COSMO OIL CO., LTD. (President: Yasuhiro Suzuki; hereinafter “COSMO OIL”), SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”), and Asahi ETIC Co., Ltd. (President: Tomoyuki Higuchi; hereinafter “Asahi ETIC”) announce that they have commenced a joint demonstration test to install film-type perovskite solar cells on the roofs of service stations and on tanks walls at business sites (hereinafter the “demonstration test”) at the COSMO OIL Research & Development Center (Satte City, Saitama Prefecture, JAPAN) and the Tokyo factory of Asahi ETIC (Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, JAPAN) on July 18, 2024.
1. Background and purpose of demonstration test
The introduction of renewable energy must be expanded in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Solar power generation is considered to be the primary power source for achieving this, but Japan’s small amount of flat land and limited number of suitable sites for conventional silicon-based solar cells are challenges. However, film-type perovskite solar cells are seen as a promising option to expand the introduction of renewable energy. They are lightweight and flexible, increasing the potential for installation in locations where it is difficult to install conventional solar cells.
This demonstration test is being conducted to verify the installation of film-type perovskite solar cells manufactured by SEKISUI CHEMICAL on the roofs of service stations operated by the Cosmo Energy Group and on tank walls at business sites using Asahi ETIC’s installation and construction technology.
The three companies aim to expand the introduction of renewable energy using perovskite solar cells and contribute to carbon neutrality by applying the results obtained from this demonstration test to roofs with low load-bearing capacity and vertically curved facilities throughout Japan.
2. Details of joint demonstration test
(1) Demonstration test assuming installation on tank walls
|
Installation location |
Tank walls at the COSMO OIL Research & Development Center |
|---|---|
|
Demonstration period |
Scheduled to last one year from July 2024 |
|
Demonstration details |
Verification of installation and construction methods for vertically curved facilities and measurement of power generation data, assuming tank walls at business sites |
Demonstration test [ tank wall (1) ]
Demonstration test [ tank wall (2) ]
(2) Demonstration test assuming installation on service station roofs
|
Installation location |
Service station roofs at the Tokyo factory of Asahi ETIC |
|---|---|
|
Demonstration period |
Scheduled to last one year from July 2024 |
|
Demonstration details |
Verification of installation and construction methods for roofs with low load-bearing capacity and measurement of power generation data, assuming service station roofs |
Demonstration test (model service station roof)
＜Introduction of each company＞
Cosmo Energy Group
The Cosmo Energy Group has issued a “2050 Carbon Net Zero Declaration” and is working to expand its renewable energy generation capacity by bolstering its green electricity supply chain under its Vision 2030 and Seventh Consolidated Medium-Term Management Plan “Oil & New ~Next Stage~.” It will continue to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through various green electricity initiatives, including this demonstration test.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL
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.
Asahi ETIC
Starting with this demonstration test, Asahi ETIC will contribute to energy conservation and the use of renewable energy through its design and construction technologies, based on its 70 years of experience and know-how in construction, signage, electricity, painting, and equipment for roadside stores such as service stations, as well as explosion-proof electrical instrumentation for plants.
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 156 companies throughout 20 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.
Press Contact
SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Corporate Communication Department
Email: kouhou@sekisui.com
Disclaimer
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors.