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EPFL solar hydrogen system co-generates heat and oxygen

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EPFL researchers have built a pilot-scale solar reactor that produces usable heat and oxygen, in addition to generating hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency for its size. This is the first system-level demonstration of solar hydrogen generation. Resources Holmes-Gentle, I., Tembhurne, S.,

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Researchers use quantum computing method to optimize molecular photoswitches for solar energy harvesting

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Molecular photoswitches that can both convert and store energy could be used to make solar energy harvesting more efficient. The procedure was based on a dataset of more than 400,000 molecules, which the researchers screened to find the optimum molecular structure for solar energy storage materials. 202309543

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Renewable energy generation operations begin at 75MW Electrify America Solar Glow 1

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Electrify America has begun commercial operation of the new 75MW Electrify America Solar Glow 1 solar photovoltaic renewable energy generation project in San Bernardino County, CA, announced last year. Electrify America Solar Glow 1 is the result of a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with developer Terra-Gen.

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Synhelion starts construction of DAWN demo plant to produce solar fuels

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ETH Zurich spin-off Synhelion has started the construction of DAWN—its own industrial plant to produce synthetic fuels using solar heat. The production process—using only solar heat—was first demonstrated in 2019 in a mini-refinery on the roof of ETH Zurich. Earlier post.)

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All-in-one solar-powered tower makes carbon-neutral kerosene in the field at pilot-scale

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We are the first to demonstrate the entire thermochemical process chain from water and CO 2 to kerosene in a fully-integrated solar tower system. Previous attempts to produce aviation fuels through the use of solar energy have mostly been performed in the laboratory. B) Photograph of the solar tower fuel plant during operation.

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NREL scientists advance solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) production

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The NREL scientists analyzed solar thermochemical hydrogen (STCH) production, which can be potentially more energy-efficient than producing hydrogen via the commonly used electrolysis method. A conceptual solar thermochemical hydrogen production platform. The PV cells used, however, only capture a section of the solar spectrum.

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Monash study on solar-driven electrolysis for green hydrogen production cautions on life-cycle emissions and EROI

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Researchers at Monash University in Australia have conducted a lifecycle analysis and net energy analysis (LCA/NEA) of a hypothetical large-scale solar-electrolysis plant for the production of green hydrogen. solar generation exceeding electrolyzer capacity). Process flow diagram and construction phase boundary. Palmer et al.

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