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Magnolia Is Using Nanotechnology to Develop High-Efficiency Film Solar Cells
Magnolia Solar announced that it is pioneering the application of nanotechnology for both flexible CIGS and III-V solar cells in order to boost performance and lower costs. Magnolia Solar has developed nanostructured optical coatings that can minimize reflection losses and enhance light trapping when applied to the surface of either CIGS or III-V solar cells. Magnolia Solar is also developing the technology to apply novel nanostructured designs to the absorber layer of high-performance III-V ...
Solar
- Energy Efficiency - Jul 22, 2014
Self-Cooling Solar Cells Boost Power, Last Longer
Scientists may have overcome one of the major hurdles in developing high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells—keeping them cool, even in the blistering heat of the noonday Sun.
By adding a specially patterned layer of silica glass to the surface of ordinary solar cells, a team of researchers led by Shanhui Fan, an electrical engineering professor at Stanford University in California has found a way to let solar cells cool themselves by shepherding away unwanted thermal radiation. Th...
Solar
- Power Generation, Smart Grids - Jul 22, 2014
Google Offers Big Prize for Small Power Box
Google is offering a million-dollar prize for a breakthrough that would make solar or wind generated electricity more enticing for everyday uses.
Google teamed with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers to back a "Littlebox Challenge" promising to reward whoever comes up with the best design for a device no bigger than a laptop that can efficiently convert direct current to alternating current commonly used in homes and businesses.
Renewable energy sources suc...
Energy Efficiency
- Jul 23, 2014
Canada's Talisman Energy 'approached' by Repsol
Shares of Talisman Energy spiked Wednesday over reports that Spanish oil conglomerate Repsol was in talks to buy the Canadian oil and gas firm.
In a statement, Talisman said it "acknowledges that it has been approached by Repsol with regards to various transactions."
But the company added, "There is no assurance that any transaction will be agreed."
Repsol is said to be looking to spend cash it received as compensation for the loss of assets in South America, w...
Oil and Gas
- Jul 23, 2014
ABB Reports Profits Slump, Hit by Solar-wind Losses
Engineering group ABB said its profits fell in the second quarter, pulled down by renewable energy activities, despite strong orders, particularly in North America.
The group, a leading provider of power systems, said it was working hard to turnaround its loss-making solar and wind-power businesses amid a weak renewable energy market.
The Swiss-Swedish group said net profit fell nearly 17.0 percent compared to last year to $636 million (472 million euros).
That fell short of analy...
Solar
- Jul 23, 2014
Renewable Subsidy Cuts Hit Iberdrola 1H Profits
Spanish energy giant Iberdrola on Wednesday said its profits sank in the first half of the year, hit by a cut to renewable energy subsidies in its home market.
Net profit dropped 13 percent to 1.5 billion euros ($2 billion) from a year earlier in the six months to June 30, the company said in a statement.
Spain's cash-strapped government cut direct aid for renewable energy last year in a bid to slash a 26-billion-euro electricity deficit after years of paying subsidies.
Iberdr...
General News
- Jul 23, 2014
EU to Set New Energy Savings Target at 30%: Source
After months of tough negotiations, the European Commission will recommend a new energy savings target of 30 percent on Wednesday as part of plans to combat global warming, an EU source said.
The source, who asked not to be named, said the 2030 programme figure would be announced at a press conference by EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger due at 1215 GMT.
The press conference was due originally at 1015 GMT but was delayed as negotiations continued, an EU official said.
In J...
Energy Efficiency
- Jul 23, 2014
Primoris Announces New Underground Awards Valued at Over $80 Million
Primoris today announced new pipeline awards valued over $80 million. The new contracts were secured by Primoris Rockford Corporation, part of the West Construction Services segment. This work starts immediately and is scheduled to be completed in 2014.
The projects are for three major midstream operators and are located in the Marcellus Shale regions of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The work consists of a mixture of well hook ups and the installation of 42 miles of natural ga...
Oil and Gas
- Pipelines - Jul 22, 2014
