Innovations in Renewable Energy: From Perovskite Solar Cells to Green Hydrogen

While oil continues to dominate the global energy mix, it’s impossible to ignore the pace of innovation within the renewables space in 2025.  Two technologies in particular—perovskite solar cells and green hydrogen—have gained momentum, attracting both capital and policy support.  For energy companies like us, understanding these developments is increasingly part of staying commercially aware.

Perovskites—named for their distinctive crystal structure—have emerged as one of the most promising upgrades to traditional silicon solar panels.  In April 2025, a Chinese manufacturer achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 34.85% for a two-terminal tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell. These cells are not only more efficient but also offer advantages in terms of flexibility and lightweight design, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including building-integrated photovoltaics and portable power sources.  Manufacturers are racing to solve durability and scalability issues, but the direction of travel is clear: lighter, more adaptable solar tech is coming.

Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is also gaining attention as a clean fuel alternative.  While the technology holds promise, high production costs remain a significant barrier.  However, projections suggest that costs could decrease by 60-80% by 2030, potentially achieving cost parity with grey hydrogen in many regions.  In the UK, a consortium of businesses has proposed a £6.5 billion project to build one gigawatt of green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, aiming to deliver hydrogen at a competitive price.  

For oil companies, it’s not about jumping ship—but staying informed on the technologies that are reshaping power generation economics and starting to impact policy direction.  While neither perovskites nor green hydrogen will displace fossil fuels overnight, both are worth watching closely in 2025.

Sources:

Shaw, Vincent. “Longi Achieves 34.85% Efficiency for Two-Terminal Tandem Perovskite Solar Cell.” Pv Magazine International, 18 Apr. 2025, www.pv-magazine.com/2025/04/18/longi-achieves-34-85-efficiency-for-two-terminal-tandem-perovskite-solar-cell/.

Research and Markets. “Green Hydrogen Costs to Drop 60-80% by 2030 as Industry Shifts towards Sustainable Energy – New Global Hydrogen Market Report 2025 Released.” GlobeNewswire News Room, Research and Markets, 6 Mar. 2025, www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/06/3037977/28124/en/Green-Hydrogen-Costs-to-Drop-60-80-by-2030-as-Industry-Shifts-Towards-Sustainable-Energy-New-Global-Hydrogen-Market-Report-2025-Released.html

Gill, Oliver. “UK Businesses Plan £6.5bn Project to Raise Hydrogen Production.” Thetimes.com, The Sunday Times, 12 Apr. 2025, www.thetimes.com/business-money/companies/article/uk-businesses-plan-65bn-project-to-raise-hydrogen-production-08zh8ghf3