Justice is increasingly recognized as a core proposition for energy transitions, but questions remain about how it manifests in energy transition innovations. This Perspective introduces a framework for centring justice consideration in these innovations across levels, illustrating its use through two case studies.

Accurate modelling of the temporal and spatial impacts of weather on building energy demand is key to the decarbonization of energy systems. Now, Staffell et al. develop an openly available model for calculating hourly heating and cooling demand on a global scale.

The typically high temperatures (≥500 °C) at which ceramic electrochemical cells operate place constraints on device materials and construction. Here Liu and colleagues design reversible proton-conducting electrochemical cells that can operate with high performance at temperatures of 450 °C and below.

As the stability of organic and perovskite solar cells improves, accelerated ageing methods become increasingly essential to elucidate their long-term degradation mechanisms and to predict their real-world operational lifetimes. By effectively applying these underutilized tests, emerging photovoltaic technologies can be de-risked and their time to market can be expedited.

Accurate modelling of the temporal and spatial impacts of weather on building energy demand is key to the decarbonization of energy systems. Now, Staffell et al. develop an openly available model for calculating hourly heating and cooling demand on a global scale.

Intensive efforts are under way to develop Li metal batteries with ether electrolytes, but their performance fails to meet practical requirements. Here the authors develop an ether-based electrolyte for Li metal batteries that substantially improves battery cyclability, especially at low temperatures.

Intensive efforts are underway to develop recycling methods for spent lithium-ion batteries. Here the authors develop a mechano-catalytic approach based on contact electrification for efficient and potentially cost-effective recycling of cathode materials.

The typically high temperatures (≥500 °C) at which ceramic electrochemical cells operate place constraints on device materials and construction. Here Liu and colleagues design reversible proton-conducting electrochemical cells that can operate with high performance at temperatures of 450 °C and below.

Electrochemical carbon capture is a promising way to electrify CO₂ emissions mitigation, but capacities are often low due to poor solubility of the redox-active organic molecules at the heart of the process. Here the authors report a high-capacity and high-stability electrochemical CO₂ capture system based on a phenazine derivative they have developed.

Market-based measures are being discussed at the International Maritime Organization as a means to decarbonize shipping. This study estimates the required level of carbon pricing to close the conventional and alternative marine bunker fuels price gap.