The world’s largest technology prize was awarded to Professor Michael Grätzel
Millennium Technology Prize The Millennium Technology Prize winner was surrounded by media after the award ceremony in Helsinki.The price/performance ratio of Grätzel's dye-sensitized solar cells is very good. The technology often described as 'artificial photosynthesis' is a promising alternative to standard silicon photovoltaics. It is made of low-cost materials and does not need an elaborate apparatus to manufacture. Though Grätzel cells are still in relatively early stages of development, they show great promise as an inexpensive alternative to costly silicon solar cells and as a new renewable energy source.
Grätzel cells, which promise electricity-generating windows and low-cost solar panels, have just made their debut in consumer products.
– The constraint of solar energy has traditionally been its price. 'Grätzel cells' provide a more affordable way of harnessing solar energy. Grätzel's innovation is likely to have an important role in low-cost, large-scale solutions for renewable energy, says the President and CEO of Technology Academy Finland, Dr Ainomaija Haarla, explaining why Grätzel was selected as the winner.
The decision was made by the Board of Directors of Technology Academy Finland, based on the recommendation of the International Selection Committee.
The two other 2010 Millennium Laureates were each awarded prizes of EUR 150,000. The innovation of Professor Sir Richard Friend, organic Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), was a crucial milestone in plastic electronics. Professor Stephen Furber is known as the principal designer of the ARM microprocessor, an innovation that revolutionized mobile electronics.
www.millenniumprize.fi
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