News On Japan

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

OSAKA, Dec 22 (News On Japan) - The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

During the Osaka-Kansai Expo opening in April 2025, a two-kilometer-long wooden ring roof featuring cutting-edge perovskite solar panels will be one of the highlights. The ring, which connects various international pavilions, represents innovation in sustainable architecture.

Perovskite solar panels will also be prominently displayed at the bus stop near the expo grounds. At 250 meters in length, this installation is one of the largest of its kind. These solar panels will power LED lights and generate sufficient electricity for the entire one-kilometer bus stop structure.

Kenharu Morita, head of Sekisui Chemical's PV project, explained, "These solar panels are a tenth of the weight of conventional ones and can be installed on curved surfaces, making them highly versatile."

The introduction of perovskite solar panels may change the traditional model of generating electricity at large-scale solar farms in rural areas and transmitting it to urban centers. In Osaka’s city center, walls of Sekisui Chemical's building are equipped with perovskite panels that generate electricity used directly in offices.

According to Morita, "Perovskite panels allow electricity to be produced where it is consumed, eliminating transportation costs and promoting local energy production for local consumption."

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry announced a plan on December 17th to source 40–50% of the nation’s electricity from renewable energy by 2040, with perovskite solar cells expected to play a key role.

Perovskite technology is also making its way into residential use. In a model house, balcony glass embedded with perovskite solar cells was showcased. "This glass can generate electricity from sunlight in the morning and evening," said Yukihiro Kaneko, head of Panasonic HD's Perovskite PV development division.

Mass production of perovskite panels is anticipated to bring costs down by the early 2030s, potentially matching the lifecycle cost of current solar panels.

Iodine, an essential raw material for perovskite production, gives Japan a competitive edge. With the world’s second-largest production capacity and 80% of global reserves, Japan is uniquely positioned to dominate the perovskite market.

Despite challenges in durability, with a current lifespan of about 10 years, researchers are making progress. Efforts are also underway to address environmental concerns, such as recycling lead, a component in the panels.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Following the Japan-U.S. summit during the Trump administration, discussions about liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports gained momentum. The agreement to expand LNG purchases from the U.S. was seen as a key development, but significant challenges remain. Will this lead to lower gas prices in Japan? And what are the five countries that pose obstacles to fulfilling this commitment?

Japan’s recent decision to ease visa requirements for Chinese tourists has sparked mixed reactions, with some expecting an influx of visitors and others arguing that the impact will be limited.

Aichi’s famed Konomiya Hadaka Festival took place on February 10th at Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa City, where men clad in only fundoshi loincloths clashed in a frenzied struggle. The traditional event, which has continued for over 1,200 years, centers around the ‘Shin Otoko’ or ‘Sacred Man,’ chosen by lottery, whom participants believe will cleanse them of misfortune if they manage to touch him.

Rice prices in Japan continue to rise, despite the government’s plan to release emergency reserves in an effort to stabilize the market. A bowl of tendon, topped with freshly fried tempura, is incomplete without steaming hot rice, but the cost of this staple has been steadily increasing.

An avalanche occurred around noon on Monday along a prefectural road in Fukushima City, leaving two hot spring inns isolated once again due to record snowfall.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

The Japanese government has recognized fetal surgery for spina bifida as an advanced medical treatment, following Osaka University’s success in performing the procedure for the first time in the country.

A fire broke out this afternoon in the central control room of the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Tokai Village, Ibaraki Prefecture. According to Japan Atomic Power Company, the fire started shortly before 2 p.m. in the control panel of the plant’s central control room, which is responsible for overseeing reactor operations.

The H3 Rocket No. 5 was launched at around 5:30 p.m. on February 2nd from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The rocket carries the government’s 'Michibiki 6' satellite, known as the Japanese version of GPS.

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Kunihiko Oishi, anchor for the program "Chanto!", discusses the topic of COVID-19 vaccines. Since October 2024, Japan has introduced routine vaccinations for COVID-19 to prevent severe cases. However, some healthcare professionals have chosen to stop administering the vaccines. One such doctor shared their reasons.

Kyoto University has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the occurrence of the so-called "urination mimicry" phenomenon in chimpanzees for the first time globally.

Satoshi Nakagawa, CEO of Tripod Design, has pioneered a groundbreaking technology called "micro energy harvesting," which collects minuscule amounts of electricity from a wide range of everyday materials, including soil, bread, water, and even fruits like tomatoes and apples.

A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.