Austrade media release2 October 2008
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) will coordinate a strong Australian solar business presence at the APEC Photovoltaic Conference in Taipei (7-9 October).
The significance of the conference is highlighted by the recent release (24 September) of a United Nations Environment Program report which predicted investment of US$630 billion in sustainable energy implementation would create 20 million jobs globally by 2030.
Austrade's Regional Director for North East Asia Laurie Smith said the APEC Photovoltaic Conference offered a platform for Australia's innovative solar energy companies to connect with the potential of increased renewable energy implementation in APEC member economies.
"Climate change is a global challenge offering lucrative opportunities for Australia's sophisticated solar technologies," Mr Smith said.
"The United Nations Environment Program report predicted the manufacture, installation, and maintenance of solar panels alone will add 6.3 million jobs globally by 2030, reflecting strong rising demand for photovoltaic technologies and solar panel manufacturing as well as related services trade, such as education and training.
"APEC member economies represent 41% of the world's population, and have the largest combined solar cell production capacity in the world, which offers Australian solar innovators strong scope to build partnerships to win business in North East Asia and beyond.
Mr Smith said the trend to enhance the use of solar technology is also reflected in government commitments to renewable energy across North East Asia.
"Taiwan has shown strong leadership in solar technology uptake with the introduction of gross feed-in tariff along the lines of the highly successful German model.
"China has mandated that renewable energy must account for 15% of total electricity generation by 2020, requiring an estimated A$350 billion in investment," he said.
In an indication of the recognition of Australian solar potential, Dr Richard Corkish, Head of the University of New South Wales Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering School – a world leader in converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic solar cells – will deliver the keynote speech at the event.
UNSW has already formed partnerships in Taiwan with local manufacturers E-Ton and Corum.
"What is exciting for UNSW is local support for developing an advanced photovoltaic industry. Taiwan also recognises that industry development can't occur without the education of skilled people," Dr Corkish said.
"UNSW is looking to not only license technology to Taiwanese manufacturing partners, but also work with local universities to educate future workers in photovoltaic technologies," he said.
Other participants in the Austrade mission include the Australian National University Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems, involved with the development of SLIVER Cell (TM) photovoltaic technology, which uses just one tenth of the costly silicon used in conventional solar panels while matching power, performance, and efficiency.
Professor Andrew Blakers and Dr Klaus Weber won the Australian Institute of Physics' Walsh Medal for their work inventing the technology.
"The mission will raise the profile of Australia's clean energy capabilities, promote Australian innovation, and connect Australian companies to key industry players and customers," Mr Smith said.
ENDS
Dr Richard Corkish (UNSW) and Igor Skryabin (ANU) are available for media interviews.
Media contactDavid Varga
Tel: +61 2 9390 2191
Mob: 0411 604 755
Email: david.varga@austrade.gov.au
For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre. |