach out to Andrew Hine at GreenSpur. In Hine’s words, “The risk that the rare earth magnet supply chain poses to international offshore wind is existential. For the first time, we have a path that takes this risk out of the equation.”
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SmartViz Building Energy Solution Is Now Powered by iTwin
SmartViz, an intuitive digital twin platform that creates a virtual representation of indoor spaces, enabling building managers to optimize energy efficiency and space usage, is now integrated with the Bentley iTwin platform. The SmartViz platform, which saved Vodafone $40m in excess property and energy costs and has empowered several organisations to successfully implement hybrid working, is now providing even greater value to property owners and managers. SmartViz is also a Premier Partner of the iTwin Partner Program. The partnership means that the Bentley iTwin platform provides the essential building blocks of an online operational “twin” of the building, enabling SmartViz to add a cognitive layer that empowers property owners and managers with access to data and insights about how their building is used in real time. As well as identifying where energy is being wasted, SmartViz allows predictive modelling, which enables building owners or managers to see how different scenarios, such as weather conditions or occupancy rates, would impact energy usage, allowing a much higher degree of control over costs. Now powered by iTwin, SmartViz offers users a comprehensive digital twin that records, monitors, tracks, instantly alerts and optimises asset performance. With advanced 3D visualisations, real-time data analytics, predictive day-in-the-life simulation and scenario planning, users can optimise their buildings, assets, and create a more productive and energy-efficient building for all. “The majority of buildings over 1000 square metres in the UK were built in an era when energy consumption was not a major concern,” said Dr Shrikant Sharma, founder and CEO of SmartViz. “But with the Government’s net zero strategy demanding decisive action from businesses, and the current fuel crisis impacting every supply chain, the need to optimise how we use energy in our commercial, educational and retail spaces has become a key issue. The data and insights SmartViz provides makes that possible.” Building on over 20 years of experience, SmartViz has been used across all building types, including educational estates, cultural places, transport hubs, and workplaces. As well as the financial impact of energy wastage, poor use of space is also an unnecessary burden for business owners, which not only impacts the bottom line directly, but affects the wellbeing and productivity of the space users – a factor which the Scottish government is currently addressing by using SmartViz to improve the performance of school buildings. The data and insight that SmartViz generates for them will provide the capability to predict, scenario plan, and optimise the learning environment for Scottish schoolchildren. Said Dr. Sharma: “Our partnership with Bentley Systems and the Bentley Powered by iTwin program is a big boost to the SmartViz mission to tackle the core challenges of space efficiency, net zero compliance and user experience. The Bentley iTwin platform is instrumental in helping us achieve this for our customers.” Sheena Gaynes, Director of business development, iTwin platform, added: “We are delighted to have SmartViz add their SmartViz building performance platform to the Powered by iTwin program. In doing so, SmartViz joins a growing ecosystem of developers building digital twin solutions with the Bentley iTwin platform. The SmartViz platform is a great example of how digital twin technologies can be combined to help facilities managers and owner-operators harness the power of data to optimize building performance and user experience.”
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Epishine is building a new solar cell factory in Linköping with its aim set at exceptional capacity
In the autumn of 2018, Epishine based its groundbreaking production on decades of research in organic electronics and photovoltaics, and in the fall of 2018 began production of their organic solar cells that Epishine has developed all the way from the research stage to industrial production. “It has provided us with a perfect space for growth as well as excellent conditions to develop, launch and scale our first products. Now we see the need to increase the volume and expand our production further" says Anna Björklou, CEO of Epishine. In our increasingly digitalized world, small electronics powered by batteries are used in very high volumes. This development comes from wanting to collect data on everything from temperature, air quality, and the number of people who use premises to which doors and windows are open or closed. Three years ago, electronics manufacturers had not realized that there are limits to how many batteries, for example a real estate group think it is reasonable to replace. They had not even thought of other ways to supply power and when we were around at sales meetings, they were surprised that it was actually possible to use the natural indoor light to power this type of device. Demand has now increased enormously in connection with an increasing awareness that disposable batteries are not a sustainable solution from either a maintenance or environmental perspective. Epishine’s unique manufacturing method involves printing solar cells roll-to-roll, similar to newspaper printing production, which is an exceptionally scalable and energy-efficient process compared to how traditional solar cells are manufactured. The capability of a solar cell printer with a bandwidth of 2.5 meters and speed of 1 meter per second is 70 million square meters of solar cells per year - that is new green solar energy equivalent to the output of a nuclear power reactor every month. Epishine's long-term vision is to become the world's largest solar cell manufacturer, which is why the expansion potential has been key in choosing the new premises. Epishine's new location is developed together with the real estate company Corem. “Corem's vision is to manage and develop properties for the future and we are excited to be able to be a part of Epishine's continued progress and for a more sustainable future”, says Mikael Forkner, Regional Manager at Corem. Epishine’s first initiative is to scale up the production of indoor modules: A sensor series that is powered by Epishine's solar cells easily goes up in volumes of millions. "We need larger premises already for the higher demand we see in 2023, but it has also been important to build a facility with the possibility to increase capacity for billions of solar modules per year when really big projects take off”, says Mattias Josephson, co-founder of Epishine . Beyond the possibility to double the building’s existing production capacity, another advantage of the new location is that additional facilities can be built on the same property, allowing Epishine to scale very quickly without having to move the entire business time after time. "We are really looking forward to this expansion. We want to meet the needs of more and more and larger and larger customers with the most climate-friendly solar cell we know.” concludes Anna Björklou.
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IDTechEx Discuss Unlocking the Power of Perovskite Photovoltaics
Perovskite photovoltaics (PV) is a very young field, only emerging in 2009. Since then, research into the field has catapulted leading to the fastest acceleration in record efficiency of any PV technology. IDTechEx’s new report, “Perovskite Photovoltaics 2023-2033”, explores the diverse range of opportunities presented by perovskite PV, including gaps in demand, supply chain innovation, and emerging applications. [Remarkably rapid efficiency gains] Perovskite photovoltaics have demonstrated remarkable efficiencies, with new applications enabled by their low cost, thin film architecture, and tuneable absorption. Record efficiencies are already on par with those of silicon PV, a technology with decades of research behind it. Additionally, perovskite PV does not use toxic or rare materials, and the manufacturing is well-suited to scalable solution-based deposition methods. This gives perovskite PV an edge over the existing dominant thin film alternatives such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), which suffer from expensive synthesis and material scarcity. Despite the demonstration of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells, commercial adoption is limited by concerns over long-term stability. Perovskites are well-known to degrade following exposure to environmental factors such as heat, air, humidity, and UV light. Encapsulation techniques and material engineering are crucial to preventing degradation of the perovskite film – solving these high-value problems is a compelling commercial opportunity. [Enabling emerging applications] Perovskite PV is very versatile. It can be used in mainstream applications such as in solar farms and rooftops. Since the weight of a perovskite module can be at least 90 % lighter than a silicon module, it is particularly well-suited to novel applications as well such as vertical building integration and structures with low weight tolerance. These are applications that mainstream silicon-based PV is not compatible with and therefore provide a niche opportunity for perovskite PV. Flexible solar modules are another exciting recent development in photovoltaics. Thin film perovskite PV is naturally well-suited to flexible designs. Conformality allows for greater practicality and aesthetic control when integrating into building facades as well as electronic devices. With the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT), perovskite PV could also be a very suitable choice for self-powered smart electronics. Batteries are typically used to power small appliances. Where hundreds or thousands of individual electronics are in use, replacing batteries can be unsustainable both in terms of labor costs and number of disposable batteries. Employing low-cost PV powered devices with lifespans of 10 years could be far more economical. There is already very early-stage commercialization of self-powered electronics using organic PV. This market is still very small and there is plenty of room for new entrants. Perovskite PV promises higher efficiencies and simpler synthesis than organics, and potentially longer lifespans. Applications enabled by perovskite PV explored in the new IDTechEx report “Perovskite Photovoltaics 2023-2033”. Source: IDTechEx [Outlook] The future appears optimistic for perovskite PV, since the technology has advanced much more rapidly than any other photovoltaic technology. Unlike CdTe and CIGS active layers, perovskites do not require rare or expensive raw materials. The synthesis is straightforward and deposition can be carried out without the need for a vacuum or high temperatures. The possibility of creating flexible devices also opens up new applications that mainstream silicon PV cannot target due to their bulk, weight, and rigidity. Despite the promising advantages, concerns surrounding the lifespan of perovskite solar cells remain at the forefront of the discussion. This report, “Perovskite Photovoltaics 2023-2033”, gives 10-year market forecasts, key player analysis, technology benchmarking, and identification of core application areas. It examines the current status and latest trends in photovoltaic technology, supply chain, and manufacturing know-how. It also identifies the key challenges, competition, and innovation opportunities facing perovskite PV. Technical analysis and emerging trends are based on cutting-edge research and primary information with key and emerging players. This report focuses primarily on photovoltaic applications of perovskites and also provides an overview of alternative (non-photovoltaic) applications.
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FRX Innovations’ Nofia Sustainable Green Flame Retardants Outperforms Legacy Flame Retardants in High Growth Lithium-Ion Battery Application
FRX Innovations (TSXV:FRXI) is pleased to announce that its Nofia® flame retardant has been selected for its high performance level as well as its sustainability attributes in lithium-ion battery casings. Notoxicom® products, powered by Nofia®, were developed by Polymer Compounders Ltd of the UK and chosen by battery producer Super B of the Netherlands, for its new category of lithium-ion batteries. Nofia® has recently received green certifications from the ChemForward, Green Screen and TCO organizations, which provide customers and brand owners alike, the assurance that they need not compromise on environmental safety to achieve fire safety, all the while achieving performance levels not previously possible with legacy flame retardants. The parties involved in this groundbreaking innovation provided additional details as follows: (1) Super B, part of the clean energy conglomerate Koolen Industries, announced that its new lithium iron phosphate battery uses the recently launched Notoxicom® grade of FR PC/ABS developed by Polymer Compounders Limited (UK). (2) Marten Zilvold, Product Manager at Super B, explained that, “This new development of our already successful battery range will add further to its green credentials and contribute to the continuing growth in applications such as power sports, marine, industrial and other recreational.” The new Super B battery cases have been developed with partners Kedu Polymers Industries BV, Klein Mechaniek BV (Toolmaker/Moulder) and Super B (OEM) utilizing the Moldex flow simulation software. The software was fed with measured data characterizing the excellent processing performance of Notoxicom®, and the design was then optimized for the best characteristics of Notoxicom®, i.e. broad temperature processing range in combination with excellent flow. The resulting lower pressures in the tool allowed the use of only one hot runner, whereas two hot runners were needed with standard FR PC/ABS. Stephen Blair, Technical Manager at Polymer Compounders Limited, explained that this was precisely the type of sustainability-focused application that Notoxicom® is targeted at, “We could not be more excited at this development. Notoxicom® advances the design space where non-Halogen FR PC/ABS or FR PC/ASA can be used. Its HDT is typically 25C to 30C higher than comparable grades of FR PC/ABS, and it is firmly targeted at existing applications of ABS containing brominated flame retardants, which are being threatened in some uses by new EcoDesign regulations soon to be implemented across the EU and in other examples being deselected by ESG focused OEMs.” Further information about Notoxicom® can be found here: https://polymer-compounders.com/en/notoxicom-product-family/ Marc Lebel, CEO of FRX Innovations said, “This development is fully aligned with our strategy of disrupting segments of the flame retardant polymer industry sensitive to the sustainability demands of OEM’s, regulatory bodies and Green NGOs, all the while delivering performance levels not possible with legacy flame retardant products.” These include applications in electric vehicles, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. All FRX’s flame retardants are polymers and contain no halogens.
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Yanmar Powers India Engine Plant with Renewable Energy
Yanmar Engine Manufacturing India (hereafter “Yanmar Engine India”), a leading Japanese engine manufacturer based in Tamil Nadu, India has installed a 1 MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic generation system to its industrial engine production facility in India. The system will power about 30% of the facility’s energy needs with green power. The addition of the more than 2,200 module PV system will generate around 1,500 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity annually, realizing significant cost savings for Yanmar Engine India and reducing the company’s carbon footprint by an estimated 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions annually. The engine plant, located in Tamil Nadu, India, will produce 80,000 units of 15kW to 37kW class industrial engines per year. The engines will be supplied to India, Europe, the United States, Asia and other regions where demand for industrial engines is strong. “The installation of this solar photovoltaic generation system underscores Yanmar’s longstanding commitment to sustainable operations,” said Yanmar Engine India Managing Director, Varun Khanna. “With this investment, we continue Yanmar’s goal to realize a sustainable future with access to powerful, highly efficient, and affordable engine technologies as well as implementing systems that can make optimal use of diverse energy sources to reduce the burden on the environment.”
