U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced today that there will be a collaboration between U.S and Australia on research with the aim of cutting the cost of solar energy to the level of conventional fossil fuel power within five years. This is a $50 million joint solar research program.
Everyone is noticing the decline in pricing on solar technology, but it’s not decreasing fast enough. Something has to accelerate the process. The goal is to get the price down by two to four times the cost that it’s at currently.
The Australian government’s Solar Institute will oversee the Australian contribution to research into dual junction photovoltaic devices, hot-carrier solar cells and high temperature receivers.
Clinton also announced a $500,000 grant from the U.S. State Department to Australia’s state-backed Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute to fund a global survey to identify promising technologies for reusing carbon dioxide.
“I think both the people of Australia and America don’t want to see more bickering about what should be done to reduce carbon emissions. They want to see action,” Clinton said.
In all honestly, we should all applaud this step. It’s about time we have someone in a high ranking public role putting money where their mouth is. Something is finally being done to cut the cost of solar energy. We must support this effort as well as support the coming efforts. This translates into savings in our pocket, and a greener future. Bravo Mrs. Clinton, bravo.
