University of Michigan lands $19.5 million solar energy project for federal government
by Nathan Bomey Michigan Business Review
Tuesday April 28, 2009, 11:33 AM
The University of Michigan is poised to strengthen its role as a national leader in solar energy technology after landing a 5-year, $19.5 million research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The White House has named U-M one of its 46 "Energy Frontier Research Centers" -- collaborative research efforts designed to generate breakthrough alternative energy technologies.
U-M researchers, led by Peter Green, will pursue new technology designed to improve the efficiency of solar materials, which are used in photovoltaic solar panels and geothermal technology.
Business Review first reported last month that the university was among 260 applicants vying for EFRC funding delivered through the DOE's Office of Basic Energy Sciences.
DOE is expected to invest $777 million in 46 projects over five years. The projects are designated as multi-disciplinary research efforts involving universities, national labs, nonprofit groups and private businesses. Funding for 16 of the projects, including U-M's, comes from President Barack Obama's $787 billiion economic stimulus package approved in February.
The "center" is not expected to be a physical building but instead a research collaboration aimed at bringing together 22 U-M scientists, including six from U-M's Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute.
"It's a big win for the state in terms of trying to grow a solar energy industry here," said Gary Was, the MMPEI director.
Contact Nathan Bomey at (734) 302-1725 or nathanb@mbusinessreview.com or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/NathanBomey.
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