The Japan Prize Foundation has announced that Australian Scientia Professor Martin Green is a laureate in the field of ‘Resources, Energy, the Environment, and Social Infrastructure’ for his work in solar photovoltaics.
The annual prize is one of world’s most prestigious awards for scientists who’ve made significant advances in the fields of science and technology worldwide, furthering the cause of peace and prosperity for mankind.
The Japan Prize Foundation awards 50 million Japanese yen (approximately $620,000) to each of the winners in the two fields.
Professor Green, Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at UNSW Sydney, was recognised for his work in developing high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic devices.
The professor is described as ‘the father of modern photovoltaics’ and has played a significant role in the development and uptake of PV technology, positioning it to where it can now be used to decarbonise global energy supply.
‘It’s a privilege to receive this award, which serves as a reminder that the quest for inexpensive, renewable energy is a global quest seeking to sustain the trajectory of human civilization on our shared planet,’ Professor Green said.
‘Early in my career, solar was interesting but terribly expensive. Now it embodies the long-standing hope of an abundant, inexpensive renewable resource, providing an answer to our planet’s critical environmental challenges.’
Professor Green thanked the Australian Government for its sustained support of his work, most recently through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
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