School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
Martin Green awarded at Chinese 58th Anniversary Celebrations
Professor Martin Green of the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering was honoured on the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He received the highest award given by the Chinese government to foreign experts for contributions to the development of Chinese scientific, economic and social progress as well as being an invited guest of the National Day Banquet.
In a special ceremony in the Great Hall of the People on the Saturday before the National Day celebrations, 50 experts, finalists from the 30-odd Chinese provinces, received their awards. Professor Green had been nominated by Jiangsu province, neighbouring Shanghai, after receiving the Jiangsu provincial award in 2005.
His original nomination had been by solar-cell company Suntech-Power, founded by former student, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, in conjunction with the government of Wuxi, the city where Suntech-Power has its present manufacturing base.
In 2005, Suntech-Power reportedly became the first private mainland Chinese company to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the year’s largest technology float. The company’s market capitalisation is now close to $10 billion, with solar cell and module sales now in excess of $1 billion annually.
Since Dr. Shi’s initiatives, six other former students had since
followed the trial he blazed, buttressing Chinese start-ups that listed
in 2006 or 2007 on the NYSE or NASDAQ. Professor Green said he was deeply
honoured to receive the award and proud of the achievements of Dr. Shi
and his other students. He believed green technologies like solar offered
real opportunities for China to excel. This was because of their importance
to China and the rest of the world in the future combined with the tardiness
in the West in investing in the development of the relevant technologies.
Professor Martin Green (right) at the Friendship Award Ceremony with Mr. Ji, Director of Foreign Experts Department (left) and wife, Judy Green (middle).
Professor Martin Green (left) at the Chinese National Day Banquet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (right), wife Judy Green (behind), Chinese officials and foreign experts.