Asia

According to a new study by Finland’s LUT University, solar PV consumes between 2% and 15% of the water that coal and nuclear power plants use to produce just 1 MWh of output; for wind, this percentage ranges from 0.1% to 14%. Under the researchers’ best policy scenario, water consumption could be reduced by 75.1% by 2030, compared to 2015 levels.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TYO:7211) on Wednesday unveiled a project to build a rooftop solar array and a battery energy storage system (BESS) at its manufacturing plant in Okazaki city, Japan.

Chinese module manufacturer is stepping up its prowess with 314 MW of new high-efficiency Tiger modules being released to the market.

Singyes is willing to bring its unsuccessful 2-year-long period to an end. The solar manufacturer and developer now belongs to Shuifa Group, and is going to rename the company correspondingly.

Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity is set to open the largest solar power plant in the world in the Benban area of Aswan Governorate in the coming days, boasting a total of 32 plants with a capacity of 1465 MW, Youm7 reported on Tuesday.

The state-owned Rural Areas Electricity Company wants to build 11 Solar-diesel-storage projects in remote rural locations. Pre-qualified bidders in the tender comprise Engie, Canadian Solar, Akuo, Longi, Jinko, GCL, Abengoa, Total and Belectric.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has introduced tenders for 1.2GW of PV projects and 1.2GW of solar-wind hybrid projects on 5 December.

Inspired by the lotus effect, scientists from Negev-based BGU have examined mechanisms and forces that may be improved to keep dust off solar cells for higher performance. The innovative technology allows removing 98% of the dust amount from panel surface.

A group of researchers from the Chinese national research institute has examined the way flexible thin-film solar modules with PET-lamination behave when burnt. The findings show that, in the process of combustion, the device releases such toxic emissions as HCN, hydrofluoric acid, SO2 and some VOCs.

Chinese firm BYD Co. Ltd. intends to establish the "Battery Box Premium" line, the next generation of its own Battery Box, at the first quarter of 2020.

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute is planning a huge solar energy project which will integrate agriculture and livestock farming in the Sabah region. The research institute claims to have secured $50 million for the project's initial, 200 MW phase. The 25,000ha needed for the projects will host up to 150,000 cattle in addition to cultivation of forage crops like kenaf, corn, hay and wheat.

Indian SECI is going to conclude 25-year-valid PPAs for solar and hybrid ventures. The developers can choose where in India the facilities will be built, owned and operated.

A research group from China has developed a solar floor tile for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ paths. The innovation has been piloted on Hong Kong-based Green Deck. The walkable tile is claimed durable, heat-resistant, nonslip and conversion efficient.

The government is aiming to set up 10,000 MW of decentralized solar projects under Component -A of the program