Is this new or old news? Just saw it on the web but can't find...

Is this new or old news? Just saw it on the web but can't find another source. Anyway, sounds like Dyesol will be used on the farm soon :)

http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9814:1-million-awarded-to-solar-technology-researchers&catid=73:politics


ATLANTA: Queensland University of Technology will receive more than $1 million from the Bligh Government to work on solar technology that could revolutionise farming and environmental management techniques.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson made the announcement during QUT's International Research Collaborations Lunch which draws together international representatives from Europe and North America to showcase QUT's activity in the biotech arena.
Mr Robertson said the money would be provided via the State Government's Smart Futures Fund, National and International Research Alliances Program.
"Queensland University of Technology (QUT) will receive more than $1.3 million to create a new class of solar-powered nano-sensors," Mr Robertson said.
"Using state-of-the-art microscopic Dye Solar Cells, researchers are developing sophisticated nanotechnology sensors to improve data collection and surveying in remote areas.
"The funds will enable QUT to create a new liquid solar cell held within a plastic coating, a design which is stronger and more flexible than a tradition solar panel.
"The Dye Solar Cell will not only be independently powered but should also be cheaper to produce.
"The new sensors aim to have a variety of uses from monitoring the environment in remote areas to improving the quality of CO2 emission data, providing a more accurate picture of our carbon footprint.
"These sensors transmit data to monitoring stations using radio/UMTS technology and provide a low-cost method to monitor air, water, land and crop conditions, and assist in the control of pollution levels and gas/carbon emissions.
"It's anticipated that for farmers the Dye Solar Cell will enable them to improve their crop management.
"For example the new solar cell should enable a more accurate picture of moisture levels - their anticipated affordability will enable more sensors to be spread across a large crop - leading to improvements in water efficiency and cost savings.
"Developing new technology and information such as this is part of the Bligh Government's Toward Q2 strategy.
"We are creating a strong Queensland economy powered by bright ideas and a greener Queensland to protect out lifestyle and environment.
"Through innovation this investment has the potential to save business money, improve productivity and help in our response to climate change."
Mr Robertson said QUT would partner with Central Queensland University, the Brescia and Roma Tor Vergata universities in Italy, along with Dyesol, one of Australia's leading suppliers of 3rd generation solar technology.
"Australia is the world's fifth largest centre for biotechnology and Queensland is fast becoming a major player in areas like tropical disease treatment and prevention, regenerative medicine, diagnostics and gene therapy," he said.
"This year we have about 70 delegates from research institutes, universities and biotech companies flying the flag for Queensland in Atlanta.
"At the moment Queensland has around 90 biotech companies employing almost 2000 people. Our Government's vision is to see the industry employing 16,000 people and generating $4 billion in annual revenue by 2025."