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Down Under Leadership
Australia to build world's largest solar power station news
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced a project that will see the world's largest solar plant with three times the energy generated than the current largest plant. Rudd said he wanted Australia to become a leader in solar energy rather than a follower. Australia is rich in natural resources and relies heavily on its coal industry for energy generation. This reliance has seen the country delay previous solar plans despite the natural resources that suggest the country is perfect for solar development.
The new power station will cost Au$1.4 billion ($1 billion) and will have an output of 1,000MW. This is the equivalent of one coal powered station and will provide energy for at least 800,000 houses. Australia has one of the worst records as a carbon polluter and continues to ravage native vegetation despite being considered one of the most vulnerable places on Earth to climate change. The finances will come from a Au$4Billion energy programme previously announced by the Rudd government.
If the plans to build go to schedule then Australia will have the largest plant in the world. But not for long. Plans in both China and the USA will see bigger plants but they are not expected to be completed as quickly as Australia's recent plans with partners expected to be announced in 2010.
The new power station will cost Au$1.4 billion ($1 billion) and will have an output of 1,000MW. This is the equivalent of one coal powered station and will provide energy for at least 800,000 houses. Australia has one of the worst records as a carbon polluter and continues to ravage native vegetation despite being considered one of the most vulnerable places on Earth to climate change. The finances will come from a Au$4Billion energy programme previously announced by the Rudd government.
If the plans to build go to schedule then Australia will have the largest plant in the world. But not for long. Plans in both China and the USA will see bigger plants but they are not expected to be completed as quickly as Australia's recent plans with partners expected to be announced in 2010.
