Australia studies solar plant feasibility

SYDNEY, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Australian engineering firm WorleyParsons Ltd. announced a new solar power study.

The study will assess the feasibility of a large solar energy plant being constructed in Australia.

Australia has "high intensity solar resources," said John Grill, chief executive officer of WorleyParsons. He suggested a solar power plant in Australia that covers 1 square kilometer could provide enough electricity to power about 50,000 homes.

Grill also suggested a massive solar plant would help the nation meet its goal of providing 40 percent of all energy demand with renewable resources by 2020.

The study will examine potential plant sites and costs. It is paid for by WorleyParsons, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, Wesfarmers Resources, Fortescue Metals Group, Verve Energy, Western Power, Water Corp. of WA and Delta Electricity.

WorleyParsons hopes the first solar power station will be operational by 2011 with an additional 33 power stations by 2020. More than $35 billion in investments will be needed to meet that goal.