The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today informed the Parliament of the registration of the Australian Solar Institute Company (ASI) as a public company controlled by the Commonwealth.
ASI Limited was registered as a company limited by guarantee under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies (CAC) Act 1997 on 10 August 2009. In line with CAC Act Regulations, Minister Ferguson today tabled a notice in both Houses of Parliament.
The ASI Board has formally opened the first round of its solar energy grants program - an important part of the Australian Government's renewable energy strategy - and applications close on 16 October, 2009.
As part of the initial funding for the Australian Solar Institute, $15 million is also being provided for three foundation projects:
- $5 million for a crystalline silicon pilot line at the University of New South Wales;
- $5 million for a state-of-the-art solar thermal tower at the CSIRO in Newcastle; and
- $5 million towards establishing a world-class process and characterisation solar research facility at the AustralianNationalUniversity in Canberra.
The ASI is a $100 million commitment by the Australian Government to support solar thermal and solar photovoltaic research and development.
This commitment will foster greater collaboration between solar researchers in universities, research institutions and industry, and help forge strong links with peak overseas solar research organisations.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Australian Government is committed to developing a world-leading solar energy industry in Australia and the ASI will help achieve that goal."
The ASI's focus on collaboration will help retain solar expertise in Australia and achieve our aim to put Australia at the forefront of international solar research and development.
The ASI is part of the $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) announced in the 2009 Budget. The CEI complements the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low emission energy technologies.
For more information - www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au.