Image credit: bwsolar.com.au

Does 1 GW capacity sound large enough? That's how much power their solar power plant will have if the Australians actually stick to this plan. The project costs are estimated ar about USD 1 billion. The plan was announced by Kvein Rudd, Australian Prime Minister yesterday.

Currently, the biggest solar power plant is in California, generating about three times less electricity. The new 1 GW solar power plant will be one of the first major steps in Australia's quest for a clean energy future, but also a way to inject capital and jobs into the economy. This project should later on lead to a whole network of solar power stations across the vast country. Locations are being chosen to fit the existing possibilities for connecting to the power grid, as well as for their insolation characteristics. Rudd added Australia is aiming to become a leader in clean energy on a global scale. Judging by the size of the proposed solar power plant, they mean business.

The USD 1 billion is part of a larger amount of USD 3.5 billion set aside by the government for the development of clean energy. Australia is also planning to become a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which is to have its first global meeting this June.

To get a better picture of the solar energy potential in Australia, check out this page, it has a nice irradtiation map (featured here on the right), but also tables showing detailed values for different cities in Australia, as well as altitude/longtitude/tilt angle values.