SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announces that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Slovak Republic’s Ministry of Economy to conduct a joint study with universities and research institutions in the Slovak Republic from 2024 to 2026. The study will examine how SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s film-type perovskite solar cells can contribute to the promotion of carbon neutrality in the Slovak Republic as well as issues for social implementation, including the solar cell-related laws and regulations.

1. Background and circumstances of joint study

  SEKISUI CHEMICAL achieved outdoor durability of 10 years equivalent ahead of the rest of the industry through an original “sealing, film formation, materials and process technology,” creating a 30 cm-width roll-to-roll manufacturing process. This manufacturing process has been successfully used to produce film-type perovskite solar cells with power generation efficiency of 15.0%. Currently, SEKISUI CHEMICAL is proceeding with technological verification as well as installation and construction method establishment through installation in a variety of applications, aiming for commercialization in 2025.
  SEKISUI CHEMICAL is also leveraging the Green Innovation Fund of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to establish a manufacturing process for 1 m-width rolls and promote development to further improve durability and power generation efficiency.
  The government of the Slovak Republic is conducting various studies and initiatives for the promotion of carbon neutrality, and the application of perovskite solar cells is being considered as one such initiative. In April 2023, a delegation was sent to SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s development site to confirm the development status of the company’s perovskite solar cells.

2. Purpose of signing the MOU for joint study

  The Slovak Republic, with the support of universities and government agencies in the country, will jointly compile issues related to the social implementation of perovskite solar cells and examine their contribution to carbon neutrality, among other matters. Based on this information provided by the Slovak Republic, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will study the strategies necessary to establish the perovskite solar cell business outside of Japan, with an emphasis on the European market.

3. Signing ceremony

  On February 9, a signing ceremony was held at SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s Tokyo Headquarters. It was attended by two members of the Slovak Republic Cabinet, Ms. Denisa Saková, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, and Mr. Tomáš Taraba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment , as well as by Mr.Keita Kato, President and other executives from the development field of SEKISUI CHEMICAL.

Signing ceremony with the Slovak Republic’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková and SEKISUI CHEMICAL President Kato

Commemorative photo holding perovskite solar cell
(From center: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment Tomáš Taraba; Left: SEKISUI CHEMICAL President Kato) ）

About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group

Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 180 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.