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Scientists say they have “developed a process that returns silicon collected from used cells to greater than 99% purity within a day.”

Scientists from Australia’s Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) have successfully tested a new process that can extract silicon from old solar panels, and convert it into a nanomaterial that can be used to build better batteries.

Duke Energy's renewables development division announced the commercial operation of a 120 MW project in Twin Falls County, Idaho, touted as the state's largest to date.

By Daniel Sperling, University of California, Davis

California is embarking on an audacious new climate plan that aims to eliminate the state’s greenhouse gas footprint by 2045, and in the process, slash emissions far beyond its borders. The blueprint calls for massive transformations in industry, energy and transportation, as well as changes in institutions and human behaviors.

Qcells said it will work with Microsoft to develop solar projects as well as provide panels and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to selected solar projects that Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements. 

The capacity covered under the announcement is expected to total around 2.5 GW.

Chicago-based developer Hecate Energy said it closed a five-year $550 million credit facility package, including a $250 million term loan and $300 million letter of credit to support its solar and energy storage project pipeline. 

The credit facilities are expected to be collateralized by the company’s roughly 35 GW pipeline of renewable development projects, along with its minority ownership in Hecate Grid. No additional guarantees or credit supports were provided.

Startup WattCarbon said it raised $4.5 million in a seed round to launch a 24/7 carbon-free energy marketplace.

NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light and the largest developer of clean energy in the U.S., said it deployed 5,000 MW of new renewable energy resources and energy storage in 2022, while adding 8,000 MW of projects to its pipeline.

Equinor subsidiary East Point Energy has launched a project acquisition venture that aims to acquire standalone energy storage, solar, and solar+storage projects in the U.S.

The venture initially is expected to target standalone storage projects that can achieve commercial operation in 2024 and 2025 in ERCOT, PJM, NYISO, and ISONE. The company said it also would review and consider projects in all power markets.

The U.S. has ambitious goals to generate clean energy from offshore wind farms. But Inadequate or non-existent transmission infrastructure remains a well-known hurdle to achieving those targets.

Latvian startup Aerones has secured $30 million in growth capital to scale its wind turbine inspection and maintenance business globally.

The company specializes in robot-enabled turbine inspection and maintenance and plans to use this funding round to grow its technical and sales functions, expand its presence in fast-growing markets including Africa and Australia, and bring new services to market.

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