The original translated version of the German article on wallstreet-online.de**Solar Windows: Investment Opportunities Through the Energy Transition**
The energy transition demands innovation. ClearVue Technologies develops solar windows that let light through while generating electricity – a sustainable solution for the future of architecture!
The energy transition is at the heart of the European agenda. The Green Deal aims to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 and to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Significant investments are needed to achieve this, as 50% of electricity demand is expected to come from renewable sources by 2030.
A particular focus is on the energy efficiency of buildings, which currently account for about 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO₂ emissions in the EU. Buildings are the largest energy consumers in Europe, and poorly insulated buildings contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions. The EU Commission proposes that by 2028 all new buildings used or owned by public authorities must be emission-free. For all other new buildings in private ownership, this will apply from 2030. Even existing houses will have to meet certain energy standards in the future. The binding EU targets aim to reduce average energy consumption in the building sector by at least 16% by 2030 and at least 20% by 2035.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the EU plans to invest over 1 trillion euros in sustainable projects. This financial commitment is intended to ensure climate neutrality by 2050 and put the European economy on a sustainable path.
These investments offer enormous opportunities for companies like ClearVue.
ClearVue Technologies Ltd (ASX: CPV; FWB: CKJ), a Perth-based company, is developing transparent solar windows that offer dual functionality: they let up to 70% of visible light through while utilizing the entire light spectrum, including UV rays, to generate energy. This technology has the potential to fundamentally change the way buildings are designed and operated.
The ClearVue technology is embedded in a double-glazed insulating glass unit (IGU), enabling efficient use of solar energy. Micro- and nanoparticles within the IGU interact with ultraviolet and infrared radiation, directing it to photovoltaic cells (PV) at the edges of the glass to generate electricity. Despite this redirection, the light transmittance remains high, at up to 70% (VLT), meaning visible light still passes through the glass. The collected electricity can either be directed into a battery solution or used on-site, providing flexibility in energy use. ClearVue units generate up to 30 Wp/m² of power with high thermal envelope performance. This technology operates at a 90-degree angle, making it ideal for various applications such as façades, greenhouses, and curtain walls. The glass panes remain completely clear, neither obstructing views nor causing disruptive tinting.
A case study of the ClearVue technology is a two-year study at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. In this study, ClearVue windows in a greenhouse generated 19 kWh daily, covering almost 40% of energy needs during the growing season. ClearVue sees enormous potential for the European market, where building energy efficiency is a high priority. With rising energy prices and increasing demand for sustainable construction, ClearVue windows could offer a cost-effective solution for builders and real estate developers. ClearVue PV has shown that its second generation of BIPV windows can be produced on mass production lines without requiring glass manufacturers to change their standard lines. This ensures a more cost-effective product for end customers and enables rapid scaling of the company. ClearVue is currently in negotiations with several potential manufacturing partners worldwide to make its technology globally available.
Another advantage of the ClearVue PV technology is its safety certification. The second generation of ClearVue PV windows has successfully passed fire resistance tests, qualifying them for use in buildings over 18 meters high and in high-risk environments such as hospitals and schools. These certifications are crucial for acceptance and integration into the European construction sector, where strict safety regulations apply.
As part of the European Green Deal, the REPowerEU plan was introduced in May 2022. This plan builds on the Fit for 55 proposals and aims to achieve a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030. A key component of the REPowerEU goal is the use of solar energy. The scale of investment is considerable, with up to 20 billion euros in new grants and up to 225 billion euros in loans.
The EU has committed to accelerating the deployment of solar technologies to reach more than 320 GW of photovoltaics by 2025 and nearly 600 GW by 2030. This creates numerous opportunities for companies like ClearVue to get involved and contribute.
ClearVue's technology can transform a glass building into a massive solar PV panel that generates electricity right where it's needed, reducing the need for long-distance power transmission. Under the company's vision, glass will no longer be just a building element but also a renewable energy source.
ClearVue has already demonstrated the commercial availability of its technology in Luxembourg, which can generate energy from a clear window. Participants included a group of CEOs from major construction companies, as well as Luxembourg's Minister of the Economy, Franz Fayot, and Minister of Energy, Claude Turmes.
ClearVue PV is currently in negotiations with several potential manufacturing partners worldwide to make this technology globally available. The future of ClearVue PV technology in Europe looks promising, and its integration into the construction sector could make a significant contribution to global sustainability.
(20min delay)