Queanbeyan firm opens solar plant

Canberra Times
Wednesday 8/10/2008 Page: 13

Queanbeyan solar technology company Dyesol has opened a manufacturing plant to capture a slice of the solar photovoltaic market said to be potentially worth billions of dollars. The technology, which has been adopted in parts of Europe and Asia, stems from a Swiss-Australian research program into third generation solar technology. That research program has been under way since 1995.

The $2.4 million Queanbeyan factory will employ 50 people and will have the capacity to manufacture $20 million worth of dye annually. Founder Gavin Tulloch said the plant's opening was the culmination of 15 years of commitment to science, technology and engineering. Dyesol's Dye Solar Cell technology is sometimes called artificial photosynthesis because it uses a dye such as chlorophyll to capture energy from light, releasing electrons which are conducted as electricity.

The technology can be directly incorporated into buildings as active electricity-generating glass facades or steel roofs. Dyesol is collaborating with Corns, the world's fifth largest steel producer, to use the solar cell technology in the manufacture of steel sheeting. Other Dyesol partners are Italian utilities giant ERG Rebnew and leading facade company, Permasteelisa, which will develop and market next-generation solar panels to be installed on buildings.

Dr Tulloch said solar cell technology differed from all other forms of solar energy. It performed all day, every day, at any angle, in shade or in sun. Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson, who opened the plant and corporate facilities, said Dyesol had received $4.3 million in government grants since the company's formative years.

The Government recognised the potential for growth in the solar technology sector and would continue supporting research and development through a $500 million renewable energy fund as well as a $150 million energy innovation fund, the minister said. Dyesol also has premises in North Wales, enabling it to service joint venture partners and subsidiary companies in Europe and Asia.