Japan is targeting a 73% emissions cut by 2040, with renewables at 50% of its energy mix despite calls for even more ambition. 

One way Japan is accelerating this renewable energy transition is by investing $1.5 billion into next-generation perovskite solar cells. These ultra-thin, light, and bendable panels—20 times thinner than conventional ones—could be installed on everything from stadiums and airports to office buildings.

Key takeaways: 

• By heavily subsidizing perovskite technology, Japan aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and challenge China’s dominance in solar manufacturing.
• The flexibility of these cells unlocks new possibilities for high-density urban environments and mountainous regions, making it feasible to deploy solar power where traditional panels don’t fit.
• Tokyo’s goal to generate energy equivalent to 20 nuclear power plants by 2040 underscores the urgency and potential scale of perovskite technology. If successful, this could enable Japan to achieve up to 50 percent of its electricity from renewables.