energy experts training the next generation

It is odds on that your great grandchildren’s homes will feature ‘thermal inertia’ - with solid walls of rammed earth or limestone, carefully aligned to catch winter sun while shutting out the worst of summer, and featuring both a solar hot water system and photovoltaic electricity generator on the roof. On-selling surplus electricity to Western Power or some other retailer will be par for the course. All up, future householders can expect their energy bill to be about two-thirds lower than yours!

Murdoch’s Research Institute for Sustainable Energy is amongst the top three research organisations in Australia that are working hard to deliver alternative energies, such as solar, wind and biofuels to future generations at realistic prices. Its work on amorphous silicon semiconductors for solar electricity generation is second to none!

“Every rooftop - in either the suburbs or industrial estates - will be a power generator,” says Professor Phillip Jennings, who also predicts batteries of solar cells augmenting, in some cases replacing, traditional power stations.

“This is not science fiction. The cost is falling rapidly and within a decade, large-scale electricity production from solar cells will be a reality.”

Amorphous silicon, a glass-like substance produced from quartz, is one of the leading contenders to replace the current technology of crystalline silicon. Amorphous silicon, which is easier to produce and can be used 200 times thinner, promises big savings.

“Amorphous thin film semiconductors have the potential to halve the cost of solar cells,” said Professor Jennings.

However there are materials science problems to overcome. While amorphous conductors are already in commercial use in watches, calculators and toys, they are yet to hold their own in the fierce competition for Australian rooftop power. They are still not as efficient as the crystalline version and degenerate faster with constant exposure to the sun. These are the problems that Professor Jennings and his team are confident they will overcome.

“A better understanding of the structure and bonding in amorphous silicon alloys will solve the photodegradation and efficiency issues and pave the way for large-scale production of more sustainable solar electricity.

” The State Government has set a renewable energy target of 6 per cent by 2010. Wind power is leading the way, with about 160 megawatts of a total 3000 megawatts already feeding into the State grid (5 per cent). While most of WA is well suited to solar power generation it is the Mid-West and Pilbara that present the best options with their clear blue skies and radiant sunshine. Already, a two megawatt solar power station is being planned jointly by the Shire of Perenjori and a private company, with assistance from Murdoch University.

Murdoch University is training the next generation of energy experts through its undergraduate and postgraduate offerings in energy studies and environmental science.