New DNA-Inspired Molecule Stores Solar Energy for Years
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📰 The quick summary: Researchers have developed a DNA-inspired molecule that can capture and store solar energy for years, potentially solving one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy storage.
📈 One key stat: The new pyridone-based molecule stores over 1.6 MJ/kg of solar energy, surpassing the previous benchmark for Molecular Solar Thermal systems and marking a major leap forward in clean energy storage.
💬 One key quote: “Molecular solar thermal energy storage in Dewar pyrimidone beyond 1.6 MJ/kg” is the title of the study published in Science, capturing the core achievement of this research.
1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists from the University of California and Brandeis University have developed a new molecule inspired by the helical structure of human DNA that can store solar energy for years. Published in the journal Science, the study introduces a pyridone-based molecule that acts like a tiny energy battery, absorbing sunlight and holding onto that energy until it is needed. Releasing the stored energy is straightforward: adding an acid catalyst triggers a simple chemical reaction that converts the stored heat into usable electricity. This approach improves on previous Molecular Solar Thermal systems and could address one of the most persistent challenges in solar power, which is how to store energy efficiently over long periods. At a time when renewables accounted for nearly 90% of all new global power capacity in 2025, innovations like this could accelerate the clean energy transition even further.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Long-duration energy storage has been a major obstacle for solar power, and this molecule offers a promising path forward by holding onto solar energy for years rather than hours. Unlike conventional solar batteries, which lose a significant portion of energy during the storage and transfer process, this chemical storage method keeps energy locked in until you are ready to use it. For everyday people dreaming of cutting ties with the national grid, advances like this bring that goal closer to reality by making solar power more reliable and cost-effective. Beyond individual households, the technology could help stabilize energy grids on a much larger scale, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions globally. Building on a year in which clean energy investment hit $2 trillion worldwide, breakthroughs like this signal that the renewable sector continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers will likely focus on scaling up production of the pyridone-based molecule and testing it under real-world conditions to assess its commercial viability. The solar energy industry will be watching closely to see how this technology can be integrated into existing storage and grid systems. If development continues at pace, this innovation could move from the lab toward practical applications within the coming years.
Read the full story here: Ecoportal – Scientists create a DNA-inspired molecule that stores sunlight for years
