World's First Solar Town: A backward bush he let in New South Wales, Australia, has because chosen as the world's first town to be powered by solar energy. White Cliffs, a motley collection of small houses and primitive underground dugouts, has a permanent population of 45 and a floating one of a about 300 miners, many of whom are immigrants of various nationalities - Yugoslavia, Dutch, British, Poles, Germans. Half the town live underground to escape the 45 degree heat and an average of 14 hours of sunshine a day. In 1981 a solar power station will supply the town's electricity; replacing several small diesel generator serving the school, hospital, hotel and houses. Other benefits of the scheme include being waste heat for water desalination, helping to overcome water shortages. On hearing the news the local residence celebrated their sudden jump into the 21st century in fine style. Photo shows Postmistress Ann Carsen whose 37-line telephone switchboard will run on solar power for half the present cost.
Photo measures 8 x 10 inches.
Photo is dated --0000.
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