澳大利亞的 Swinburne 大學和中國的尚德合作，要在墨爾本建立一個太陽能電池廠，維多利亞的科學研究部為此投資300萬美元，目的是研發出一種更先進的技術，來使太陽能電池的制造成本更低，效率更高，太陽能電池技術是可再生能源的關卡領域，它的發展對整個光伏行業都起著至關重要的作用，而它的低成本高效性則更容易讓普通的家庭和社區來接受并受益與它，這項工程不僅會推進當地光伏行業發展，而且還創造了很多的就業機會，預計，這些更有效率的太陽能電池在五年內會上市。

Environment, Climate Change and Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the collaboration between Swinburne University of Technology and China’s Suntech Power Holdings will provide a significant boost to the solar power industry and help Victoria combat global warming.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to develop clean technologies and renewable energy options that are accessible to all Victorians”, Mr Jennings said.

“Solar cell technology can play an important role in the switch to renewable energy. Yet to date, take-up has been limited due to cost and relative efficiency factors.

“This innovative project has the potential to develop solar cells that are significantly more efficient while lowering manufacturing costs. This will make them more accessible to households and communities and increase their contribution to renewable energy generation.

“Improved efficiency and greater accessibility for all Victorians will also stimulate the industry and create jobs in our state.”

The Victoria?Suntech Advanced Solar Facility at Swinburne has been established through a grant of $3 million from Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund.

Mr Jennings said the new facility will support the development and commercialisation of revolutionary solar photovoltaic technologies, creating prototypes that are more affordable and more efficient than current solar cells.

“Suntech is a leading solar energy company with significant manufacturing capabilities and competitive standing in the global solar market,” he said.

“Swinburne University of Technology has a strong research centre in nano-photonics and will lead the development of a working prototype.

“This partnership between a leading international manufacturer and an innovative university demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between research and industry.

“It will provide clear pathways to the global solar market and it is anticipated that the manufacture of these more efficient solar cells could occur within five years.”

Mr Jennings said the project fitted within the Jobs for the Future Economy―Victoria’s Action Plan for Green Jobs announcement on April 30.