Minister launches National Solar Centre as sector gears up for growth
A National Solar Centre, based in Cornwall has been launched by the Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Gregory Barker MP.
Described as the “spearhead” of the “solar power revolution,” the new research hub was yesterday declared a breakthrough for the solar industry. "The solar centre is going to be critical in pushing the R&D agenda and sharing learning and understanding." the Minister said.
The BRE National Solar Centre, in St Austel, will offer training services and conduct research "playing a pivotal role in making Britain a global competitor in the solar industries".
The Minster, speaking in the Al Qasimi Lecture Theatre at the The Royal Academy of Engineering said “Solar is coming of age," adding “We have the ability and more importantly, the ambition to see a ten fold increase in solar power by 2020.”
Introducing the Minister Dr Peter Bonfield, CEO of the BRE Group said " The Solar Centre has been primarily a partnership between BRE and Cornwall Council" He praised Cornwall Council team for their efforts, describing Jim Currie as a visionary Leader.
"The team here at BRE have been a creative and entrepreneurial driving force, " said Bonfield adding praise for Nick Tune, Director of BRE Wales and South West for his leadership of the project.
"This is an opportunity to create a new centre for the solar sector that is going to be of global repute," said the Minister, "it’s going to help drive forward not just innovation but also the deployment of solar."
"There has never been a better time to invest in solar, the Feed-In-Tarrifs offer a very attractive rate of return." The minister concluded.
A presentation by Nick Tune, Director of BRE Wales and South West introducing the Solar Centre will be available on Monday 21 January in The Information Daily
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