The power of the sun

Alice Springs — 21 January 2010

John Huigen of Desert Knowledge Australia explains to Ambassador Bleich how solar energy can play an important role in providing energy in desert cities like Alice Springs. He was accompanied on the tour by Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan.

A tour of a new solar panel project and a visit to Pine Gap were on the agenda for Ambassador Bleich’s trip to Alice Springs on January 21 and 22. At Desert Knowledge Australia, the Ambassador learned about efforts to develop effective strategies for communities to live and grow in the desert, including solar power. Alice Springs now gets 20% of its power from solar energy. The ambassador also met with Mayor Damien Ryan who gave him a tour of the city including the Mbantua Gallery and Cultural Museum. The trip was capped off with a visit to the Pine Gap facility.