The future leaves
signals in time.

Scientists have developed a technology that could make electric vehicle batteries smaller, lighter and longer-lasting, potentially allowing cars to travel farther on a single charge. By borrowing precision manufacturing techniques from computer chip production, they report finding a way to prevent the damaging lithium buildup that has held back next-generation batteries.

Energy storage developer-operator Bimergen Energy has filed an application for an Option 2 Retail Electric Provider (REP) certificate in Texas, US, aiming to serve the state's data centres. The report does not mention any approval decision or timeline.

In an exclusive interview for Energy-Storage.news's ESN Premium, Valo CEO Peter Fath discussed the next steps and broader strategy of the newly launched energy storage joint venture, saying "Europe has the capability" to support a homegrown BESS industry.

Researchers in China report recovering 94.34% of the silver from crystalline silicon solar cells using an acid-free molten salt process that detaches the silver as metal, and say they have identified how to control silicon loss during treatment.

An analyst said sodium-ion's position has strengthened substantially in the past 12 months, but its adoption in Europe depends on several key factors, including data centres and their use cases.

South Korean battery giant LG Energy Solution (LG ES) signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Energix-Renewable Energies. The agreement aims to expand collaboration on energy storage projects in the US and Europe, with a potential capacity of 4.5 GWh.

Battery storage developer Kyon Energy has commissioned and put into operation its 137.5MW/282MWh Alfeld battery energy storage project in Germany. According to the report, it is potentially the country's largest to reach that milestone.

Manufacturer Sunkean has developed a copper-to-aluminum jumper solution for PV DC-side applications. Per the report, it addresses conductor material costs, field installation efficiency, and the long-term reliability of copper-to-aluminum connections in utility-scale solar projects.

German startup Exxosqel, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research, has developed a coating technology that strengthens solar glass by targeting microscopic surface cracks. The technology could reduce glass weight by up to 40% and overall PV module weight by approximately 30%.

Japan's Ricoh plans to begin producing perovskite solar cells by 2030, initially targeting annual capacity of several hundred megawatts. The company will use its proprietary inkjet printing technology to streamline manufacturing and reduce production costs.

Itaipu studied connecting up to 1 GW of solar at three points in Paraguay's electricity network to support its power grid. Simulations found specialized controls could dampen inter-area power oscillations, and the study also recommends battery storage to improve system response.

Portugal has set new grid connection rules for energy storage, making grid-forming mandatory for large battery storage plants. The move comes ahead of the EU's own revision of generator connection requirements.

Swedish researchers assessed that climate change could boost PV generation across Sweden by around 5% through the year 2100. This potential increase is noted to vary depending on the specific location and emissions scenario.

Western Australia has announced steps to legalize plug-in solar panels and batteries, referred to as 'balcony solar'. This measure is intended to benefit renters and residents of apartments.

Avaada unveiled a 745 W TOPCon solar module that achieves an efficiency of 23.98%. The company also showcased its rooftop solar kits and the HALO battery energy storage system.

Australian researchers found that bushfire smoke can reduce solar power generation by up to 70% near fires and by 30% to 40% in areas more than 150 km away, while elevated temperatures during bushfires also accelerate PV module degradation. The study highlights the need for improved forecasting, maintenance, and risk management.

India's installed solar capacity has grown from under 5 GW in 2016 to over 165 GW today. Shantanu Roy of CSTEP expects the next decade to focus on capacity location, grid interaction, and flexibility, which he believes will open more doors for distributed solar.