The Vertex N 720W series offers enhanced efficiency. (Image source: Trinasolar)

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, inaugurated a 70MW photovoltaic power station in the Arabian Peninsula.

Utilising Trinasolar’s advanced technology, this milestone supports the journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

“The successful completion of this solar power station is a testament to our commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in challenging environments,” commented Zhao Lei, head of strategic key accounts at Trinasolar. “The Vertex N 720W series modules not only deliver exceptional performance and reliability but also embody our mission to drive sustainable energy practices regionally and globally. We are proud to support the transition to a cleaner energy future,” added Lei.

Despite its vast deserts, the Arabian Peninsula is now embracing solar power as a beacon of green hope. This strategic direction aligns with its focus on energy transition, highlighting the importance of photovoltaic projects in optimising the energy supply. The newly inaugurated solar power station enhances the electricity generation capacity, reduces reliance on traditional fossil fuels, and lowers electricity costs.

Vertex N 720W Series: leading the charge

Trinasolar’s Vertex N 720W (NEG21C.20) series module, based on cutting-edge N-type i-TOPCon cell technology, is at the heart of this project. With the maximum power output up to 720W and a maximum efficiency up to 23.2%, these modules are designed for optimal performance even under harsh desert conditions. The low voltage and low temperature coefficient ensure great performance and efficiency, while the 210mm platform offers lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and higher value for customers.

In recognition of its superior reliability, Trinasolar's Vertex N 720W (NEG21C.20) series module achieved an outstanding score of seven out of seven in the reliability test conducted by Kiwa PVEL, the world’s leading PV module testing laboratory, in June this year.

By collaborating with governments and partners, Trinasolar aims to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on. Through continuous technological innovation and the fulfillment of its mission "Solar Energy for All," Trinasolar is set to make significant contributions to the global energy transition.

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has introduced a new testing protocol designed to meet the needs of fire service organisations for enhanced evaluations of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for residential applications.

Typically paired with rooftop solar installations and, occasionally, wind turbines, residential BESS units enable homeowners to store excess solar or wind energy for use at any time, even when solar or wind resources are unavailable. These systems can protect users from power outages and grid fluctuations, ensuring a consistent energy supply. Additionally, they offer cost savings by allowing users to utilise the energy already generated and stored.

UL Solutions: the BESS expert

Battery storage is essential for the energy transition, with residential battery storage playing a significant role. Rising energy prices, increased blackout risks, and government incentives are driving interest in residential energy storage systems. The market for residential BESS is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of US$898mn in 2023, expected to exceed US$2bn by 2028.

The newly published UL 9540B Outline of Investigation for Large-Scale Fire Test for Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems introduces a testing protocol featuring a robust ignition scenario and stringent acceptance criteria for residential BESS. This new test method addresses the fire propagation behaviour of a BESS in the event of a thermal runaway propagation incident leading to an internal fire during its lifespan.

Since battery energy storage systems were first deployed a decade ago, UL Solutions has been at the forefront of addressing associated fire safety concerns. The company has collaborated with fire protection and battery experts, original equipment manufacturers, code authorities, and other key stakeholders to enhance test methods for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in BESS. UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, and UL 9540A, the Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, were developed to ensure the safety of and assess thermal runaway propagation behaviour in energy storage systems. UL 9540B evaluates the fire propagation behaviour of residential BESS and complements UL 9540 and UL 9540A, providing a comprehensive approach to safety and fire behaviour.

It is important to note that UL 9540B testing is not intended to replace UL 9540A fire propagation testing for compliance with BESS installation codes and standards such as the IFC and NFPA 855. Instead, this test sequence aims to generate large-scale fire data to assist fire officials in evaluating residential BESS installations.

“UL Solutions listened to fire service concerns, and together, we developed a test solution that provides an acceptable level of fire safety without introducing unnecessary impediments to the deployment of safer, cost-effective residential battery energy storage systems,” said Robert Marshall, deputy chief of San Mateo Consolidated Fire Protection District.

“At UL Solutions, we are committed to using our safety science expertise to help our many stakeholders find solutions to the challenges arising in the rapidly evolving energy transition landscape,” said Milan Dotlich, vice president and general manager of the UL Solutions Energy and Industrial Automation group. “The development of UL 9540B in just a few months demonstrates our commitment to quickly providing effective safety resources to support the transition to renewable energy.” 

The portfolio Masdar plans to acquire consists of 48 operational solar plants of 2GW aggregated capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Masdar reached an agreement with Endesa to become a partner for 2.5GW of renewable energy assets in Spain

This is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. The transaction would see Masdar invest US$817mn to acquire a 49.99% stake, with an enterprise value of US$1.7bn, representing one of Spain’s biggest renewable energy deals.

The portfolio Masdar plans to acquire consists of 48 operational solar plants of 2GW aggregated capacity. Endesa and Masdar aim to add 0.5GW of battery energy storage system (BESS) to the projects. The partnership reinforces Masdar’s reputation as a trusted global energy partner for governments, investors, developers, and communities.

In addition to the acquisition Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), Masdar and Endesa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore an alliance aimed at jointly developing renewable energy projects in Spain.

The deal reflects Masdar’s ambitious growth plans in Europe, having recently announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with Greece’s GEK TERNA SA and other shareholders of TERNA ENERGY SA to initially acquire 67% of the company’s outstanding shares, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. With a strong portfolio of projects in Greece and Europe, TERNA ENERGY is targeting renewable energy operational capacity of 6GW by 2030.

In March this year, Masdar and Spain’s Iberdrola also reached financial close on the 476MW Baltic Eagle offshore wind project located in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Germany.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, chairman of Masdar, said, “Building on Masdar’s global expertise and pioneering approach to renewable energy innovation and development, this partnership underscores our commitment to unlocking clean energy capacity in Spain, Europe, and around the world, supporting the global mandate enshrined in the COP28’s UAE Consensus to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 enabling a just, orderly and equitable energy transition. Masdar is accelerating its ambitious growth plans as we target 100GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade.”

The facility will utilise KBR's leading ammonia synthesis loop technology to deliver cost-competitive and low-carbon intensity ammonia. (Image source: KBR)

KBR has announced that its blue ammonia technology has been selected by Shell for its Blue Horizons low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia project in Duqm, Oman

The facility will utilise KBR's leading ammonia synthesis loop technology to deliver cost-competitive and low-carbon intensity ammonia. KBR will provide licensed proprietary engineering design for the 3,000 metric tons per day ammonia plant utilising hydrogen produced by Shell's Blue Hydrogen technology.

"We are excited to work with Shell on this breakthrough project in Oman and contribute towards achieving Oman's Vision 2040 targets," said Jay Ibrahim, president, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. "Our blue ammonia technology allows our clients to implement their energy transition projects with a cost-competitive solution at the lowest carbon intensity."

KOC contract

This news follows KBR’s earlier announcement that it has been awarded an advisory consulting contract by Kuwait Oil Company for the development of a country wide masterplan for the production of 17GW of renewables and 25GW of green hydrogen by 2050. KBR will provide advisory consulting services to develop a phased strategy for the deployment of wind and solar power, combined with power storage capability. The renewable power capability will be linked to the production of green hydrogen for internal industrial use, as well as for export purposes.