Suntech Power Holdings CTO, Dr. Stuart Wenham has received NewSouth Innovations (NSi) Inventor of the Year Award. NSi is the technology commercialization company of the University of NSW, Australia (UNSW). Dr. Wenham holds a dual position as the Director of the UNSW’s ARC Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence as well as his position at Suntech. Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO was a former senior research scientist at the Centre of Excellence.
“Stuart’s contribution to the solar industry has been exceptional and it is fitting that he receive this award,” commented Dr. Zhengrong Shi. “Under his guidance, we have successfully commercialized the high efficiency Pluto technology and plan to start shipments within the next few months. This technology clearly demonstrates the strength of Suntech’s R&D capability and leadership position in crystalline silicon solar technologies.”
“The standard of excellence among the finalists at these awards was first class and I’m humbled to have been chosen top inventor,” said Dr. Wenham. “Through the course of my career I have witnessed solar progress from the lab to field installations and now into a multi-billion dollar global industry. The potential of solar to redefine energy generation is enormous and I have no doubt that we will witness further breakthroughs that will facilitate even greater adoption of solar.”
This is the first year of the awards, which carry a total prize pool of AUD$20,000.Dr. Wenham received an Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Clunies Ross Award in 2008.