Asinews

16 December 2011

ASI STAKEHOLDER UPDATE

24 November 2011

THE ASI CONGRATULATES NSW SCIENCE LEADERS

ASI supported researchers, Professor Thorsten Trupke and Professor Stuart Wenham, were recognised at the NSW Science and Engineering Awards last night in Sydney.

Deputy Director of the Australian Research Council Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at The University of New South Wales and co-founder of BT Imaging, Professor Thorsten Trupke, received an award in the Invention category. Professor Trupke’s research, which is supported with a $2.3 million grant to BT Imaging, includes solar cell and wafer inspection systems that help to improve the quality and competitiveness of the photovoltaic industry globally.Director of the Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at The University of New South Wales Professor Stuart Wenham received the Climate Change and Environment award.

Professor Wenham’s pioneering work is at the forefront of solar technology and has contributed to global progress on solar cell technology, development and commercialisation. He is involved in several ASI supported projects at the University of NSW including a project to improve the performance of commercial solar cells which he leads.

Click here to read more about the awards and recipients.

16 November 2011

UNITED STATES-AUSTRALIA SOLAR ENERGY COLLABORATION FOUNDATION PROJECTS & RESEARCH EXCHANGE ANNOUNCED

The Australian Solar Institute welcomed over $32 million in funding for collaborative United States-Australia solar research projects, announced by the Governments of Australia and the United States of America on the occasion of the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to Australia on 16 November 2011.

ASI Media Release

USASEC Foundation Projects and Research Exchange Fact Sheet

20 October 2011

ASI October Stakeholder Update

22 September 2011

REQUEST FOR COMMENT ON A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP AN AUSTRALIAN SOLAR ENERGY FORECASTING SYSTEM

The ASI is seeking feedback from solar industry stakeholders on a proposal for an Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System (ASEFS) for the National Electricity Market (NEM), which would be developed as an extension of the existing Australian Wind Energy Forecasting System. The requirement is driven by the Solar Flagships Program and the growth of distributed PV generation in the NEM. Below is a document outlining the proposed ASEFS, facilitated by CSIRO in conjunction with AEMO following recent stakeholder workshops, and an ASI Request for Comment document that sets out the rationale for the proposal and the feedback we are seeking. Comments received by 5pm on Thursday 13th October will be appreciated.

ASI Requests for Comment document

ASEFS Outline document

31 August 2011

ASI August Stakeholder Update

ASI August Stakeholder Update

8 August 2011

LAUNCH OF $9.5 MILLION PROJECT TO CREATE ZERO-EMISSION HOMES AND OFFICES

Australia is set to remain at the forefront of global solar innovation with the country’s leading researchers working with industry on a project to make solar energy more competitive for consumers.

The Australian Solar Institute today joined the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP at the Australian National University for the launch of the $9.5 million project, supported by a $3.2 million ASI grant.

ASI Media Release

27 July 2011

LAUNCH OF ASI ROUND 2 PROJECT, ‘PRINTING SOLAR CELLS – A MANUFACTURING PROPOSITION’

The ASI is supporting Australia’s world-leading researchers and industry by facilitating government support for the $7.2 million project, which aims to develop efficient solar cells using organic materials and conventional printing methods.

The ASI today joined the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP and the Victorian Government for the launch of the project, which offers the potential for solar cells to be manufactured at low-cost in Australia.

Researchers at the University of Melbourne, the CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship, and Monash University and industry partners BlueScope Steel, Innovia Films and Robert Bosch are working together as the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium to take the innovation beyond the lab. The collaboration between our best and brightest solar researchers and expert industry partners provides endless opportunities for Australian solar energy innovation.

The project is supported by a $1.7 million grant from the Australian Solar Institute with matching funding from the Victorian Government.

Information about the Victorian Organic Solar Cell Consortium is available at: http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/

Minister Ferguson’s media release

19 July 2011

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION AT UNSW

For information and to apply:

Postdoctoral Fellow in weather forecasting for renewable energy technologies

http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/01071104.html

30 June 2011

MEDIA RELEASE

ASI CALL FOR PROPOSALS – SUPPORTING PEOPLE AND PROJECTS

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) is for the first time calling for proposals under an Australia – Germany Collaborative Solar Research and Development (R&D) program, and opening its Round 3 grants program and Skills Development program, as part of its commitment to keep Australia at the forefront of solar R&D.

ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell said the ASI has up to $15 million available for excellent projects under Round 3 and the Australia-Germany Collaborative program, which follows the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding with two of Germany’s leading solar research organisations -Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) and the Fraunhofer Institute.

“We encourage Australian solar research teams working with German researchers on concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic technologies at the DLR, Fraunhofer and other German research institutions to apply for funding under this new program,” Mr Twidell said.

“This program allows us to capitalise on solar research leadership in both Germany and Australia, paving the way for exciting results in terms of increased efficiency and lowered costs to produce energy from the sun.”

Mr Twidell said the ASI is also calling for proposals under its Round 3 grants program, with a focus on excellent research and development projects using CSP technologies.

“The majority of the ASI’s portfolio, worth a leveraged total value of $200 million, is made up of projects looking at photovoltaic technologies,” Mr Twidell said.

“In Round 3 we are seeking excellent proposals that will reduce significantly the levelised cost of solar energy by increasing the efficiency of CSP energy generation and reducing the cost of its capture and delivery.

“The ASI is working with state and territory governments to identify and support excellent projects across Australia."

Mr Twidell said the ASI is also seeking applications from potential PhD Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows researching cutting edge solar technologies under the ASI’s second annual Skills Development program.

“The ASI is offering PhD Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships as part of its commitment to support, develop and retain Australian research talent and to attract international expertise to Australia,” Mr Twidell said.

“Australian research organisations offer an incredible depth of talent in solar research. Supporting and developing this talent is crucial if Australia is to continue to develop more efficient and cost-competitive solar technologies.

“Supporting upcoming solar research stars will help ensure Australia remains at the forefront of solar research and development.”

The Scholarships and Fellowships are provided over a three year period.

Closing dates and further information

Guidelines and application materials for Round 3, Australia-Germany Collaborative Solar R&D Project and Skills Development funding are available at http://www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au/funding.htm

Closing date for the Skills Development program: For candidates intending to commence research activity on or before 28 February 2012, the closing date for applications is 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 27 October 2011.

Closing date for the Australia-Germany Collaborative Solar R&D program: For applicants who would like their proposal assessed as part of the next review process, the closing date for applications is 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 27 October 2011. More information about the DLR is available at www.dlr.de and the Fraunhofer Institute at www.fraunhofer.de

Closing date for Round 3: The deadline for Expressions of Interest in Round 3 is 5pm (AEST) on Thursday 18 August 2011.

Media contact: Hayley Thomas

[email protected]

Mobile: 0427 299 446

ASI Media Release – June Call for Proposals

18 June 2011

Opening of Australia’s largest solar thermal research facility

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Energy and Resources Martin Ferguson, and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson today opened one of the Australian Solar Institute’s first investments to accelerate commercial deployment of solar technologies- the $5 million CSIRO Foundation project.

The CSIRO Solar Tower Research facility will be available to researchers across Australia and beyond to develop and test new concentrated solar power technologies.

ASI media release

Australian Government media release

31 May 2011

ASI MIDYEAR STAKEHOLDER UPDATE

ASI midyear Stakeholder Update

23 May 2011

ASI APPOINTS PORTFOLIO MANAGER

The ASI is pleased to announce the appointment of David Beins to the new role of Portfolio Manager.

David was previously Executive Manager at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) where he led the Industry Engagement and Commercialisation Team in the university’s Research & Innovation Office. In this role he was responsible for all aspects of technology transfer as well as the provision of commercialisation and intellectual property advice to research and industry stakeholders. Previously David worked in senior executive roles in the private sector in Australia and Asia. He was Managing Director and CEO of BioLayer Corporation, an ASX-listed material science company, and currently sits on the Board of ATP Innovations, a leading Australian business incubator.

At the ASI, David will have overall responsibility for managing the ASI’s portfolio of solar R&D investments. Currently the ASI’s project portfolio is valued at approximately A$200m, leveraged by over A$65m of Australian Government funding.

18 May 2011

Free Solar Australia subscription available by completing the ASI Stakeholder Survey next week

The ASI will be launching a stakeholder survey next week to gauge its success to date in supporting and championing solar R&D in Australia. This will help the ASI refine its processes to better suit your needs. As a thank you for your input the ASI is partnering with the publishers of EcoGeneration to give you a free 12 months subscription to a new magazine dedicated to the solar industry, Solar Australia (www.solarmagazine.com.au).

Keep an eye out for the email early next week.

10 May 2011

Attached is the Australian Solar Institute’s section of the Commonwealth Government’s 2011-12 Portfolio Budget Statements. ASI’s budget statements form part of the overall budget for the Department of Resources, Energy & Tourism which can be seen at www.ret.gov.au

ASI Budget Statements

8 April 2011

ASI APPOINTS KNOWLEDGE MANAGER

The ASI is pleased to announce the appointment of Hayley Thomas to the new role of Knowledge Manager. Hayley has extensive experience working in a key advisory capacity for government in both media and policy. Most recently, Hayley was a senior advisor to the Hon Jodi McKay MP, with responsibility for managing the NSW Government’s Science and Medical Research portfolio.

Hayley will play a key role in the next stage of the ASI’s evolution. She will be responsible for developing a knowledge management platform to facilitate the ASI’s communication activities and in particular, disseminating the learnings from the R&D project and skills development portfolio and the Solar Flagships program.

The ASI retained the Hunter based firm Forsythes for the recruitment process.

31 March 2011

CALL FOR UNITED STATES – AUSTRALIA SOLAR RESEARCH PROPOSALS

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) is a $150 million commitment by the Australian Government to support solar thermal and solar photovoltaic research and development.

The ASI has launched a call for expressions of interest (EOI) for Foundation Project funding under the U.S. – Australia Solar Energy Collaboration (USASEC). The ASI is also calling for applications for Research Exchange under USASEC. EOIs for Foundation Project funding and applications for Research Exchange funding will close at 4pm on Friday 13 May 2011 and should be submitted electronically using the Forms and Guidelines available at www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au/funding.htm

Any questions may be directed to [email protected] or by phoning the ASI on 02 4960 6300.

21 March 2011

ASI 2011 STAKEHOLDER UPDATE

Summary of Indicative 2011 ASI Funding Activity

Activity	Target Date 2011
Call for USASEC Foundation project EOIs Open USASEC Researcher Exchange Program	End March / Early April
ASI CSP Stakeholder Workshop – Sydney	Planned 20thApril
USASEC EOIs close USASEC Researcher Exchange Applications close	Mid May
Call for ASI Round 3 EOIs Invite USASEC Foundation project detailed proposals	June/July
ASI Round 3 EOIs close	July / August
Call for ASI 2011 Skills development applications	July / August
USASEC detailed proposals close	August
Invite ASI Round 3 detailed proposals	September
ASI Skills development applications close ASI Round 3 detailed proposals close	October
Funding announcements	Dec 2011

US Australia Solar Energy Collaboration (USASEC)

The USASEC agreement was announced on 7 November 2010 by Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The USASEC initiative objective is to accelerate the reduction in costs of capturing solar energy through research collaboration.

Since the announcement progress has been made in developing the program.

A high-level steering committee, co-chaired by officials from the Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) and the US Department of Energy (DOE), has been established to set overall priorities and research directions for USASEC. In addition to representatives from DRET and the DOE, steering committee membership includes representatives from the US National Labs and the ASI.
The first area of activity under the USASEC will be the development of foundation projects, researcher exchange programs and to develop an information sharing framework.
The foundation themes for the USASEC are :

1.              Hot-carrier solar cells;
2.              Multi-junction Si PV devices;
3.              High temperature receivers; and
4.              Measurements and characterisation.

Expression of Interest (EOI) guidelines and application forms for the USASEC foundation themes will be released by the ASI around the end of March / early April 2011. The deadline for EOIs will be around mid May 2011. Following review by the ASI Research Advisory Committee (RAC) and the USASEC steering committee, the ASI Board will select a shortlist to submit detailed proposals in June for evaluation during July and August with funding decisions to be made thereafter.
The ASI also plans to open the USASEC Researcher exchange program. Guidelines and applications for this new program will be released around the end of March / early April 2011.

Q&A on USASEC budgets and future activity plans.

Q1 How were the foundation project topics selected?

The US and Australian governments selected a limited number of foundation collaboration topics that build on existing areas of collaboration between the US National Labs and Australian institutions based on their strategic importance and potential to accelerate the delivery of commercial outcomes. It is recognised there are many more areas that could have been selected.
The foundation topics were announced in the initial information paper on the USASEC released in November 2010.

Q2 Over what time period is the Australian funding to be delivered?

The USASEC $50m funding is to be delivered to the ASI over a 4 year funding agreement with DRET from 2010/11 through to 2014/15.
The allocation of funding will be at the discretion of the ASI Board.

Q3 How will the budget be allocated in Australia?

The budget for all ASI foundation projects support has been set at $10m over the USASEC program period. The actual allocation will be based on the nature of the final proposals and is at the full discretion of the ASI Board.
Researcher exchange programs will be funded on basis of excellence with a notional budget of $5m. As with the foundation projects, the ASI Board will have discretion to allocate more or less to research exchange programs as the program develops.

Q4 Can collaborative research activity be considered for funding outside of the foundation topic areas?

The ASI does not plan to look at projects outside the scope of the four foundation topics. However, future funding rounds will consider a broader range of topics.

Q5 How will US Contributions to the foundation projects be made?

The US collaboration contribution to the foundation projects will be managed through their existing program funding allocations under the approval of the appropriate authority.

ASI CSP Stakeholder Workshop

The ASI plans to host a CSP stakeholder workshop in Sydney, provisionally planned for April 20th 2011 (further details to be circulated). The aim of the workshop will be to:

Identify the research capability and infrastructure needs of the Australian CSP industry;
Discuss the ASI’s proposed action plan to strengthen CSP research in Australia with the goal of dispatchable low cost solar power for Australia; and
Share the ASI’s plans for Round 3 R&D CSP funding.

ASI Round 3 – Plan to call for EOIs by late June early July 2011.

During 2009 and 2010 the ASI completed two R&D funding rounds. Detailed fact sheets are available for Round 1 and Round 2 on the ASI website.

The amount of ASI funding to be committed in Round 3 will be at the discretion of the ASI Board. The ASI Board has approximately $15m of uncommitted funding for R&D activity outside of the USASEC initiative.

The ASI has identified the following areas of interest for discussion at the planned workshop:

Storage and hybrid technologies with the potential to increase commercial deployment of CSP;
Reducing CSP Field Costs – investigate the opportunity for a national collaborative approach to low cost heliostats; and
Pilot demonstration of prospective CSP technologies to de-risk future MW scale demonstration.

Between April and June 2011, the ASI will work closely with State Governments and potential industry investees in ASI Round 3 activity to maximise opportunities to leverage State and industry support.

ASI Plans to Commission Enabling Research

During 2009 and 2010, the ASI received a number of proposals in the general area of Enabling Research. During 2011, the ASI Board plans to commission specific work directly in a number of key areas. These areas may include:

Solar Resource Forecasting;
Increasing Finance Sector Confidence to Invest in Solar Technologies and Projects;
Reducing barriers to development of solar projects – eg permitting requirements;
Market value of distributed generation; and
Market value of dispatchable solar thermal capacity.

ASI 2011 Skills Development Program

In 2010 the ASI completed its first PhD and Research Fellowship scholarship program. The ASI plans to call for proposals for 2011 awards early in the second half of 2011.

ASI 2011 Plan Update

17 March 2011

MEDIA RELEASE

Australian-German partnership concentrates solar power capability

Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr signs R&D MoU with leading European research institute in Germany

The potential of solar power as a baseload energy source received a boost today when the Australian Solar Institute (ASI) announced a research and development partnership with leading European solar research body, Deutches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) to develop concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies.

ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell said, “The partnership provides Australian researchers with the opportunity to investigate cost and efficiency improvements in CSP alongside the other leaders in the field, the DLR institute.”

“By capitalising on the knowledge leadership in both Germany and Australia in solar research, we anticipate the joint R&D will produce exciting results in terms of increased efficiency and lowered costs to produce energy from the sun. We look forward to this technology progressing to commercialisation over time,” Mr Twidell added.

The agreement fosters cooperation in solar research and development between Australian and German researchers, including:

• collaboration on CSP development focused on research gaps necessary to overcome barriers to uptake such as cost and efficiency

• provision of peer review expertise

• joint R&D projects between DLR and Australian research bodies supported by ASI, and

• support for solar skills development and education in Australia and Germany.

The ASI and DLR have already agreed a number of priority activities for immediate commencement, including high temperature CSP modelling and high temperature receiver performance and analysis. Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will initially lead the scoping of Australia’s involvement in these areas, with the ASI seeking to broaden Australia’s involvement in the near future.

"Australia’s commitment to a climate-friendly energy supply, its excellent research infrastructure and, of course, its high levels of solar radiation are an excellent basis for us to work together on reducing the cost of solar power using technology developed by DLR," said Prof. Ulrich Wagner who is looking forward to the Cooperation. The DLR has been investigating more than 30 years as one of the largest research teams worldwide in the field of concentrating solar power technology.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Berlin, Germany on March 16th on behalf of the ASI by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr and on behalf of DLR by Prof. Dr-Ing. Ulrich Wagner of the DLR Management Board.

Mr Twidell added, “The ASI is very grateful to the support provided by the Australian Embassy and Austrade in Germany to proactively assist the development of this partnership. Such strategic alliances assist to strengthen the Australian solar sector.”

The ASI has already developed a strong partnership with the German solar industry through a MoU with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, which focuses on solar photovoltaic technologies, and

Australia’s role in the International Energy Agency’s Solar PACES solar thermal program. Additionally, the ASI is playing a lead role in development of the US-Australia Solar Research Collaboration announced in late 2010.

About concentrating solar power (CSP)
Concentrated solar power (CSP) technology uses mirrors to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. Electrical power is produced when the concentrated light is converted to heat to drive a steam turbine connected to an electrical power generator.

About the Australian Solar Institute (ASI)

The ASI is a $150 million commitment by the Australian Government to support solar thermal and solar photovoltaic research and development, and forms part of the $5 billion Clean Energy Initiative. This commitment will foster greater collaboration between solar researchers in universities, research institutions and industry and help forge strong links with peak overseas solar research organisations.

The ASI will source funding for activities under the MoU from its existing funds budgeted for international engagement activity. ASI funding decisions are taken by the ASI Board and are informed by a robust and independent merit-based assessment process.

More information about the ASI is available at www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au

About the Deutches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR)

DLR is Germany’s national research centre for aeronautics and space. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, transportation and energy is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. As Germany’s Space Agency, the German federal government has given DLR responsibility for the forward planning and implementation of the German space programme as well as international representation of Germany’s interests. Key industries, including materials technology, medicine and software engineering, all profit from innovations made by DLR in the fields of aeronautics and space.

More information about the DLR is available at www.dlr.de/en/

ASI contact:

Mark Twidell, Executive Director

[email protected]

Telephone 61 2 4960 6306

Australian-German partnership concentrates solar power capability

15 February 2011

Australian Solar Institute – Positioning for Growth

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) is a $150 million commitment by the Australian Government as part of the expanded $5 billion Clean Energy Initiative. The Institute aims to drive collaborative, focused research and development that will have a major impact on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies.

Following a successful first year of operation the ASI is now positioning for future growth.

Olivia Coldrey, in the role of Investment Director will be responsible for implementing the ASI’s strategic agenda in the key areas of RD&D investment and international engagement

Eric Lemon, in the role of Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation of the ASI portfolio in addition to the ASI’s financial reporting and CAC Act obligations and supporting the ASI Board.

As a result of growth in its R&D portfolio and scope of activity, the ASI is now also seeking candidates for the two exciting new roles of Knowledge Manager and Portfolio Manager.

The position of Portfolio Manager reports to the Investment Director and will proactively manage the ASI’s R&D project and skills development portfolio, acting as the primary ASI relationship manager at project level. In addition to managing and monitoring the existing portfolio, the Portfolio Manager will assist the Investment Director with investment strategy and work closely with the Knowledge Manager and CFO to capture portfolio learnings.

Portfolio Manager: http://www.seek.com.au/Job/portfolio-manager/in/newcastle-maitland-hunter/19107021

The position of Knowledge Manager reports to the Executive Director and is focused on the ASI’s key role of knowledge building and the collation and dissemination of information relating to solar technology, the R&D portfolio and key Commonwealth deployment programs such as the Solar Flagships program.

Knowledge Manager: http://www.seek.com.au/Job/knowledge-manager/in/newcastle-maitland-hunter/19105661

The ASI welcomes applications from persons interested in a 2-3 year secondment from their current employer, subject to the ASI agreeing satisfactory terms and conditions with the parent organisation. Selection for positions will be made on the basis of merit and potential secondees will be assessed on the same basis as all other applicants.

Initial enquiries, in complete confidence, can be directed to Forsythes Recruitment who is undertaking the initial selection process on behalf of the ASI.

Portfolio Manager: Sam Wallace, Senior Consultant, on 02 4935 3500 or 0409 928 211

Knowledge Manager: Sue Flanagan, Senior Consultant, on 02 4935 3500 or 0414 186 767

Alternatively, to submit your application, please email [email protected].

21 January 2011

INTERSOLAR 2011, MUNICH GERMANY, 8-10 JUNE 2011

Austrade, supported by the Australian Solar Institute, invites you to join Team Australia at the Intersolar Trade Show and Conference in Munich, Germany from 8-10 June 2011.

Intersolar is an international platform for solar technology that provides an opportunity for participants to promote their products and services, gain insights into emerging trends and network with international buyers and industry experts. The Team Australia approach will help Australian participants present a strong image of Australian solar capabilities.

More than 72,000 visitors from 153 countries attended Intersolar Europe 2010. In 2011, the number of visitors to the trade fair is expected to rise even further to 75,000, around 40 per cent of whom will be from abroad. Australian businesses or organisations active in photovoltaics, solar thermal, CST, CPV and solar research and development should consider attending.

For further information and to apply, please follow this link:

Intersolar 2011-Event Brochure 357kb PDF Applications close on 31 January 2011.

29 November 2010

ASI announces Round 2 Funding Outcomes and Scholarship and Fellowship Awardee Details.

Link to Minister Ferguson’s Media Release

ASI Round 2 Funding Scholarships Media Release

ASI Round 2 Factsheet

ASI Scholarships and Fellowships Factsheet

25 November 2010

ASI to present at Australian Solar Energy Society Conference in Canberra

Nov 30 to Dec 2 2010

AuSES Conference Press Release

18 November 2010

The Rise of Solar – Australian R&D at the Forefront: Launch of Australian Solar Institute Inaugural Strategic Plan

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) Board and management team was joined yesterday by the Honourable Martin Ferguson AM MP, Minister for Resources and Energy, to launch its 2010 to 2014 Strategic Plan. Present were MP’s from all sides of politics and a range of Australian solar energy research and development experts.

ASI Strategic Plan Launch Media Release – 17 November 2010

ASI Strategic Plan 2010 to 2014

Professor Martin Green – Presentation ASI Strategic Plan Launch

11 November 2010

Australian Solar Institute and Baker & McKenzie Release Research Report

Funding Models to Advance Australian Solar Innovation

ASI Baker & McKenzie Media Release

Baker and McKenzie ASI – Global Benchmarking Report – Solar RDD Funding Sources and Models

8 November 2010

ASI welcomes Australia – U.S. Solar Initiative

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) welcomed the announcement today by Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton of a new US-Australia Solar Research Collaboration initiative to accelerate the reduction in costs for solar energy technologies.

The ASI will manage the Australian Federal Government funding of up to AUD$50m.

The funding will support world-leading solar technology research and development in Australia and will focus on accelerating the reduction in the cost of solar power systems.

Collaboration between Australian and U.S. researchers and industry participants will include research scholarships, laboratory exchange programs, information exchange on research and development projects and demonstration programs as well as funding for joint research projects for new solar technologies. ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell said, “The ASI warmly welcomes the initiative, which will promote and strengthen collaboration between the world’s leading Australian and U.S. researchers on the development of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power technologies.”

“We look forward to working with our U.S. counterparts over coming months to design and implement a program that will accelerate efficiency and cost improvements in solar technologies,” Mr Twidell added.

A limited number of foundation projects have been identified as initial areas of focus for research collaboration; further details about these are available on the attached information note.

ASI Media Release Nov 7 2010

US Aus Solar Information

29 October 2010

27 September 2010

Austrade Solar Mission to Canada : December 6-10 2010

Austrade Solar Mission to Canada

1st September 2010

New sustainable energy funding opportunities – opening today and closing 2.00 PM Thursday 30 September 2010

The Victorian Government has allocated $30 million through its Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS) to sustainable energy research and development and pilot demonstration projects. This is divided into two separate grant programs (with up to a maximum of $5 million per project in each program):

$10 million for a Request For Proposals – Sustainable Energy Research & Development (SERD 2) program; and
$20 million for an Expressions of Interest – Sustainable Energy Pilot Demonstration (SEPD) program.

Both the SERD 2 and SEPD programs aim to facilitate the further development of pre-commercial sustainable energy technologies relevant to Victoria, and to allow the State to benefit from existing national and international investment in the most relevant and applicable sustainable energy technologies.

The SEPD program will be run in two stages: beginning with an EOI process, and then followed by a selective request for full proposals.

In addition, the $30 million ETIS funding for the SERD 2 and the SEPD programs includes an amount of $5 million specifically allocated for small-scale sustainable energy projects in the Latrobe Valley. DPI is administering this $5 million component of the $25 million Latrobe Valley Advantage Fund through its ETIS program. This is part of the Government’s Gippsland Regional Plan. The Latrobe Valley is defined as the municipal districts of Latrobe, Baw Baw and Wellington. The $5 million Latrobe Valley Advantage Fund may be allocated in whole to either, or in part to both the SERD 2 and the SEPD programs.

Stakeholder Forums
A forum for stakeholders for bothe SERD 2 and SEPD will be held in Melbourne, at the Treasury Theatre, 1 Macarther place, at 10.00 AM on Friday 3 September 2010. Interested parties are also invited to arrange individual workshops with the ETIS sustainable energy project team to discuss their proposal.

For more information on the programs, the stakeholder forums and documentation, please go to the ETIS website.

Energy Technology Innovation Strategy

Victoria is facing significant environmental challenges to the economic advantages it derives from utilisation of its very low-cost brown coal resources. The State accounts for 22 percent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and approximately 52 percent of these arise from the use of brown coal for electricity generation in the State.

The Victorian Government has committed to a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 2000 levels, by 2020, and up to 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources also by 2020. The proportion of energy supplied by renewable energy sources in the stationary energy sector needs to increase over time to meet the State’s emission reduction and electricity generation targets.

As the key stakeholder for the Victorian community, the Government is seeking to deliver two key policy objectives:

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the supply and use of energy in order to develop over time a sustainable energy sector; and
To drive improvements in energy efficiency and facilitate investment in sustainable energy supply sources to support the continuing competitiveness of Victoria’s industrial base.

Delivering these objectives requires leadership and a well-coordinated and well-funded approach by the Government, working with researchers and industry, to ensure successful progression of new, low-emission energy technologies through their innovation processes.

The objective of ETIS is to drive prospective sustainable energy technologies down their respective cost curves and, in so doing, ensure that a portfolio of low cost, low emissions technologies are available for commercial deployment to minimise the economic impact of a cost on carbon.

Since 2001, the Victorian Government has committed around $162 million to sustainable energy technologies through ETIS, which have subsequently attracted investment of over $1 billion from private and Australian Government sources.

Today’s announcements are part of the government’s commitment to taking strong action on climate change, to position Victoria to have a strong economy, sustainable communities, and a better, cleaner world, as outlined in Taking Action for Victoria’s Future. Victoria’s Climate Change Paper – The Action Plan,July 2010. Refer to the Premier’s website for more information.

Jenniy Gregory
Manager Sustainable Technology Development
Department of Primary Industries
Level 17, 1 Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
TEL: 03-9658 4482
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/etis

10 August 2010

Australian Solar Institute turns one-

And that’s good news for all Australians!

Today, 10 August 2010, marks the first year anniversary of the formation of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI).

Having created a $144m portfolio of projects that has attracted $87m of external funding from domestic and international industry, research institutions and State Governments, the ASI is well on its way to realise its mission to proactively foster and support excellent Research & Development (R&D) in Australia to accelerate commercial deployment of photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies.

The ASI invests in solar thermal and solar photovoltaic R&D with an aim to foster greater collaboration and between solar researchers in universities, research institutions and industry and to help forge strong links with peak overseas solar research organisations.

Some of the ASI’s highlights to date include:

The funding of excellent R&D by world class Australian researchers. Through a transparent and competitive process the ASI has created a $144m portfolio of projects that has attracted $87m of external funding from domestic and international industry, research institutions and State Governments.
Skills development. The ASI will this week close a skills development funding round for PhD scholarships and post-doctorate fellowships. The response has been excellent.
Information dissemination. ASI staff have spoken at more than 20 events, both nationally and abroad, imparting information about the exciting advances in the solar industry and encouraging more R&D in this field.
National collaboration. ASI staff have briefed State Government Ministers and officials to provide information and analysis on Australia’s solar strengths, the state of the solar market and the role of the ASI. These discussions have been successful, with financial commitments secured and more to follow.
International collaboration. The ASI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the prestigious German Fraunhofer Institute and is currently progressing collaborative arrangements with another major German research institute and U.S. counterparts.

"The ASI look forward to an exciting future as we aim to drive collaborative and focused R&D that will have a major impact on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies, which is good news for all Australians,” ASI Executive Director, Mark Twidell said.

The ASI is a $100m part of the Commonwealth Government’s $5.1 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The CEI complements the Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low-emission energy technologies, including solar energy.

-ENDS-

For more information see the ASI website www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au

ASI contact:

Mark Twidell, Executive Director, ASI.

Telephone: 02 4960 6300

Email: [email protected]

14 July 2010

NSW Science Leveraging Fund Calls For Intentions to Request Funding

The NSW Government’s Science Leveraging Fund (SLF) call for Intention to Request Funding (IRF) is open for eligible NSW consortia to help enhance their bids under a range of Commonwealth Government research and infrastructure programs. The SLF can be used to support applications for funding under the following Commonwealth programs:

Australian Solar Institute 2010/11 competitive bids;
Cooperative Research Centres Round 13;
Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence 2010 Round; and
Education Investment Fund Super Science

For more information, please refer to the NSW Office for Science and Medical Research (a unit within Industry and Investment NSW) website for details including the guidelines and IRF form: http://www.osmr.nsw.gov.au/science_and_innovation/science_leveraging_fund
Closing date for SLF ASI applicants is 5pm, Sunday, 25 July 2010.

6 July 2010

Prestigious ASI Scholarship Award Program

CALLING ALL SOLAR SCIENTISTS – DO YOU HAVE A BRIGHT IDEA?

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) is now calling for solar research scientists with a recognised capability in Photovoltaic (PV) or Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) technology to apply for one of seven study grants, with an estimated total value of up to $1.5 million.

The ASI is a $100 million commitment by the Australian Commonwealth Government to invest in research and development to accelerate to market innovation in PV and CST technologies. A key role of the ASI as Australia’s pre-eminent Solar R&D investment organisation is to develop the nation’s Solar R&D skill base.

The ASI is calling for applications for up to 4 PhD scholarships and 3 Postdoctoral fellowships. Applicants should propose research activity in the areas of Photovoltaics, or Concentrated Solar Thermal that is recognised as cutting edge globally.

ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell is enthused about these prestigious postgraduate research grants as he believes that they will assist the ASI to realise their objective to retain local, and attract to Australia international expertise in solar energy research.

“The aim of these study grants is to unlock the potential of some of the world’s best, solar researchers, and in doing so support the growth in skills and capacity in solar technologies for the domestic and international markets in Australia. Australia has globally recognised talent and we want to support it” Mr Twidell said.

Applications close on 5 August, and will be reviewed by the ASI Research Advisory Committee with recommendations made for decision by the ASI Board in September 2010.

The Australian Solar Institute is supported by the Australian Commonwealth Government through the $5.1 billion Clean Energy Initiative, which also includes the $1.5 billion Solar Flagships Program and the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy.

For more information see the ASI Funding Page.

ASI contact:

Mark Twidell, Executive Director, ASI.

28 June 2010

The ASI has recently reviewed Expressions of Interest for its second round of funding

The ASI received an excellent response with Seventy-two EOIs were received from research institutions and industry, requesting funding of approximately $93.5 million to support projects with an aggregate value of $241 million. The number and quality of EOIs resulted in a highly competitive selection process through the ASI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC), with the RAC recommending to the ASI Board that approximately one third of proponents that submitted EOIs be invited to submit full proposals in Round 2. These proposals will be evaluated in August with the ASI Board making final funding decisions in September 2010.

2 June 2010

RD&D funding sources – scope of work

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) invests in research and development to accelerate innovation in, and the commercial deployment of, solar photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce the levelised cost of solar energy compared to existing stationary energy sources. Since its establishment in 2009, the ASI has created a significant portfolio of solar R&D project investments, leveraged by public and private sector funding.

The ASI has been established with a long-term agenda. Attracting further investment and encouraging collaboration nationally and internationally are key roles of the Institute to ensure sustained support for innovation in solar energy in Australia. The ASI engages with government, industry and the community to promote the interests of the solar R&D community and to facilitate the development and implementation of solar technologies. The Institute also provides a forum for the discussion of ideas and the promotion of multidisciplinary research and institutional collaboration in relation to solar energy technologies. A key role of the ASI will be to disseminate the economic and technical learnings of the Australian Government’s $1.5 bn Solar Flagships Program.

The ASI is seeking expressions of interest from organisations interested in producing a global benchmarking report on optimal funding models to support research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of solar technologies.

The ASI envisages a high level report of approximately 20 pages in length that outlines and assesses the key sources of funding for solar RD&D internationally and makes recommendations for the application of appropriate funding models to the Australian context. Ideally the report would outline the advantages and disadvantages of different funding models for solar RD&D that have been deployed internationally, with a particular emphasis on public-private funding models and non-government finance.

The primary purpose of the report would be to help the ASI attract additional investment into solar RD&D in Australia and ultimately to reduce the cost of solar energy through a more effective and efficient deployment of solar technologies. The ASI will use the information contained in the report to identify and potentially design innovative funding models for solar RD&D in Australia.

Benefits to the participating organisation include:

the opportunity to develop thought leadership in an area of high economic, social and environmental importance to Australia;
co-branding with the ASI on public dissemination of the report’s findings;
access to Australia’s leading solar researchers in developing the report; and
the possibility of the ASI commissioning a more detailed piece of work from the report’s author(s) in the future.

The ASI expects that it will share with the participating organisation the costs of producing the report, with the ASI contributing management time and expertise on an in-kind basis.

Expressions of interest for this work will close on 18 June 2010. The ASI expects to work with the successful applicant towards production of the report on or before Friday 6 August 2010.

28 May 2010

ASI Receives 72 Expressions of Interest for Round 2 Funding

The ASI closed its call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for its second funding round on May 21st 2010. Seventy two (72) EOIs were received from a wide range of Industry and Research organisations. The ASI Research Advisory Committee will now review the EOIs and recommend to the ASI Board a short list of proponents that will be invited to submit full proposals in Round 2. The ASI Board anticipate advising proponents the status of their Round 2 EOI by 30 June 2010. Only highly meritorious projects will be funded in Round 2, with the ASI unlikely to commit all of its remaining funding in this round. Funding will be retained for future rounds, for leveraging new funding sources and for the brokering of strategic projects. The amount of funding to be released in Round 2 and the funding allocations against each research area are at the discretion of the ASI Board. Details of the unallocated ASI funding can be found on the News page of the ASI website from 23 April 2010.

27 May 2010

ASI appoints GHD to provide Communication Support Services.

The ASI Board has entered into a communication support services contract with GHD. The ASI received 21 strong proposals from a range of local and national firms. GHD were selected on the basis of their local Newcastle and national presence, technical capability and commitment to deliver material on time and within agreed budget. GHD is an international network of professional and technical consultants serving clients in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.

27 May 2010

Renewable Energy and Efficiency Mission to China: July 5-9 2010

Event Brochure Renewable Energy Mission ACRE invitation

11 May 2010

Australian Solar Institute Invests $18.45 Million in Solar Research

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) has today announced funding for five solar research and development projects of $18.45 million.
Taking into account contributions from research, industry and State government project collaborators the total leveraged value of these five projects is $67.7 million.

ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell said, “This funding brings the total ASI investment portfolio to $44.5 million, helping to fund thirteen R&D projects with a total leveraged value of around $131 million.”

“We are delighted to support these projects, which bring collaborative partnerships between industry and research to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of solar energy,” Mr Twidell said.

The ASI invests in research and development to accelerate to market innovation in Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) technologies, which have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of solar energy compared to existing energy sources.

ASI Board Chair Jenny Goddard said “the ASI is pleased with the leverage industry and other funders are providing to these important projects which will support more than 100 of Australia’s leading solar researchers over the next 4 years.”

The five funded projects announced today are:

University of New South Wales: Overcoming the Fundamental Performance Limitations of Commercial Solar Cells.
$5.0m funding to support a $24.16m applied research project in collaboration with Suntech Power and Silex Solar.
The project targets the delivery of a 25% performance increase with a corresponding 15-20% reduction in solar cell costs in $/watt.

BT Imaging Pty Ltd : Inline Inspection Tools for Photovoltaic Manufacturing.
$2.25m funding to support a $5.43m applied research project in collaboration with Q-Cells, REC Wafer, ANU & CSIRO.
The project looks to develop an inspection tool to find micro-cracks in silicon wafers and cells during their manufacture and an inspection tool that delivers process and quality control, and sorting of multi-crystalline and mono-crystalline silicon blocks.

Sapphicon Semiconductor Pty Ltd, a Silanna Group Company: A High Efficiency, Integrated Solar Module on a Transparent Substrate.
$2.25 million funding to support a $15.65m applied research project.
The project aims to deliver significant improvements in the efficiency, cost and robustness of concentrating photovoltaic systems through the development of novel, high efficiency, single-crystal silicon solar cells.

CSIRO and the Australian National University: Development of Advanced Solar Thermal Energy Storage Technologies for Integration with Energy Intensive Industrial Processes and Electricity Generation.
$4.0m funding to support a $9.0m core funded research project.
The project will develop cost-effective thermal storage systems to generate solar electricity after dark. This is required for solar thermal energy to make a significant contribution to Australia’s electricity market.

Australian National University: Next Generation of Solar Cells.
$4.95m funding to support a $13.5m applied research project in collaboration with Transform Solar (an Origin Energy Joint Venture with Micron Technology, Inc.).
The project looks to significantly increase SLIVER cell efficiency and simplify the cell fabrication process to lower fabrication costs, while also allowing improvements in cell yield.

The funding announced to date by the ASI for all projects is subject to grantees acceptance of the terms of the ASI funding agreement.

The ASI recently called for proposals for Round 2 funding, with a closing date for expressions of interest of 21 May 2010.

ASI contact: Mark Twidell, Executive Director, ASI.

ASI Round 1 Funding Media Release Final May 11th 2010 459 KB

ASI Round 1 Funding Factsheet Final May 11th 2010 697 KB

23 April 2010

ASI CALLS FOR PROPOSALS FOR A SECOND FUNDING ROUND

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) invests in research and development in order to accelerate to market innovation in photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar thermal (CST) technologies. The priority is research that has the potential to significantly reduce the levelised cost of solar energy (LCOE).

The ASI is now calling for submission of proposals to its funding Round 2. Building on its Round 1 investment decisions (announced December 2009 and with further announcements anticipated by June 30th 2010), the ASI has identified focus areas for Round 2. Proposals which address these focus areas are expected to be highly competitive, however, high quality proposals outside the focus areas will also be considered. Such proposals will be considered in the context of the ASI’s wider objectives and commitment to support excellence as assessed by our Research Advisory Committee and supported by the ASI Board.

Focus Areas for Round 2

In photovoltaics (PV) innovation ASI has a particular focus in this round on R&D in technologies which are not yet commercialised in the market place. These technologies should offer the opportunity to substantially lower the lifetime cost of solar electricity and therefore increase commercial deployment within the next decade. The path to cost reduction could be through challenging current efficiency thresholds, or alternative materials cost structures compared to the limited number of technologies that dominate today’s market.

Note: the projects funded in the Foundation Round and in Round 1 were dominated by support for advancing the position of single junction silicon technologies. While proposals in this area are not excluded, proponents should consider that the ASI Board has a desire to create a portfolio of R&D investments across a suite of PV technology areas with short, medium and long term potential. The ASI will focus on electricity generation technology that has the potential to compete with current stationary forms of electricity supplied to the Australian market.

In concentrating solar thermal (CST) innovation the ASI is seeking proposals Round 2 which will reduce the levelised cost of solar energy by increasing the efficiency of CST energy generation and reduce the cost of its capture and delivery. This includes research into increasing temperatures, dispatchability, hybrids (i.e. linking and integrating different thermal energy sources), reducing materials and solar field costs, reducing water dependency and reducing operating and maintenance costs. Technologies that seek to displace conventional electricity requirements with thermal energy need to demonstrate a clear path to market that will credibly result in commercial deployment.

In enabling research the ASI is seeking proposals which advance the knowledge base and reduce barriers to deployment of solar energy in Australia. For example projects which:

Examine grid and transmission development needs to enable solar expansion;
Team with the fossil fuels industry to investigate options to increase solar field deployment and reduce emissions through solar / fossil hybrid applications;
Increase finance sector confidence to invest in solar by identifying key investment risks and proposing global best practice mitigations;
Research generation forecasting techniques that build on best practice in solar deployment in Europe and wind deployment in Australia.

In skills development the ASI will be calling in June for applications for scholarships in a limited number of Masters, PhD and post doctorate areas. Industry placement and collaborative opportunities will be encouraged.

Only highly meritorious projects will be funded in Round 2, with the ASI unlikely to commit all of its remaining funds (refer Table 1 for remaining funding availability). Some funding will be retained for future rounds, for leveraging new funding sources and for the brokering of strategic projects. The amount of funding to be released in Round 2 and the funding allocations against each area are at the discretion of the ASI Board.

Table 1: ASI Funding for R&D under Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth (to 2014)

Area	Foundation Grants	Round 1 announced or Under Negotiation	Unallocated for future rounds and leverage
PV	$10m	c$20.5m	c$10.4m*
CST	$5m	c$10.5m	c$25.4*
Knowledge Building & Skills Development		<$1.0m	c$5.0m

* Included in the $10.4m PV figure is up to $3.5m earmarked for Core Funding Proposals and included in the $25.4m CST figure is $4m earmarked for Core Funding Proposals. Core institutions are ANU, CSIRO and UNSW. All funding allocations are at the sole determination of the ASI Board.

In all areas, industry and state government partnerships that increase project funding leverage beyond the matched funding criteria and reduce commercialisation risk will be viewed favourably. The same minimum matched funding requirements as applied in Round 1 will also apply in Round 2. Note: This excludes state government contributions. Any State government contributions will however help increase the overall leverage of ASI funds which will be viewed favourably.

Further information about eligibility and ineligibility of proposals is contained in the Funding Proposal Guidelines, along with the funding limits per project in applied and basic areas. All EOI documentation for Round 2 is available on the ASI website. ASI staff members are also available to answer questions.

Submission and Assessment Process

The funding round will be undertaken over two stages. A call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be followed by an invitation to shortlisted proponents from the EOI stage to submit full proposals. Assessment of proposals will be undertaken in two stages by the ASI Research Advisory Committee (RAC). It is anticipated that proponents will be advised of outcomes from the EOI process by 30 June 2010. Proponents will then have 4-5 weeks to prepare and submit full proposals. The ASI Board aims to make final funding decisions before the end of September 2010 following advice from the Research Advisory Committee and ASI management.

Timeline

The following are the target dates for the EOI phase followed by the invitation to submit full proposals:

23 April: Round 2 launched with invitation for submission of EOIs;
21 May: Closing date for submission of EOIs;
May-June: Assessment of EOIs by ASI Research Advisory Committee;
Late June: Proponents advised of EOI outcome;
June – August: Invitation to shortlist of EOI proposals to submit Full Proposals for funding;
Late September: ASI Board makes Round 2 funding decisions.

Note: The ASI reserves the right to adjust these dates and timelines, proponents will be notified of any changes via the ASI website.

Clarification on any of the information provided can be requested be contacting the ASI team at [email protected] or on

02 4960 6300

ASI Round 2 Web Material Final 185 KB

13 April 2010

ASI announce intention to Open Round 2 Funding on April 23rd 2010

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) invests in research and development to accelerate to market innovation in photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar thermal (CST) technologies which have the potential to significantly reduce the levelised cost of solar energy (LCOE) when compared to existing energy sources and the current global solar energy cost benchmarks.

The first Round of ASI funding closed in late September 2009 with initial results announced in December 2009. There are a number of Round 1 projects still under negotiation with further announcements anticipated during May 2010.

The ASI Management team is currently finalising the guidelines and application forms for Round 2 which will be made available via the ASI web site when the funding round is opened. Round 2 will be a two stage process with an initial call for expressions of interest (EOI) from interested parties.

The following are the target dates for the EOI phase of the ASI Round 2 funding:

23 April: Round 2 launched with invitation for submission of EOIs; proposal guide and application materials posted on ASI web site, advertising in national media.
21 May: closing date for submission of EOIs.

The EOIs will undergo a detailed review by the ASI Research Advisory Committee who will provide advice to the ASI Board, with a shortlist of proponents then being invited to submit detailed proposals. It is anticipated that proponents will be advised of outcomes from the EOI process by 30 June 2010. Proponents will then have 4-5 weeks to prepare and submit full proposals. The ASI Board aims to make final funding decisions before the end of September 2010 following advice from the Research Advisory Committee and ASI management.

Highly meritorious projects will be funded in Round 2,however the ASI is unlikely to commit all of its remaining funds. Some funding will be retained for future rounds, for leveraging new funding sources and for brokering of strategic projects. The amount of funding to be released in Round 2 will be at the discretion of the ASI Board.

The ASI will identify specific focus areas of interest for funding in Round 2. However, exceptional high quality proposals outside the focus areas will also be considered. In all areas, industry and state government partnerships that increase project funding leverage beyond the matched funding criteria and reduce commercialisation risk will be viewed favourably. The same minimum matched funding requirements as applied in Round 1 will also apply in Round 2. Note: This excludes state government contributions. Any State government contributions will however help increase the overall leverage of ASI funds.

In photovoltaics (PV) innovation the ASI has a particular focus in this round on R&D in technologies not yet commercialised in the market place that offer the opportunity to substantially lower the lifetime cost of solar electricity and therefore increase commercial deployment within the next decade. The path to cost reduction could be through challenging current efficiency thresholds, or alternative materials cost structures to the limited number of technologies that dominate today’s market. Note: the projects funded in the foundation round and Round 1 were dominated by support for advancing the position of single junction silicon technologies. While proposals in this area are not excluded, proponents should consider that the ASI Board has a desire to create a portfolio of R&D investments across a suite of PV technology areas with short, medium and long term potential. The ASI will focus on electricity generation technology that has the potential to compete with current stationary forms of electricity supplied to the Australian market.

In concentrating solar thermal (CST) innovation the ASI is seeking proposals in this round which will reduce the levelised cost of solar energy by increasing the efficiency of CST energy generation and reduce the cost of its capture and delivery. This includes research into increasing steam temperatures, dispatchability, hybrids (i.e. linking and integrating different thermal energy sources), reducing materials and solar field costs, reducing water dependency and reducing operating and maintenance costs. Technologies that seek to displace conventional electricity requirements with thermal energy need to demonstrate a clear path to market that will credibly result in commercial deployment.

In enabling research ASI is seeking proposals which advance the knowledge base and reduces barriers to deployment of solar energy in Australia. For examples projects which:

examine grid and transmission development needs to enable solar expansion
team with the fossil fuels industry to investigate options to increase solar field deployment and reduce emissions through solar / fossil hybrid applications
increase finance sector confidence to invest in solar by identifying key investment risks and proposing global best practice mitigations
research generation forecasting techniques that build on best practice in solar deployment in Europe and wind in Australia.

Clarification can be requested be contacting the ASI team at

ASI announce intention to Open Round 2 Funding on April 23rd 2010 241kb PDF

25 March 2010

AUSTRALIAN COMPETITIVE GRANTS REGISTER (ACGR).

The Australian Solar Institute’s Competitive Component R&D Project Grants have been listed on the 2010 Australian Competitive Grants Register (ACGR).

Income that Higher Education Providers receive from schemes listed on the ACGR is used by DIISR to allocate Research Infrastructure Block Grant (RIBG) funding.

For further details please refer to the ACGR website at the following link.

http://www.innovation.gov.au/Section/Research/Pages/AustralianCompetitiveGrantsRegister(ACGR).aspx

2 March 2010

INTERSOLAR 2010, GERMANY, 7-11 JUNE 2010

Austrade, supported by the Australian Solar Institute, invites you to join Team Australia at the Intersolar Trade Show and Conference in Munich, Germany from 7-11 June 2010.

This year Intersolar is expected to attract 1500 exhibitors and 60000 trade visitors. Australian businesses or organisations active in photovoltaics, solar thermal, CST, CPV and solar research and development should consider attending.

For further information and to apply, please follow this link:

Intersolar Germany Brochure 90kb PDF Applications close on 10 March 2010.

18 February 2010

AUSTRALIAN SOLAR INSTITUTE FORGES STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH PRESTIGIOUS FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) has established new ties with a leading European solar research body to accelerate solar power development.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in Canberra today between the ASI and the Fraunhofer Institute, Europe’s largest research institution. Closer ties between the two institutions were initiated during Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s July 2009 visit to Germany, in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Among the possible range of activities under the MoU, the two institutes will be able to collaborate on solar energy technology development and deployment, including sharing views and contributing to international programs on opportunities and challenges for solar energy in a global and local context.

Fraunhofer’s Head of International Business Development responsible for relations with Australia, Dr. Eckart Bierdümpel, said “now with the MoU in place, we do have the right framework for a whole range of activities. It offers a good starting point for cooperation between the ASI and Fraunhofer.”

There is also provision in the MoU for joint R&D projects, support for solar skills development and education in Australia and Germany through scholarships and exchanges, and information sharing. The two parties aim to expand upon the historical collaboration between Fraunhofer and Australian research institutions, and to foster new collaborations.

ASI Executive Director Mark Twidell said “the agreement will aim to maximise the synergy between solar research activity in Europe and Australia.” He said, “The two institutions recognise the important role solar energy will play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying energy supply.”

The Australian Solar Institute is key to fast tracking solar energy development in Australia. In January 2009 the Federal Government committed A$100 million to the ASI to help fund and support the research and development of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic technologies.
The ASI will be a catalyst for industry and research collaboration and information dissemination. The ASI aims to do this by providing financial support to a number of R&D projects and encouraging links between solar researchers and industry both within Australia and overseas.
The ultimate goal of the ASI is to significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies and to speed up commercial deployment. This knowledge will benefit all Australians as communities around the world work to reduce their carbon emissions through alternative energy sources.

ASI contact: Mark Twidell, Executive Director

BACKGROUND

The Australian Government has committed A$4.5 billion to a Clean Energy Initiative to support research, development and demonstration of low emissions energy technologies, including solar energy.

The Clean Energy Initiative includes A$100 million to establish the ASI, to provide support for Australian solar research and development (R&D) that will have an impact on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies and accelerate their commercial deployment.

The ASI remit includes forging international collaboration along with investment in local Solar R&D activity in Australia. The ASI announced in December 2009 the initial outcomes from the first round of funding.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s largest research institution with 17,000 employees and 60 institutes. Its annual budget is over 1.5 billion Euros, two thirds earned through industrial and public funded projects. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the legal entity signing the MoU.
The key objective of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is to transform scientific expertise into applications of practical utility.

The Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE, a specialist institute of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, develops materials, components, systems and processes for the following business areas: energy-efficient buildings and technical building components, solar thermal systems, applied optics and functional surfaces, silicon photovoltaics, alternative photovoltaic technology, renewable power generation and hydrogen technology.

Print Press Release 218kb PDF

17 December 2009

AUSTRALIAN SOLAR INSTITUTE (ASI) TO TURBOCHARGE SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS FIRST ROUND GRANTS

The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) announced today it would support a number of innovative solar research and development (R&D) projects to accelerate development of solar energy and to reinforce Australia’s leading solar research capabilities.

The projects include a 30% more efficient lower cost photovoltaic cell, thermionic devices that could generate electricity direct from heat and nanotechnology to capture light. Research is also being done on organic photovoltaic solar cells that can be incorporated into building materials and solar thermal units to power steam turbines.

Around $11 million will be made available (subject to satisfactory negotiation of the terms and conditions of funding) to help fund five (5) R&D projects valued at around $31 million which are under development at several universities around the country and at the CSIRO.

The Chair of the ASI, Jenny Goddard said, “The ASI is delighted to provide funding support to these 5 excellent projects. They offer significant potential to reduce the cost of solar energy by accelerating the development of photovoltaic cells and concentrating solar thermal technologies.”

She said, “These projects will help ensure Australia’s world class solar researchers remain at the forefront of developments in this field. ”

The ASI Board has authorised further discussions in respect of several other promising projects arising from the first round of applications. Further announcements will be made pending the outcome of commercial-in-confidence discussions with the relevant applicants and their collaborative partners.
ASI Executive Director, Mark Twidell said “the ASI was very impressed by the high standard of the 87 funding applications received by the October 2009 deadline. It was a highly competitive funding round which reflects the strength and breadth of solar R&D activity in Australia”.

“Our 3 foundation projects announced in January 2009 aimed to develop key infrastructure for research into solar concentrating and photovoltaic technologies. The projects announced today build on these technologies and also include research in the area of organic solar, where the potential to generate electricity from simple low cost chemical processes has long term potential.”

Mr Twidell said “a further R&D funding round is expected to be announced in the first half of 2010. The ASI will work proactively with potential R&D project proponents to encourage excellence, collaboration and to maximise commercial investment and development.”

The ASI welcomes investment in its funding program from organisations interested in promoting increased use of solar energy.

The Australian Solar Institute is supported by the Australian Government through the $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The Clean Energy Initiative includes the $1.5 billion Solar Flagships Program, the $2.4 billion Carbon Capture and Storage Flagships Program, the $560 million Australian Centre for Renewable Energy and the $100 million Australian Solar Institute.

Further information on the successful projects and a factsheet detailing the Round 1 process is available on the funding page – click here

ASI contact: Mark Twidell, Executive Director, ASI.

Project Summaries.

University of New South Wales: Development and Commercialisation of High Efficiency Silicon Solar Cell Technology. $3.972m funding to support a $12.75m core funded research project.
University of Newcastle: Fabrication of Thermionic Devices Using Directional Solidification / Sintering Processes for High Temperature Concentrating Solar Thermal Applications. $515,000 funding to support a $700,000 basic research project.
CSIRO and the Australian National University: Advanced steam generating receivers for high concentration solar collectors. $4.084m funding to support a $9.7m core funded research project.
Australian National University: Plasmonics for high efficiency Photovoltaic Solar Cells using nanotechnology to capture more light. $1.67m funding to support a $5.84m applied research funded project.
University of Queensland: New Materials and Architectures for Organic Solar Cells – Beyond the Shockley-Queisser Limit. $945,000 funding to support a $1.945m basic research funded project.

Print Press Release 154kb PDF

12 November 2009

NSW Science Leveraging Fund Calls For Expressions of Interest

The NSW Science Leveraging Fund (SLF) call for Expressions of Interest is open, with total funding of up to $5 million available. The SLF can be used to support applications for funding under the following Commonwealth programs:

Cooperative Research Centres Program Rounds 11 and 12
Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence
Education Investment Fund Super Science infrastructure consortia (Fabrication; Data Commons; and Integrated Marine Observing System)
Australian Solar Institute 2009 competitive bids.

Please refer to the OSMR website for details including the guidelines and EOI form: http://www.osmr.nsw.gov.au/science_and_innovation/science_leveraging_fund

Expressions of interest for the SLF close on 26 November at 5pm.

09 November 2009

AUSTRALIAN SOLAR INSTITUTE CEO AND RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED

The Board of the Australian Solar Institute Limited (ASI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Mark Twidell as the inaugural CEO of the ASI. Mr Twidell will also be a Director on the Board. He takes up his position as full-time CEO/Executive Director of the ASI on 9 November 2009.

The ASI is a $100m commitment by the Australian Government. Its mission is “to proactively foster and support excellent research and development in Australia to accelerate commercial deployment of photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies”. The ASI will strategically drive collaborative R&D aimed at having a major impact on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar technologies, for the benefit of the Australian solar community and the Australian public. It will also disseminate the economic and technical learnings from solar research and deployment programs and will act as a catalyst and champion for Australia’s leadership strengths in solar R&D.

Mr Twidell brings to the position strong solar technological and commercial expertise as well as significant private sector senior executive experience both in Australia and internationally. He worked with BP for over 20 years, most recently as BP Solar’s Performance Unit Leader for global commercial operations outside of Europe and the USA. He was appointed to the ASI on merit from amongst a strong field. Mark will lead a small, high quality ASI staff team headquartered in Newcastle, NSW. This team includes ASI’s two newly appointed Research Investment Managers, Ms Olivia Coldrey and Ms Anwen Lovett.

“Mark Twidell brings to the ASI a rare combination of technological and commercial expertise, extensive networks, strong management skills and a genuine passion for the ongoing development of solar technologies”, Ms Jenny Goddard, Chair of the ASI said.

The Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Alex Wonhas to the Board of the ASI. Dr Wonhas is employed by CSIRO as Director of CSIRO’s Energy Transformed Flagship. Mr Twidell and Dr Wonhas join the previously announced Board appointees Jenny Goddard (Chair), Mike Sargent, Peter Thomas, Michael Cardew-Hall and Jason Coombs on the now fully-constituted 7 person Board.

The Board is also pleased to announce appointments to the ASI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC will advise the ASI Board and staff to inform strategic planning and will perform robust assessments of applications for ASI R&D funding.

“The Board is particularly pleased that many of Australia’s leading and internationally renowned solar technology and technology commercialisation experts have accepted the Board’s invitation to join the Research Advisory Committee”, Ms Goddard said. “This world class group will greatly assist the Board to make strategic investments in excellent R&D proposals and in building respected international partnerships”. The Board has in place appropriate mechanisms and procedures to manage any potential conflicts of interest that may arise.

The Research Advisory Committee will be chaired by Dr Bruce Godfrey and will comprise Professor Martin Green (UNSW), Professor Andrew Holmes (University of Melb), Professor Andrew Blakers (ANU), Mr Wes Stein (CSIRO) Professor Phillip Jennings (Murdoch University), Mr Peter Meurs (Worley Parsons) and Dr Muriel Watt (IT Power). Professor Keith Lovegrove (ANU) and Dr Gerry Wilson (CSIRO) will temporarily join the RAC for its initial round of application assessments. The ASI also expects to draw on selected international experts as needed to assist in assessing funding applications.

“The ASI is now well and truly up and running. The Board and key staff have been appointed and first round competitive R&D funding proposals from industry and research institutions are currently being assessed”, Ms Goddard said. “I would like to thank the Interim CEO, Dr Bruce Godfrey, other members of the interim staff team and members of the ASI Establishment Committee for their hard work in establishing the ASI and in launching the initial funding round, which closed on 16 October”, Ms Goddard said.

Media contact: Jenny Goddard, Chair of ASI Board 0408 646 620

DETAILS OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOLAR INSTITUTE APPOINTEES

Executive Director:
Mr Mark Twidell is the full time Executive Director of the ASI. Mr Twidell has over 20 years’ experience in the solar industry. He was formerly Solar Performance Unit Leader at BP Solar and has extensive international experience in the solar energy sector.

Board:
Dr Alex Wonhas is the Director of the Energy Transformed Flagship at CSIRO. Prior to his appointment to this position in August 2009, he was Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company where he consulted in the areas of resources, energy and climate change. Dr Wonhas holds a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Cambridge.

Research Advisory Committee:
Dr Bruce Godfrey (Chair) is an experienced CEO whose career has been built in business, investment, government and research fields. Through Wyld Group Pty Ltd he is applying this experience and knowledge to the advancement and commercialisation of technologies, investment readiness of products and companies, and innovation policy and programs.

Scientia Professor Martin Green FAA FTSE is Scientia Professor at the University of NSW and Executive Research Director of the ARC Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence. He is also a Director of CSG Solar, which commercialises UNSW’s thin-film, polycrystalline-silicon-on-glass solar cell. His group has developed the world’s highest-efficiency silicon solar cells.

Professor Andrew Holmes AM FRS FAA FTSE is a CSIRO Fellow, University of Melbourne Laureate Professor of Chemistry and Distinguished Research Fellow at Imperial College. In Australia he has led a national consortium of researchers who are developing thin film organic and polymeric materials for excitonic and dye sensitised solar cells.

Professor Andrew Blakers is the Foundation Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems at the Australian National University and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Solar Energy Systems. Particular interests are highly efficient solar cells, thin crystalline silicon solar cells (including Sliver solar cell technology) and solar concentrators.

Mr Wes Stein is the Manager of the CSIRO National Solar Energy Centre (NSEC) and leads its Solar Thermal Team. He has extensive experience in the energy and power industry with a strong background in thermodynamic cycles, and solar thermal power in particular.

Professor Phil Jennings is Professor of Physics and Energy Studies at Murdoch University and has been involved in renewable energy research and education for more than 25 years.

Mr Peter Meurs is Managing Director of WorleyParsons’ EcoNomics Unit which promotes profitable sustainability. He is working on large scale concentrated thermal and PV solar power facilities plus integrated fossil fuel solar hybrid solutions.

Dr Muriel Watt is a Project Manager with IT Power Australia. IT Power is a leading international energy consultancy which specialises in sustainable energy technologies and policy, and related economic, financial, commercial and environmental work. She is also Chair of the Australian PV Association (APVA).

Dr Gerry Wilson leads the Flexible Electronics Theme in CSIRO’s Future Manufacturing Flagship. Dr Wilson established the Flexible Electronics Theme in 2006 with a particular focus on developing materials and processes for Organic Photovoltaics (OPV), Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLEDS) and Organic Field Effect Transistors (OFETS).

Prof Keith Lovegrove is the leader of the Solar Thermal Group in the Department of Engineering at the Australian National University. He also teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Energy Systems and Systems Engineering within the Department of Engineering.

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09 November, 2009

SOLAR INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Mark Twidell as the Executive Director of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI).

The $100 million ASI was launched in January 2009, with the announcement of three foundation projects for the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales and CSIRO.

The ASI Company was registered on 10 August 2009 and a call for competitive grants closed on 16 October 2009. The ASI is a significant priority for the government as the primary mechanism for supporting research and development of solar technologies in Australia.

As the full-time Executive Director of the ASI, Mr Twidell will also be a director on its Board. He was chosen by the ASI Board from a large field of candidates for this important role.

Minister Ferguson said: “Mr Twidell brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held senior positions with BP Solar for more than 20 years.

“His appointment is an important step in the development of the Australian Solar Institute.” The Minister also thanked Dr Bruce Godfrey for undertaking the role of interim Executive Director.

“Dr Godfrey has played an important leadership role in establishing the ASI and I look forward to his continued involvement with the organisation as the Chair of its Research Advisory Committee,” he said.

The ASI today also announced the composition of the Research Advisory Committee. A further non-executive director, Dr Alex Wonhas, Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship, has also recently been appointed to the Board. The seven-member Board, chaired by Ms Jenny Goddard, is now fully constituted.

The ASI is part of the Government’s $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The CEI complements the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the expanded Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low-emission energy technologies, including solar energy, that will help transform Australia into a low-carbon economy.

For further information on today’s ASI announcement contact: Michael Bradley (Ferguson) – 0420 371 744 Jenny Goddard (ASI) – 0408 646 620

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28 August, 2009

ZAYED FUTURE ENERGY PRIZE CALLS FOR AUSTRALIAN SUBMISSIONS
Future energy innovators invited to enter for prestigious prize; 8 weeks to go until submissions close for the 2010 prize

The Zayed Future Energy Prize, a global competition which recognises innovation, long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and technologies, is currently open for nominations and submissions from Australia’s solar community.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize is open to any individual, company or non-governmental organization (NGO) that can demonstrate a tangible clean energy solution and is worth 2.2 million (USD) in total, with 1.5 million (USD) going to the winner and 350,000 (USD) each for up to two finalists.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Director General of Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “Finding clean energy solutions to meet our growing energy needs is fundamental to preventing the effects of climate change and ensuring sustainable growth. However, such solutions will require an unconventional approach that bring into play not only technological innovation, but social growth and economic viability as well.”

Last year the Zayed Future Energy Prize attracted 204 nominations and 150 submissions from over 50 countries, including a substantial number from Australia.

This year, the closing date for submissions is 16 October 2009. Entries will be reviewed by the Zayed Future Energy Prize Selection Committee and Jury, and the prize will be awarded on 19 January 2010 during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The jury comprises a number of individuals who are experts and leaders in the areas of sustainability and renewable energy. It is chaired by Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, who is also Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and a Nobel Prize Laureate.

The winner of the 2009 Zayed Future Energy Prize was Dipal Chandra Barua, Managing Director of Grameen Shakti, an organisation that is introducing renewable energy solutions to rural communities in Bangladesh and has benefited 2 million people to date. Grameen Shakti was also recognised for training women in the rural areas of Bangladesh to be solar technicians and for supporting “green” entrepreneurs.

Mr. Barua used the prize money to establish the Zayed Future Energy Prize Scholarship in Bangladesh to teach rural women to establish their own small sustainable energy businesses.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: “As in the case of Dipal Barua’s initiative, it is important that renewable energy solution can be scaled for wide-spread implementation. Zayed Future Energy Prize is particularly interested in recognising those ideas that have wide and affordable application in any community. The prize is not only about acknowledgement but promoting such ideas to the rest of the world.”

Zayed Future Energy Prize is supported by Masdar, a global cooperative platform based in Abu Dhabi, working for open engagement in the search for solutions to some of mankind’s most pressing issues: energy security, climate change and the development of human expertise in sustainability.

The Prize was launched in 2008 and honours the memory and legacy of the founding father of United Arab Emirates, the late His Highness, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, who championed environmental stewardship.

For more information on the Zayed Future Energy Prize, please go to www.zayedfutureenergyprize.com

25 August 2009

LAUNCH OF SOLAR INSTITUTE GRANTS PROGRAM

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the launch of the Australian Solar Institute’s solar energy grants program, an important part of the Australian Government’s renewable energy strategy.

Minister Ferguson yesterday met the Board of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI) in Newcastle at their inaugural Board meeting, which endorsed the program guidelines circulated to stakeholders on 30 June 2009. The Board formally opened the first round of this program, with applications closing on 16 October 2009. Minister Ferguson said: “The solar expertise in Australia puts us at the forefront of research and development in this field.

“Australia has the potential to be a world-leader in the development of solar energy. As well as benefitting the environment, there are huge business opportunities and significant export earnings.

“Supporting research and development in both photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal is fundamental to building Australia’s expertise and capacity in this industry. ASI activities will play a significant part in improving solar industry capacity and accelerating the development of solar technologies which could assist in meeting the Government’s renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020.

“The potential of concentrating solar thermal technology is particularly important for Australia because of the urgent need for investment in baseload capacity over the next decade and beyond.”

The Government’s $100 million investment in the ASI will encourage collaboration between Australian researchers as well as with international solar researchers and institutions.

Applicants can apply for first round grants of up to a maximum of $5 million for applied research and $1 million for basic research grants. Doctoral or postdoctoral awards may be given as part of the research program. A priority outcome for the research is to reduce the cost of deploying solar technologies, making them more competitive with other stationary energy sources.

The ASI is part of the Government’s $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI), which includes the Solar Flagships initiative. The CEI complements the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low-emission energy technologies, including solar energy, that will help transform Australia into a low-carbon economy.

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6 August, 2009

Australian Solar Institute Board Appointed

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced the appointment of Ms Jennifer Goddard, Professor Michael Cardew-Hall, Mr Jason Coombs, Dr Michael Sargent AM and Mr Peter Thomas to the board of the new Australian Solar Institute (ASI). Ms Goddard will chair the ASI. (visit Board page for more information on these board members)

The ASI is a $100 million commitment by the Australian Government to support solar thermal and solar photovoltaic research and development. This commitment will foster greater collaboration between solar researchers in universities, research institutions and industry and help forge strong links with peak overseas solar research organisations.

Minister Ferguson said: “The Australian Government is committed to developing a world-leading solar energy industry in Australia. The ASI is essential to accomplishing this aim and progress is already evident, with projects worth $5 million each being funded by the ASI at the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales and the CSIRO centre in Newcastle.

“The ASI’s focus on collaboration will help retain solar expertise in Australia and help put us at the forefront of R&D in this field and help develop the next generation of solar researchers. With funding of $100 million over four years the ASI has the resources it needs to advance solar research and development. The appointment of the board provides the ASI with the management and industry expertise to drive solar research.”

A competitive grants program will distribute the majority of the ASI’s research funding. A call for applications under the program will be made by the ASI Board in coming weeks.

“The ASI is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to developing a suite of costeffective low-emission energy technologies to meet the renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020.”

The ASI is part of the $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) announced in the 2009 Budget.

“The CEI complements the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low-emission energy technologies, including solar energy, that will help transform Australia into a low-carbon economy.”

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© 2009 Australian Solar Institute
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P.O. Box 330 Newcastle NSW 2300
Phone: (02) 4960 6300