設置場所
December 23, 2024
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank.
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (President and CEO Hiroki Kamezawa, hereinafter MUFG), a consolidated subsidiary, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (President and Executive Officer Junichi Hanzawa, hereinafter Mitsubishi UFJ Bank), and Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (President Keita Kato, hereinafter Sekisui Chemical) have signed an agreement to conduct a demonstration experiment with film-type perovskite solar cells installed at the Oi Branch of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (Shinagawa, Tokyo) and the MUFG Global Learning Center (Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa) towards the realization of a decarbonized society by 2050.
As climate change is becoming a global issue and the decarbonization of Energy is required for the realization of a decarbonized society by 2050, film-type perovskite solar cells are expected to be a promising option for expanding the introduction of renewable energy due to their lightweight and flexible characteristics, enabling installation in places where conventional silicon-based solar cells were difficult to install. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced a government goal to introduce 20 gigawatts (about 10% of household electricity usage) of this new solar cell "perovskite" by 2040 and is promoting introduction through mass production support and demand stimulation measures for companies.
Sekisui Chemical has confirmed outdoor durability equivalent to 10 years in the development of film-type perovskite solar cells, leveraging its unique technologies in "encapsulation, film formation, materials, and process technology," and has established a roll-to-roll manufacturing process with a width of 30 cm. Furthermore, it has successfully manufactured film-type perovskite solar cells with a power generation efficiency of 15.0% through the same manufacturing process, accelerating development toward improving durability and power generation efficiency, and establishing manufacturing technology for 1m width.
MUFG made a Carbon Neutrality declaration in May 2021, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its investment portfolio by 2050. To contribute to the overall decarbonization efforts of businesses in Japan, it will verify the effectiveness of film-type perovskite Solar Cells at its own facilities, and based on the purpose of being 'a force for the world to advance,' will participate in pilot projects to promote its own decarbonization, support customer decarbonization, promote the dissemination of the technology, and cultivate environmental awareness among employees.
[Contents of this demonstration]
1. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Oi Branch (1-6-8 Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)
Efforts at urban stores aimed at raising the social recognition of film-type perovskite Solar Cells.
| • Verification by fixing it on the indoor side of the curtain wall. |
|---|---|
Verification Points | • Power generation effect when installed by the indoor window • Verification of durability |
Electrical Utilities Use | • Power supply for outdoor notice board lighting located at the branch entrance |
Installation location.2. MUFG Global Learning Center (4-8-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
※ The image is for illustrative purposes.
Efforts at a training facility aimed at raising awareness among MUFG employees.
Installation location. | • Rooftop of the facility (installed alongside Silicon Solar Cells). |
|---|---|
Verification Points | • Durability when installed on the rooftop waterproof sheet surface. • Verification of weather resistance. |
Electrical Utilities Use | • Used for power supply for cafeteria users (for mobile Battery, etc.) |
3. Future Development
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank will provide financial support services for customers' introduction of this product, based on accurate information and evaluations from the findings of the film-type perovskite Solar Cells through this initiative.
Sekisui Chemicals will verify the effectiveness and challenges of the film-type perovskite Solar Cells obtained through this initiative and strive for further quality enhancement toward practical implementation from the 2025 fiscal year.
[Perovskite Solar Cells]
They are Solar Cells made using materials with a crystal structure known as the perovskite structure. They have the following advantages compared to the already established silicon-based Solar Cells.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Agency for Natural Resources and Energy HP
Quote from "What are the trump cards for expanding renewable energy in Japan, Perovskite Solar Cells? (Part 1)"
The film-type Perovskite Solar Cells developed by Sekisui Chemical (Image)
① Thin, lightweight, and flexible
While silicon-based solar cells are heavy and thick, Perovskite solar cells consist of a collection of small crystals that form a film, allowing them to be bent and achieve lightweight characteristics.
② Japan ranks second in the world for main materials
Iodine, the main raw material for Perovskite solar cells, accounts for about 30% of Japan's production, making it the second largest in the world (the first is Chile with about 60%). Therefore, a stable supply chain can be secured without relying on other countries, providing advantages in terms of economic security.
On the other hand, the main challenges are "short lifespan and low durability," "difficulty in large-scale production," and "conversion efficiency." If these challenges can be overcome, it is seen as promising for challenging silicon-based solar cells.
[MUFG's Environmental Initiatives]
MUFG has set "Contributing to Solving Social Issues" as an important pillar in its medium-term management plan starting from fiscal 2024. This initiative appeals to the realization of a Carbon Neutrality society and supports industrial development and innovation, actively utilizing cutting-edge technology from its customers in its own decarbonization efforts.
Additionally, MUFG has joined the "Public-Private Council for Expanding the Introduction of Next-Generation Solar Cells and Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness" aimed at creating demand for the mass production and expansion of perovskite Solar Cells, and is engaging in discussions with businesses on the demand side and related companies in the supply chain.
Moving forward, we will continue to contribute to the further development of Japanese industries and the resolution of global common issues such as preventing global warming and environmental conservation through such initiatives.
For various initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact at MUFG, please refer to the MUFG Climate Report 2024.
[Sekisui Chemical's Environmental Initiatives]
The Sekisui Chemical Group has set "Innovation for the Earth" as its vision statement in its long-term vision "Vision 2030" and declares that it will support the foundation of LIFE and create "safety for the future" towards realizing a sustainable society through innovation.
We will continue to contribute to solving social issues while aiming to balance the realization of a sustainable society and the growth of the Sekisui Chemical Group, and will undertake efforts to be a trusted company for our stakeholders.
For previous releases regarding film-type perovskite Solar Cells at Sekisui Chemicals, please refer to the website below.
＜For inquiries regarding this matter＞
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department
TEL: 03-5218-1814
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Department, Public Relations Group
E-mail: kouhou@sekisui.com
