In a groundbreaking development that may transform the future of renewable energy, researchers in Sweden have advanced a molecular solar storage technology capable of capturing and storing solar power for up to 18 years. The innovation, reported in an article titled “New molecule captures solar energy and stores it for up to 18 years for on-demand use” published by Tech Xplore, represents a significant step toward achieving long-duration, emission-free energy storage.
The project is spearheaded by a team at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, where scientists have been refining a molecular solar thermal energy storage system known as MOST (Molecular Solar Thermal energy storage system). This technology relies on a specially designed molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. When exposed to sunlight, the molecule shifts into a high-energy isomer — a new molecular form that can hold the solar energy in stable chemical bonds for nearly two decades.
The energy stored in the molecule can then be released as heat whenever needed, thanks to a patented catalyst developed by the research group. This could allow the stored energy to be used during nighttime hours, in colder seasons, or even transported and deployed in regions with less sunlight. The system’s ability to store solar energy effectively over many years — with zero emissions during both storage and release — could address one of the most pressing challenges in renewable energy: intermittency.
One of the most compelling aspects of this breakthrough is the potential for integrating the molecular system into microchip-sized devices. This offers the prospect of developing compact energy units capable of powering electronics without connecting to the grid. Researchers are also evaluating how the system could be scaled for residential and industrial use, particularly in areas heavily reliant on fossil fuels or with limited infrastructure for large-scale renewable installations.
The latest iteration of the MOST system demonstrates energy density and storage duration far exceeding previous attempts in molecular solar technology. While still in the research phase, the efficiency gains and stability of the system suggest a promising pathway toward commercialization. However, scientists acknowledge that the path from laboratory achievement to real-world application will require further refinement, especially in boosting the system’s overall power output and reducing production costs.
As nations scramble to implement zero-emissions systems to stave off climate impacts and meet aggressive energy targets, long-duration storage technologies like MOST could become essential. Unlike batteries that degrade over time or thermal solutions that dissipate heat, molecular systems capable of delaying energy release for years without loss may redefine grid and off-grid energy models.
The Tech Xplore article underscores a growing consensus within the energy science community that hybrid solutions will be necessary to meet global demand. In this context, the advancement of a solar-storing molecule with near two-decade stability offers an intriguing and potentially transformative tool for the energy transition.
