'Solar 30 30 30' goal for Australia

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $40 million for the development of solar PV technology.

The aim is to deliver ‘Solar 30 30 30’ — the government’s target of 30% module efficiency and a cost of 30 cents per installed watt at utility scale by 2030.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said that ultra low cost solar will help lower the cost of electricity in Australia and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“The Morrison government is accelerating Australian innovation and ingenuity in solar R&D to drive down the electricity bills of households and industry sectors,” Minister Taylor said.

“Australian researchers have led the world in solar R&D. Today, 90% of solar panels in the world use an Australian designed technology.

“The ‘Solar 30 30 30’ target is crucial to getting solar power down to less than $15 per megawatt hour.

“We are committed to reducing electricity sector emissions and unlocking the potential of other low emissions technologies like clean hydrogen.”

Taylor announced ultra low cost solar as one of the six priority technologies under the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021.

Ultra low cost solar technologies will facilitate cost reductions for other clean energy technologies, including clean hydrogen, energy storage and low emissions materials.

Australia’s technology-led approach is expected to deliver around half of the emissions reductions Australia needs to achieve net zero by 2050. In addition to ultra low cost solar, other priority technologies include clean hydrogen, energy storage, low emissions materials, carbon capture and storage, and soil carbon measurement.

Since 2012, ARENA through its R&D Programs has committed close to $105 million in grant funding to over 70 projects.

Applications for Expressions of Interest for the Ultra Low Cost Solar R&D Funding Round will open in February 2022 with applications due by 11 April 2022.

For more information including funding guidelines and how to apply, please visit ARENA’s website.

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