China's Suntech Power Holdings will supply solar panels containing new high efficiency Pluto cells to help power Sydney Theatre Company as one of several initiatives in STC's Greening the Wharf project.
The 500kW Pluto solar system, which should be completed in 2010, is slated to be one of the largest capacity rooftop solar projects in Australia and along with other energy saving measures will reduce Sydney Theatre Company's grid power consumption by up to 70%. The installation is being partially funded by the family foundation of Dr. Zhengrong and Vivienne Shi which has donated USD2 million to help fund the "Greening the Wharf" project and the Australian Government will provide a further USD1.2 million in funding.
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, said, "It is a pleasure to support one of the cultural centerpieces of Sydney to reduce its carbon footprint through these sustainability initiatives. I hope that this project increases the awareness of climate change and demonstrates the huge role that solar can play in mitigating carbon emissions in Australia today."
The three key initiatives that form the heart of "Greening the Wharf" are: the installation of the state-of-the-art PV array; the introduction of extensive energy efficiency measures; and the introduction of an innovative rainwater harvesting, storage and reticulation system which will supply 100% of the STC's non-potable water requirements.
Over the next 25 years, it is estimated that the Greening the Wharf project will deliver 10,350 MWh of power generated via the PV array, 5,000MWh in energy savings and water savings of 37.5 million liters.
The high efficiency Pluto technology was developed by Suntech in collaboration with the University of New South Wales.