13 October 2008

Welsh solar panel manufacturer G24i was described as "the future" today, as minister Jane Davidson visited the company's site in Cardiff for a tour of the premises.

The company based at Wentlog Park is aiming to be one of the first companies in the world to manufacturer renewable energy systems using only power generated from renewable sources.

Touring the firm's production facility this morning, the Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said: "Climate change is the greatest challenge we face today. Our ability to develop 21st century technology that cuts our carbon and environmental footprint will be vital.

"G24i is a great example of how Wales is playing its part. The solar technology being developed here is the future," Ms Davidson added

G24i, which has been based in Wales since 2007, specialises in portable solar technology on jackets and lightweight panels for applications such as mobile phone chargers and laptop computers. It is pioneering dye-sensitised solar cells that can be used in these devices.

The company is currently researching the options for onsite power generation as it strives to be the first manufacturing facility in the world to make renewable products solely through the use of renewable energy.

Highly skilled

And, in a boost to the country's employment market, G24i has forecast the creation of high quality skilled jobs for chemists, engineers and technicians, and the Welsh Government has expressed pride in the company's choice of Wales as a place to base its operations in Wales.

Ms Davidson said: "Here in Wales we are providing a lead when it comes to green technology. We have a number of pioneering companies that are developing science that will play a huge role in our lives.

"These technologies also provide an economic opportunity for Wales which will create green jobs. Green technology and sustainable energy are rapidly growing markets that we can benefit from."

The recently published "Clean Tech 100", a survey by The Guardian and Library House of the top 100 clean technology companies featured six firms - including G24i - from Wales and a number of others with close ties. Two of these, Bangor-based Deep Stream and Abertilly-based Atraverda, were second and tenth respectively.

Clemens Betzel, President of G24 Innovations, said: "G24i is proud to be pioneering new silicon-free solar technology from its Cardiff base. We are grateful to have been able to show Minister Jane Davidson our operations, including our plans to become the UK's first producer of renewable energy products to be powered entirely by renewable energy."