Central Japan Railway Company (President and Representative Director: Shunsuke Niwa; hereinafter “JR Central”) and SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President and Representative Director : Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announce that they have concluded a joint development contract to develop soundproof walls equipped with perovskite solar cells and have now developed a prototype. The two companies will conduct demonstration testing at JR Central’s Komaki Research Center and other locations toward practical application.

1. Background of joint demonstration contract

・JR Central has positioned global environment preservation as an important management theme, and has actively introduced energy-saving rolling stock and equipment to enhance the environmental superiority of its railways. In addition, on the basis of the government's 2050 carbon-neutrality policy, JR Central is promoting various measures that contribute to global environmental preservation with the aim of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
・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 was previously considered difficult to attain.
・The two companies have decided to work together to develop technology for the introduction of perovskite solar cells with a focus on the soundproof walls installed along the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which receive plenty of sunlight. The introduction of solar cells in locations where it is difficult to install conventional solar cells will enable the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources over a wider area.

2. Development of prototype

・Solar cells installed on the soundproof walls need to be lightweight so that the foundations of the barriers, which support their weight, do not become too large. They also must be able to withstand conditions such as vibration and wind pressure caused by passing trains. The two companies thus turned their attention to thin, lightweight, flexible film-type perovskite solar cells and began considering their application to soundproof walls.
・Since soundproof walls have a long lifespan, the prototype soundproof walls equipped with perovskite solar cells were developed so that the cells can be easily removed and replaced for maintenance (patent pending).

3. Future demonstration testing

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.