First Graphene signs exclusive global deal with Halocell Australia for graphene-enhanced paste for perovskite solar cells – Graphene-Info

Report on Graphene-Enhanced Solar Technology Partnership and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

First Graphene and Halocell Australia have entered into an exclusive License Agreement to commercialize a graphene-enhanced carbon paste for use in Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs). This collaboration represents a significant advancement in renewable energy technology, directly contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The agreement leverages innovative material science to improve solar cell efficiency, reduce manufacturing costs, and expand the applications of clean energy solutions.

2.0 Partnership and Licensing Agreement Details

The partnership builds upon a pre-existing collaborative framework to accelerate the market entry of advanced solar technologies.

2.1 Agreement Structure

• Parties: First Graphene and Halocell Australia.
• Agreement Type: 12-month exclusive global License Agreement.
• Scope: First Graphene will manufacture, market, and sell PureGRAPH®-enhanced carbon paste.
• Terms: Halocell Australia will receive a 10% royalty on sales and will utilize the product in its own PSC manufacturing.

2.2 Contribution to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

This agreement exemplifies a strategic partnership between an advanced materials company and a renewable energy technology firm. It builds on previous collaborations, including a Joint Development Agreement (June 2022) and a Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) Partners Agreement (August 2023), demonstrating a sustained commitment to collaborative innovation for sustainable development.

3.0 Technological Innovation and Impact on SDG 7 & SDG 13

The core innovation lies in the integration of graphene into carbon paste, which significantly enhances the performance and economic viability of PSCs, thereby supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

3.1 Key Technological Advancements

1. Enhanced Efficiency: The introduction of graphene has reportedly doubled PSC efficiency to over 30%, a critical step in making solar power more productive.
2. Cost Reduction: The technology facilitates roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing of thin-film perovskites, dramatically lowering production costs.
3. Material Substitution: The graphene-based paste serves as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to traditional, expensive conductors such as gold, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
4. Increased Robustness: The new material enhances the durability and longevity of the solar cells.

3.2 Advancing Clean Energy Access

By making solar cells more efficient and cheaper to produce, this technology directly addresses the targets of SDG 7. Halocell’s indoor PSCs, which excel in low-light conditions, broaden the scope of solar energy applications to power small electronic devices, contributing to universal access to affordable and clean energy.

4.0 Market Applications and Contribution to SDG 9 & SDG 11

The commercialization of this technology fosters sustainable industrialization and supports the development of resilient infrastructure and sustainable communities.

4.1 Current and Future Applications

• Internet of Things (IoT): Halocell’s PSCs are already sold globally for use in small electronic devices.
• Aerospace: A partnership with V-Tol Aerospace and Li-S is developing lightweight power solutions to extend the flight duration of electric drones, supporting innovative infrastructure (SDG 9).
• Diverse Industries: The graphene-based paste has potential applications in heating systems, sensors, ceramic coatings, and electrodes, promoting broad industrial innovation.

4.2 Economic Outlook and Industrial Impact

The carbon paste market is projected to grow to approximately US$2.8 billion by 2032. This agreement positions Australian manufacturing at the forefront of advanced materials, fostering innovation and building resilient infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9. The development of portable and efficient power sources also supports the creation of sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).

5.0 Conclusion and Forward Outlook

The exclusive License Agreement between First Graphene and Halocell Australia is a pivotal development in the commercialization of next-generation solar technology. By enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, the graphene-based carbon paste directly supports global efforts to achieve affordable clean energy (SDG 7) and combat climate change (SDG 13). The partnership model (SDG 17) and its focus on industrial innovation (SDG 9) provide a clear pathway for translating advanced research into market-ready solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Manufacturing of sample materials is scheduled to commence within the next month at First Graphene’s Henderson facility.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article focuses on the development of graphene-enhanced perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which represents an advancement in clean energy technology. The improvements mentioned, such as doubling efficiency and reducing production costs, directly contribute to making solar energy more affordable and accessible.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The collaboration between First Graphene and Halocell Australia to develop and commercialize a new material (graphene-enhanced carbon paste) is a clear example of industrial innovation. The article highlights research and development through a Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) and the implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques like roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition, which upgrades technological capabilities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article points to more sustainable production patterns by noting that the new graphene-based paste is preferred over traditional conductors like gold due to “significant material and production cost reductions.” This signifies a shift towards more resource-efficient materials and processes in manufacturing.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By significantly improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of solar cells, this innovation directly supports the transition to renewable energy sources. The widespread adoption of more effective solar technology is a key strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The entire article is centered on the partnership between First Graphene and Halocell Australia. It explicitly mentions multiple agreements—a License Agreement, a Joint Development Agreement, and a CRC-P Partners Agreement—which exemplify the multi-stakeholder collaboration needed to develop and scale up new technologies for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The development of more efficient and cost-effective solar cells directly supports the expansion of solar power, a key renewable energy source.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The partnership to develop and take the PSC technology to “global markets” is an example of cooperation to advance clean energy technology.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The use of graphene paste instead of gold and the implementation of R2R manufacturing demonstrate a move towards more efficient and sustainable industrial processes.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation. The joint R&D efforts under the CRC-P to create a novel material that doubles solar cell efficiency is a direct fulfillment of this target.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article highlights the replacement of traditional conductors like gold with a more cost-effective and high-performing alternative, which points to more efficient use of material resources in production.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources. The collaboration between First Graphene and Halocell, involving shared intellectual property and joint development, is a model of such a partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several specific and implied indicators:

1. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):

   • Implied Indicator: Improvement in energy efficiency. The article explicitly states that the technology has “doubled PSC efficiency to more than 30%.”
   • Implied Indicator: Reduction in technology cost. The article mentions “dramatically reduced production costs” and “significant material and production cost reductions” compared to using gold.

2. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):

   • Implied Indicator: Development of new technologies. The creation and commercialization of “graphene-enhanced carbon paste” is a direct indicator of successful innovation.
   • Implied Indicator: Market growth for new technologies. The article projects the carbon paste market to “more than double to circa US$2.8 billion by 2032,” indicating the economic impact and adoption of the innovation.

3. For SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):

   • Implied Indicator: Material efficiency in production. The preference for the new paste over gold due to “significant material… cost reductions” serves as an indicator of improved resource efficiency.

4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

   • Direct Indicator: Existence of formal partnerships. The article names specific agreements like the “exclusive License Agreement,” “Joint Development Agreement,” and “CRC-P Partners Agreement” as evidence of collaboration.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: graphene-info.com