Fed: Sun rises on new solar institute
16 Jan 2009 2:54 AM
Federal Energy Minister MARTIN FERGUSON says Australia could once again lead the world in solar research with the launch of a national institute in Newcastle.
Mr FERGUSON officially launched the 100 million dollar research program into solar energy today .. and committed 15 million dollars for the first three projects.
He says Australia used to lead the world in solar research for 50 years .. but lost that cutting-edge position recently due to a lack of funding.
Mr FERGUSON says the new Australian Solar Institute headquartered at Newcastle will help in research to bring down the cost of solar power.
