Starting with LAPERITIVO: empowering Europe’s solar energy ambitions
The kick-off meeting of the LAPERITIVO project, a Horizon Europe initiative, took place on September 9-10 at EnergyVille. Coordinated by imec, this groundbreaking project aims to propel Europe to the forefront of perovskite photovoltaic (PV) technology, addressing the urgent need for scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solar energy solutions.
Why LAPERITIVO Matters
As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy, the spotlight is on solar power for its limitless potential. Perovskite PV technology, known for its high efficiency and low production costs, represents the next frontier in solar energy. However, while regions like East Asia have begun pilot production, Europe lags in commercializing this promising technology.
LAPERITIVO seeks to change that by focusing on the development of large-area, stable perovskite solar modules. These modules, with efficiency targets of 22 percent for opaque and 20 percent for semi-transparent modules, will not only enhance Europe’s renewable energy capabilities but also support the European Union’s RepowerEU initiative, which emphasizes local manufacturing of solar technologies.
The Project’s Unique Approach
“The LAPERITIVO project stands out for its commitment to manufacturability, aiming for a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) close to 7, which underscores the project’s desire to drive industrial applications. By leveraging Europe’s robust research foundation and aligning it with the goal of large-scale production, LAPERITIVO is set to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial production,” emphasizes Yinghuan Kuang, the project coordinator (EnergyVille/imec).
The project will explore innovative applications, including Agrivoltaics, where semi-transparent modules can be integrated into agricultural settings, and four-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules for very high power output, further diversifying the use cases for perovskite technology.
Kick-Off Meeting: Setting the Stage for Success
The kick-off meeting at EnergyVille brought together all 22 consortium partners from leading research institutes, universities, and industry players in Europe and Africa. This gathering was not just the formal start but a critical networking opportunity, ensuring that all partners are aligned on the project’s ambitious goals. With presentations on the state-of-the-art in perovskite technology, detailed work packages, and lab tours, the meeting laid a strong foundation for the collaborative efforts needed to achieve LAPERITIVO’s vision.
In summary, the LAPERITIVO project is more than just a technological endeavour; it is a strategic move to secure Europe’s energy future. By pushing the boundaries of perovskite PV technology, this initiative promises to make a significant impact on the global energy landscape, with Europe leading the way.
“Just as an Italian aperitivo brings people together for a lively start to the evening, the LAPERITIVO project unites European innovators to kick off a new era of solar energy advancement,” concludes Tom Aernouts, R&D manager of the Thin-Film Photovoltaics Technology team of imo-imomec (EnergyVille/imec/UHasselt).
Keep an eye on our website as we document the journey of LAPERITIVO and its role in shaping the future of renewable energy.