This stream will delve into the latest developments in solar cells (silicon, perovskite, organic, dye-sensitised, and other thin-film solar cells, as well as tandem cells) as well as photovoltaic modules. We will also explore advancements in the characterisation, modelling, and quality control of these devices. This stream covers the following topics.

• Silicon solar cells
• Thin-film solar cells (perovskite, III-V, organic, chalcogenide, etc.) and tandem solar cells
• Module and system technology – novel concepts and applications
• Characterisation, modelling, and quality control of solar cells and modules

Focusing on the core technologies that harvest solar radiation and convert it into useful energy, this cluster brings together the fundamental hardware, including collectors, panels, and PVT hybrids, that capture solar energy for both electrical and thermal purposes.

• Concentrating Solar Thermal Systems and Optics
• PVT Collectors
• Solar Thermochemical Processes and Solar Fuels Production
• Solar Loop Components
• Hybrid High-Temperature Energy Systems and Integration Pathways
• Materials, Coatings, and Durability
• System Operation, Control and Maintenance

Focusing on the diverse methods for storing energy to address intermittency and balance supply with demand, this cluster unites storage technologies across time scales and forms to provide reliable supply. Thermal storage for heating and cooling, batteries for short- and medium-term grid storage, and hydrogen and sustainable fuels represent long-term chemical storage.

• Thermal Energy Storage and system integration (thermal batteries, seasonal storage, applications, new concepts, Carnot battery)
• Electrical Energy Storage technology (batteries, compressed air, gravity, pumped hydro)
• “Beyond solar” – Thermochemical, Hydrogen & Alternative Fuels (solar photocatalysis, methane pyrolysis, bio-derived fuels)

Focusing on the application of renewable energy to buildings and district networks, this theme groups end-use applications for individual buildings or district-wide networks, and emphasises the integration of solar into the built environment.

• Solar Air Conditioning
• Solar Heating and Cooling Systems for Buildings
• Energy Efficient Buildings and Building Retrofits
• Solar Domestic Hot Water and Space Heating
• Solar Energy and Heat Pumps
• Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
• Building Rating Tools
• Sustainable and Efficient Districts (integration of solar energy in urban planning)

Focusing on the application of renewable energy to industrial processes.

• Electrifying Heat for Industrial Processes
• Industrial Process Heat and Decarbonisation of Heavy Industry
• Solar Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Renewable energy for mineral extraction
• AI and Digital Transformation Integration

Focusing on connecting variable renewable energy systems to the wider electricity grid and microgrids, and managing two-way energy flows, this cluster deals with the macro-scale system: how electricity and heating networks are managed, stabilised, and electrified, including smart controls, grid stabilisation, and off-grid solutions.

• Sustainable Energy Infrastructure and Electrification
• Off grid, fringe of grid, islands and remote regions
• Community-scale batteries, microgrids and grid interaction
• Powering Data Centres
• Integration into electricity networks and system-level integration, including the use of storage technologies
• Impacts of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Vehicle to Home (V2H)

Focusing on the data, forecasting, and modelling tools needed to plan, operate, and assess renewable energy projects, this theme covers the foundational sciences, measuring solar irradiance, forecasting weather, and running digital simulations, which are critical for designing reliable and economically viable systems. It also includes topics related to the full life-cycle impact of renewable energy technologies.

• Renewable resource assessment and energy meteorology
• Critical minerals and materials for renewable energy systems
• Digitalisation and AI for asset life-cycle management
• Life-cycle Impact Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems
• Circular Economy of Renewable Energy Materials (batteries, PV panels, wind turbines, etc.)

Focusing on the non-technical enablers, including governance, regulations, economics, environmental impact, and community engagement, this cluster addresses the “how-to” of achieving the transition, financing, market tariffs, consumer and community empowerment, and regulatory frameworks that drive adoption.

• Facilitating the sustainable Transition (regulation, policies, markets, education)
• Market, economy, policies, environment and social aspects
• Renewables market design, policy and regulation
• Community empowerment for renewable energy transitions
• Renewable energy applications in indigenous and remote communities
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Sustainability, Gender, Equity, and Inclusive Transition