Revealed by UK-based firm at MMSU
BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
CITY OF BATAC (June 24, 2023)—Emphasizing the benefits of manufacturing solar cells that use quantum Dot technology as a highly transformative and advanced renewable resource, the United Kingdom (UK)-based Regius Energy Corp. introduced the nanoparticle thin film solar cells to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) researchers and students.
In a seminar held at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning, Albert Chan Tu, Regius Energy Corp. chief executive officer, said that manufacturing the advanced technology can help address the sustainability of the country’s energy needs. It can also contribute to global environment goals and enhance its economic growth and energy security.
The professor explained that nanoparticle solar cells, also called third-generation solar cells, are an emerging technology that uses nanoscale materials, like quantum dots, to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.
“This ability makes it overcome the limitations of traditional solar cells,” Tu said, adding that quantum dots are semiconductor particles, which are only a few nanometers wide, can absorb and emit energy when exposed to light.
Regius Energy Corp. is a global multi-energy company that aims to transform the global energy industry by promoting solar energy, wind power, bioenergy, ocean energy and hydrogen.
Tu also forecasted that the solar cells’ “enhanced light absorption capabilities and improved efficiency … can present a multitude of prospects in the Philippines.”
Minh Nguyen, a nanotechnology expert, and the faculty and students of the MMSU College of Engineering, and personnel of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (Nberic) and Research Directorate also attended the seminar.
MMSU President Shirley Agrupis expressed the hope that the event would pave the way for the adoption of nanoparticle solar cells in the province of Ilocos Norte.
“With this, we look forward to partnering with Regius Energy Corporation to further strengthen MMSU’s renewable energy endeavors,” Agrupis said.
Nberic Officer in Charge Director Nathaniel Ericson Mateo said the seminar further inspired the new Nberic research directorate in fulfilling its goal of establishing a fully renewable energy university and pioneering the development of smart systems in MMSU campuses.
The Nberic is currently advancing renewable energy initiatives such as the production of biofuels, solar energy systems and exploration of other bioenergy resources.