Breakthroughs in clean energy signal a transformative era for global innovation
Scientists are marking September 2025 as a milestone in renewable energy innovation, with significant advancements in artificial photosynthesis, next-generation nuclear fuels, and record-breaking solar cell efficiency. These developments are rapidly closing the gap between experimental technologies and their commercial deployment.
Artificial photosynthesis reaches new heights
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a molecular compound capable of storing four electric charges simultaneously, overcoming a key barrier in artificial photosynthesis. The molecule, composed of five parts, can hold two positive and two negative charges under sequential light pulses, mimicking natural plant photosynthesis more effectively than previous attempts.
Lead researcher Mathis Brändlin, a doctoral candidate, explained that the technology operates with much lower light intensity, bringing it closer to real-world sunlight conditions. Professor Oliver Wenger emphasized that while complete artificial photosynthesis systems are still in development, this breakthrough represents a significant component of the larger puzzle.
This innovation could enable the production of carbon-neutral fuels such as hydrogen and methanol, offering alternatives to fossil fuels without adding new carbon to the atmosphere. Unlike batteries, these liquid fuels could power ships, planes, and heavy industries where electrification is less feasible.
Accelerated progress in nuclear fuel technology
The nuclear sector is experiencing rapid advancements with the development of TRISO (tri-structural isotropic) fuel. On September 2, Kairos Power and BWX Technologies announced a partnership to scale up TRISO fuel production commercially, combining expertise from Kairos' Albuquerque site with BWXT’s two decades of manufacturing experience.
In August, the U.S. Department of Energy selected Standard Nuclear for its pilot program on advanced fuels, aiming to support next-generation reactors by 2026. Described by the DOE as "the most robust nuclear fuel in the world," TRISO is meltdown-resistant and offers enhanced safety compared to conventional fuel rods.
Meanwhile, X-energy has invested $2 billion in an Oak Ridge facility to produce enough TRISO fuel for multiple reactors by 2028. Tyler Gerczak, a senior researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, highlighted the industry’s remarkable momentum toward commercialization.
Solar technology achieves record efficiency
Solar technology has reached unprecedented efficiency levels, with LONGi setting two world records during the SNEC 2025 conference. Their tandem crystalline silicon-perovskite cell achieved 33% efficiency for large-area cells, while their back-contact module exceeded 26% efficiency.
South Korean researchers at DGIST developed bifacial thin-film solar cells with efficiency rates of 15.3% on the front and 8.44% on the rear, achieving record-breaking performance through low-temperature processing. These cells can harvest energy from both sides while maintaining cost-effective and simplified manufacturing.
The University of Queensland also made strides with tin halide perovskite solar cells, reaching 16.65% efficiency, nearly a full percentage point above the previous record. Professor Lianzhou Wang described this progress as a "giant leap" in a field known for incremental advancements.
A transformative decade ahead
These breakthroughs collectively indicate a convergence of clean energy innovations poised to revolutionize global energy systems. From artificial photosynthesis to advanced nuclear fuels and cutting-edge solar technologies, the next decade promises large-scale deployment of renewable energy at an unprecedented pace.
