Research into next generation solar energy harvesting to receive further funding

Citation

(2011), "Research into next generation solar energy harvesting to receive further funding", Sensor Review, Vol. 31 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2011.08731aab.006

Research into next generation solar energy harvesting to receive further funding

Article Type: News From: Sensor Review, Volume 31, Issue 1

Nanotechnology researchers and industry specialists are being invited to propose business-led research projects that will compete for £7 million to help stimulate the next generation of solar energy harvesting technologies.

The competition, launched by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Technology Strategy Board, is designed to build upon earlier investments of £6.7 million in five research projects by the Research Councils, led by EPSRC. The EPSRC will invest up to £5 million in the new research and development projects while the Technology Strategy Board will invest £2 million.

Inclusive of those involved in the five original research projects, other specialists in the field are now being offered the opportunity to enter this second competition, where business-led consortia will focus on building the supply chain and achieving technology demonstration in a real-life environment. Investment is needed here to help UK businesses become early adopters of the technology and aid rapid commercialisation of their products.

Current installed electricity generating capacity is approximately 80 GW, with demand potentially increasing by up to 50 per cent by 2050. Government targets, meanwhile, demand an 80 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2050. In principle, the sun could provide sufficient energy to make up the shortfall, provided new innovative methods of energy capture and storage are discovered, developed and exploited rapidly. Nanotechnology has a significant role to play here and is increasingly influencing these areas.

“Solar energy is the only renewable energy technology that, in theory, could meet all of the world’s energy needs. To date we have been limited by the cost and efficiency of the available technology. This competition will ‘fast track’ projects that address some of these challenges. The projects will also have commercial potential and can position British businesses to exploit a growing global market in the near term, while providing sustainable solutions for the UK in the longer term.” EPSRC CEO Professor David Delpy.