Cardiff, Wales and Palo Alto, CA – June 5, 2008 – The development of solar technologies has today taken a significant step forward with the announcement that a joint proposal for the creation of a Centre for Advanced Molecular Photovoltaics has been accepted by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as one of five centres of excellence to be funded as a part of its Global Research Partnership award.
Led by Stanford University and supported by the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and industrial partner G24 Innovations (G24i), the centre will receive a grant of $25 million over the next five years to continue the development of next generation solar technologies such as Dye Sensitised Thin Film solar cells. Last October, G24i became the first company to commercially manufacture the silicon-free cells, which have a number of groundbreaking properties. In addition to being extremely lightweight and durable, the cells produce electricity in low light and indoor conditions, opening up a whole range of new applications in geographies across the world.
The KAUST Global Research Partnership is a new initiative designed to drive the application of science and technology towards the resolution of humanitarian problems in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Five existing ‘Centers of Excellence’ received grants of up to $5 million per year for five years, while a further three ‘Centers in Development’ have been awarded funding of up to $1.5 million each year for three years, to put towards the creation of new research programmes.
Commenting, Professor Michael Graetzel, creator of the Dye Sensitised Thin Film cell and Director of the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, said: “We are delighted to have won this important award. We have already made considerable steps in developing Dye Sensitised Thin Film solar cells and this grant will allow us to go further, increasing the pace of change in finding the most efficient variants of the technology. We look forward to continuing with our work.”
Professor McGehee, Director, Center for Advanced Molecular Photovoltaics, at Stanford University added, “We would like to commend the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology for its commitment to developing new technologies. Through its Global Research Partnership it is making a huge difference in materially improving the lives of people not just in Saudi Arabia but in every part of the world.”
Commenting, Robert Hertzberg, Chairman of G24i, said: “Dye Sensitised Thin Film cells are a truly revolutionary technology, with a breathtaking range of potential applications. They can be used to power everything from mobile telephones to security systems, and can be integrated into clothing, tents and building materials. We have already developed our first product and will be looking to unveil many more in the coming years.”
Separately, Professor Gratezel has been recognised for his pioneering work in developing Dye Sensitised Thin Film solar cells with a major international award. The Harvey Prize is one of the most prestigious international honours given to outstanding scientists for seminal contributions to the progress of humanity. No fewer than eleven previous Harvey Prize winners have gone on to win Nobel Prizes since the creation of the awards in 1972, an indication of the calibre of the competition.
Notes to Editors:
About G24i
G24 Innovations (G24i), a UK based company, is the world’s first to commercially manufacture next generation Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells, an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.
Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells are unique in that they are extremely lightweight, durable, and produce electricity in low-light and indoor conditions. As a result, G24i’s advanced solar cells are perfect for powering mobile electronic devices such as mobile telephones, cameras, and portable LED lighting systems.
On a larger scale, G24i’s flexible thin film integrates effectively into clothing, tents, electronic advertising displays, and works well for indoor building integrated photovoltaic systems where local regulation requires on site generation or significant energy efficiency measures.
G24i’s proprietary high speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process allows for large volume production at our 23 acre, 187,000 square foot facility. Further information at: www.g24i.com.
For more information, please contact:
G24 Innovations:
Eliot Abel
+44 (0) 2920 837 340
eliot.abel@g24i.com
FD (PR):
Andy Field or Oliver Williams
+44 (0) 20 7831 3113
andy.field@fd.com
olly.williams@fd.com
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