Australian Solar Institute

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):

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:

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
MOB: 0409 843 935
www.dpi.vic.gov.au/etis

 

20 August 2010

EcoGen 2010

The power to deliver - uniting the clean energy industry

5 – 8 September 2010 — Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Industry leaders and decision makers from across the clean energy spectrum will come together for three days in a business environment to network, discuss the latest projects, people and technologies, and engage on key issues relevant to the industry’s present and future. EcoGen 2010 will be a huge event offering those involved an interactive industry forum to promote their clean energy solutions. The event will feature key speakers from Australia and abroad, an exhibition packed full of the latest clean energy solutions, as well as excellent networking and social events. EcoGen 2010 is brought to you by the industry specialist publishers of EcoGeneration magazine and the Australasian Clean Energy Directory, and will be the premier business–to–business event.

http://ecogeneration.com.au

 

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 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: mark.twidell@australiansolarinstitute.com.au

 

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:

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 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:

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.

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. 

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:

  1. Examine grid and transmission development needs to enable solar expansion;

  2. Team with the fossil fuels industry to investigate options to increase solar field deployment and reduce emissions through  solar / fossil  hybrid applications;

  3. Increase finance sector confidence to invest in solar by identifying key investment  risks and proposing global best practice mitigations;

  4. 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:

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 guidelines@australiansolarinstitute.com.au  or on

02 4960 6300

 

  ASI Round 2 Web Material Final 185 KB

 

15 April 2010

CST Workshop Presentations and Discussion Paper

 Presentation to ASI CST Priorities Workshop 2010  2MB PDF

Mehos Presentation for ASI CST Workshop 2 MB PDF

ASI CST Workshop Discussion Paper  524 KB PDF

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:

  1. examine grid and transmission development needs to enable solar expansion
  2. team with the fossil fuels industry to investigate options to increase solar field deployment and reduce emissions through  solar / fossil  hybrid applications
  3. increase finance sector confidence to invest in solar by identifying key investment  risks and proposing global best practice mitigations
  4. 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

 

8 March 2010

AUSTRALIAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY SEMINAR

The Australian Solar Energy Society has an upcoming seminar ‘Solar Energy in Australia: Trends and Opportunities’.  This one day event will be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.  It is intended to promote Solar R&D, and give a wider audience access to informative, credible information on solar energy in Australia.   Please see link to flyer for details.

Solar Energy Symposium 193kb PDF

 

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. 

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.

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 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.

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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:

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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