An innovative $1.6m glasshouse will be constructed at Murdoch University to boost agriculture research.
Murdoch has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ClearVue Technologies to build the commercial-scale glasshouse, which will use ClearVue’s photovoltaic glass technology to generate renewable energy.
The MOU will see both parties work on the construction of ClearVue’s Cooperative Research Centres Project grant-funded glasshouse, which will be located close to other greenhouses within Murdoch University’s new agricultural precinct.
Collaborative research arrangements aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the photovoltaic glass technology will also stem from the MOU.
Once built, Murdoch University’s Professor Chengdoa Li and his team will conduct a plant trial in the greenhouse to evaluate its effectiveness in plant growth. Professor Li (pictured above) is a world leading molecular geneticist and Director of the Western Barley Genetics Alliance.
Murdoch University’s Director of Research and Innovation Chris Hutchison said the delivery of research and innovation was at the University’s core.
“Murdoch University excels at finding solutions to many of the world’s problems and is firmly positioned to tackle a range of 21st Century challenges. In doing so we will consolidate our reputation as an internationally-recognised, research collaborator of choice, in fields of study that have global significance,” Professor Hutchison said.
“To achieve its goals the University chooses to work with industry and society partners as a priority.
“The collaboration with ClearVue is an important example of industry utilising and building on our research expertise.”
Commenting on the signing of the MOU, ClearVue Executive Chairman Victor Rosenberg said it marks a great step towards construction of one of ClearVue’s first major projects, with the company excited about the prospect of working with Professor Li.
“The CRC-P grant funded greenhouse will be one of the company’s first commercial-scale technology demonstrators using the ClearVue technology in a real-world setting,” Mr Rosenberg said.
“The opportunity to work with Murdoch and Professor Chengdao Li will be a great opportunity for ClearVue that will lead to other collaborations in the future.”
About ClearVue Technologies Limited
ClearVue Technologies Limited (ASX: CPV) is an Australian technology company that operates in the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BPIV) sector which involves the integration of solar technology into building and agricultural industries, specifically glass and building surfaces, to provide renewable energy. ClearVue has developed advanced glass technology that aims to preserve glass transparency to maintain building aesthetics whilst generating electricity.
Solar PV cells are incorporated around the edges of an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) used in windows and the lamination interlayer between the glass. The IGU incorporates ClearVue’s patented proprietary nano and micro particles, as well as its spectral selective coating on the rear external surface of the IGU.
ClearVue’s window technology has application for use in the building and construction and agricultural industries (amongst others).