Last week, it was reported that the Japanese government estimates the need for electricity output to rise 35% to 50% by 2050 due to growing demand from semiconductor plants and data centers backing artificial intelligence (AI). Now, Japan's industry ministry has said that it will launch a public-private group this month with the aim of commercializing perovskite solar cells, which are thin, light and bendable. The consortium will see 150 public and private entities, including local governments, working together to accelerate the adoption of flexible perovskite solar panels.
Perovskite solar cells, which can be installed flexibly in various places, such as on walls, are believed to hold the key to Japan's push for renewable energy. As the first step, the consortium will set a target for perovskite cell capacity by 2040. Current projections point to 38.8 GW, with the possibility of exceeding the capacity of conventional solar panels (70 GW) in the next decade, reaching 84.2 GW in 2050.
Although these projections may vary, the target will be included in the government’s renewable energy strategic plan, which will need to be updated, as the 2021 version does not include capacity targets for perovskite solar panels.
The consortium is reportedly led by Toshiba and Sekisui Chemical, which are already developing such solar cells and plan to commercialize it next year. Other prominent members include Panasonic, automotive component supplier Aisin, chemical manufacturer Kaneka and Japan Railways Group. Among the public entities involved are Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and numerous local governments, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
The implementation of perovskite solar panels could also revolutionize the sustainable mobility industry. Electric and autonomous vehicles could benefit from this technology by integrating solar cells on their surfaces to extend their autonomy and reduce dependence on the power grid.
