Perspectives

Terminology surrounding home energy injustices has been crucial for drawing attention to this issue; however, as the field develops, so must associated language. This Perspective argues that the scientific and policy phraseologies around energy injustices in the home need to be updated.

Perovskite photovoltaics have achieved high power conversion efficiencies, yet their durability remains to be proven. This Perspective presents a number of approaches with a view to addressing durability challenges.

Low-temperature CO₂ electrolysers are often tested at ambient temperature, yet this may not be optimal for larger-scale systems. In this Perspective Pelzer et al. argue that heat generation, due to the energy inefficiency of electrolysers, will favour elevated operating temperatures of 40–70 °C.

Increased levels of renewable electricity require new flexible operation from generators and consumers. This Perspective considers several challenges in designing markets to procure this flexible operation. Expertise from economists and technicians alike is required to address these challenges.

Electrolyte tank costs are often assumed insignificant in flow battery research. This work argues that these tanks can account for up to 40% of energy costs in large systems, suggesting that standardizing components and developing high-voltage chemistries could lower costs and improve market access.

The assessment of the mechanical properties of flexible solar cells lacks consistency. In this Perspective, Fukuda et al. outline standards and best practices for measuring and reporting photovoltaic performance under bending stresses, strain and load orientation.

Despite extensive research, lithium-metal batteries have not yet replaced lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The authors explore critical industry needs for advancing lithium-metal battery designs for electric vehicles and conclude with cell design recommendations.

Metal-mediated (for example, lithium) electrochemical synthesis of ammonia from N₂ is a promising method to electrify the production of this crucial molecule. Here the authors discuss what is needed to make this a viable and sustainable approach.

Oxygen evolution is a critical reaction in the context of renewable fuel production via (photo)electrochemical approaches, yet our understanding of the molecular details of the reaction is limited. Here, the authors explore how specific spectroscopic probes and theory can be combined to reveal the elementary reaction steps.

The membrane separating anode from cathode in CO₂ electrolysers plays a key role in determining the performance, stability and material selection of the device. Here the authors argue that bipolar membranes could become the primary choice for scarce-metal-free, stable and efficient CO₂ electrolysers.

Pay-as-you-go energy systems are a promising market-based approach to paying for energy in small amounts in sub-Saharan Africa; however, implementation and the suitability of current business models show room for improvement. This Perspective outlines an agenda for more inclusive PAYG systems.

Development ramifications of global decarbonization efforts for fossil fuel-producing low and lower–middle income countries remain underexplored. This Perspective suggests three transition pathways for navigating these ramifications.

Payments awarded for renewables are sometimes labelled as subsidies, suggesting support for uneconomic activity. This Perspective argues that the primary role of contracts for difference is risk management by creating a market for electricity supply at stable long-term prices.

The mechanical reliability of perovskite solar cells is a key hurdle that needs to be addressed to commercialize the technology. Dai and Padture discuss the driving stress, mechanical properties and mechanical failures relevant to these devices and how they should be characterized.

As the deployment of variable renewable energy sources may lead to greater cross-border electricity exchange, energy scholars have generally presumed the emergence of cooperative multi-state grid communities. This Perspective uses International Relations theory to explore this assumption.

Justice is increasingly recognized as a core proposition for energy transitions, but questions remain about how it manifests in energy transition innovations. This Perspective introduces a framework for centring justice consideration in these innovations across levels, illustrating its use through two case studies.

Discussions abound regarding the future of African energy systems, yet they typically overlook the different starting points and development objectives of each country. This Perspective highlights these differences and calls for more context-specific attention to define low-carbon energy pathways.

The development of high-energy Li-ion batteries is being geared towards cobalt-free cathodes because of economic and social–environmental concerns. Here the authors analyse the chemistry, thermodynamics and resource potential of these strategic transition metals, and propose that the use of cobalt will likely continue.

The growth of small-scale off-grid solar products across the Global South has expanded access to energy but also created a rising issue of e-waste. Munro et al. explore the structure of the off-grid solar sector, how it creates barriers to addressing e-waste, and what research is needed to overcome them.

The rapid and large-scale changes required to decarbonize energy systems will have varying impacts on different societal groups, making decisions hard. This Perspective calls for greater attention to the use of realist approaches to research, which can help understand what works for whom, under what circumstances and why.