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Tel: +81-3-5545-0551 Fax: +81-3-5545-0554
www.japanprize.jp

No. 64

Feb. 2021

2021 Japan Prize Laureates Announced

Prof. Martin Andrew Green

Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Australia

Fields Eligible for the Award:

Prof. Bert Vogelstein

Professor, Johns Hopkins University Schoolof Medicine
USA

Dr. Robert A. Weinberg

Member, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)USA

Fields Eligible for the Award:

Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure

Medical Science, Medicinal Science

Development of High-Efficiency
Silicon Photovoltaic Devices

For their pioneering work in conceptualizing a model ofmulti-step carcinogenesis and its application andimpact on improving cancer diagnosis and therapeutics

Prof. Martin Green has pioneered the development of high-efficiency
silicon photovoltaic devices and contributed significantly to therealization of solar power that is now cheaper than fossil fuel power.
Especially, he made great achievements in increasing power conversion
efficiency dramatically from around 17% to 25% by innovating advanced
technologies and integrating them into practical devices that now makethe transition to a low-carbon society realistic.
He has also trained the researchers and entrepreneurs who have played
key roles in industrial development and in reducing the price of silicon
photovoltaic devices.

The creation of the Japan Prize was motivated by the Japanese
government’ s desire to “contribute to the development of science andtechnology worldwide by establishing a prestigious international award” .
Supported by numerous private donations, the Japan Prize was established in1983 with a cabinet endorsement.
This award honors scientists and researchers worldwide who arerecognized for having contributed signifi cantly to the peace and prosperityof humankind through their original and outstanding achievements that havegreatly advanced the progress of science and technology.

In spite of improved survival rates, the grim fate of most diagnosed
patients is to succumb to the disease or one of its associatedcomorbidities. Improved survival rates over the last several decades are,in part, the result of discovery of novel anti-cancer agents. The medical
advancements underpinning discovery of novel therapeutics andimprovements in access to care, and early detection were predicated on
innumerable basic and clinical research findings that have elucidated theinner workings of cancer development and survival mechanisms.
Understood as a general principle, cancer arises through theaccumulation of genetic and epigenetic mutations and alterations thatare favorable to the survival and expansion of the tumor cells. This
concept has been termed “multi-step carcinogenesis model” and has
served as a reliable and accepted foundation for subsequent oncologicalresearch. Many of the seminal studies underpinning the multi-stepcarcinogenesis model were the research discoveries made by Drs.
Robert Weinberg and Bert Vogelstein.

The eligible fields of this award cover all fields of science and technology.
Every year, two fields for the award presentation are chosen by considering
the developments in science and technology.
As a general rule, one award is given for each field and each laureate
receives a certificate of merit, a prize medal and a cash prize.
The Presentation Ceremony is held annually in the presence of Their
Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and is also attended by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of House ofCouncilors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and various ministers aswell as eminent figures from various circles.

“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field
Achievement : developing high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic
devicesAchievement : developing high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic

devicesProf. Martin Andrew
Green (Australia)

72)
Born: July
20,Martin
1948 (Age:Prof.
Andrew
Green (Australia)
Professor,of New(Age:South72) Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Born:University
July 20, 1948

Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Predicted Growth of Solar Power

Predicted Growth of Solar PowerThe mechanisms behind solar photovoltaic devices
and solar power generation

The mechanisms behind solar photovoltaic devices
and solar power generation

There are many types of devices that generate power from sunlight,
but crystalline silicon (a type of semiconductor) is said to be found in
approximately
95% ofofphotovoltaic
devices
in usepoweraroundfrom
the world.
The
There
are many types
devices thatgenerate
sunlight,

but crystalline
silicon(a typeof bysemiconductor)
saidScenario,
to be foundinInstalled power
generation
capacitysource in the State is
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2000-2040
approximately
95% of photovoltaic devices in use around the world. The
GW (Gigawatts)
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3000

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Module Price

PERC solar cells and Prof. Green’s role
improvingsolar
efficiency
ininimproving
solar
cellcellefficiency

Thefirst
first
efficientp-n-junction
crystalline
solar
was demonTheefficientp-n-junction
crystalline
siliconsiliconsolar cellwascelldemonstratedbyby
Daryl.
Chapin,CalvinS. Fuller,
and Gerald
L. Pearson
stratedDaryl.
M. M.
Chapin,CalvinS. Fuller,
and Gerald
L. Pearson
at Bell at Bell
Labs
From
1972
to 1974,
JosephLindmayer,
James F.
Allison,Labsinin1954.
1954.
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1972
to 1974,
JosephLindmayer,
James
F. Allison,
Josephandandcolleagues
at COMSAT
Laboratories
improved
JosephG.G.Haynos
Haynoscolleagues
at COMSAT
Laboratories
improved
power
efficiency
to nearly
17%.17%.
However,
there were
nowerefurther
powerconversion
conversion
efficiency
to nearly
However,there
no further
improvements
in power
conversion
efficiency
for nearlya decade.
improvements
in power
conversion
efficiency
for nearlya decade.
In 1975, Prof. Green then provided fresh insight into the processes determinIn 1975, Prof. Green then provided fresh insight into the processes determining the recombination of electrons and holes excited by sunlight and suggested
ing therecombinationelectrons
by sunlightandInsuggestedmuchhigherconversion ofefficiency
of and25%holeswas excited
experimentallyfeasible.
muchhehigherof 25% ofwasexperimentallyfeasible. In
1983,
and hisconversion
team realizedefficiency
a record efficiency
18%.
This was the firsthe andteam realizedof achieving
18%. This24.7%
was the firstin1983,a seriesof 18hiscertified
efficiencya record
records efficiency
by his team,in a seriesof 18
certifiedrecordsby his team,achieving 24.7%
efficiency
in 1999(reaching
his efficiency
target of 25.0%
by recalibrationin 2008).
The PERCincell
that(reaching
he invented
not only reducing
efficiency
1999
hisincluded
target ofmeasures
25.0% byforrecalibrationin 2008).
recombination
the hetopinvented
region ofincluded
the cell measures(the “emitter”)
butonly
alsoreducing
The PERCalongcell thatfor notalong
the rear of thecell asPERC
thebut also
recombination
along
thewell.
topThisregionof structure
the cell now(thedominates“emitter”)
photovoltaic
devicemarket.
along the rearof thecell as well. This PERC structure now dominates thephotovoltaic device market.

Building a more secure society with solar power generation

Building a more secure society with solar power generation

than fossil fuel power. This change is encouraging companies to enter thesustainable energy market and is driving a policy push for renewable energy,

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

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Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2019
1990

1980

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The decades-old notion, that renewable energy is important for global
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has madesolaris power
cheaper
The decades-old
notion,that renewableenergyimportantfor global
thanfossil fuel power.
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to enter changed,
theenvironmental
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but is is
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and isofdrivinga policy pushrenewable
the society-wide
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photovoltaics
has formadesolar energy,
power cheaper

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Price reduction and spread of solar photovoltaic
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Battery storage Oil02000 1002005

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when the electrons and holes recombine. (see below figure.)

1km

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500

10

majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from the
majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconsun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron andis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from thea positively-charged “hole,” whereby the electron moves into the n-typesun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron andand the hole“hole,”
moveswhereby
into thethep-typesilicon.
then flows
asiliconpositively-charged
electronmovesThat
into charge
the n-type
out theandelectrodes(or contacts)
as electricalsiliconthe hole moves
into the p-typesilicon.power.
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A highpower(orconversion
efficiency
be obtained if every electron-holeout theelectrodes
contacts) as
electricalcan
power.
pair
thatpower
is generated
canefficiency
be extracted
as obtained
power, but
in practice,energy is lostA highconversion
can beif everyelectron-holepairthattheis generated
extracted
as power,(seebut inpractice,energy is lostwhenelectronscan
andbeholes
recombine.
below
figure.)PERC solar cells and Prof. Green’s role

In orderto realize
our dreamsof achieving
In orderto realize
our dreamsof achievinga adecarbonizeddecarbonized society,society,
there needs
to be toa shifttowards
the theuseuseof ofelectricalby
there needs
be a shift
towards
electricalpower
powergenerated
generated byrenewable
sourcesthat docarbondioxide,a contributing
torenewable
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thatnot
do emitnot emit
carbondioxide,a contributing factor
factor to
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warming.
Renewables
includesolar,
wind,
warming.
Renewables
includesolar,
wind,andandgeothermal
geothermal power,
power,
but past,in the introducing
past, introducing
sourcesdifficultdue
duetotothe
the increased
increased
but in thesuchsuchsources
waswasdifficultcosts comparedwhen compared
to fossil
fuel-fired
plantshydroelectric power.
power.
costs when
to fossil
fuel-fired
plantsandandhydroelectric
the mid-2010s,
power
droppedbelowthose
thoseofof fossil
fossil fuelIn the In
mid-2010s,
solar solar
power
costscosts
droppedbelow
fuelandbeganthus began
the oferasolarof solarpower
plantsbeing
beingable
able toto be
be built
built
power, power,
and thus
the erapower
plantscheaper than fossil fuel plants. Solar power generation is expected to undergo
cheaper than fossil fuel plants. Solar power generation is expected to undergo
rapid expansion in the future (see below graph). Behind this paradigm shift is
rapid expansion
the future (seebelowgraph). Behindparadigm
shift isthe ability inof photovoltaic
devices(commonly
known asthis
solar
cells) to convert
the ability
photovoltaic
devices
as solarto convert
solarofenergy
to electric
power (commonlyat high rates knownof efficiency,
andcells)
the reductioninsolar energy
electric power
at highof forefficiency,
and theofreductioninpower togeneration
costs thathave rates
allowedthe construction
large-scale
power generation
allowedforworking
the constructionof large-scalesolar power costs
plants.that
Prof.haveGreen
has been
on improving
conversion
efficiencyof crystalline
silicondevicessince the 1970s,
and hesolar power
plants.
Prof. Green
hasphotovoltaic
been working
on improving
conversion
has ofachieved
many silicon
successes
over that time.
efficiency
crystalline
photovoltaic
devices since the 1970s, and hehas achieved many successes over that time.

[Inﬂation adjusted Euros (2019)/Wp]
Module Price”“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field

Source : Google Earth
Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-level solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plantis installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
1km
are considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times theamount of energy required to produce the devices, depending on location and technologies used.
Source : Google Earth(Source: Google Maps）

Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-level solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plantis installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
are considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times theElectronamount of energy required toHole
producethe devices, depending on location and technologies used.
(Source: Google Maps）

Mega-so

Front contact

0.1 2000

1

2010
10

N-type silicon
100

Cumulative production (GWp)

1000

10000

2015

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute tolower prices. Prof. Green has contributed to both, having been involved in both technological
0.0development and the cultivation of individuals who are involved in the evolution and expansion ofsolar power
generation.
Report,0.001
0.01
0.1 (Source:1 Photovoltaics
10
100 Fraunhofer
1000 Institute10000 for Solar Energy Systems,
ISE with support of PSE
Projects GmbH,
16 September
Cumulative
production(GWp)2020)

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute to

p-n junction

Front contact
N-type silicon

P-type silicon
Rear contact

p-n junction

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Recombination

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Recombination

Large anto matchplants c
redistribsiliconom theon andn-typeflows

n-holeis lostemonat Bellllison,provedfurthererminggested
ble. Inhe first
24.7%
8).
ducingut alsotes thenglobalged, asheaperter theenergy,“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field
which in turn is accelerating the global movement towards a low-carbon/decar-

bonized economy.
Nowadays,high-efficiency
solar cells are recognizeda major solution
Achievement: developing
siliconasphotovoltaic
to the challenges
of sustainable energy and global warming, and various types
devicesof new solar cells are being actively researched and developed. Against thisProf.background,
MartintheAndrew
Green(Australia)
time has cometo recognize
the achievements of Prof. Green,

who developed
high-efficiency
silicon solar cell that has provided an actual72)
Born: July20, 1948a(Age:solutionto global issues,
along
the way
fostering
many engineers
Professor,
Universityof New
South
Wales
(UNSW
Sydney)and entrepre-

neurs who have transformed the industry.
Solar power is a clean energy source not only because it emits no carbon
dioxide when producing power, but also because solar power produces
more energy
than of
theSolarenergyPower
used to manufacture and dispose of solar
Predicted
Growthcells. Moreover, solar power can be flexibly adapted to meet various needs,
from large-scale megawatt and gigawatt level power plants to small-scale
In orderto realize
ourusing
dreamsof achieving
decarbonizedsociety,residential
generation
roof-top
solar arrays.aDistributed
electric
power
there needs
to bethrougha shift small-scale
towards thefacilities
use of canelectrical
powerthegeneratedbygeneration
help reduceseverity andrenewablethat caused
do not during
emit carbon
contributing
factorandtoscalesourcesof damagenaturaldioxide,
disasters.a Whensolar power
renewables
becomeinclude
the backbone
our electric
power generation
global otherwarming.
Renewables
solar, ofwind,and geothermal
power,
infrastructure,
we will such
have attained
to produce
in abut in thepast, introducing
sources thewasability
difficultdue to electricity
the increased
more comparedsustainable toway.
costs whenfossil fuel-fired plants and hydroelectric power.

In the mid-2010s, solar power costs dropped below those of fossil fuelof improvements
efficiency
power, History
and thus
began the era inofpower
solar generation
power plants
being able to be built
cheaper thanfossilfuelplants.
Solar
power
generationis
expected to undergo
1954
Bell Labs invents the ﬁrst eﬃcient crystalline silicon solar cell
rapid expansion in the future (see below graph). Behind this paradigm shift is
COMSAT Labs achieves 17% eﬃciency, an achievement thatthe ability1973
of photovoltaic
devices for(commonly
known as solar cells) to convert
remains unbroken
nearly a decadesolar energy to electric power at high rates of efficiency, and the reduction in1975 Prof. Green proposes new concept suggesting potential 1.5 times
power generation
costs thathave allowed
for therecombination
constructionof large-scale
increasein eﬃciency
using advanced
suppression
solar power plants. Prof. Green has been working on improving conversion
Prof. Green achieves 18% eﬃciency, which is achieved throughefficiency1983
of crystalline
silicon photovoltaic devices since the 1970s, and hepassivation of the silicon-electrode interface and current
has achieved manysuccesses
over thethatlocal
time.
extraction
throughtunnel junction
1983

Prof. Green invents PERC, which harnesses passivation on front
and rear surfaces

The mechanisms
behindsolar24.7%
photovoltaic
devices
1999
Prof. Green
achieveseﬃciency
and solar power generation
2008

Prof. Green’s solar cells certiﬁed at 25.0% eﬃciency

There are many types of devices thatgeneratePassivatedpower front
fromsunlight,
surface
Antireﬂection
for light trapping(published in 1984 paper)
but crystalline silicon (a Finger
typeelectrodeof semiconductor)
is said to be found in
approximately 95% of photovoltaic devices in use around the world. The
InstalledOxide
power generation capacity by source in the State Policies Scenario, 2000-2040
p+

GW (Gigawatts)
3500

n+

Coal
Natural Gas
Passivated rear surface
3000
Oil in 1985 paper)(published
Nuclear
Oxide
Local diﬀusion
2500
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Natural Gas(published in 1999 paper)
Coal
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2000Prof. Green’s high eﬃciency solar photovoltaic device (based on diagram in his 1999 paper) is now
Other
the mainstream device in the Si-PV market. The blue text denotes technologies developed by Prof.
renewables
1500Green.
Hydro
Hydro
Wind
Battery storage
1000

n-emitter

500

e Earther plant
devicesmes thees used.

0
2000

p+

p-type siliconp+p+Nuclear
2005

Smart grid

2010

2015

2020

2025

Small-scale hydroelectric
power
Battery storage Oil

2030

Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

multiple onpresence ofDr. Robert A. Weinberg (USA)and greatly
Born: November 11, 1942 (Age: 78)
PERCWhiteheadsolar cells
and for
Prof.
Green’sResearchrole“tumor supMember,Institute
Biomedical
in improving
solarInstitute
cell efficiency
Professor,
Massachusettsof Technology (MIT)brakes. Th
cancer will
tumor supp
The
first
efficientp-n-junction
crystalline
silicon
solar
cell
was
demonSummary: Discoveries of oncogenes and tumor suppressor

stratedby andDaryl.
M. Chapin, Calvin S.ofFuller,
and Gerald L. Pearson at Bell
genes
proposal/verification
the multi-stepcarcinogenesis
model.
Labs
in 1954. From1972 to 1974, Joseph Lindmayer, James F. Allison,
Joseph G. Haynos and colleagues at COMSAT Laboratories improved
power
conversion
efficiency
to nearlyof17%.
However,
there
were no further Dr. Vog
Dr. Weinberg
discovered
the presence
cellulargenes, called
proto-oncoimprovements
inpower
conversion
efficiency
fornearlyadecade.
genes, which can be converted to cancer-causing oncogenes by a mutation(s).
1975,Prof. Greenprovided
intoa theprocesses
determin- Dr. Vog
HeInalso
contributedin thethen
discoveryof a fresh
gene, insightnow called
tumor
suppressor
genetics coing
thethatrecombination
ofthe
electrons
andofholes
by sunlightand Dr.
suggestedgene,
is required forprotection
cellsexcited
to becomecancer cells.
that a seriesmuchhigherconversion
efficiency
of
25%
was
experimentallyfeasible.
In
Vogelstein independently searched for actual mutated genes in human cancer
1983,
he discovered
and his teamrealizedrecordthat
efficiency
ofto18%.
This was the firstand others)
cells andnumerousnewa genes
are criticalthe developmentin
series On
of 18
efficiency
records theby concept
his team,achieving 24.7%increasinglyof acancer.
the certified
basis of theseachievements,of “multi-step
efficiency
in 1999(reaching
his target Althoughof 25.0% manyby recalibrationin 2008). of multi-ste
carcinogenesis
model”was established.
other investigators
The PERC
invented
includedmeasuresstandfor not
reducing
among thecontributed
to cellthis thatfield,heDrs.
Weinberg
and Vogelsteinoutonlyin thatrecombination
along
the topregionof pioneers
the celland(the“emitter”)
but also
as an onco
they continued theirinnovative
researchas theleaders
in corrobalongof theIncell
This PERC
structure
now dominatesthewith thoseoratingthe
thisrearconcept.
fact,asDr.well.
Weinberg
experimentallydemonstratedthephotovoltaic
devicemarket.
cancer geno
requirement of multiple oncogenes to convert normal cells into cancer cells,

oping mechwhile Dr. Vogelstein verified the concept by molecular genetics combined
basis of thewith histopathology of large intestinal lesions, from which human colorectal
cancers
arise, toshow theassociationof a withseries ofmutationsin cancer-assoBuilding
a moresecuresocietysolar
power
generation cornerstone
ciated genes. Thus, they revealed pivotal roles for certain human oncogenes
Figure 2:Funand tumor suppressor genes in the propagation and suppression of numerous
The decades-old notion, that renewable energy is important for global
DNA (RAS gene)common human cancers. Their discoveries have also led to the opening of theenvironmental
protection but is too expensive, has completely changed, as
fieldsociety-wideof cancer genomics,
nowof
an photovoltaics
especially powerfuldiscerning
andcheapertheadoptionhas forcemadeinsolar
power
developing
cancerdiagnostics andtherapeutics.
thanfossil mechanism-based
fuel power. Thishumanchangeis encouraging
companies
to enter thesustainable energy market and is driving a policy push for renewable energy,

Solar PV

Other renewables

Wind power

majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from theinto an inacsun,
the energy
causesMedicinal
the releaseScience”
of a negatively-charged
electron and“MedicalScience,field
the producta positively-charged “hole,” whereby the electron moves into the n-type
analogy to
Achievement
For movestheir pioneering
worksilicon.
in conceptualizing
a flows
siliconand the :holeinto the p-type
That charge thenThis “onmodelofmulti-stepcarcinogenesis
andits
application
andout the electrodes (or contacts) as electrical power.
impact on improving cancer diagnosis and therapeutics
Dr.
A high power conversion efficiency can be obtained if every electron-hole Weinb
which cannpair
thatBert
is generated
can be extracted
Prof.
Vogelstein(USA) as power, but in practice, energy is lostdemonstrat
Born: theJuneelectrons
2, 1949 (Age:71) recombine. (see below figure.)when
and holes

2035

2040年

Instruc

Dr. Weinberg’s achievements

Figure 3:Dn

Dr. Weinberg helped launch this new era of human cancer genes. In elegant
and original research, he introduced extracted and fragmented DNA fromcancer cells and then introduced the fragmented DNA into cancerous cells andfound an appearance of cancer cell clones (Fig. 1). When he then analyzed thecancer cell-derived genes in these cells, he discovered a mutated form of the
RAS gene. Normal RAS gene product is important for the promotion of cell
growth and it is transiently activated by cell growth signals and then converted
1km

Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2019

Price reduction and spread of solar photovoltaic devices[Inﬂation adjusted Euros (2019)/Wp]
Module Price

100

10

Mega-solar/Giga-solar plant
1980

1990

Roof-top small-scale
power generation

2000

1

Smart houses

Fast-charging
stations2010
and electric vehicless

Cumulative production (GWp)

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute to

Mutatio

Gene

Source : Google Earth

Figure 1:Discovery of an oncogene

Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-level solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plantis installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
are considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times theamount of energy required to produce the devices, depending on location and technologies used.
Figure 4:Ac
(Source: Google Maps）
Cancer cells
Cancerous cells

Introduction of extracted and fragmented
DNA into cancerous cells

Hole AppearanceElectron of cancer cell clones

2015

Large and small-scale solar power plants can be distributed throughout a region and can be tailoredto match the natural and urban environments of the area. Other types of renewable energy power
0.0
plants canalso be 0.1
constructed,
and if10the entire
systemis connectedby a smart grid, it can
0.001
0.01
1
100
1000
10000
redistribute power as needed and ensure continued power supply in the case of disaster .

PromFront contact
N-type silicon

Discovery of a mutated form of the gene encoding
the RAS protein

Recombination
p-n junction

No

p5

“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field

bon/decar“Medical Science, Medicinal Science” fieldor solution Achievement : developing high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic
rious types
devicesAchievement : For their pioneering work in conceptualizing a
Against thismodelofmulti-stepcarcinogenesis
and its application andMartinAndrew
Green (Australia)rof. Green, Prof.impact
on improving cancer diagnosis and therapeutics
d an actual Born: July 20, 1948 (Age: 72)
d entrepre- Professor,
Universityof New South
Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Prof.
Bert Vogelstein(USA)
Born: June 2, 1949 (Age: 71)
Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
no carbon
r produces
Dr. Robert
A.ofWeinberg(USA)
e of solar Predicted
GrowthSolar PowerBorn: November 11, 1942 (Age: 78)
ous needs,
Member, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Researchmall-scale
Professor,
Massachusetts
Institute
Technology
Inorder
to realize
our dreams
of ofachievinga (MIT)
decarbonized society,ctric power
verity and there needs to be a shift towards the use of electrical power generated bysources that
do not emitofcarbon
dioxide,contributing
factor to
power and renewableSummary:Discoveries
oncogenes
andatumor
suppressor
generation global warming.
genes andproposal/verification
the multi-step
Renewables
include solar,ofwind,and geothermal power,
tricity in a but in thecarcinogenesis
model.
past, introducing
such sources was difficult due to the increased

costs when compared to fossil fuel-fired plants and hydroelectric power.
In the Dr.
mid-2010s,
power
droppedbelow
thoseof proto-oncofossil fuelWeinberg solar
discovered
thecostspresenceof cellular
genes,
calledpower, genes,
and thus
began
era of solar
power plants
being able
to be built
which
can betheconvertedto cancer-causing
oncogenesby a mutation(s).
cheaperHethanfuel plants.
Solar poweris expectedundergoalsofossil
contributedin the discoveryof ageneration
gene, now called
a tumortosuppressor
ar cell
rapid expansion
futurefor(seegraph).
Behindthis paradigm
shiftDr.is
gene, that inis therequiredthe below
protectionof cells
to becomecancer cells.
t thatthe abilityof photovoltaic
devices(commonly
known
as solarto convert
Vogelstein
independently
searched
for actual
mutatedgenescells)in humancancersolar energy
to electric
power
at highrates
of thatefficiency,
andto thereduction incells anddiscovered
numerousnewgenes
are criticalthe development
1.5 times
power generation
costs
allowedfor the constructionof cancer. On
thethatbasishaveof theseachievements,
the concept ofof large-scale“multi-stepssion
solar power
plants. Prof.
Green
been working
onmanyimproving
conversion
carcinogenesis
model”
was hasestablished.
Althoughother investigators
ed throughefficiencyof crystalline
photovoltaic
since thestand
1970s,
hecontributed
to this siliconfield, Drs.
Weinberg devices
and Vogelsteinout andin thatd current
has achieved
many successes
over thattime.as the pioneers and leaders in corrobthey continued
their innovative
researchorating this concept. In fact, Dr. Weinberg experimentally demonstrated therequirement of multiple oncogenes to convert normal cells into cancer cells,
Dr. Vogelsteinverifiedthe photovoltaic
concept by molecular
genetics combined
Thewhilemechanisms
behindsolar
deviceswithhistopathologyoflarge
intestinal
lesions,fromwhichhuman colorectal
and solar power generation
cancers arise, to show the association of a series of mutations in cancer-associated genes. Thus, they revealed pivotal roles for certain human oncogenes
There are many types of devices that generate power from sunlight,
and tumor suppressor genes in the propagation and suppression of numerous
but crystalline silicon (a type of semiconductor) is said to be found incommon human cancers. Their discoveries have also led to the opening of theapproximately 95% of photovoltaic devices in use around the world. The
field of cancer genomics, now an especially powerful force in discerning andInstalleddeveloping
power generation
capacity by humansource in
the State
Policiesand
Scenario,
2000-2040
mechanism-based
cancerdiagnostics
therapeutics.

on front

rface
paper)GW (Gigawatts)
3500

rface
5 paper)paper) is now
loped by Prof.

Other renewables
cancer cell-derived genes in these cells,
he discovered a mutated form of the
RAS gene.
NormalRAS
gene
product
is important for the promotion of cell
NuclearBattery storage Oil
0growth and it is transiently activated by cell growth signals and then converted

500

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040年

multiple oncogenes. During this research, Dr. Weinberg also assumed the
how cancer is dipresence of genes the products of which suppress cancer cell development
has proven muchand greatly contributed to the discovery of RB gene, the first of so-called
and Vogelstein
PERC
solar
cells
and
Prof.
Green’srole“tumor suppressor genes”; in analogy to car driving, the driver puts on thearticles of modein
improving
solar
cell
efficiency
brakes. Thus, these studies lead to the establishment of a paradigm that
Weinberg, toget
cancer will arise by the appearance of oncogenes and disappearance ofby Dr. Vogelste
tumor
suppressor
genes (Fig.
3).
The
first efficientp-n-junction
crystalline silicon solar cell was demonOverall, the pstrated by Daryl. M. Chapin, Calvin S. Fuller, and Gerald L. Pearson at Belllished principles
Labs in 1954. From 1972 to 1974, Joseph Lindmayer, James F. Allison,of cancer, espec
Joseph G. Haynos and colleagues at COMSAT Laboratories improved
detection and inDr.
Vogelstein’s
achievements
power conversion efficiency to nearly 17%. However, there were no further
improvements in power conversion efficiency for nearly a decade. basis for many
therapies. IndeeDr.
a different
approach,using
methods
of molecular
In Vogelstein
1975, Prof.took
Greenthen provided
freshinsight
into theprocesses determinbeen synthesize
genetics
combinedwithhistopathologyoflarge
intestinal
lesions
toshow
ing the recombination of electrons and holes excited by sunlight and suggested
only Inadvanced bthata seriesof mutations
in cancer-associatedgeneswas(i.e.,experimentally
APC, RAS, TP53,feasible.
muchhigherconversion
efficiency of 25%
field
1983,
he andteam realizedrecord efficiencyof 18%.
This wasfirstof cancer
andothers)werehisassociatedwith theaprogression
from benign
adenomasto thein a seriesaggressiveof 18 certified
efficiency records
by his team,achieving cancer
24.7% patients.
increasinglycolon adenocarcinomas,
establishinga foundation

1999 (reaching
his target
in 2008).
ofefficiency
multi-stepincarcinogenesis
model(Fig.5).of 25.0%
In fact,by
Dr.recalibration
Vogelstein wasThethePERC
that he invented
measuresnot only reducing
Figure5:Multi-s
among
first tocell
demonstratethat TP53,included
which wasoriginallyfor
considered
top region
thediscoveries,
cell (the “emitter”)
asrecombination
an oncogene, is along
a tumorthe
suppressor
gene.of His
in parallel but also
alongtheofrear
the cell haveas well.
structurenow
dominates
the Normal cell
with
those
Dr. ofWeinberg,
also This
led toPERC
the openingof thefieldofGenetic
mutation/Inacphotovoltaic
cancergenomics,device
now anmarket.
especially powerful force in discerning and develaccumulation oftumo
mutations：oping mechanism-based human cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. On thebasis of the series of discoveries, Dr. Vogelstein has authored conceptual
Colorectal cancer：
cornerstoneof moderncancerresearch,
namely,Vogelgram.
Buildinga moresecuresociety
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Figure 2:Functional difference between the normal and mutated RAS proteins

Figure 1:Discovery of an oncogene

Price reduction and spread of solar photovoltaic devices
100

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1990

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Introduction of extracted and fragmented
2010
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2000
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10

100

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1000

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prevent
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InstructionnFigure 3:Development of cancer cell；Outline
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Promotion of cell growth

Suppression of excessive
cell growth

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Source : Google Earth

cell
Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-levelCancer
solar power
plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plant TP53
is installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
are considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times theamount4:Actionof energy required
to produce
the devices, dependingon locationand technologies used.
Figureof normal
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Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute to

Early diagnosis：e.g
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blood sNormal RAS protein
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The decades-old
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The normal RAS
the society-wide adoptionof photovoltaics has madealways
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and keeps
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Thischange is encouraging companies
to enter thegrowth.
to grow but it issubsequently
sustainable energy market
andisdrivingapolicypush
forrenewableenergy,Figure 6:The ha“switched oﬀ” toDNA (RAS gene)Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2019[Inﬂation adjusted Euros (2019)/Wp]
Module Pricean be tailored
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rt grid, it can
er .

Coal
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Dr. Weinberg helped launch this new era of human cancer
genes. In elegant
2000
Other
and original research, he introduced extracted and fragmented
DNA from
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1500
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cancer cells and thenHydro
introduced the fragmented
cells andWind DNA into cancerous
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Solar PV

3000

majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from theinto an inactive state to prevent excessive cell growth. On the other hand,sun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron The
and ripple e
the product of the mutated RAS continues to remain in the active form; ina positively-charged “hole,” whereby the electron moves into the n-type
by Drs. Wei
analogycar driving,
driver into
keepsthestepping
the accelerator(Fig. 2).then flows
silicontoandthe holethemoves
p-typeonsilicon.
That chargeThis“oncogene”
wassimultaneously
discoveredby
othergroups,but
out the electrodes (or contacts) as electrical power.
The scientificDr. Weinberg
furtheradvanced
his
study
using
primary
cultured
cells,A high power conversion efficiency can be obtained if every electron-holeand Vogelstein hwhichcannotbetransformedbythemutantRAS
gene
alone.
He
thenpair that is generated can be extracted as power, but in practice, energy haveis lostprovided ademonstrated
that theseandprimary
become (seecancercells byintroducing
when the electrons
holescells
recombine.
below
figure.)view up throughInduction of cell death (apoptosis)
in cancerous cells

HoleRadiation
Carcinogeni

PARP
inhibitors

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DNA damage repair
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p-n junction

Resiscell d“Hallmarks of cancer” (m“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field

he other hand,
The ripple
effects of theachievements silicon photovoltaic: developing
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active form;Achievement
inby Drs. Weinberg
devices and Vogelsteinerator (Fig. 2).
er groups, but
Prof. Martin
Andrew(Australia)
The scientificand socialGreen
contributionof the work by Drs. Weinberg
cultured cells,
(Age:
72)
Born: July20, 1948 has
andVogelsteinbeenimmeasurable
to the cancer field. Their efforts
lone. He thenProfessor,
New South
Wales(UNSW that
Sydney)haveUniversity
provided a ofparadigm
of cancer
progression
has shaped ourby introducing
viewupthrough
today.
While
this
has
produced
importantchanges ino assumed thehowcancerisdiagnosedandtreated,thecomplexityofcancerevolution
l development
has provenmuch greater
thanPower
any could have imagined. Drs. Weinberg
Growthof Solarst of so-calledPredicted
and Vogelstein have published influential conceptual cornerstones
ver puts on thearticles of modern cancer research, namely, Hallmarks of Cancer by Dr.
paradigm thatIn orderto realize our dreams of achieving a decarbonized society,Weinberg, together with Dr. Douglas Hanahan (Fig. 6), and Vogelgram
appearancethereof needs
to be a shift towards the use of electrical power generated by
by Dr. Vogelstein (Fig. 5).
renewable sources that do not emit carbon dioxide, a contributing factor to
Overall, the paradigm set out by these two investigators has estabglobal warming.
Renewables include solar, wind, and geothermal power,
lishedprinciples
that haveunderstandingof thecomplexity
but in the past,
introducing
suchenabled
sourcesanwas
difficult due
to theincreasedof cancer,
especiallyin providing
strongandrationalefor earlypower.
cancercosts whencompared
to fossil
fuel-firedaplantshydroelectricdetectionandintervention.
Theiraccomplishments
have
servedas theIn the mid-2010s, solar power costs dropped below those of fossil
fuel
for many
theeracontemporary
developmentsof targeted
power, basis
and thus
beganofthe
of solar power
plants being
able to cancer
be built
Indeed,the notion“precision
medicine”
in oncology
hass of molecularcheapertherapies.
than fossil
fuel plants.
Solarofpower
generation
is expected
to undergo
beensynthesized
from
many
of
their
ideas.
Overall,
their
work
has
not isesions to show
rapid expansion in the future (see below graph). Behind this paradigm shift
onlyofadvanced
basicdevices
cancer research,
but also
createdthe transformative
C, RAS, TP53,
the ability
photovoltaic(commonly
known
as solarcells) to convert
field ofdevelopment
thatofisefficiency,
improving andthe thelivesreductionof many inn adenomassolar
to energy
to cancer
electricdrug
power
at high rates
cancerpatients.
power generation costs that have allowed for the construction of large-scaleg a foundation

solar power plants. Prof. Green has been working on improving conversion
Vogelstein was
efficiencyof crystalline silicon
photovoltaic
devices since the 1970s, and he
Figure5:Multi-stepcarcinogenesis
model
ally considered
has achieved many successes over thatBenign
time.
ies, in parallel
Metastasis
Carcinoma
Normal cell
Hyperplasia
adenomaof the field of
Dysregulation of genes
mutation/
Inactivation of
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genes controlling
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tumor suppressor
metastatic ability
mutations：
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eutics. On the
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K-RAS
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cancer：am.
Early diagnosis：e.g., early detection ofPrecision medicine：Approach for cancer

blood samples

individual variability in genes, environment, andd RAS proteins There aretreatment
and prevention
that takes
into accountmany typesof devices
thatgeneratepower
fromsunlight,
cancer-associatedDNA mutationsin thelifestyleis
for eachbut crystalline silicon (a type of semiconductor)
saidperson.
to be found in(modiﬁedfrom the original article
of Fearonin
ER andVogelstein
B in Cell
61, 759-767,
1990)The
approximately“Vogelgram”
95% ofphotovoltaic
devicesusearoundtheworld.

Mutated RAS protein
The mutated RAS
protein remains
always “switchedon” and keeps
promoting cell
growth.

Installed power generation capacity by source in the State Policies Scenario, 2000-2040
GW (Gigawatts)
3500

Figure 6:The hallmarks of cancer and their therapeuticCoal
targetingence alteration
mutation）

3000

2000
1500

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inhibitors

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2005
2000
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2500

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2010

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2020

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[Inﬂation adjusted Euros (2019)/Wp]
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10

1980

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1990

The decades-old notion, that renewable energy is important for global
environmental protection but is too expensive, has completely changed, as
the society-wide adoption of photovoltaics has made solar power cheaper
than fossil fuel power. This change is encouraging companies to enter thesustainable energy market and is driving a policy push for renewable energy,nInducing
angiogenesis

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1

Building a more secure society with solar power generation

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2040年
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replicative

Source: IEA World Energy Outlook
2019
immortality

Genomeinstability &mutation

100

The first efficient p-n-junction crystalline silicon solar cell was demonstrated by Daryl. M. Chapin, Calvin S. Fuller, and Gerald L. Pearson at Bell
Labs in 1954. From 1972 to 1974, Joseph Lindmayer, James F. Allison,
Joseph G. Haynos and colleagues at COMSAT Laboratories improved
power conversion efficiency to nearly 17%. However, there were no further
improvements in power conversion efficiency for nearly a decade.
In 1975, Prof. Green then provided fresh insight into the processes determining the recombination of electrons and holes excited by sunlight and suggested
much higher conversion efficiency of 25% was experimentally feasible. In
1983, he and his team realized a record efficiency of 18%. This was the firstin a series of 18 certified efficiency records by his team, achieving 24.7%
efficiency in 1999 (reaching his target of 25.0% by recalibration in 2008).
The PERC cell that he invented included measures for not only reducing
recombination along the top region of the cell (the “emitter”) but also
along the rear of the cell as well. This PERC structure now dominates thephotovoltaic device market.

immunedestruction

2015

Resistingcell death

PERC solar cells and Prof. Green’s rolein improving solar cell efficiency

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ne product）

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majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from thesun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron anda positively-charged “hole,” whereby the electron moves into the n-typesilicon and the hole moves into the p-type silicon. That charge then flows
out the electrodes (or contacts) as electrical power.
A high power conversion efficiency can be obtained if every electron-hole
pair that is generated can be extracted as power, but in practice, energy is lostwhen the electrons and holes recombine. (see below figure.)

Therapeuticantiinﬂammatory
drugs

Source : Google Earth
Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-level solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plantis installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
are considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times theamount of energy required to produce the devices, depending on location and technologies used.
(Source: Google Maps）

Hole

2015

0.0
0.001
0.1
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100D and Weinberg
1000 RA,10000“Hallmarks0.01
of cancer” (modiﬁed
from
Cell 144, 646-674, 2011)

Cumulative production (GWp)

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute toElectron

Front contact
N-type silicon
Recombination
p-n junction

majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type silicon Eligib
is placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from the■ Every November, the Field Selection Committee of The Japan Prize Foundation designates and announces two fields in whichsun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron andAchievement : thedeveloping
siliconP
Japan Prizehigh-efficiency
will be awarded two
yearsphotovoltaic
hence. At the same time,
the Foundation calls
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a positively-charged“hole,”
wherebythe electronstrictly
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comprised of prominent scientists and researchers from aroundthe worldby theinto
Foundation,
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Andrew
Green(Australia)
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A high power conversion efficiency can be obtained if every electron-hole72)
Born: July 20, 1948
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pair that is generated can be extracted as power, but in practice, energy is lost broug
Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)conclusions are then forwarded to the Selection Committee, which conducts evaluations of candidates’ achievements from asociawhen the electrons and holes recombine. (see below figure.)

Nomination
andSelection
Process“Resources, Energy,
Environment,
SocialInfrastructure”
Field

wider perspective, including contributions to the progress of science and technology, and significant advancement towards thecause of world peace and prosperity, and finally the selected candidates are recommended for the Prize.

mater
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Japan
Prize are power
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there needs to be winners
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strated by Daryl. M. Chapin,
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costs when compared to fossil fuel-fired
Selection
Determine plants and hydroelectric power.
thecosts
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eligible below those of fossil fuelpower
conversion
efficiency to nearly 17%. However, there were no further
In the mid-2010s, solar power
for the 2021
Considerimprovements in power conversionAnnounce
efficiency fora decade.
Japan
Prize
power, and thus began
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the fields
Selection Subcommittee
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Closing ofJapan Prize
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In
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muchhigher conversion efficiency of 25% was experimentally feasible. In
the ability of photovoltaic devicesMedical(commonly
Science, known as solar cells) to convert
for Medical Science,
Medicinal
Science1983,
he and his team realized a record efficiency of 18%. This was the first
Sciencesolar energy to electric power at highrates
of efficiency, and the reduction in Medicinal
in a series of 18 certified efficiency records by his team, achieving 24.7%
power generation costs that have allowed for the construction of large-scale
Members
Japan
Prizeconversion
Selection Committee
efficiency in 1999 (reaching his target of 25.0% by recalibration in 2008).
solar power plants.
Prof. Greenof
hasthebeen2021
working
on improving
The PERC cell that he invented included measures for not only reducing
efficiency of crystalline silicon photovoltaic devices since the 1970s, and heMembers
recombination along the top region of the cell (the “emitter”) but also
has achieved manyChairman
successes over that time.
Yoichiro Matsumoto
Makoto Asashima
Yoshinori Fujiyoshi
along the rear of the President
cell as well. This PERC structure now dominates theDistinguished Professor
Research Professor, Academic Advisor, Teikyo University
Tokyo University of Science
TMDU Advanced Research InstituteAcademic Advisor, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Tokyo Medical and Dental University photovoltaic device market.
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo

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Predicted Growthof Solar Power■ The recommendations are then sent to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which makes the final decision on the winners.
PERC solar cells and Prof. Green’s role
■ The nomination and selection process takes almost two years fromintheimproving
time that thefieldsareefficiency
decided. Every January, the
solar
cell
In order to realize our dreams of achieving a decarbonized society,

Masayuki Matsushita

Yoshihiro Hayashi

The mechanisms behind solar photovoltaic devicesPresident/Director General
National Museum of Nature and Scienceand solar power generation
Hiroto Ishida

Director
The Japan Prize Foundation

Director
The Japan Prize Foundation

Shojiro Nishio

Building a more President
securesociety with solar power generation
Osaka
University

Life

Back
The
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Professor Emeritus, Advisor to the Office of President
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Professor
Emeritus/Project
Professor, The Universityof Tokyo
The decades-old
notion,that
renewable energy is important for global
but crystalline silicon (a type of semiconductor) is said to
be
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in
Vice Chairperson/Director-General of Innovation Center of
NanoMedicine(iCONM),of Industrial Promotion
environmental
protection but is too expensive, has completely changed, as
approximately 95% of photovoltaic devices in use around theworld.
TheKawasaki Institutethe society-wide
adoption of photovoltaics
has made solar power cheaper Field
Selection
for the“Resources,
Energy, Environment,
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field
Installed power generation
capacitySubcommittee
by source in the State
Policies
Scenario, 2000-2040
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power.
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companies to enter the
ChairmanMembers
GW (Gigawatts)
Chsustainableenergymarketandisdrivingapolicypush
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3500
Tadafumi
Adschiri
HisashiNakamura
Yoichiro Matsumoto
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Koichi Hishida

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Noboru Kikuchi

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1990

Teruo Fujii

Midori Kamimura

Deputy Chairman

Chiharu Tokoro

Source : Google Earthare considered environmentallyfriendly
Junko
Takitabecause they can generate between 10 and 30 times the(Source: Google Maps）

Hideki Katagiri

Motoko Yanagita

Vice Dean
Tohoku University School of Medicine

2015

Professor
Graduate
Schools Medicine,
Kyoto University
HoleElectron

Noriko Osumi

N-type silicon

1

10

100

Cumulative production (GWp)

1000

10000

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute to

Kazuhiko Yamamoto

Director
RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences

Front contact
Vice President, Tohoku University
Professor, Tohoku University School of Medicine
0.1

1km

Rami Suzuki

Distinguished research scientist
TEIJIN PHARMA LIMITED

Professor 2000
Graduate School of Medicine
The University of Tokyo

0.01

Nobuko Saigusa

Director, Center for Global Environmental Research
National Institute for Environmental Studies

Professor
Team Leader, Laboratory for Organismal
Patterning
amountof energy required to
produce the devices, depending on location and technologies used.
Graduate Schools Medicine, Kyoto University
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research

Masanori Hatakeyama
2010

0.0
0.001

Professor
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

CEO and Representative Director
Executive Vice President, The University of Tokyo
Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant,a Pharmaceuticals
gigawatt-level
FerringCo., solar
Ltd. power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plant
Professor
Institute of Industrial Science, The Universityof Tokyois installedwith the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices

Hiroshi Hamada

1

n

Vic

Taikan Oki

Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2019 Members

Tadatsugu Taniguchi

1980

Suguru Noda

Professor
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University

Professor
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Waseda University

President
Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc.

Professor Emeritus
Price reduction and spreadof solar photovoltaic devices
Advisor to the Office of President

10

Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology
The University of Tokyo

Selection
Subcommittee
the “Medical
Science, Medicinal Science” field
2010
2015
2020
2025
2030 for2035
2040年
Chairman

100

Professor

NaturalGas
Advanced
Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University
Oil Muneo Hori
Director-General
NuclearResearch Institute for Value-Added-Information Generation
Wind
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Solar
PV Kajikawa
Yuya
Professor, School of Environment and Society
Other
Tokyo Institute of Technology
renewables
Norichika Kanie
Hydro
Professor
Battery
storage
Graduate
School of Media and Governance, Keio University

p-n junction

Yoshihiro Yoneda

Director General
National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition(alphabetical order, titles as ofRecombination
January, 2021)

Sched

The e
These
Every

Area

majority of those are p-n junction solar cells, which have p-type siliconis placed adjacent to n-type silicon. When struck by photons from thesun, the energy causes the release of a negatively-charged electron andAchievement : developing
high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic
Areas ofa positively-charged “hole,” whereby the electron moves into the n-typedevices
Physics,
Chemistry,
Materials and Productionsilicon and the hole moves into the p-type silicon. That charge then flows
Informatics, and Engineeringout the electrodes (or contacts) as electrical power.
Prof. Martin Andrew Green (Australia)
and Rationale:
A high power conversion efficiency can be obtained if every electron-hole72)
Born: JulyBackground20, 1948 (Age:The discovery
and developmentof newmaterials
with non-conventional properties
the development
advancedasproduction
technologies
pair thatandis generated
can beofextracted
power, but
in practice,haveenergy is lost
Professor, Universityof NewSouth Wales(UNSW
Sydney)brought about numerous innovations, thereby contributing greatly to the sustainable
developmentof oursocietyand to the(seeimprovementof safety inwhen theelectrons andholes
recombine.
below figure.)“Resources, Energy, Environment, Social Infrastructure” Field

Eligible Fields for the 2022 Japan Prizesocial infrastructure. We have designed and synthesized artificial materials, such as semiconductors, polymers, nanomaterials, catalysts, magnetic
materials, and new types of structural materials, and have seen notable progress in materials design for responsible consumption and production. We
haveGrowth
also developed
newPower
industrial technologies, such as design and manufacturing technologies supported by computational and data science,
Predictedof Solarhigh-resolution/highprecision measurement technologies, robotics, and precise nanostructure
control
process.
PERC solar
cells
and Prof. Green’s role
In order to make effective use of finite resources and build a sustainable society
forthe future, solar
we are cellin needof epoch-making innovations in thein
improving
efficiency
In orderdevelopment
to realize ofourof materials
achieving
decarbonizedsociety,
newdreams
functional
andastructural
materials,
as well as in industrial design and production & operation technologies.

there needs to be a shift towards the use of electrical power generated by
The first efficient p-n-junction crystalline silicon solar cell was demonrenewable Eligible
sourcesAchievements:that do not emit carbon dioxide, a contributing factor to
The 2022
Japan Prizein thesolar,
fieldswind,of Materials
and Production
will be awarded
to Daryl.
an individual
or individuals
have
made
momentous
strated by
M. Chapin,
Calvin S.who
Fuller,andGeraldL. Pearson at Bellglobal warming.
Renewables
includeand geothermal
power,
scientificandtechnologicalbreakthroughs
that
contributesignificantlytothesustainable
developmentofsocietyortoits
potential
forgreatF. Allison,
Labs
in
1954.
From
1972
to
1974,
JosephLindmayer,James
but in the past, introducing such sources was difficult due to the increasedin the future. Such achievements will include the development of materials
withnew functions,developmentof new structural
materials improved
Joseph G.
Haynosand colleagues
at COMSAT
Laboratories
costs whenadvances
compared
to fossil fuel-fired plants and hydroelectric power.
that support social infrastructure or improvement of technologies for industrial design and production & operation, which enable the creation of
power conversion efficiency to nearly 17%. However, there were no further
In the mid-2010s, solar power costs dropped below those of fossil fuelnew products, services and industries that improve the quality and safety of people's lives.
improvements in power conversion efficiency for nearly a decade.
power, and thus began the era of solar power plants being able to be built
Areas of
In 1975, Prof. Green then provided fresh insight into the processes determincheaper than Lifefossilfuelplants.
Solar
power
generationis
expectedtoundergoScience, Agriculture,
Production,
ing the recombination of electrons and holes excited by sunlight and suggested
rapid expansion inand
theMedicine
future (see belowBiologicalgraph). Behind thisparadigm shift is Ecology/Environment
much higher conversion efficiency of 25% was experimentally feasible. In
the ability ofphotovoltaic(commonly known as solar cells) to convert
Backgroundanddevices
Rationale:
1983, use
he andhis team
realizeda recordHowever,efficiency
18%.expansion
This was the firstsolar energy The
to electric
power
at
high
rates
of
efficiency,
andthereductioninexistence of humankind is completely dependent on the sustainable and diverseof Earth’s biologicalresources.
theof
globalin a seriesof 18 certified
efficiency
recordsby histeam, achieving
24.7%
power generation
costs
that haveallowedforincrease
the constructionof large-scaleof humanactivities
coupledwith thein population
is decimating the naturalenvironmentand biodiversity
forcing
humanity
to reconsider
howefficiency
in1999(reachinghistargetof
25.0%
byrecalibrationin2008).
solar powerbiologicalplants. Prof.
Green
has
been
workingon
improving
conversion
resources are used.
The
cell thatandheecologicalinvented integrity
includedfrom
measuresforviewpoint.
not only reducing
efficiency ofIncrystalline
siliconthe
photovoltaic
sinceto the1970s,and he production,order to improvesituation, it devices
is necessary
perceive
biological
thePERC
environment,a unifiedalong the topof thecell biodiversity,(the “emitter”)
has achieved
many
successes
over thatintime.
Thisrequiresadvancements
fundamental science that enable us to conserverecombination
the invaluable environmentand region
ecosystems,
protect
and but also
along
the rear includingof the cell
as well.
This PERC
structure
now dominates
thesustainably use ecosystem services, and the creation of scientific and technologicalinnovations,earth
observationand ecosystemmodeling.
Forphotovoltaic
devicemarket.
the sustainable use of biological productivity, we require new developments including
the creationof new
breeds through genome editing, the applicationof ICT, AI and robotics for advanced production, the realization of environmentally friendly biological production, the harnessing of useful substances

The mechanisms
behindsolar photovoltaic
devicesand the reduction of food loss and waste.
from organisms,
the enhancementof food functionality,
and solar power generation
Eligible Achievements :Building a more secure society with solar power generation
The 2022 Japan Prize in the fields of Biological Production, Ecology/Environment will be awarded to an individual or individuals who have

There aremany typesof devices
generate
power fromsunlight,
significantly
contributed
to thethat
creation,development,
and disseminationof scientific and technological breakthroughs that enable the sustainable
decades-old
notion,that This
renewableenergyis emphasis
importantonfor global
but crystalline
silicon of(ahumantype ofsemiconductor)
is thesaidecosystem,
to be founddevelopment
societyin harmony withor to inits potential The
for greatadvances in
the future.
year's Prizeplacesenvironmental
protection
is too technologies.
expensive, has completely changed, as
contributions
the advancementof basicin ecology
and theThe
environment,
and progress inbiological but
production
approximately
95% of tophotovoltaic
devicesin science
use aroundthe world.
the society-wide adoption of photovoltaics has made solar power cheaper
Installed power
generation
capacity bysource in the State
Policies
FieldsSelection
Committee
fortheScenario,
2022 2000-2040
Japan Prize
than fossil fuel power. This change is encouraging companies to enter the
GW (Gigawatts)
sustainable energy market and is driving a policy push for renewable energy,
3500
Coal
ChairmanSolar PV

3000

Michiharu Nakamura

2500

Counselor to the President
Japan Science and Technology Agency
Director, The Japan Prize Foundation Natural Gas
Coal

2000

Vice Chairman

Kazuhito Hashimoto

1500

President
Hydro
National Institute for Materials Science

1000

Kohei Miyazono

500
0
2000

Wind

Members
Natural Gas
Yozo Fujino
Oil
President, Josai University
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Nuclear
Professor Emeritus, Yokohama National University
Wind
Ken Furuya
Solar PV
Professor, Graduate School of Science and
Other
Engineering, Soka University
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
renewables
Mariko Hasegawa
Hydro
President
Battery storage The Graduate University for Advanced Studies

2010

2015

2020

Other renewables

2025

2030

2035

President
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization

Eiichi Nakamura

University Professor
Department of Chemistry
Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Yuichi Sugiyama

HeadSugiyama Laboratory, RIKEN Baton Zone Program

SOKENDAI

Professor
Department of Molecular Pathology
NuclearGraduate School of Medicine, The UniversityBatteryof Tokyostorage Oil

2005

Kazuo Kyuma

2040年

Mariko Takahashi

Masaru Kitsuregawa

The Science Coordinator
The Asahi Shimbun

Director General, National Institute of Informatics
Professor, Institute of Industrial Science
The University of Tokyo

Masayuki Yamamoto

Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Professor Emeritus, National Institute for Basic Biology 1km

Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2019

Source : Google Earth(alphabetical order, titles as of November, 2020)

Price reduction and spread of solar photovoltaic devices[Inﬂation adjusted Euros (2019)/Wp]
Module Price

100

Noor Abu Dhabi PV Power Plant, a gigawatt-level solar power plant in Abu Dhabi. This power plantis installed with the p-n junction crystalline silicon PERC cells invented by Prof. Green. PERC devices
considered environmentally friendly because they can generate between 10 and 30 times the
The eligible fields for the Japan Prize (2022 to 2024) have been decided forarethe
two research areas, respectively.
amount of energy required to produce the devices, depending on location and technologies used.
These
fieldsrotate
every
year
in
a
three
year
cycle.
(Source:
Google Maps）
1990
1980

Schedule (2022-2024)

10

Every year the Fields Selection Committee announces the eligible fields for the next three years.
2010

Areas of Physics,2000
Chemistry, Informatics, and Engineering
1

0.0
0.001

Year
2022
2023
0.01
0.1
2024

2015

Eligible Fields

Materials and Production
Electronics, Information, and Communication
1
10
100
1000
10000
Resources,
Energy,Environment,
and Social Infrastructure

Cumulative production (GWp)

Up until 2000, improvements in conversion eﬃciency were a major factor in the reduced cost of solar
photovoltaic devices, but in the 2000s, the increased size of power plants also began to contribute toAreas of Life Science, Agriculture, and Medicine
Year

Front contact2022

N-type2023silicon2024
p-n junction

HoleElectron

Eligible Fields

Biological Production, Ecology/ Environment
Life Science
Medical Science and Medicinal Science Recombinationn