Latest news with #GCLSI
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Chinese company unveils floating technology that could generate energy on the surface of the ocean — here's what you need to know
A new solar breakthrough could transform how we power our world by generating clean energy directly from the ocean's surface. Chinese energy company GCL System Integration (GCLSI), in collaboration with Norwegian marine solar specialist Ocean Sun, has unveiled an innovative offshore floating solar panel designed to withstand the harshest sea conditions while achieving record-breaking efficiency, according to an Interesting Engineering report. The NT10/60GT floating solar module is built for extreme durability. Its dual-glass construction and four-layer waterproof design can handle high humidity, saltwater exposure, and wind, making it one of the most rugged and reliable floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems on the market. The panel delivers a peak efficiency of 21.78% and an electrical output between 460 and 490 watts. Built on a flexible membrane connected to a floating platform, it's engineered to rise and fall with the ocean, secured by prefabricated rails. An anodized aluminum frame resists salt spray corrosion, while the frameless design reduces aluminum use and keeps costs lower, all without sacrificing strength or performance. Unlike traditional solar farms, which can disrupt ecosystems, take up large land areas, and overheat, floating systems like this cool naturally and leave habitats largely undisturbed. By taking solar offshore, these panels expand access to clean power in regions where land space is limited or expensive. Offshore FPV technology could be a game changer for coastal cities, island communities, and offshore industries. Some researchers believe it may even replace offshore oil rigs by tapping into existing subsea power infrastructure. While full life-cycle costs are still being evaluated, recent studies show that semi-submersible designs anchored with durable ropes can withstand harsh ocean conditions and provide added stability. In addition to supporting a more stable global energy supply, clean power like this directly benefits human health by reducing pollution linked to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and neurological conditions. By decentralizing energy generation, floating solar can give more communities control over their power, potentially even enabling peer-to-peer energy trading in the future. Installing solar panels at home is one of the most impactful ways to cut your energy bills, increase your home's value, and reduce pollution. In fact, it's one of the easiest home energy hacks, helping you bring energy costs down to or near $0. EnergySage offers a free tool to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. Going solar also makes running other money-saving electric appliances, like heat pumps, even cheaper. Services like Mitsubishi can help you find the right affordable heat pump for your home. Consumers may see this FPV technology deployed sooner than expected. In February, Ocean Sun partnered with Singapore-based Canopy Power to roll out floating solar systems in Australia, addressing land and water scarcity while scaling up renewable energy access. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GCL SI Achieves EcoVadis Silver Medal Certification, Ranks in the Global Top 15% for ESG Practices
MUNICH, Feb. 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- On February 17, 2025, GCL System Integration (GCL SI) achieved a significant milestone by securing the EcoVadis Group-level Silver Medal certification. In its first attempt, GCL SI stood out among over 150,000 participating companies globally, placing it within the top 15% of sustainable development leaders. This recognition marks GCL SI's advancement to world-class standards in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the global renewable energy sector. EcoVadis, a leading global CSR assessment organization that operates across 175 countries and over 200 industries, evaluates companies based on four key dimensions: environmental management, labor rights, business ethics, and sustainable procurement. GCL SI's Silver Medal achievement signifies that its ESG performance surpassed 85% of global participants, showcasing leadership in areas such as environmental governance and green supply chain management. Notably, GCL SI's proprietary carbon platform, "GCL Carbon Data Platform," integrates blockchain and privacy computing technology to track and manage the carbon emissions across the entire photovoltaic industry, promoting a circular green ecosystem. In its efforts to advance green manufacturing, GCL SI has implemented a "Triple-Integration" strategy, combining digital empowerment with low-carbon technology upgrades, resulting in an annual reduction of 127,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions. The company has also established an intelligent energy management system that boosts photovoltaic plant operational efficiency by 23%. As one of the global top five photovoltaic module suppliers, GCL SI remains commitment to its mission of "bringing green power to life". The company has built a green procurement system spanning 28 countries and 186 suppliers, resulting in an annual carbon reduction of 450,000 tons. Additionally, GCL SI has invested CNY 380 million to upgrade its intelligent manufacturing systems, and its Suzhou base was nominated as a "Lighthouse Factory" by the World Economic Forum. Standing at the crossroads of the global energy transition, GCL SI continues to deepen its "Zero Carbon Technology + Digital Energy" dual-engine strategy, aiming for full carbon neutrality across its entire value chain by 2027. As the UN Global Compact's Asia-Pacific Executive Director stated: "GCL SI's ESG practices are redefining the global responsibility paradigm for renewable energy companies." View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GCL SI View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
