The Advertiser
By: David Jean
Source: AdelaideNow
Victoria Square's $100 million facelift will include an innovative solar installation that will provide enough green energy to power the square's public lighting.
Plans obtained by The Advertiser reveal two covered walkways, together stretching for nearly 500m, which will be topped by solar technology to provide green energy, while delivering shelter for pedestrians.
The $1.5 million, 150kW solar photovoltaic system will be funded by the Federal Government's Adelaide Solar City project.
"With the design, we have committed to creating an urban space that showcases the best in green initiatives," Lord Mayor Michael Harbison said.
"This installation will help to raise awareness of solar power in a fun, interactive and artistic way, and I hope will encourage future visitors to embrace and enjoy sustainable design."
Plans for the solar installation were released as federal Labor announced it would fund an $80 million Low Carbon Communities Initiative if it was returned to government.
Local Government Association SA president Felicity-ann Lewis said the initiative would help councils reduce their carbon footprint.
"We have estimated that to change over all street lighting to improved technologies will take an investment of $20 million to $30 million in SA alone," she said.
"Without this sort of assistance ... it will take Councils a long time to make that sort of changeover."