Japan's Sekisui Chemical to Mass-Produce Solar Films with Government Backing.

Sekisui Chemical will mass-produce lightweight, flexible solar cells in a joint venture with the Development Bank of Japan. The government-backed venture will have subsidies covering half of the 314.5 billion yen ($1.99 billion) cost. Sekisui Solar Film will design, manufacture, and sell perovskite cells, with the government holding a 14% stake and Sekisui owning the rest. This partnership aims to reduce the risk of technology leaks.

Introduction:
Sekisui Chemical, a leading chemical company in Japan, has announced its plans to mass-produce lightweight, flexible perovskite solar cells in a joint venture with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) [1]. The government-backed partnership aims to reduce the risk of technology leaks while promoting the realization of a decarbonized society [1].

Background:
Sekisui Chemical has been working with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on implementing film-type perovskite solar cells, with the largest-scale project installed at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal [1][2]. The company aims to continue verifying the viability of these solar cells at port facilities, considering them an essential market for a decarbonized society [1].

Innovation and Achievements:
Sekisui Chemical's achievements in perovskite solar cell technology are noteworthy. The company has successfully achieved outdoor durability of 10 years equivalent, surpassing industry standards [1]. This achievement has been made possible through Sekisui Chemical's original sealing, film formation, materials, and process technology, allowing for a 30 cm-wide roll-to-roll manufacturing process [1].

Joint Venture and Future Developments:
The joint venture between Sekisui Chemical and DBJ will see Sekisui Solar Film designing, manufacturing, and selling perovskite cells, with the government holding a 14% stake and Sekisui owning the rest [1]. The partnership will also leverage the Green Innovation Fund of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to establish a manufacturing process for 1 m-wide rolls and further improve durability and power generation efficiency, aiming for commercialization in 2025 [1].

Conclusion:
Sekisui Chemical's announcement of a joint venture with DBJ to mass-produce perovskite solar cells is a significant step towards realizing a decarbonized society. With the company's impressive achievements in perovskite solar cell technology and the support of the Japanese government, this partnership is poised to make a substantial impact on the industry.

References:
[1] Sekisui Chemical. (2024, May 24). Sekisui Chemical to Mass-Produce Perovskite Solar Cells with Development Bank of Japan. Retrieved from https://www.sekisuichemical.com/news/2024/1403618_41078.html
[2] Sekisui Chemical. (n.d.). Future Development of Film-Type Perovskite Solar Cells. Retrieved from https://www.sekisuichemical.com/en/technology/solar_cell/perovskite_solar_cell/future_development.html