UNSW-Led Solar Research Centre Secures A$95.4 Million to Advance Next-Generation Photovoltaics

The Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), has secured A$95.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to extend its solar photovoltaics (PV) research program through 2033.

The funding forms part of a broader A$220 million national research initiative involving ACAP’s seven member universities and industry partners, aimed at accelerating innovation in high-efficiency solar technologies and strengthening Australia’s position in the global renewable energy sector.

Established as a national collaboration between leading research institutions and industry stakeholders, ACAP has spent more than a decade advancing photovoltaic technologies, contributing to improvements in solar cell efficiency and supporting the commercialization of next-generation solar solutions.

The new funding will enable the centre to expand its research activities, combining materials discovery, advanced characterization techniques, artificial intelligence-enabled experimentation, and collaborative development programs to accelerate the transition of laboratory breakthroughs into commercially viable technologies.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the continued investment highlights the value of national collaboration in advancing clean energy innovation.

“ARENA’s continued investment in ACAP reflects the power of national collaboration and aligns with UNSW’s strategy to deliver research with global impact, while supporting Australia’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future,” Brungs said.

The funding comes as governments worldwide increase investment in renewable energy technologies to support decarbonization targets, strengthen energy security, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Australia has long been recognized as a global leader in solar research, with local innovations contributing significantly to improvements in photovoltaic performance and manufacturing efficiency.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the investment is intended to maintain Australia’s leadership in solar innovation while supporting domestic economic development.

“Australia helped lead the world in solar and we want to keep leading the world in the next wave of solar innovation,” Bowen said. “This funding backs our best researchers and helps turn Australian ideas into real-world technologies that can strengthen our clean energy system and create economic opportunity.”

According to ACAP Executive Director Professor Renate Egan, future progress in solar technology will rely on combining scientific research with advanced digital tools and stronger industry collaboration.

“This significant investment from ARENA is about moving faster and going further,” Egan said. “We’ll combine materials discovery with AI-enabled experimentation, advanced characterisation and a collaborative national program to deliver competitive technologies that are bankable for manufacturers and investors.”

ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said the funding will help Australia remain at the forefront of photovoltaic innovation while supporting the country’s long-term clean energy strategy.

“Australia has some of the best solar researchers in the world and ACAP has been instrumental in turning that expertise into globally recognised breakthroughs,” Miller said.

He added that continued improvements in solar cell efficiency are critical to reducing renewable energy costs and expanding solar deployment across industrial sectors. According to ARENA, advances in photovoltaic technology will support decarbonization efforts in industries including green metals production, transportation, renewable fuels, and data infrastructure.

The extended program will run through 2033, providing long-term support for research and technology development as Australia seeks to strengthen its renewable energy capabilities and advance its net-zero emissions objectives.

Source: UNSW Sydney

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Australia has committed A$95.4 million to extend ACAP’s solar research program through 2033, reinforcing the country’s focus on next-generation photovoltaic technologies as a foundation for industrial decarbonization and future clean energy growth.