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1. ☀️ Back Contact Solar Panels: Shining Towards 1 TW by 2030! 🌍⚡

Back contact (BC) solar module manufacturing capacity could reach 1 TW by 2030, potentially making BC products the industry's mainstream technology. This projection aligns with the broader trends in the solar PV module market, which is experiencing significant growth and technological advancements.

Key points:

1. Market Growth: The global back contact solar cells market is expanding due to increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective solar technologies.

2. Technology Transition: The PV industry is expected to shift from TOPCon to BC designs, possibly combining BC with other technologies.

3. Performance Improvements: BC cells are approaching theoretical efficiency limits, with cells reaching nearly 27% and modules 25-26% efficiency.

4. Cost Reduction: While currently more expensive, the cost per watt of BC modules is expected to decrease as production scales up.

5. Geographic Adoption: China is anticipated to lead in transitioning to BC technology, followed by India and the United States.

6. Patent Expiry: Key patents on back-contact technologies are set to expire in 2028, potentially accelerating capacity scale-up and broader manufacturing.

The projected growth in BC solar module manufacturing capacity is part of a larger trend in the solar PV industry. The global solar PV module market size was valued at $158.44 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $301.22 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by factors such as technological advancements, cost reductions, and increased government support for renewable energy. 

2. Cyprus Wastes Nearly a Third of its Renewable Energy! ⚠️

Shocking Statistic: A staggering 29% of Cyprus' renewable energy was curtailed in 2024! This is a massive jump from 3.3% in 2022, highlighting a serious and growing problem.

Expert Prediction Comes True: A year ago, the local transmission grid operator predicted a 28% curtailment, and unfortunately, they were right.

Key Insights:

* Why is this happening? The grid lacks the flexibility to handle the influx of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This forces operators to keep fossil fuel plants running for stability, even when green energy is available.

* What does it mean? This wasted energy is enough to power approximately 28,000 households for a year.

* Despite Growth, Efficiency Drops: Even with 159 MW of new PV capacity added in 2024, the actual contribution of each megawatt to the island’s electricity demand has declined.

* A Call for Change: Cyprus needs to embrace energy storage and modern energy management solutions to stop wasting valuable green energy.

* The Potential: Imagine a Cyprus powered by its own clean energy, free from the constraints of grid inflexibility and reliance on fossil fuels!

Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that promote grid modernization and greater renewable energy integration in Cyprus.

3.🌞 CGN New Energy's 2025 Procurement Framework Revolutionizes Renewable Energy 🌟💡

China General Nuclear (CGN) New Energy has awarded contracts for 
10.5 GW of solar modules under its 2025 procurement framework.

1. Solar Module Procurement:

• Total capacity: 10.5 GW of solar modules.

• Structure: Two packages across seven bidding segments of 1.5 GW each.

• Winning companies: JinkoSolar, Grand Sunergy Tech, LONGi, Gokin Solar, Huansheng Solar, GCL-SI, and Meike Solar.

• Module specifications: N-type bifacial panels of 615 W and above, with backup options including N-type monofacial and N-type bifacial 710 W and above.

• Bid prices: Ranged from CNY 0.692 ($0.095)/W to CNY 0.706/W, with an average of CNY 0.702/W.

• Contract period: January 1 to December 31, 2025, with an option for extension.

2. Energy Storage System Procurement:

• Total capacity: 10.5 GWh of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage systems.

• Structure: Seven lots of 1.5 GWh each.

• Grid-forming systems: 4.5 GWh (Lots 1-3).

• Grid-following systems: 6 GWh (Lots 4-7).

• Winning bidders for grid-forming systems: Haibosichuang, Nanrui Relay Protection, and CRRC Zhuzhou Institute.

• Winning bidders for grid-following systems: Jinpan Technology, Konka Smart Energy, BYD, and Kelong Electronics.

• Lowest bid: CNY 0.458/Wh (US$63/kWh).

3. Inverter Procurement:

• Structure: 3 packages with a total of 5 bidding sections.

• Winning companies: Lenovo, Zhuzhou National Engineering Research Center for Power Conversion Technology, Sineng Electric, Ginlong Technology, Sungrow Power Supply, and Shenzhen Kstar Technology.

• Bid prices: Ranged from CNY 0.092 to CNY 0.158/W.

These procurement initiatives demonstrate CGN New Energy's significant investment in solar, energy storage, and inverter technologies for the year 2025, showcasing the company's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

4. 🌟 Philippines' Green Energy Auction Soars! 🌟💡

The Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) conducted the GEA-3 auction, focusing on technologies like pumped hydro storage, impounding hydropower, and geothermal.

The auction was heavily oversubscribed, with nearly 7 GW of pumped hydro bids, exceeding the target of 4,250 MW. The auction included 14 projects with a cumulative capacity of 7.5 GW, set to be delivered between 2025 and 2035.

Key Highlights:

1. Oversubscription: The auction received bids totalling 7.5 GW, surpassing the installation target of 4,650 MW.

2. Pumped Hydro Storage: Offers for pumped hydro reached 6,950 MW, with Lot 1 procuring 2 GW for Luzon (2028-2030) and Lot 2 attracting 4.2 GW of bids for Luzon (2031-2032).

3. Variable Speed Technology: All pumped hydro projects must use variable speed technology for enhanced operational flexibility.

4. Impounding Hydropower and Geothermal: Bids for impounding hydropower totalled 550 MW, exceeding the 300 MW target, while geothermal bids were lower than expected at 30.89 MW.

5. Supply Contracts: Awarded projects will receive 20-year supply contracts starting from their commercial operation date.

6. Future Steps: The Energy Regulatory Commission will review price offers before announcing winning bids.

1. 🚀 Army Solar Ignites India: 3 GW TOPCon Factory🌞

In a significant step towards bolstering India's renewable energy sector, Army Solar is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a 3 GW TOPCon solar module manufacturing facility in Surat, Gujarat. The AI-powered factory will start making products by the end of April 2025, focusing on TOPCon and mono PERC modules.

The company plans to double its production capacity by 2030.

Project Details:

1. Manufacturing Facility: A 3 GW TOPCon solar PV module factory in Surat, Gujarat.

2. Production Start: Expected to begin by the end of April 2025.

3. Product Line: Includes 16-busbar n-type TOPCon modules with an output of 650 Wp and a conversion efficiency of 22.36%.

4. Expansion Plans: Targets to double production capacity before 2030.

5. Technology: The factory will utilize AI-based manufacturing processes.

 2.  🌟 Libya & Turkiye: 4 GW Renewable Energy Push 🌞

Libya, seeking to diversify its energy mix, aims to generate 4 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035, accounting for 20% of its total energy portfolio.

The country is collaborating with Turkiye for technological expertise and investment, leveraging their historical ties and Turkiye's extensive experience in renewable energy.

 Project Details:

1. Renewable Energy Targets: Libya plans to achieve 4 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035.

2. Turkish Collaboration: Libya is working with Turkish companies for knowledge transfer and capacity building in renewable energy.

3. Projects and Investments: A dedicated zone in eastern Tripoli has been allocated for renewable energy investments, with Turkish companies expected to play a major role.

4. Cross-Border Energy Trade: Libya is exploring potential cross-border electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries and Turkiye.

 3. 🌬️ Masdar's 1000 MW Wind Plant in Uzbekistan 🌟

The new wind power plant in Uzbekistan, such as the 1000 MW facility by Masdar, will significantly contribute to the country's energy independence by increasing its renewable energy capacity. 

1. Project Details: Masdar is building a 1000 MW wind power plant in the Uchkuduk district of Uzbekistan's Navoi region.

2. Energy Output: The plant will generate 3.5 billion kWh of electricity annually, saving about 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

3. Job Creation: The project is expected to create between 600 and 800 jobs, supporting local employment.

4. Environmental Impact: It will reduce carbon emissions by 1.4 million tons per year.

5. Partnership: This project extends Masdar's partnership with Uzbekistan, following other successful renewable energy initiatives totalling 1,497 MW of capacity.

6. Previous Projects: Include a 500 MW wind farm in Zarafshan and several solar plants across the country.

4. 🌞 Bhadla Solar Park: India's Largest Solar Park! 🌟💡

The Bhadla Solar Park in the Jodhpur district, Rajasthan state, north western India, consists of 14,000 acres of co-located solar power plants, with a consistent generation of 2.25 GW (Bhadla now totals about 2.7 GW of capacity since recent additions). 

Bhadla is the world's largest solar park.

Project Details:

1. Location and Size: Bhadla Solar Park is located in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, covering 14,000 acres.

2. Capacity: Initially 2.25 GW, now expanded to about 2.7 GW, making it one of the largest solar parks globally.

3. Significance: It is currently the largest solar park in the world, though the Golmud Solar Park in China is expected to surpass it once completed.

4. Impact: Bhadla Solar Park contributes significantly to India's renewable energy goals, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.

5. Technological Advancements: The park showcases India's ability to deploy large-scale solar projects efficiently, setting a precedent for future renewable energy initiatives.

Bhadla Solar Park is a landmark project in India's renewable energy landscape, demonstrating the country's commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.

1.🌟 Hydrogen Stream: Electrolyzers and Green Hydrogen Advances! 💡

The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES) suggests that while China is pushing to lower electrolyzer costs, it may not dominate global supply chains due to the complexity of electrolysis systems and rising trade protectionism.

1. China's Electrolyzer Market Role:

China's success in reducing costs for alkaline electrolyzers and competing in the PEM segment is noted, but technology transfer limitations and trade protectionism restrict its global role.

2. Toyota's Fuel Cell System:

• Toyota has developed a third-generation fuel cell system with the same durability as conventional diesel engines.

• The system offers a 120% improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20% increase in cruising range, planned for use in passenger and commercial vehicles across Japan, Europe, North America, and China after 2026.

3. HydroJeel's Green Ammonia Project:

• The PtX Development Fund granted HydroJeel €30 million for a green ammonia project in Morocco.

• The project aims to produce 100,000 tons of green ammonia annually by the end of 2026.

4. Enertrag's Green Hydrogen Auction:

• Enertrag launched an auction for 500 tons of green hydrogen per year from a new electrolyzer plant in Germany.

• The plant will produce about 900 tons of green hydrogen annually when operational by the end of 2025.

These developments highlight significant advancements in the global hydrogen sector, from electrolyzer manufacturing to green hydrogen production and fuel cell technology.

2. 🔋 Fluence's Smartstack: Revolutionizing Grid-Scale Energy Storage with Modular Design 🔌

Fluence Energy, a U.S.-based company, recently launched its latest grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) solution called Smartstack.

1. Modular Design: The system is split into smaller units, making it easier to transport and maintain.

2. Logistics Optimization: Addresses challenges related to weight restrictions on European roads, where there's often a 40-ton limit for vehicles.

3. High Energy Density: Despite its modular nature, the system maintains a high energy density.

Industry Context

The development of Smartstack is driven by two main factors in the BESS industry:

1. Demand for Efficiency: There's a growing need for higher efficiency in grid-scale BESS solutions.

2. Cost Reduction: The industry is pushing for more cost-effective energy storage solutions.

The increasing use of high-capacity cells (300 Ah and above) in grid-scale BESS has led to logistical challenges in Europe due to road weight restrictions.

Fluence's Smartstack appears to address these industry challenges while providing a high-capacity, efficient, and more easily manageable BESS solution for grid-scale applications.

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