Joint Demonstration Testing of Perovskite Solar Cells Begins at Yokosuka Thermal Power Station — Japan’s First Demonstration Testing on a Thermal Power Plant Enclosure —2025/05/29
JERA Co., Ltd. (“JERA”), Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Sekisui Chemical”), and Sanko Metal Industrial Co., Ltd. (“Sanko Metal”) have begun joint demonstration testing of film-type perovskite solar cells (“PSC”) installed on a thermal power plant enclosure at Yokosuka Thermal Power Station (Kurihama, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken), which is owned by JERA subsidiary JERA Power Yokosuka LLC. This is the first time PSCs have been installed on a thermal power plant enclosure in Japan.
JERA and Sekisui Chemical have been jointly testing the salt damage resistance of PSCs and measuring PSC power generating efficiency on the grounds of Yokosuka Thermal Power Station since March 2023. The current demonstration testing is a continuation of such efforts. In addition, adding Sanko Metal with expertise in metal roof installation and related construction, installation on an enclosure at Yokosuka Thermal Power Station began on 25 April with plans to verify that installation methods and wind resistance comply with regulations.
The advantages of PSCs include their thinness, lightness, and flexibility. Although silicon solar cells are heavy and thick, PSCs are aggregations of small crystals in the form of a film that is bendable and can be made very light.
As a result, they can be installed in locations where conventional silicon solar cells are difficult to install, which helps drive the further adoption of renewable energy. In addition, Japan produces approximately 30% of the world’s iodine, the principal raw material used in PSCs. We believe the ability to secure a stable domestic supply chain also offers an advantage from the perspective of economic security.
Under its JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050 objective, JERA is driving the development and expanded adoption of renewable energy. Hopes are high for PSCs as a next-generation solar power technology; through the current demonstration testing JERA will continue to advance a variety of initiatives including utilizing PSCs at JERA thermal power plants and offering PSC solutions to its customers.