Outgoing Energy Secretary Steven Chu in his closing remarks predicted solar energy will see grid parity with other forms of energy within a decade, reported PV Tech.
Renewable forms of energy such as solar has been the emphasis of Chu’s tenure as energy secretary and its also been his downfall. The government’s $535 million funding of Solyndra which eventually went bankrupt became bulletin board material for the political right.
Despite that, Chu sees a bright future for solar. He sees a day 10 years from now when solar will be able to exist without government subsidies.
“It’s very exciting because it’s important that we recognise that this is now within our grasp,” said Chu. “It’s getting close enough that you can touch it. This is not something that is going to happen 20-30 years from today, this is something that is going to happen 10 years from today and maybe even sooner.
“We’re going further in reaching for the moon. We’re reaching for the sun. ”
Today is Chu’s last day as Energy Secretary. He will be returning to Stanford University.
You can read more about Chu’s predictions for solar in PV Tech.
