The New & renewable energy Center (Center Director Professor Kim Jong-il; Principal Investigator Professor Yang O-bong) has begun transferring solar energy technology to Morocco in cooperation with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), the government agency responsible for Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The training, which began on June 18, has invited ten officials from Moroccan agencies related to renewable energy, including IRESEN, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEMEE), and ADEREE, to receive instruction on Korea's research capabilities and support policies for solar energy as well as training in solar cell technologies.

The Center also plans to install equipment in Morocco capable of manufacturing silicon thin-film solar cells using Korea's advanced technologies by this October. After installation, JBNU will lead the transfer of advanced Korean technology to Morocco through two months of on-site technical training for local engineers, with the program concluding by January next year. Local solar companies, including OCI, Nexolon, and Solarpak Korea, are also participating in the training.

In particular, the silicon thin-film solar cell manufacturing equipment from the project selected in December last year (with a total project budget of 2.2 billion won) is expected to become a core facility for Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and IRESEN within the Green City new town initiative championed by King Mohammed VI of Morocco. JBNU's world-class research equipment and excellent human resources are therefore expected to serve as a driving force for Morocco's solar industry.

Professor Yang O-bong said, 'Through carrying out this public aid project, JBNU will serve as a catalyst to promote active international cooperation as well as collaboration between domestic companies and Morocco.'