A team of researchers has turned a common problem—sunburn—into a solution for storing solar energy, offering a potential way to slash heating emissions from buildings. The new method uses specially designed molecules that absorb heat in a process similar to how skin reacts to ultraviolet light. Unlike traditional batteries, these molecules can store thermal energy for hours or even days without significant loss, making them ideal for heating applications.

How the sunburn-inspired molecules work

The technology relies on molecules that undergo a chemical change when exposed to sunlight, capturing heat in the process. When triggered, these molecules release the stored energy as usable heat on demand, even after the sun has set. A study published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science demonstrated that the system could store heat at temperatures up to 80°C (176°F), sufficient for most residential heating needs. The researchers, based at Linköping University in Sweden, noted that the process is fully reversible, allowing the molecules to be reused repeatedly.

Potential to replace gas boilers

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, much of it from heating systems. The new storage method could reduce reliance on gas boilers by enabling buildings to capture and store solar heat during the day for use at night. Unlike electric heaters, which require constant power, this system could operate independently of the grid. Early estimates suggest it could cut heating-related emissions by up to 50% in well-insulated homes, though widespread adoption would depend on cost and scalability.

Challenges and next steps

While the technology is promising, researchers are working to improve its efficiency and reduce production costs. The current prototype uses rare and expensive materials, which could limit initial adoption. However, the team is exploring alternatives, including organic compounds, to make the system more affordable. Commercialization could still be years away, but the research has drawn interest from energy companies looking for low-carbon heating solutions. A pilot project in Sweden is already testing the system in a small residential building.

Broader implications for energy storage

Beyond heating, the sunburn-inspired molecules could have applications in industrial processes that require high-temperature heat, such as food processing or chemical manufacturing. The technology also aligns with global efforts to decarbonize energy systems, offering a way to store intermittent renewable energy for later use. If successful, it could complement existing battery storage solutions, providing a more flexible and efficient way to manage energy demands.

Experts caution that the system is not a silver bullet but represents a step forward in thermal energy storage. With further development, it could become a key tool in the transition to cleaner heating, reducing both emissions and energy costs for households and businesses alike.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: BBC News
  • Published: May 09, 2026 at 08:28 UTC
  • Category: Business
  • Topics: #bbc · #business · #economy · #molecules · #solar-energy-storage · #heat-storage-molecules

Read the Full Story

This is a curated summary. For the complete article, original data, quotes and full analysis:

Read the full story on BBC News →

All reporting rights belong to the respective author(s) at BBC News. GlobalBR News summarizes publicly available content to help readers discover the most relevant global news.

Curated by GlobalBR News · May 09, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

Pesquisadores encontram inspiração no bronzeamento para revolucionar o armazenamento de energia, prometendo reduzir drasticamente as emissões de aquecimento no Brasil e no mundo. Em um estudo inovador, cientistas desenvolveram moléculas capazes de guardar e liberar calor de maneira eficiente, um avanço que pode transformar a forma como construções residenciais e comerciais são aquecidas, diminuindo a dependência de sistemas poluentes. A tecnologia, ainda em fase inicial, já acena com potencial para integrar painéis solares a sistemas de armazenamento térmico, alinhando-se às metas de transição energética e sustentabilidade.

O contexto brasileiro ganha relevância ao considerar o alto consumo de energia elétrica em climatização, especialmente em regiões com temperaturas extremas, como o Sul e o Sudeste. Além disso, o país enfrenta pressões para reduzir suas emissões de CO₂, e soluções como essa poderiam complementar políticas públicas de eficiência energética, como o Procel, ou até mesmo impulsionar startups nacionais a desenvolver tecnologias similares. Para o leitor comum, a notícia representa uma esperança de moradias mais baratas e sustentáveis no futuro, enquanto para a indústria, abre portas para novos mercados verdes.

Se comprovada em larga escala, a inovação poderia redefinir a matriz energética de edificações, reduzindo custos e impactos ambientais — um passo concreto rumo a um planeta mais frio e menos poluído.

🇪🇸 Resumen en Español

Un equipo de científicos ha dado con una solución innovadora para almacenar energía, inspirada en un fenómeno tan cotidiano como el enrojecimiento de la piel por el sol. Su hallazgo, basado en moléculas que imitan los efectos de la radiación ultravioleta, podría revolucionar la forma en que calentamos nuestros hogares, reduciendo drásticamente las emisiones asociadas.

El avance, publicado en revistas especializadas, se centra en unos compuestos que, al exponerse a la luz solar, almacenan energía de manera eficiente y la liberan en forma de calor cuando es necesario. Esto abre una vía prometedora para descarbonizar los sistemas de calefacción, responsables de una parte significativa de las emisiones globales. Para los hispanohablantes, especialmente en regiones con climas extremos, esta tecnología podría significar un ahorro energético y económico, además de contribuir a la lucha contra el cambio climático. La clave reside en su potencial escalabilidad y en su capacidad para integrarse en infraestructuras existentes, lo que la convierte en una alternativa viable a medio plazo.