Conclusion of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on research cooperation among world's three leading institutes for solar energy research
– Signing of the MOU by the Research Center for Photovoltaic Technologies of AIST (Japan), NREL (USA), and Fraunhofer ISE (Germany) –

Points

• Exchange researchers mutually and enhance cooperation among the three institutes
• Increase the speed and efficiency of global research efforts in the field of solar energy by sharing research results
• Respond to recent rapid deployment and cost reduction of solar energy technologies

Summary

The Research Center for Photovoltaic Technologies (RCPVT; Director: Michio Kondo) of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST; President: Tamotsu Nomakuchi), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL; Director: Dan E. Arvizu) of USA, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE; Director: Eicke R. Weber) of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (President: Hans-Jörg Bullinger) of the Federal Republic of Germany have signed an MOU on research cooperation among the three institutes on July 10, 2012 (PDT), in San Francisco, CA, USA. The concluded MOU is aimed at reinforcing the scientific cooperation among the three leading institutes for solar energy technologies, including mutual exchanges of researchers, and at accelerating the research activities responding to the recent rapid global dissemination and cost reduction of photovoltaic power generation.

Image from the signing ceremony

Left: Director Michio Kondo, Research Center for Photovoltaic Technologies of AIST Middle: Director Dan E. Arvizu, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Right: Director Eicke R. Weber, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems

Background of the conclusion

Recently, utilization of solar energy, including solar power generation, is rapidly increasing, while its cost is being reduced quickly. Further cost reduction accompanying the dissemination of solar energy utilization is expected and solar energy is thought to be an important pillar of the sustainable and low-carbon energy supply system in future societies. Meanwhile, as utilization area and applications of solar energy expands, the needs for research are expanding in their variations and quantities and thus increase in speed and efficiency of research and development is desired.

Progress towards the conclusion

AIST, NREL, Fraunhofer ISE are the leading research institutes in the field of solar energy technologies. AIST has been individually cooperating with NREL and Fraunhofer ISE on evaluation of performance or reliability of photovoltaic modules. As the three institutes have similar research plans and goals, they have agreed to conclude the MOU and enhance the cooperation among them. This MOU is expected to promote the cooperation in fundamental and emerging fields among the three institutes and accelerate research works toward the common goals. AIST also concluded MOUs on comprehensive research cooperation with NREL on May 4, 2009, and with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft on July 6, 2012.

Outline of the MOU

• The purpose is to make the goals of research and development common and accelerate the research works to secure the sustainable utilization of solar energy.
• The three institutes mutually send researchers and exchange information and personnel.

Significance of the MOU

• The development of solar energy technologies will be accelerated by setting common goals and by promoting research cooperation.
• The three institutes will complement each other by sharing their expertise through information and personnel exchanges.
• The three institutes are expected to lead the research field of solar energy by developing this cooperation into the Global Alliance of Solar Energy Research Institutes.

Contact

Research Center for Photovoltaic Technology (RCPVT)
Director Michio Kondo
E-mail: