The project will be based around the development of nanoplasmonic solar cells, which allows for the collection of solar energy in a wider range of colours. According to Professor Gu, these will be “twice as efficient as the current generation of cells, and will also cost significantly less to run.”

The Australian university will contribute $3 million dollars to the venture, with Suntech pledging a further $3 million over the course of the collaboration. The project is also seeking funding from the Victorian Government.

Leading the group will be Swinburne Centre for Micro-Photonics Director, Professor Min Gu and Suntech CEO Dr Shi Zhengrong.