Congressman Paul Tonko announced today that the Department of Energy has awarded a $62.5 million dollar grant that will help boost the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), an Albany-based partnership led by UAlbany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SEMATECH, and the University of Central Florida. $57.5 million of the grant will be awarded directly to the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering for the work that will be done in the Capital Region.

Congressman Tonko has urged Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu to award the grant based on the new consortium’s potential to drive the development of new solar manufacturing technologies in the United States, and create new jobs.

“This grant is the final piece of the puzzle that will create a nationwide partnership between private industry and academia to push the envelope on solar power manufacturing,” said Congressman Tonko. “This public investment has a huge potential to transform photovoltaic manufacturing in this country, increase our share globally of the solar power market, and create game changing technologies that we can export to the world – and most importantly, create good-paying middle class jobs right here in America.”

CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros said, “I want to thank Congressman Tonko for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment as a champion for growing the nation’s clean energy economy. This investment by the Department of Energy, along with investments made by New York State, will infuse critical capital that, coupled with the pioneering model established by CNSE, will position New York and the U.S. as world leaders in 21^st century photovoltaic technologies. In building on the public-private partnerships, world-class innovation and high-tech infrastructure that have made CNSE the world’s ‘go-to’ place for nanotechnology, we are poised now to drive the creation of high-paying green jobs and the attraction of corporate partners and investment, while reducing our nation’s carbon footprint for future generations.”  

The PVMC would focus on development of new manufacturing techniques and processes for photovoltaic products, which will help improve global competitiveness and help American companies gain a larger share of the world market for this fast growing renewable energy sector. The consortium has secured commitments to participate from more than 80 companies, high tech laboratories and universities, as well as $400 million in additional investments from state and private sources. $5 million dollars of that funding is coming from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

“The College of Nanoscale Science and SEMATECH will be able to leverage their expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques to streamline processes and improve our competitive position in this area of renewable energy,” added Congressman Tonko. “These types of investments are critical if we are to reduce our usage of imported fossil fuels, which will help drive down our energy costs.”

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