A multi-million pound Government backed solar energy research centre has been launched by Swansea University.

The Ser Solar initiative in Baglan Energy Park in Wales was established after the university was awarded £6 million from the Welsh Government’s Ser Cymru programme.

The Ser Cymru Solar team will work closely with the university’s SPECIFIC project, which aims to develop “practical, functional coated materials on metal and glass” that can be manufactured by industry in large volumes to produce, store and release energy at point of use.

Edwina Hart (pictured), Minister for Economy, Science and Transport said: “The Ser Cymru programme is helping us deliver our commitment to developing science and innovation in Wales which is an important driver in economic growth. This research in the field of low carbon energy will also help us meet our commitments to reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.”

Last week a Cambridge University department moved into a new energy efficient building worth £48 million.