The new 36M dollars CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle NSW is the archetype of the winds of change in our economy. Located on the 'steel river' that was the hub of Newcastle's now defunct steel industry, adjacent to the old BHP steelworks in Mayfield, it is an exemplar of the new technological age. In one of the largest research projects of its type, Australian scientists will focus on the nation's future energy requirements with the possibility that Australia could develop into one of the world's first hydrogen economies. The new building is an energy-smart headquarters, maximising the use of natural light and ventilation. Most of the energy required to run the new building are generated on site using small-scale solar, wind and gas technologies. CSIRO is keen to demonstrate the benefits of energy generated close to users as opposed to energy produced by major power stations. Designed in sympathy with the contours of the land, the parallel laboratory and office buildings are oriented 21 degrees North. A shaded, landscaped courtyard lies between the buildings, connected by covered walkways.
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