Client News > Release

11-06-2010

SolarPrint Enters into Landmark Research Partnership with Taiwanese Government

Memorandum of Understanding signed between SolarPrint & Taiwanese Government

SolarPrint to collaborate with Industrial Technology Research Institute, one of the largest research centres in the world, on clean technologies

Irish energy technology company SolarPrint today announced that it has entered into a landmark research partnership agreement with the Taiwanese Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), one of the largest research centres of its kind in the world, for the joint development of new photo-voltaic (PV) solutions that can be used in consumer applications.

Photo-voltaic technology involves the conversion of light - not just sunlight - into energy and is becoming a greater focus of attention for Governments and industry, as developed economies move towards a greater adoption of ‘clean’, environmentally friendly energy production technologies.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been signed by SolarPrint and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the company will collaborate with ITRI on the development of PV technologies that can be used in consumer devices, like mobile phones and laptops. The Institute is one of the largest research institutes of its kind in the world, with a budget of more than US$500 million.

Dr. Mazhar Bari, Chief Executive Officer, SolarPrint, said: “Our goal is to become a genuine leader in the next generation of solar technology, not just in Ireland but internationally. Having already filed patents in relation to our new PV solutions, we are now raising funding to help us move towards high volume production of PV materials next year”.

“However, we are keen to partner with the leading institutions in this area, globally. We have created a disruptive new technology that has the potential to generate energy at a lower cost than other forms of solar power. By partnering with ITRI, whose record in the field of R&D speaks for itself, we are now looking to define precisely how our solar cell technology can operate in the consumer applications space,” said Dr. Bari.

Mr. David Lee, Representative, Taipei Representative Office in Ireland, said: “In Taiwan, we are heavily committed to developing clean, renewable energy technologies. Last year, our Government passed the Renewable Energy Development Act, aimed at supporting the development of long term strategies in the clean energy sector. This has provided a firm legal foundation that is now being mirrored by strong financial investment”.

Taiwan has stated that it plans to invest up to €625 million in clean energy research over the next five years. The country is already a leader in PV technologies, the development of which is worth approximately US$3.16 billion to the Taiwanese economy. The Taiwanese Bureau of Energy has forecast that, by 2025, 15 per cent of the country’s energy requirements will be met by clean energy sources.

“For us, SolarPrint is a perfect example of a hugely innovative company that has devised a technology that can be applied in all parts of the world, and we very much welcome this partnership. The clean energy sector is a critical area and one that has great potential for co-operation between our two countries, and we feel that this memorandum marks a significant step forward towards realising that potential,” said Mr. Lee.

News

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA) has launched an e-Learning programme which allows aspiring accountants study for a professional accountancy qualification with flexibility and convenience. Pictured illustrating how students can attend a “virtual lecture” anytime anywhere is Vogue Williams of Howth, Co Dublin. For more information please visit www.studycpa.ie

When was the last time you or your kids climbed a tree, collected a frog or made a den in the garden? This Saturday is your cue as National Heritage Week kicks off with Wild Child Day (21st August). Pictured - Ecologist Dale Treadwell with Joaquin Shinback, aged 8 and the common frog found in your backyard !

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and Patrick Bewley at Bewley’s Café Grafton Street for the launch of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice.

Abbott has won the Overall Award for workplace management at the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO) Global Human Resource Development Awards.

Bewley’s has won eleven gold medals at the prestigious international Great Taste Awards 2010 for its coffee and tea - a record number of awards for an Irish coffee and tea company. The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Foods, are the acknowledged benchmark for speciality food and drink and have been described as "the Oscars" of the food world.