#TSEP 228 The Fundamentals of Renewable Energy: How Research Drives Clean Technology

When we talk about clean energy, the focus can often be on what’s
most obvious: solar panels, EVs, wind turbines, or batteries.
However, what’s often overlooked is the incredible technology
inside those systems – the innovations in PV modules, batteries,
and balance-of-system components that make the energy transition
possible.


Behind these breakthroughs are researchers working
conscientiously in labs around the world. Their contributions may
not always make headlines, but without them, progress would be
slow, or may never even occur.


In this episode, we explore the vital role of fundamental
research in renewable energy and why supporting it is key to a
resilient, future-proof energy transition. It’s a multifaceted
issue, involving public funding, partnerships with industry,
Intellectual Property, and the licensing of technology.


Jonathan Gifford dives into the complex ecosystem that fuels
clean energy innovation - together with Martin Green, Ivona
Kafedjiska and Nina Munzke.



About the Speakers


Martin Green is a Scientia Professor at the
University of New South Wales and a globally recognized leader in
solar technology. For over 40 years, he has driven scientific
breakthroughs that have continuously increased solar cell and
module efficiency.


Nina Munzke leads the Stationary Storage Systems
team at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. She works on
award-winning projects focused on battery energy storage and its
integration with thermal energy systems.


Ivona Kafedjiska was a PV Research Strategy
& Policy Consultant at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin at the time
of recording. A compelling communicator on cutting-edge solar
technologies, she has since joined E.ON Inhouse Consulting as a
Senior Consultant.


About the Companies


University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a public
research university located in Sydney, Australia, established in
1949. It is home to the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable
Energy Engineering and leads the Australian Centre for Advanced
Photovoltaics (ACAP), a national initiative focused on
next-generation solar technologies.


Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a
leading German public research university based in Karlsruhe,
Baden-Württemberg, and a member of the Helmholtz Association. KIT
conducts extensive research in energy storage, covering
electrochemical systems like batteries and fuel cells, as well as
thermal and geothermal storage technologies.


Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) is a world-class
research center specializing in energy materials. Its solar
energy research spans the full value chain – from novel
materials and high-performance devices to manufacturing processes
and consultancy for building-integrated photovoltaics.