Recently, Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of South Korea, announced a 33.6 billion Korean Won (approximately $22.8 million USD) “Third Promotion Plan for the Super Gap Strategy”. This plan allocates funds to assist the local South Korean photovoltaic industry in commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell technology. The aim is to break away from China’s dominance in the traditional crystalline silicon PV sector and shift market dynamics through next-generation photovoltaic technology.
It is reported that the “Super Gap Strategy” is a key national strategy for South Korea, designed to reshape the trends of its energy industry over the next decade. This plan focuses on the climate and energy sectors and includes six key projects: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), green hydrogen, next-generation solar power, offshore wind power, next-generation power grids, and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi stated: “The commercialization of next-generation solar modules will be pivotal in reshaping the solar cell industry ecosystem, ensuring the strategic deployment of core technologies for ultra-high-efficiency tandem cells. Furthermore, domestic and international standards and certification systems will be established to capture the early market. Through these efforts, the goal is to take the lead in achieving global commercialization within the next five years and realize world-leading efficiency levels of 35% for tandem cells and 28% for modules.”
Government Support: Strong Backing for Next-Generation Solar Technology Development
Currently, the South Korean government has finalized the “Detailed Action Plan for the Early Commercialization of Next-Generation Tandem Cells,” with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy jointly responding. The core materials for tandem cells are also expected to be developed by 2026. The world’s first tandem modules are projected to be commercialized by 2028, with perovskite tandem cell efficiency reaching 35%. The target efficiency for modules is expected to be achieved by 2030. Additionally, in September, the South Korean government established a “PV R&D Planning Group,” bringing together experts from industry, academia, research institutions, and government to build a tandem cell supply chain, focusing on promoting the industrialization of perovskite/tandem cells.
Simultaneously, based on industry needs, the government will cultivate master’s and doctoral level talent, establish domestic standards and certification systems, develop early markets for perovskite solar photovoltaics, and enhance global competitiveness.
