SUNPEROM Project
The SUNPEROM project is a high-risk, high-reward initiative designed to revolutionize renewable energy by synthesizing green methanol directly from atmospheric CO2 using solar power. Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the Horizon Europe program (Grant Agreement ID: 101223212), integrates a high-voltage perovskite tandem solar cell with an innovative near-infrared (NIR) photocatalyst-mixed gas diffusion layer. The project aims to utilize the full solar spectrum to achieve an ambitious solar-to-methanol efficiency. Beyond technical milestones, SUNPEROM focuses on scaling the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) through standardized validation and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to ensure environmental sustainability and cost-competitiveness. Ultimately, this EU-backed endeavor seeks to outperform commercial benchmarks in land use and energy payback time, providing a scalable pathway toward a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy.
SUNPEROM Consortium
The SUNPEROM consortium brings together diverse expertise to efficiently achieve the project's goals. This interdisciplinary team, comprising two SMEs and three public universities, collaborates closely, supported by an advisory board of key experts & industries, to tackle challenges in PV-PC-EC and CO2 capture systems.
News & Events
Breakthrough in Perovskite Stability: record perovskite solar module stability under light, heat, and UV stress
An international research team led by Dr. Narges Yaghoobi Nia (President & Co-founder of IRITALY Trading Company) has achieved a major milestone in solar technology with the development of a novel two-dimensional (2D) perovskite interlayer.
Utilizing a sophisticated co-crystal engineering strategy, the team has created a more robust perovskite layer that significantly enhances both performance and long-term durability. This breakthrough is particularly impactful for the scalability of perovskite solar modules, demonstrating industry-leading stability under rigorous stress testing.
The solar modules retain more than 95% and 98% of their initial efficiency after >5,000 h of 1-sun light soaking and >1,000 h of ultraviolet-ray exposure, respectively, at maximum power point conditions. They also retain more than 91% of their initial efficiency after >5,000 h of continuous thermal stress at 85 °C.
As this is a significant breakthrough in the field, you can find the full details of the research, including the co-crystal engineering strategy and long-term stability data, in the official publication:
"A co-crystal engineering strategy for 2D/3D perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability" – Nature Energy, 2026, 11, 135-149.
& press news published in PV Magazine Global.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the dedicated researchers involved, with special recognition for the SUNPEROM team members from IRITALY Trading Company S.r.l. and EPFL.
This achievement marks a critical step forward in making perovskite technology a commercially viable and reliable solution for the global energy transition.
SUNPEROM Project Featured at HOPE-PV 2025
Dr. Narges Yaghoobi Nia, Dissemination Manager of the SUNPEROM project, was featured as an invited speaker at the HOPE-PV 2025 International School. The event, held from November 17–21, 2025, took place at the Zhengzhou Research Institute of the Harbin Institute of Technology in Zhengzhou, China.
Dr. Yaghoobi Nia delivered a specialized talk focusing on two critical frontiers of the field:
Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications: Highlighting the durability and efficiency of perovskites in extreme environments.
The SUNPEROM Project: Presenting our latest advancements in solar-driven methanol production to an international audience of researchers and industry experts.
The event provided a high-level platform for SUNPEROM to strengthen its international dissemination efforts and foster academic exchange. A special thanks to the organizing committee and Prof. Pavel Troshin for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended during this successful scientific mission.
SUNPEROM Project Launches with Strategic Kick-off Meeting in Rome
ROME, ITALY – On November 28, 2025, the SUNPEROM project officially commenced with a high-level kick-off meeting held at the headquarters of IRITALY Trading Company S.r.l. The event served as the formal inauguration of this European Innovation Council (EIC) funded initiative, bringing together lead researchers, strategic advisors, and European Commission representatives to align on the project's technical and operational milestones.
The meeting featured a series of technical presentations from the core management team and international partners, outlining the immediate roadmap for the project’s research and innovation phases.
The event featured a virtual address from Adelina Nicolaie, our EIC Project Officer, who provided vital guidance for the project’s trajectory. Additionally, Advisory Board member Prof. Corrado Clini joined the discussion to highlight the political and societal necessity of CO2 capture technologies in the global fight against climate change.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners for their energy and commitment. Together, we are stepping toward a more sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
SUNPEROM Joins EIC "Solar-to-X" Portfolio Kick-off in Brussels
On November 13-14, 2025, the SUNPEROM project officially joined the kick-off meeting for the EIC Pathfinder portfolio "Solar-to-X devices" in Brussels, Belgium.
This portfolio focuses on developing decentralized solutions for producing renewable fuels, chemicals, and materials—a critical pathway for climate change mitigation. The event brought together representatives from all funded projects to present their innovations and establish collaborative strategies for future portfolio activities.
SUNPEROM was represented by:
Dr. Mahmoud Zendehdel
Dr. Narges Yaghoobi Nia
Prof. Markos Bonazountas
Dr. Mojtaba Abdi Jalebi
The team engaged in productive discussions on how SUNPEROM can integrate with fellow projects to accelerate the transition toward a greener, prosumer-based energy economy.
