Concentrated solar power (CSP) traditionally uses large arrays of mirrors to direct sunlight onto a tall central receiver tower, which then creates heat that is stored in various liquids for use when the sun is not shining to generate electricity. CSP offers storage that traditional solar (PV) systems do not, however they have been historically big and expensive. An Australian company has developed a smaller, cheaper CSP and PV combination, with a 70% efficiency rate (on par with pumped hydro). The pilot project is currently operating in Carwarp, Victoria, Australia. https://reneweconomy.com.au/the-australian-solar-tech-that-may-have-found-a-low-cost-solution-to-deep-storage/
Industrial processes typically produce a lot of heat. This heat can be captured and re-used to reduce overall energy consumption with readily available technology such as heat pumps. However, industrial heat has not typically played a part in green hydrogen production. A new process to be trialled at BlueScope's Port Kembla Steelworks will seek to prove a new tubular solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technology from CSIRO can reduce electricity demand by 30% compared to conventional green hydrogen production processes. https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/News/2023/August/Hadean
Conventional lithium-ion batteries are made with flammable materials, posing a risk. However, using an innovative nitrate-based additive, German & Chinese researchers have successfully developed a new quasi solid-state lithium-metal battery that is both stable, potentially long-lasting, with higher energy density and able to be manufactured while maintaining the manufacturing methods used for conventional liquid batteries.https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/nitrate-additive-solid-state-batteries
Hysata believes it has developed an electrolyser more efficient than any other on the market. Now it's taking its technology to the next level and scaling up to 5MW. To put that in context, Australia's largest operational electrolyser at present is the 1.25MW unit at Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA). If successful, Hysata hope to produce 20 x 5MW electrolysers per year, or roughly 100 megawatts worth of generation capacity. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-15/hysata-begins-building-worlds-most-efficient-electrolyser/102729908
Locomotives last a long time. For a new locomotive going into service today, the range of low and zero fuel options available are likely to change far more rapidly that the locomotives can be replaced. So Rail Operations UK have ordered 10 new locomotives with not just 1 or 2 traction options but an amazing 3 options (overhead electrification, battery and/or diesel).This provides not just great decarbonisation benefits but also great operational versatility. https://ww
