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May 8, 2006

Australia's Origin Energy Solar Wins Government Backing

Regency Park, South Australia [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

The Australian government last week awarded AUD $2 million in grant funding to help propel the commercialization goals of Origin Energy's unique solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, called the "Sliver" cells.

"We are delighted to again see Origin's exciting Sliver technology recognized for its potential by the Australian Government."

-- Tony Wood, General Manager Public and Government Affairs, Australia

Sliver technology was invented in conjunction with the Australian National University's Center for Sustainable Energy Systems. Silver modules are a monocrystalline approach the company says uses up to 90 percent less silicon than typical monocrystalline cells. The company also says the specific design approach of its solar modules allows for improved efficiency under partial-shade situations.

Origin is now making Sliver modules at its pilot plant in Regency Park, South Australia. The new funding is expected to boost employment at the facility from a staff of 35 up to 50. Construction of the Origin Energy Solar manufacturing plant was completed in September 2004, with first modules reaching preproduction in December 2004 and progressively larger modules being produced throughout 2005.

"We are delighted to again see Origin's exciting Sliver technology recognized for its potential by the Australian Government," said Tony Wood, General Manager Public and Government Affairs.

Structural Adjustment Fund for South Australia (SAFSA) is a $45 million fund created jointly by the Australian and South Australian Governments. The fund aims to assist companies that are undertaking projects that will significantly impact the South Australian economy. The purpose of SAFSA is to support investment that will create sustainable new jobs in South Australia with a focus on the Adelaide area.
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Add Your Comment 2 Reader Comments
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May 10, 2006
Whilst the federal government are happy handing out $2M to one of Australia's largest energy companies, the rest of us are forced to beg for scraps. We have been waiting many years for something to come out of the Origin plant, yet we have not yet seen anything substantial, yet money keeps getting pumped in. This is to the detriment of the rest of the industry.
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May 20, 2008
Haydn's comment is amazing. Seems that envy is alive and well in the human heart while concern for the common good is moribund.

Here we have a technology being developed by Origin Energy and the ANU that will make PV electricity affordable for almost everyone.The benefit of that for Australia and the world may be inestimable if it helps the present global warming crisis to abate and saves not only civilization, but life on this planet.

The right question is "Why only two million in funding?"

This should have massive government support. Most of those chaps digging coal out of the earth can surely be found jobs in this new and clean energy industry. After a while the energy used for production can be produced by Sliver cells also. The less adaptable chaps could still dig coal, as diversity of energy sources will need to be created and maintained.

My question is "How can I invest in this Sliver Technology?" I should like to think that I have contributed even the tiniest sliver to the development and production of this brilliant, new and revolutionary technology that has the peotential to save the world.
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