White Cliffs Solar Power Station

This station was designed and built in 1981 by Australian National University researchers with $1.9 million funding from the NSW Government.

Fourteen tracking parabolic dishes of 5 metres diameter concentrated the sun onto thermal absorbers to heat water.

The steam produced powered a reciprocating engine & generator. As the electricity was sold to the community, this was arguably the World's first commercial solar power station.

In 1997 the station was converted to a concentrating photovoltaic system and ceased generating in January 2005.

White Cliffs solar power station.

The solar collectors at White Cliffs.

The Engineers Australia plaque at White Cliffs.

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White Cliffs Solar Power Station location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	June 1992
Heritage Significance	This was arguably the World's first commercial solar power station.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Not available.