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Despite its climate, Australia is a relative minnow in the solar power industry, but not for long.
The largest operating solar energy generator in Australia is a joint venture between solar technology company Ausra and Macquarie Generation. This solar-thermal plant generates 2MW, supplementing the traditional coal-fired Liddell power station in NSW's Hunter region, which has a capacity of 2000MW.
Solar thermal uses the sun's rays focused by mirrors onto pipes that contain water to generate steam and turn turbines to generate electricity. The Liddell plant uses Ausra's compact line Fresnel reflector (CLFR) technology. This was developed by company founder David Mills who, with colleagues, pioneered solar technology at the University of Sydney, including the evacuated - tube solar water heater now used in 60 per cent of the world's collectors.
Quote #1161
