2003 Aurora at the CSIRO Energy Centre

AURORA 101 COMPLEMENTS AIMS OF CSIRO ENERGY CENTRE
Official Opening

31 OCTOBER 2003

Just 9 days after finishing a close second in the seventh World Solar Challenge in Adelaide, the famous Aurora 101 solar car was on display in Newcastle over 2000 kilometres away at the official opening of the new CSIRO Energy Centre.

CSIRO Energy Centre
CSIRO Energy Centre

This was familiar ground for the Aurora team: only 19 months earlier, on 22 March 2002 it displayed the Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car at the ceremony to commence construction of the Energy Centre.Aurora team member Mark Burns had a small consulting role in the building design.

The new building is virtually self sustaining in its energy needs, featuring solar and wind energy generating systems. It will not only house those activities of CSIRO which focus on energy conservation and research into sustainable energy, but will also house business and research partnerships between CSIRO and private industry in these fields.

Federal member of Parliament Robert Baldwin, together with the Premier of NSW Bob Carr officially opened the new $A36 million Energy Centre. Aurora enthusiast and friend Dr Jim Smitham, Acting Chief for this facility thanked Aurora for displaying the highly efficient solar car on this big occasion.

CSIRO took the opportunity to launch its flagship program 'Energy Transformed' to be led by Dr John Wright. This is one of 6 National Flagship programs which CSIRO head Geoff Garrett has pioneered. All six areas are essential to the unique development of Australia.

Mark and Dennis Burns represented Aurora well and stayed for the following day when the public were invited to have a hands on look at the new centre.

Australia is truly a lucky country but sometimes that luck has us overlook the conservation we need to create an even better future. This CSIRO initiative gives us hope that we will strive for a cleaner environment and a more energy efficient future.

Aurora 101 on display at the ceremonial entrance of the CSIRO Energy Centre The opening crowd with NSW Premier Bob Carr on right
Aurora 101 on display at the ceremonial entrance of the CSIRO Energy Centre

The opening crowd with NSW Premier Bob Carr on right