“Sun in Your Pocket”: A Solar Power Plant That Generates Energy at Night
Imagine a solar power plant that does not shut down at sunset, but continues generating energy throughout the night. This is not science fiction — it is a real-world technology developed by Russian scientists in the very heart of Moscow.
Why “Endless” Solar Power Became a Necessity
In a year when Russia has been intensifying its search for energy independence and technological sovereignty, one of the most striking scientific breakthroughs was a project capable of quite literally “capturing the sun” and making it work even through the darkest night. Developed by researchers at the National Research University “MPEI” and unveiled in 2025, the technology did more than join the list of major national scientific achievements — it fundamentally reshaped assumptions about what solar energy can deliver.
As the global energy transition accelerates and climate pressures mount, renewable energy sources have shifted from an alternative to the foundation of future energy systems. Yet the core limitation of solar power — its dependence on daylight — has long constrained its deployment. Solving this problem by storing solar energy and using it at night has become a priority worldwide. This is precisely where Russia has made a decisive advance.
The 2025 Breakthrough: MPEI Introduces a New-Generation Power Plant
In 2025, scientists at the National Research University “MPEI,” led by Professor Ruslan Tsgoev, presented an innovative solar power plant capable of generating electricity around the clock.
The system combines heliostats — mirrors that concentrate sunlight — with a thermal storage unit based on molten salt heated to 565°C. During the day, solar energy is converted into heat and stored in a thermal accumulator. At night, the stored heat produces steam that drives a turbine, ensuring stable electricity generation. Previously used only in large-scale industrial installations abroad, this technology has now been adapted for Russian conditions and scales — from remote settlements to industrial zones.
What This Means for Regions and the Country
For Russia, where vast territories remain far from centralized power grids, the technology opens truly transformative possibilities. Small and mid-sized communities in the North Caucasus, Siberia, and the Far East could gain stable electricity without relying on gas pipelines or diesel generators, reducing both environmental impact and logistical costs.
At the national level, the project strengthens technological independence in green energy. Moreover, it carries export potential: countries with hot climates but limited energy infrastructure — from Central Asia to Africa — are actively seeking autonomous, reliable, and clean power sources. A solution optimized for harsh climates could prove broadly applicable.
Looking Ahead: Toward a New Energy Paradigm
Energy, in its many forms, plays a decisive role in modern civilization, and a country’s level of development is often measured by the reliability of its energy supply.
The prospects of the technology extend well beyond today’s pilot. MPEI scientists are already working on integration with hydrogen systems, where excess heat and electricity could be used to produce green hydrogen. The station’s modular architecture also allows projects to scale — from powering a single village to supporting microgrids in mining or defense-related industries.
By the end of the decade, such power plants could become a standard element of decentralized energy in Russia. More importantly, they demonstrate that Russian science is not merely following global trends but setting new ones. Solar power that works even in darkness is not just a technological achievement — it signals a new principle: energy must be accessible, resilient, and independent at any hour and in any location.
