Australia Plans World's Largest Solar-Power Plant

AP

The Australian government pledged AU$ 95 million for two projects as part of its new strategy to combat global warming, including the construction of the world's largest solar-power plant.

The projects are the first to be funded under a AU$ 379 million package to prevent global warming.

Australia has been criticized over its refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.The government will contribute AU$ 57 million to a AU$ 319 million project to build a 154-megawatt solar-power plant in Victoria state.

The plant would begin operations in 2008 and reach full capacity by 2013.

The government also announced AU$ 38 million in funding toward a AU$ 274 million project to reduce carbon emissions from an existing coal-fired powerhouse in Victoria.