The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Mark Twidell as the Executive Director of the Australian Solar Institute (ASI).
The $100 million ASI was launched in January 2009, with the announcement of three foundation projects for the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales and CSIRO.
The ASI Company was registered on 10 August 2009 and a call for competitive grants closed on 16 October 2009. The ASI is a significant priority for the government as the primary mechanism for supporting research and development of solar technologies in Australia.
As the full-time Executive Director of the ASI, Mr Twidell will also be a director on its Board. He was chosen by the ASI Board from a large field of candidates for this important role.
Minister Ferguson said: "Mr Twidell brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held senior positions with BP Solar for more than 20 years.
"His appointment is an important step in the development of the Australian Solar Institute."
The Minister also thanked Dr Bruce Godfrey for undertaking the role of interim Executive Director.
"Dr Godfrey has played an important leadership role in establishing the ASI and I look forward to his continued involvement with the organisation as the Chair of its Research Advisory Committee," he said.
The ASI today also announced the composition of the Research Advisory Committee.
A further non-executive director, Dr Alex Wonhas, Director of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship, has also recently been appointed to the Board. The seven-member Board, chaired by Ms Jenny Goddard, is now fully constituted.
The ASI is part of the Government's $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The CEI complements the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the expanded Renewable Energy Target by supporting the research, development and demonstration of low-emission energy technologies, including solar energy, that will help transform Australia into a low-carbon economy.
For further information on today's ASI announcement visit www.australiansolarinstitute.com.au.