BP Solar today 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.

Australia’s market leader, BP Solar, was responsible for taking the Solar Cities concept to China, and will be part of a team managing the project’s feasibility study.
Brooke Miller, Regional Director of BP Solar Australasia said "We will use the experience we have gained in Australia’s Solar Cities programme to develop a comprehensive road map that can assist model cities in China, such as Weihai, in addressing their present and future energy challenges.
“Today, almost every city, and every urbanized country in the world is facing the growing challenge of meeting its peak energy needs, while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions”.
“Australia has been at the forefront of developing new technologies and innovative programs that can address this challenge. It makes sense that local industry joins with Government to support our neighbours in the development of a sustainable energy future for the region,” she 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.”
Through Australia’s own Solar Cities initiative, BP Solar has gained considerable experience in the development of successful Solar Cities projects, from Blacktown in the western suburbs of Sydney to the city of Adelaide in South Australia, and across to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
"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 Brooke Miller.