Austria and China develop next-generation solar technology

Researchers from China and Austria have joined forces to create bendable and highly efficient solar cells which, when fully developed, can be fitted to surfaces where conventional glass panels simply won't work, from building facades and vehicles to satellites. 

The partnership comes as both countries step up joint cooperation on renewable energy and power grid management. 

"We combine two different solar cells, stack them together, and then we can fully harness the full spectrum of the visible and invisible light," Sunplugged CEO and research lead Andreas Zimmermann told CGTN. 

During a research trip to China three years ago, Zimmermann realized his solar cell could complement one developed by ShanghaiTech University. Combined, the two cells can generate 50% more electricity than either could on its own. 

The project has since evolved into a bilateral cooperation between Austria's Research Promotion Agency and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. 

Beyond solar technology

Solar panels collect different kinds of light, classified as colours. The Austrian team created the bottom layer - designed to capture red and infrared light, while their Chinese partners worked on the top layer, which absorbs mainly blue and green light.

The collaboration extends beyond solar technology. Austria and China are also stepping up joint energy research through a new funding program, aiming to accelerate innovation as the global race for clean-energy technologies advances.

But generating more renewable energy is only part of the challenge. Solar and wind power often can cause fluctuations in electricity supply, putting pressure on power grids. 

To exchange expertise on how to manage this, the head of the Austrian Power Grid, Gerhard Christiner, met with his counterpart from the China State Grid in Beijing.

"What impressed me most was how China integrates huge amounts of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, into its power grid and develops the entire system," Christiner told CGTN.

"We aim to run our electricity system entirely on renewables, so there is a lot we can learn from each other. We can plan for it, but nobody has yet gained experience operating a power system based entirely on renewable energy."

Meanwhile Zimmermann and his Chinese partners are working to develop larger-scale prototypes, hoping to bring their new solar technology to market within the next two to three years.