Trailblazing Solar Pioneer Muriel Watt Honored with Australia Day Gong for Pioneering Grid-Connected PV System
Dr Muriel Watt, a renowned Australian solar expert and member of the Australian Solar Hall of Fame, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contributions to the photovoltaic and renewable energy sector. The announcement was made as part of the 2024 Australia Day Honours List.
With over 40 years of experience in the solar industry, Dr Watt has been a tireless advocate for solar technologies and policy advocacy. Her expertise and insights have been highly regarded, benefiting organizations like RenewEconomy, among others.
Colleagues, both current and former, have congratulated Dr Watt on her appointment, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society since 1980. Her early work included leading the Renewables branch of the NSW Government Energy agency, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the Remote Area Power Supply Assistance scheme, supporting the growth of the nascent solar industry.
One notable achievement was her involvement in the installation of the first grid-connected PV system in Eastern Australia at UNSW’s SolArch facility in the early 1990s. Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for the role of rooftop solar in the energy transition.
Dr Watt’s dedication to promoting the potential of solar power led her to co-found the Australian PV Institute (APVI, formerly APVA). Through this organization, she worked tirelessly to convince others of the immense possibilities of PV technology and the importance of the right policy settings. She also played a significant role in knowledge sharing globally, compiling the PV in Australia report for the IEA PV Power Systems program and chairing the first Asia Pacific Solar Research Conference.
Throughout her career, Dr Watt has held various positions, including head of Energy Policy and Photovoltaics at ITP Renewables. In this role, she led critical reviews and analyses for Australia and Pacific Island countries. She has also been actively involved in her local community in Northern NSW, particularly with Zero Emissions Byron.
Dr Watt’s association with UNSW spans over 25 years, during which she helped establish the world’s first undergraduate PV engineering degree alongside Professors Martin Green and the late Stuart Wenham. She has been a dedicated teacher, mentor, and supervisor to countless graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to the clean energy sector. Her achievements have been particularly inspiring for women in the traditionally male-dominated energy industry.
Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Dr Watt humbly acknowledged the contributions of her colleagues, emphasizing that her achievements were a collective effort. Despite considering retirement, she remains committed to the industry, driven by the ongoing advancements and opportunities in the field.
Giles Parkinson, the founder and editor of Renew Economy, as well as the founder of One Step Off The Grid and The Driven, congratulated Dr Watt on her well-deserved honour. With 40 years of experience as a journalist and a former business and deputy editor of the Australian Financial Review, Parkinson recognizes the significant impact of Dr Watt’s work in the renewable energy sector.
