Antinuclear

‘Major blow’ looms for top Sydney solar research unit as funds wither, SMH. By Peter Hannam, May 8, 2020  The future of a leading research centre whose designs power $50 billion in solar systems globally is at risk because of the uncertain future of the federal government agency that funds it.Richard Corkish, a senior lecturer at the University of NSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, said as much as 80 per cent of his section’s money is provided by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) which is due to run out of funds in 2022.

We’ll get significantly smaller unless something positive comes along,” said Dr Corkish, who is also chief operating officer of the UNSW-based Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

“It’s a major blow for us.”

His school has already begun turning away prospective PhD students who would otherwise have contributed to multiple lines of scientific inquiry aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of solar cells, their integration into power networks and other renewable energy developments. ……

Mark Butler, Labor’s climate spokesman, said “letting ARENA’s resourcing lapse is a devastating self-inflicted wound for Australia’s clean energy future that exposes the Liberals anti-renewable and anti-climate action ideology”.

“Scott Morrison should be looking for a COVID-19 recovery plan which brings forward investment in new renewable projects which would create tens of thousands of new jobs, stimulate regional economies, and deliver cheaper power prices,” Mr Butler said.

Mark Butler, Labor’s climate spokesman, said “letting ARENA’s resourcing lapse is a devastating self-inflicted wound for Australia’s clean energy future that exposes the Liberals anti-renewable and anti-climate action ideology”.

“Scott Morrison should be looking for a COVID-19 recovery plan which brings forward investment in new renewable projects which would create tens of thousands of new jobs, stimulate regional economies, and deliver cheaper power prices,” Mr Butler said……. https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/major-blow-looms-for-top-sydney-solar-research-unit-as-funds-wither-20200507-p54r3j.html