Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth has awarded a Queen’s Enterprise Award, in the Innovation category, for the development of DuPont’s Solamet photovoltaic metallization paste. The company has advanced the technology over a number of years — contributing to increasing the effectiveness of photovoltaic solar cell technology.
“Addressing energy needs is a global concern. The generation of renewable energy will be the fastest growing sector in the energy market for the next 20 years, and materials for photovoltaic applications are a critical success factor for sustainable growth,” said Ian Hudson, President of DuPont Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “We can apply the power of our market-driven science to offer products and technologies that can transform the sun’s potential into clean energy, contributing to decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.”
The Queen's Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prominent award for business performance, recognising outstanding achievement by UK-based companies. They are presented in three separate categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. The awards are made each year by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.
“DuPont is honored to receive this prestigious award that recognises the company’s innovations to advance efficient and reliable generation of solar energy,” said Craig Oliver, Director, Europe, the Middle East and Africa – DuPont Microcircuit Materials. “Sustainable growth of the photovoltaic industry depends on technological advances continuing to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices, and ultimately reducing the cost per watt of solar power.”
DuPont Bristol is organising an event in July 2010, where the Queen’s Award will be awarded to the company by the Lord Lieutenant.