ONE of the most respected figures in the North-East’s scientific community believed cutting-edge research into solar power taking place in the region could see it lead the photovoltaics revolution.

Professor John Anstee, the founding father of the North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield, County Durham, said the region had a wealth of knowledge in the field.

There are stark business reasons for the area to be at the forefront of photovoltaics with the market for the technology expected to reach $48bn in the next five years.

Prof Anstee, who as scientific director oversaw NETPark’s growth from a patchwork of fields to a 90-hectare specialist business park, said companies on the site such as the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (Petec) were expected to play a leading role. But he also pointed to research elsewhere in the region, such as at Durham and Northumbria universities and the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), in Northumberland, as examples of why the region was leading the field.

He said: “I think we are very fortunate to have strong groups working at the cutting edge of photovoltaics.”

Prof Anstee said Petec was developing plastic films that could reduce the cost of solar panels, compared to glass designs, but also protect the solar cells from water damage, while Narec also had expertise in photovoltaics.

But he also pointed out that many businesses in the supply chain, such as electricians who could be trained to fit the systems, were also set to benefit.

He said: “They will need to be appraised of what the new technology is going to be and how they can benefit from providing access to it to everybody out there.”

But Prof Anstee believed the region could not rest on its laurels if it was to take full advantage.

Prof Anstee, who recently had a room dedicated in his name at the NETPark Incubator, was speaking ahead of a national photovoltaics conference to be held in County Durham later this month.

Solar Flair 2009 has been organised by the CDDC, the business support arm of Durham County Council, in its role as the North-East partner of the Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network, which funds the annual event. The aim of the knowledge transfer networks is to encourage companies to explore new technologies.

Prof Anstee said: “Solar Flair I suspect would not have come to County Durham if we had not had Petec and NETpark.

“What I believe this does is to provide a wonderful networking opportunity between universities and cutting edge researchers and industry and investors.”

Solar Flair 2009 is being held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, County Durham, on November 19.

For inquiries, contact Elaine on 0191-370-9559 or elaine@solarflair 09.com