Australia’s leading minds in solar and renewable energy will gather tomorrow at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle for the NSW Government’s Solar and Renewable Energy Summit.

The Summit will be hosted by the NSW Minister for Energy and Resources, Chris Hartcher, the Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy, Rob Stokes.

Government and industry representatives, energy researchers, and consumer and environmental groups will come together to develop a set of agreed actions to guide the development of solar and renewable energy in NSW.

NIER Director Dr Alan Broadfoot said with Newcastle as the emerging hub of energy and resources research in Australia NIER was an ideal setting to discuss the state’s energy future.

“The University of Newcastle hosts some of Australia’s most accomplished researchers in the energy sector,” Dr Broadfoot said.

“Our researchers are developing a solar paint made from semi-conducting polymers that will be able to be used on rooftops across the country to generate electricity.

“Another groundbreaking locally developed technology, GRANEX®, increases the electricity that can be generated from low-grade heat sources such as geothermal and industrial waste heat.

“These inventions are at the forefront of innovation in the energy sector, and are prime examples of local research and development with global application.”

NIER’s research focus includes reducing energy and water consumption, decreasing carbon emissions and developing alternative energy sources.

“NIER is bringing together the University of Newcastle’s leading energy and resources researchers, the energy industry and government to work collaboratively to secure the long-term sustainability of resources and the environment,” Dr Broadfoot said.

Located at the former BHP-Billiton Newcastle Technology Centre, a 3.8 hectare research facility adjoining the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, the facility comprises extensive laboratories and industrial-scale pilot plant workshops unmatched by any Australian university.

NIER is an Australian Government initiative. For more information go to www.newcastle.edu.au/nier

Dr Alan Broadfoot is available for interview today. Please phone 02 4033 9000.