Australia's Solar Cities model heads to China

BP Solar has welcomed the announcement made by Prime Minister Rudd to provide support to the north-eastern Chinese city of Weihai in its effort to become the largest solar city in the world.

BP Solar and China’s BP SunOasis have been responsible for taking the Solar Cities concept to China, and will be part of a team managing the project’s feasibility study.

“We will use the experience we have gained in Australia’s Solar Cities program to develop a comprehensive road map that can assist model cities in China, such as Weihai, in addressing their present and future energy challenges," Brooke Miller, regional director of BP Solar Australasia, said.

“This project aims to deploy solar technologies at commercial scale, providing a practical example of how bilateral agreements can provide a critical first step in developing a low carbon future.

“With a population that dramatically increases in summer due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Weihai has its own distinct peak power challenges. Using technology that is available today, the opportunity exists to develop a truly unique solar city model that not only meets these challenges but  transforms Weihai into a showcase for other Chinese cities and indeed the world.

“As a direct consequence of the federal government’s support for the Solar Cities concept, seven Australian cities will demonstrate how the power of the sun can address their peak energy challenges, reduce the requirement for investment in electricity infrastructure and cut emissions. We look forward to completing the feasibility study and adding the city of Weihai to this list,” said Miller.