Australia and the USA say that solar energy could be competitive with conventional sources of energy by 2015 thanks to a new joint research initiative.
The two countries’ governments have announced plans to collaborate on research projects in the solar energy field, with the aim of cutting the cost of solar technologies by two to four times current levels.
Describing the initiative’s aims as “ambitious”, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said at a press conference held jointly with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that her government would commit new funding of up to A$50 million for the programme.
“The United States also has a very strong solar energy research programme and this new initiative will build on existing expertise from both of our countries,” said Gillard. “These joint efforts will ensure that we lead the way in development and supply of the most competitive solar technologies at the most reasonable price.”
Australia’s financial commitment to the joint programme will be overseen by the Australian Solar Institute.
“We have a common goal of making solar energy competitive with conventional sources by the middle of this decade, 2015,” said Clinton. “The good news is that the price of photovoltaic modules has dropped about 50 per cent in the past three years, but to meet our goal we have to drive the price down even more.”
The research projects will focus on advanced solar technologies such as dual-junction photovoltaic devices, hot-carrier solar cells and high-temperature receivers. Funding will also be provided for exchange programs and research scholarships focused on achieving affordable solar energy solutions.
“One of the greatest barriers to a broader commercial take-up of solar power is its cost, and that is specifically what this joint research initiative will address,” said Gillard.
The Australian government says it is committed to tackling climate change but has suffered setbacks in its plans to introduce carbon trading programmes.
The country has set a target of sourcing at least 20 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable energy by 2020.
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