Federal funding for solar energy announced

Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson announced the funding, a total of $1.3 million, at the Australian Solar Institute’s (ASI) ‘Three Minute Solar Thesis Challenge’ held at the Australian National University.

“The Skills Development Program supports the work of our upcoming solar researchers who will ultimately work with industry to help make solar more efficient and cost effective,” Minister Ferguson said.

“From techniques to improve the efficiency of solar cells made from low-cost and readily available organic materials, to investigating ways to optimise hybrid solar-diesel systems in remote areas using smart grids, the Skills Development Program is helping to drive Australian solar innovation.”

The ‘Three Minute Solar Thesis Challenge’ gave ASI PhD Scholars and Postdoctoral Fellows three minutes and three slides to convince an eminent panel of researchers of their project’s merits. The Challenge provided participants with the opportunity to sharpen their communication skills and meet with colleagues from other universities. For more information about the Challenge, visit the ASI website.

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