Australia to Boost Solar Funding by A$83 Million, Ferguson Says

Australia will boost funding for solar research and development by A$83 million ($88 million) in an initiative supported by the U.S. government, Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said.

The funding, part of the United States-Australia Solar Energy Collaboration, includes A$33 million for the U.S.- Australia Institute for Advanced Photovoltaics, Ferguson said today in an e-mailed statement. It will also contribute A$35 million to the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative, he said.

Projects that will receive money under the plan include the development of an Australian Solar Energy Forecasting System that will improve the integration of solar energy generation, and a device that simplifies using solar energy for hybrid fossil-fuel applications, Ferguson said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Jason Scott in Canberra at jscott14@bloomberg.net;

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew Hobbs at ahobbs4@bloomberg.net