Sekisui Chem will begin mass production perovskite cells in 2027

Sekisui Chemical, a Japanese company, announced on Thursday its intention to mass produce next-generation Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) by 2027.

Scientists consider PSCs to be an alternative low-cost option to silicon cells. They can reduce the space needed for solar panels.

Sekisui will, in partnership and with the Development Bank of Japan, establish a new firm in early January that will design, manufacture, as well as sell PSCs, under a Sekisui Chemical license.

The project is estimated to cost more than 310 billion yen (1.97 billion dollars), with government funding providing half the funding.

Sekisui will implement an investment strategy in phases, starting with 90 billion yen to build a production line of 100 megawatts by 2027. This will be followed by a production line of gigawatts by 2030.

The company stated that "we will use its lightweight and flexibility to promote its adoption in the public sector such as gyms which serve as evacuation centres during disasters."

It added, "We plan on expanding our business through cost reductions by mass production and driving demand by targeting the roofs and exterior wall of private-sector warehouses and factories."

The Sharp plant in Sakai, western Japan, will be used by the new company that is 86% owned Sekisui Chemical.

On Wednesday, Japan finalised its draft basic energy policy. The plan aims to increase renewable energy up to 50% by fiscal 2040. This is part of a push to meet the growing demand for electricity while promoting clean energy. $1 = 157.4400 Japanese Yen (Reporting and Editing by Alexandra Hudson).

(source: Reuters)