Published
14/02/2026 às 08:08
Updated
14/02/2026 às 08:09
The “big white whale” of solar energy is mobilizing nearly US$22,9 million from South Korea to develop perovskite-silicon tandem panels, aiming for 28% coverage by 2030 and 35% within five years, amid continued global dependence on oil.
The “great white whale” of solar energy and the long dependence on oil.
The “great white whale” of solar energy emerges in a scenario marked by the persistence of fossil fuels. Oil is described as a white elephant in the room, even in the face of the ongoing energy transition and growing awareness of climate change.
Nearly 4.000 years ago, petroleum was already being used for waterproofing and lighting. The demand for refined petroleum intensified with the world’s first two wells, drilled in Baku in 1847 and in Pennsylvania in 1859.
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Around 1900, the Oil Age was consolidated. The increase in demand occurred especially in transportation, with the automobile, in military and industrial power, in the production of petrochemicals for modern manufacturing, and in the dominance of the global energy matrix.
Despite the global climate crisis, the search for oil has not ceased. Recent trends indicate that global consumption is still growing, albeit more slowly than at its peak, while the energy transition continues.
Perovskite as the new focus of the “great white whale” of solar energy.
The “great white whale” of solar energy is taking shape with the advancement of a new solar material. Silicon cells still dominate the photovoltaic market, but experts are seeking alternatives that overcome limitations associated with this technology.
The material on which the world, and especially South Korea, is focusing its efforts is perovskite. The country will invest nearly US$22,9 million in this material, which has become a growing obsession in solar development.
Advances have already been achieved with perovskite-silicon tandem panels, which reach 25% efficiency. This result positions the technology as a candidate to redefine performance standards in solar power generation.
Targets of 28% by 2030 and 35% in five years.
There has been no official confirmation on which project will be prioritized, but it has been announced that government funding will be allocated to research and development. The main objective is to achieve perovskite-silicon tandem panels with 28% efficiency by 2030.
South Korea’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Koo Yun-cheol, argues that the commercial advancement of these panels is key to strengthening the country’s solar industry. He highlighted the importance of cutting-edge technologies in high-efficiency tandem cells.
According to the minister, the goal is to achieve unprecedented commercialization worldwide and world-leading efficiency levels of 35% for tandem cells and 28% for modules within the next five years. This timeframe reinforces the program’s ambition.
This investment is part of other significant projects under development, especially following the opening of tenders in 2025 to expand clean energy generation capacity.
Efficiency as a crucial frontier in the energy transition.
The “great white whale” of solar energy symbolizes the pursuit of higher levels of efficiency. If new milestones are reached, solar energy could replace oil in the energy industry, according to expectations associated with advances in perovskite technology.
Still, the search is described as lengthy. High-efficiency solar cells have become the new major challenge, as the world continues to pursue better technological outcomes.
Meanwhile, oil refineries continue to expand. The impact of fossil fuels remains undeniable, even with the growth of green energy and the advancement of innovative materials.
There is also a reference to a solar cell with 50% efficiency in sight, indicating that the technological horizon may extend beyond current goals. However, no further details about this development are provided.
Between the historical weight of oil and the bet on perovskite, the “great white whale” of solar energy synthesizes a central dispute in the global energy matrix. The transition is underway, with investments directed towards research, defined numerical targets, and established deadlines.
If the targets of 28% by 2030 and 35% in five years are achieved, unprecedented commercialization could alter the technological balance of the sector. Until then, the race for efficiency continues to shape the future of solar energy and global dependence on oil.