A kilometre-high solar tower, to be built in the Australian outback by
EnviroMission Ltd, will become the world's tallest structure when completed in 2006. Designed by Jorg Schlaich of
Schlaich Bergermann und Partner, the solar tower (or solar chimney) operates like a hydroelectric power plant,
but uses hot air instead of water, and it could provide enough electricity for 200,000 homes. Time calls it one of the
best inventions of 2002, and I think it's one of the most ingenious ideas I've ever heard. Another solar chimney project was planned in
Rajasthan, India, but I haven't found any information on its current status.
posted by homunculus
on Jan 6, 2003 -
52 comments
