Science and Technology:
¶ “New Material Could Double Output Of Solar Panels” • In a research study published in the journal Science Advances, scientists at Lehigh University say they developed a material that has the potential to drastically increase the efficiency of solar panels. The university says a prototype using the material in a solar cell has an average PV absorption of 80%. [CleanTechnica]
Schematic of solar cell (Ekuma Lab, Lehigh)
World:
¶ “NTPC Targets 5 GW Of Capacity Addition in Fiscal Year 2025” • NTPC Ltd committed to expanding its installed capacity by 5 GW, of which 3 GW would be renewable. NTPC plans to expand its non-fossil fuel-based capacity to constitute up to 50% of its portfolio, with plans to reach 60 GW of renewable capacity out of a portfolio of 130 GW by 2032. [SolarQuarter]
¶ “Iberdrola’s Renewable Energy Production Reaches 10-Year Highs In Spain” • Investments by the Iberdrola in renewables and a commitment to decarbonization pushed production of clean energy in Spain to a decade high. In the first quarter of 2024, the group generated 10,489 GWh with clean energy, up 19.4% from the same period last year. [Iberdrola]
Wind turbines (Iberdrola image)
¶ “Empowering Agriculture: Andhra Pradesh’s Solar Energy Revolution” • In Andhra Pradesh, the electricity sector has seen a major move toward renewable energy, especially solar. This shift is primarily aimed at enhancing sustainability of power supplies, especially for agriculture. The plan is to acquire 7,000 MW of solar power in three phases. [SolarQuarter]
¶ “Pakistan Strikes $200 Million Solar Power Deal With Chinese Firm” • Pakistan’s Northern Power Generation Company Limited signed a deal worth $200 million with a prominent Chinese firm, Ningbo Green Light Energy Pvt Ltd. The deal aims to transform an existing thermal power plant into a state-of-the-art 300-MW solar power facility. [Samaa TV]
Solar site in Pakistan (Crosji, CC-BY-SA 4.0, cropped)
¶ “Egyptian Solar Set To Expand Beyond The Massive 1.8-GW Benban PV Project” • The Russian invasion of Ukraine drove up gas prices and turned Europeans away from Russian fuel. Egypt shipped 80% of its liquefied natural gas to Europe last year. The country’s new revenue and falling PV costs combined to change Egypt’s energy landscape. [pv magazine International]
¶ “Southeast Asia Is Betting Big on a Green Future” • Despite the continued reliance on fossil fuels by some countries in Southeast Asia, many governments in the region are going full steam ahead on energy transition plans. Thanks to funding from international sources, some countries in Southeast Asia are finally able to plan for a greener future. [OilPrice.com]
Solar walkway in Malaysia (Wee Hong, CC-BY-SA 4.0, cropped)
¶ “Last Reactor At Ukrainian Nuclear Plant Put Into Cold State” • The last reactor at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine has been shut down as fighting continues in the area for the third year. This means that all of the plant’s six reactor units are now in a cold shutdown state. The war has entered its third year. [Radio Free Europe]
US:
¶ “US Interior Department Announces Final Rule For Oil & Gas Operations On Public Lands” • The Interior Department has announced a final rule to revise BLM oil & gas lease regulations. It is to ensure balanced development, help prevent drilling from conflicting with habitat and cultural site protections, and provide a fair return to taxpayers. [CleanTechnica]
Public lands in Idaho (Alex Moliski, Unsplash)
¶ “DOE Finalizes Efficiency Standards For Lightbulbs” • The US DOE finalized Congressionally-mandated energy efficiency standards for general service lamps. These standards will go into effect for newly produced bulbs in July of 2028. The new bulbs are expected to save American families $1.6 billion annually on household energy costs. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Enel Plans To ‘Copy And Paste’ Italy Solar Panel Factory In The US” • Enel plans to build a solar panel factory in the US as it rolls out more renewable energy capacity in North America. Enel Green Power Chief Executive Salvatore Bernabei referred to an Italian factory, saying, “Our idea is to copy and paste this to other markets, including the US.” [Yahoo Lifestyle Canada]
Making solar cells (Oregon DOT, CC-BY-SA 2.0)
¶ “Solar Is Largest Source Of New Generating Capacity For Sixth Month In A Row” • A review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data recently-released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shows that for the sixth month in a row, solar provided more new US electrical generating capacity than any other energy source, 83.64% of the total. [Renewable Energy Magazine]
¶ “Shell And Eco Wave Co-Invest In First US Onshore Wave Energy Station” • Eco Wave Power Global AB has entered an agreement with Shell to participate in the development of Eco Wave Power’s first project in the US. A feasibility study showed at least 77 sites in the US that may be compatible for the the Eco Wave Power technology. [Energy Global]
Have an adequately majestic day.
geoharvey 
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