Arizona group pledges $4M to develop solar tech
institute
PR Newswire (April 30, 2009)
PHOENIX, April 30, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Science
Foundation Arizona announced five new solar investments totaling $4 million
and the opening of the Solar Technology Institute (STI) to advance Arizona's
renewable energy leadership.
In a collaborative effort, STI is deploying Arizona's significant solar
resources with industry and the research strengths of the University of
Arizona and Arizona State University to grow the state's global leadership
in renewable energy. STI is being led by two pioneers in the solar field,
Richard Powell and Robert Annan who serve as co-directors. The Stardust
Foundation is assisting in the financial support of the investments.
"With STI's combined expertise, we can leverage our financial and brainpower
capital toward the best solar initiatives and breakthroughs in new solar
products and technologies," said William C. Harris, president and CEO,
Science Foundation Arizona. "These returns on investment can significantly
impact Arizona's emerging prominence in solar and position the state to
benefit from upcoming federal competitions."
"Arizona Corporation Commission's Renewable Energy Standards require 15
percent of all regulated electric utilities to generate 15 percent of their
energy from renewable resources by 2025," said Kristin Mayes, chairman,
Arizona Corporation Commission. "The Solar Technology Institute is an
important step in this process and we applaud Science Foundation Arizona for
its vision and significant impact in helping achieve our renewable energy
goals."
"The industry collaboration being encouraged by Science Foundation Arizona
through the Solar Technology Institute is significant for Arizona in
strengthening our core competitive advantage," said Don Brandt, CEO, Arizona
Public Service. "This synergy will not only push Arizona to the forefront of
solar technology, it will increase the number of highly skilled, high-paying
jobs in the state."
The Solar Technology Institute will catalyze solar technology advances and
the commercialization of products and services that foster new industry
growth through five solar investments.
The five solar investments, totaling $4 million, include:
-- Concentrator Photovoltaics - Researchers at University of Arizona (UA)
and Arizona State University (ASU) are collaborating on next generation
low-cost solar reflectors that can be used in solar energy generating
systems.
-- Nanostructured Films for Photovoltaics - Global Solar, General Plasma,
Prism Solar, ASU and UA are teaming up to enhance the capabilities of thin
film solar panels through innovative technology. This will significantly
reduce the cost of electricity from solar panels. Other partners include
Advalue, All Optronics, Aerospace Corporation and Nanovoltaix.
-- Photovoltaic Environmental Performance and Reliability - ASU and UA are
working with Tucson Electric Power, and TUV-Rheinland, to expand the ASU
Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory so it can conduct more rapid product
certification and testing of solar products, and help identify and create
better performing solar products. Other partners include Sandia
National Laboratories, Reliasoft, Salt River Project, Arizona Public
Service, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Spire Solar and Solan AG.
-- Compressed Air Energy Storage - Southwest Solar Technologies, the U.S.
Geological Survey, UA and ASU are developing compressed air solar storage
technology for use when the Sun is not shining. Other partners include
Simmons, Nanovoltaix, and Eusthatia.
-- AZ Smart - Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, ASU and UA are
partnering to create a system of smart grid management and to develop
decision making software to help select future power generation station
locations, storage sites and power lines throughout Arizona. Other partners
include Viasol, Bright Source, Creatasoft and Tucson Electric Power.
"Collaborations like this are how a culture of conservation and innovation
is built in Arizona," said Leslie Tolbert, UA vice president for research,
economic development and graduate studies. "We are pleased to put our
efforts to work to build Arizona's 21st century economy on clean energy
alternatives."
"The creation of STI is a huge step forward in incorporating solar into our
energy mix and in positioning Arizona to become a net exporter of solar
products, services and technologies worldwide," said R.F. "Rick" Shangraw,
ASU vice president for research and economic affairs. "Setting up STI and
the announcement of several new solar research initiatives will help make
Arizona an alternative energy powerhouse."
For more information about the Solar Technology Institute, visit
www.sfaz.org/our-investments/solarinitiatives.aspx.
About Science Foundation Arizona:
Science Foundation Arizona (SFAz) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
initiated in 2006 by the Greater Phoenix Leadership Inc., Southern Arizona
Leadership Council and the Flagstaff Forty. SFAz's goal is to build and
strengthen scientific, engineering and biomedicine in areas of greatest
strategic value to Arizona's competitiveness in the global economy. SFAz is
investing in partnerships between nonprofit research institutions and
industry and in the education pipeline to attract and support a
knowledge-driven economy. For more information, visit www.sfaz.org.
Solar Technology Institute (STI) established by Science Foundation Arizona,
is deploying the state's significant solar resources toward research and
development advances that grow Arizona's leadership in the renewable energy
sector
SOURCE Science Foundation Arizona
URL: http://www.sfaz.org www.prnewswire.com
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