Renewable energy: Solar power station dream comes true for CSIRO Energy Transformed boss
Alex Wonhas built his first solar power station as a teenager in Germany - his model based on the concept of splitting water failed because it was too inefficient. But this is a story of perseverance and persistence.
Decades later, the German energy expert now heads the CSIRO's Energy Transformed Flagship which has built a solar power station at Newcastle - in partnership with the Australian National University. The National Solar Energy Centre's two solar towers have more than 600 mirrors which reflect the solar radiation to generate temperatures of up to 1000°C. ^MR
Solar power station dream comes true from National Science Week. (24.2MB)
The Newcastle power station heats air instead of water. CSIRO Facebook photos.
Watch this CSIRO animation which explains the process:
Read about the CSIRO's National Solar Energy Centre
ABC Lateline interview with Wonhas ( transcript )
How solar power works: Natural Resources Defense Council (US)
Watch BSN OUTtake: Study Science Now.
