Solar Tower Thermal Energy Generation

Australia is set to lead the world in solar tower technology. It is said that this project will rival the Snowy Mountain Scheme. The project aims to build a solar thermal energy generation operation as a commercial alternative in the Australian energy market. Environ Mission, the Australian company undertaking the project owns the exclusive Australian licence to the revolutionary German technology that can generate enough electricity to supply approximately 200, 000 households with clean, green renewable energy.

The solar tower will stand one kilometer high and be the tallest human-made structure. It will incorporate 700,000 cubic metres of concrete, but even more staggering is the dimensions of the accompanying greenhouse that will channel the heated air into the tower. The greenhouse will have a radius of 3.5 kilometres and cover approximately 10,000 hectares.

The project will not only benefit the environment, but the economic situation of the region where it will be sited. It is expected to generate 2700 jobs during its anticipated 34 month construction, and provide 15-40 ongoing jobs. Adding to the economic benefits are the attendant tourism which will draw people from around Australia and internationally.

Although the project would need additional funding for up-grading roads, water supply etc, it would bring far more into the region, be a source of green power, and be beneficial in keeping rural New South Wales alive.

If the solar tower is successful, it is anticipated there will be more towers built in other areas of rural Australia.

Electricity will be generated when hot air is moved through large turbines. The air is heated by the sun's radiation impacting on the greenhouse, collecting and trapping it under the greenhouse cover. It is anticipated the flow of hot air will be continuous.

Why is the Solar Tower good news for Australians

Over 90 percent of Australia's electricity is generated by burning coal. This creates greenhouse gas pollution that contributes to global warming and the associated climate changes. Australians are becoming more conscious of the effects of energy consumption and are taking steps to cut back, but although this cut back will reduce the amount of coal burned and the amount of fossil carbon released into the atmosphere, it will still remain that most of Australia's electricity comes from coal-fired power stations.

As Australians become more informed and critical they lead large companies to include environmental responsibility in all aspects of their operations, and in relation to power generation large corporations can see that with the environmental ethics prevalent in Australia, they stand to make greater profits if they turn to green power production.There is currently a Green Power program operating in Australia. Green Power is a national accreditation program that sets standards, regulates and monitors renewable energy products offered to households and businesses. If you choose one of these renewable energy products, the supplier of this product agrees that the equivalent amount of energy that you nominate is produced from renewable sources - not coal burning. The Green Power program has been so successful that over 100,000 customers (including approximately 5,000 businesses) have chosen Green Power products. This demand has led to over 150 new renewable energy projects being installed in Australia.