SEKISUI CHEMICAL has announced that it commenced a demonstration test to install film-type perovskite solar cells at thermal power stations together with JERA on March 24, 2023.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL has created a 30 cm-wide roll-to-roll manufacturing process utilizing its original “sealing, film formation, materials and process technology,” and have confirmed 10 years equivalent of outdoor durability, which is said to be critical to the development of film-type perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, this manufacturing process has reportedly been successfully used to produce film-type perovskite solar cells with a power generation efficiency of 15%. Development is being accelerated to further improve durability and power generation efficiency, as well as to establish manufacturing technology for 1 m-wide rolls.
JERA is actively working toward decarbonization as Japan’s largest power producer. It established "JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050” and is taking on the challenge of achieving virtually zero CO2 emissions from its operations by 2050 through renewable energy and zero-emission thermal power. JERA plans to increase its own renewable energy generation capacity to 5 GW by 2025. It owns 26 thermal power stations across Japan, and decided to work together with SEKISUI CHEMICAL on this joint demonstration test to install film-type perovskite solar cells based on the belief that these assets can be used to solve the problem of decarbonization.
All of JERA's 26 thermal power stations are located in coastal areas, thus requiring the installation of salt-resistant solar power generation equipment. Accordingly, on March 24, film-type perovskite solar cells were installed at the Yokosuka Thermal Power Station (Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture) and the Kashima Thermal Power Station (Kamisu, Ibaraki Prefecture) to demonstrate resistance to salt damage, stain resistance, and power generation performance. At the same time, installation methods on surfaces such as lightweight roofs and walls of power plant buildings will be verified, and various legal regulations will be addressed. Large-scale installation at the Yokosuka Thermal Power Station is targeted 2025 following installation and issue verification in a small area.
This is the first demonstration test of film-type perovskite solar cells at thermal power stations in Japan.
Both companies will establish a method for introducing renewable energy to thermal power station assets through this demonstration. This will allow for the gradual introduction of renewable energy to JERA’s thermal power stations, including the Yokosuka Thermal Power Station, thereby contributing to their decarbonization.
