40% Solar cell efficiency target for PolyU researchers: Paving way for commercial use – Open Access Government

Report on Advancements in Perovskite/Silicon Solar Cell Technology and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary

A research initiative by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has outlined a strategic pathway for the commercialization of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs). The research provides a comprehensive analysis aimed at increasing the power conversion efficiency of this third-generation photovoltaic technology from the current maximum of approximately 34% to a target of 40%. This report details the findings and recommendations, with a significant emphasis on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of clean energy, sustainable industry, and climate action.

2.0 Technical Objectives and Contribution to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The primary technical objective is to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of TSCs to 40%. This advancement is critical for achieving global energy targets and directly supports SDG 7.

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By increasing the efficiency of solar cells, the research aims to lower the levelized cost of electricity from renewable sources. This contributes to Target 7.2, which seeks to substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and Target 7.A, which focuses on enhancing access to clean energy research and technology.
• Application in High-Energy Sectors: The development of stable, high-efficiency renewable energy is positioned to support energy-intensive industries, such as artificial intelligence, ensuring their growth is sustainable and aligned with carbon neutrality goals.

3.0 Key Challenges to Commercialization and SDG Alignment

The transition from laboratory-scale devices to commercial-scale modules presents significant challenges that must be addressed to realize the technology’s potential contribution to the SDGs.

1. Material Instability: Perovskite materials exhibit vulnerability to environmental factors including moisture, oxygen, UV radiation, and thermal stress, which can degrade performance over time. Overcoming this is essential for providing reliable clean energy as mandated by SDG 7.
2. Manufacturing and Scalability: Industrial-scale production requires overcoming technical hurdles related to material uniformity, defect control, and fabrication processes. Addressing these challenges is a core component of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which calls for building resilient infrastructure and upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors (Target 9.5).

4.0 Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

The report highlights critical environmental factors that must be managed for the technology to be truly sustainable, aligning with SDGs 12 and 13.

4.1 Material Sourcing and Waste Management

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The prevalent use of lead, a heavy metal, in most TSC designs poses environmental and regulatory risks. The research advocates for the development of sustainable material alternatives and robust recycling or lead sequestration strategies. This directly addresses Target 12.4 concerning the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The overarching goal of developing efficient solar technology is to facilitate a transition away from fossil fuels, thereby mitigating climate change. Ensuring the production and disposal of these cells are environmentally sound is crucial for their net positive impact on climate action.

5.0 Strategic Recommendations and Collaborative Framework

The PolyU research team proposes a set of strategic actions to accelerate the commercial viability of TSCs, emphasizing collaboration as a key driver for success.

5.1 Recommended Actions

1. Standardized Stability Testing: Implement rigorous, accelerated testing protocols, such as those from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to validate long-term reliability and commercial readiness.
2. Sustainable Material Development: Prioritize research into lead-free alternatives and circular economy models for cell components.
3. Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration: Foster a multidisciplinary approach integrating material science, device engineering, and economic modelling to overcome remaining scientific and economic barriers.

5.2 Alignment with SDG 9 and SDG 17

• The emphasis on a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach directly reflects the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development.
• The focus on moving technology from the laboratory to industrial fabrication is a clear objective under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), supporting the enhancement of scientific research and technological capabilities.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article’s central theme is the development and commercialisation of “perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs),” a form of “renewable energy.” The research aims to “boost efficiency from 34% towards an ambitious 40% milestone,” which directly contributes to making clean energy more effective and accessible. The goal of achieving “lower levelized electricity costs” further aligns with the ‘affordable’ aspect of this SDG.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The research focuses on accelerating the “commercialisation” of a new technology, moving it from “lab-scale TSC devices” to “commercial-scale modules.” This involves overcoming “manufacturing hurdles” and “scalability and fabrication” issues. The article explicitly calls for an “industry-academia-research collaboration” and a “multidisciplinary approach” to integrate “material science, device engineering, and economic modelling,” which are key components of fostering innovation and upgrading industrial capabilities.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The article addresses the environmental impact of solar cell production, specifically highlighting that “the frequent use of heavy metal lead in most cell designs presents significant environmental and regulatory issues.” It advocates for “developing sustainable material alternatives” and establishing “efficient recycling or lead sequestration strategies,” which directly relates to the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The advancement in solar cell technology is explicitly linked to climate goals. The article states that this work “aligns directly with national strategies for carbon neutrality” and aims to provide “stable, high-efficiency renewable energy.” By improving solar technology, the research contributes to mitigating climate change by providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The article emphasizes that progress requires a collective effort. Prof. Yang Guang states the need for “industry-academia-research collaboration through a multidisciplinary approach.” This call for partnership among different sectors to achieve sustainable development goals is the core principle of SDG 17.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   • The entire research initiative described in the article is focused on advancing “perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells,” a key renewable energy technology. The goal of boosting efficiency and accelerating commercialisation is aimed at making solar power a more significant contributor to the energy supply, thereby increasing the share of renewables.

2. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation.

   • The article details a “critical review and comprehensive analysis” conducted by PolyU researchers to advance solar cell technology. It discusses overcoming “manufacturing hurdles” and moving from “small-area lab devices to large-area commercial modules,” which represents an effort to upgrade technological capabilities and bridge the gap between research and industrial application.

3. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

   • The research directly addresses the environmental problem of using “heavy metal lead” in perovskite cells. The call to develop “sustainable material alternatives” and “efficient recycling or lead sequestration strategies” is a direct effort to manage hazardous materials and prevent environmental contamination, aligning perfectly with this target.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology.

   • While not explicitly stated, the article implies this indicator by focusing on making solar technology more efficient and commercially viable. The goal of achieving “lower levelized electricity costs” would make this clean technology more accessible, increasing the proportion of the population that can rely on it.

2. Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.

   • The article describes a significant research effort by a university team (“A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is driving a major push”) and the publication of their findings in a “esteemed journal.” This highlights investment in scientific research and development to drive technological innovation.

3. Implied Indicator: Energy Conversion Efficiency of Solar Cells.

   • The article provides a clear, measurable indicator for technological progress: the energy conversion efficiency of the solar cells. The text specifies the current maximum efficiency is “approximately 34%” and the research aims for an “ambitious 40% milestone.” This metric is a direct way to track progress towards the identified targets.

4. Implied Indicator: Use of Hazardous Materials in Production.

   • The article’s focus on the “heavy metal lead” problem implies an indicator related to the reduction or elimination of hazardous materials. Progress could be measured by the development and adoption of “sustainable material alternatives” or the successful implementation of “recycling or lead sequestration strategies.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: openaccessgovernment.org