Statement from Alliance for Clean Energy NY on $57.5M Federal Grant Awarded To High-Tech Solar Partnership

ALBANY, NY (04/07/2011)(readMedia)-- Following the recent announcement that the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has been awarded $57.5 million by the federal Department of Energy to support the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) provided the following statement:

"The DOE's investment is exciting and welcome news for New York's solar energy industry. With SEMATECH and CNSE at the helm, the PVMC has the potential to place New York and the U.S. at the forefront of pioneering research and development in photovoltaic technologies. Not only will that bring major advancements to our domestic clean energy supply, but it also means the creation of new jobs and a revived manufacturing sector here in New York State and across the nation."

"This announcement is especially well-timed as a broad coalition of clean energy, labor, investment and environmental groups are advocating for passage of the NYS Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act. This bill is designed to dramatically increase solar energy investment in New York, which will be a perfect complement to the PVMC by creating a robust in-state market for photovoltaic technologies."

"If New York and the U.S. are going to compete successfully in the global clean energy race, investing in research, development and manufacturing is crucial. We commend the DOE for supporting this initiative and hope essential investments such as these, on both the state and federal level, will continue across all sectors of the clean energy economy. ACE NY and its members look forward to working with the Consortium and helping the Empire State become a worldwide leader in solar energy."

ABOUT ACE NY

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State. As New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of clean energy alternatives and energy conservation, it is an active participant in public education and outreach efforts, legislative and regulatory affairs, and the oversight of electricity markets. ACE NY's diverse membership includes: nonprofit environmental, economic development, and consumer advocacy organizations; academic institutions; consultants to the clean energy sector; and private companies that produce or sell renewable energy technologies or energy efficiency services. www.aceny.org

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