SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announces that it commenced a demonstration test to install film-type perovskite solar cells at thermal power stations together with JERA Co., Inc. (President: Satoshi Onoda; hereinafter “JERA”) on March 24, 2023.

1．Background of joint demonstration test

  As the decarbonization of energy is required to realize a decarbonized society by 2050, film-type perovskite solar cells are seen as a promising option to expand the introduction of renewable energy. They are lightweight and flexible, enabling installation in a variety of locations at various sites where it is difficult to install conventional silicon-based solar cells.

  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 been successfully used to produce film-type perovskite solar cells with a power generation efficiency of 15.0%. 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 that does not emit CO₂ during generation. 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.

2．Details of Joint demonstration test

  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.

(Photos of film-type perovskite solar cell installation; Yokosuka Thermal Power Station)

3．Future development

  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.

  SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group set its vision statement as “Innovation for the Earth” in Vision 2030, its long-term vision. We announced to support the basis of LIFE and will continue to create “peace of mind for the future” in order to realize a sustainable society. We are working on new technologies and businesses that contribute to decarbonization.
  Going forward, SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group aims to realize both a sustainable society and sustainable growth of the Group itself, contribute to further solving social issues, and promote initiatives to remain as a company that continues to be trusted by all of our stakeholders.

(Reference)

JERA Co., Inc.
https://www.jera.co.jp/english/
Established in April 2015 through a 50-50 investment by Tokyo Electric Power Company, Incorporated and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. Japan’s largest power producer, it handles one of the world's largest volumes of fuel and generates approximately 30% of Japan's electricity.

Press releases related to film-type perovskite solar cells
Film-type Perovskite Solar Cells Installed in Umekita (Osaka) Station (Announced on August 3, 2022)
https://www.sekisuichemical.com/news/2022/1378100_38754.html
Commencement of Joint Research on Film-type Perovskite Solar Cells with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Announced on December 2, 2022)
https://www.sekisuichemical.com/news/2022/1382652_38754.html
Commencement of Japan’s First Demonstration Test of Perovskite Solar Cells Installed on Exterior Walls of Buildings (Announced on February 13, 2023)
https://www.sekisuichemical.com/news/2023/1384316_40406.html

About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group

Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 27,000 employees in over 200 companies throughout 21 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.
Since its foundation in 1947, the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group has dedicated itself to social and environmental contribution and is now an internationally recognized leader in sustainability and environmental initiatives, having recently been selected as one of the Global 100 most sustainable companies. SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group will continue to maintain a strong corporate presence for 100 years and beyond.