UNSW solar cell researcher, Scientia Professor Martin Green, has once again been recognised for his achievements with the runner-up award in the world's richest science prize, the inaugural Zayed Future Energy Prize.

Professor Green, of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence has been awarded the US$350,000 prize by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his groundbreaking work to make photovoltaic technology more efficient and affordable.

Professor Green's prize was given in recognition of his research on high-efficiency third-generation solar cell technology - which has the potential to drastically reduce the cost of solar power.

"I firmly believe that many of our future energy needs can be addressed by photovoltaic technology," Professor Green said.

"I'm proud that as one of the first recipients of this award, photovoltaic technology and its importance in the renewable energy mix is also being recognized as a commercially viable solution.

"I am confident that the prize will help boost our efforts to accelerate the development, and market entry of third generation photovoltaic modules."

The US$1.5m first prize was awarded to Dipal Chandra Barua, the founding managing director of Grameen Shakti, an organisation which has made massive inroads in delivering renewable energy solutions to millions of people in rural Bangladesh.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize was launched in January last year in memory of the environmental stewardship of the United Arab Emirates' late ruler and founding father, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Media Contact: Peter Trute | 02 9385 1933 | 0410 271 826 | p.trute@unsw.edu.au