Australian solar technology shines

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, welcomed the launch of a major new joint venture to build what is expected to be the biggest and most efficient solar power plant in the world. Australian company Solar Systems and TRUenergy will construct the $420 million photovoltaic solar plant in northern Victoria. TRUenergy is a subsidiary of the China Light and Power Group, one of the largest power utilities in Asia. Senator Wong said the project would use world-leading technology developed by Solar Systems, drawing on high performance solar cells originally developed to power satellites. When completed it is expected to produce enough clean energy to power up to 45,000 homes. The Australian Government will contribute up to $79.5 million towards the project, with the Victorian Government also providing $50 million to help make it happen. See http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080225a.pdf