<P> Wind power in South Australia is a fast - growing industry as South Australia is well suited for wind farms . Consequently, more wind power is generated in South Australia than any other Australian state or territory . As of October 2010, South Australia had an installed capacity of 907 MW from 435 turbines accounting for nearly 20% of that state's electricity needs, considerably ahead of Victoria with 428 MW from 267 turbines, and Western Australia with 202 MW from 142 turbines . By the end of 2011, wind power in South Australia had risen to 26% of the state's electricity generation, edging out coal fired power for the first time . With only 7.2% of Australia's population South Australia had 54% of the nation's installed wind power capacity . Adelaide's $A2. 2 billion desalination plant, capable of providing 50% of the city's water needs, is totally powered by renewable energy . </P> <P> The Waubra Wind Farm near Ballarat, Victoria, completed in 2009, was the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere, consisting of 128 turbines spread over 173 km and rated at 192 MW . However, in terms of generating capacity Lake Bonney Wind Farm near Millicent, South Australia was the largest with 239.5 MW, despite only having 99 turbines . These figures have since been surpassed by the Macarthur Wind Farm at Macarthur, Victoria, which opened in 2013 with a capacity of 420 MW . </P> <P> As of June 2017, 31 solar PV projects with a combined generation capacity of around 2,593 MW were either under construction, constructed or due to start construction in 2017 having reached financial closure . Two recent projects which illustrate co-operation between industry and government are the solar power station planned for north - western Victoria, and the development of new solar cells . Queensland Solar and Lighting is a major importer of Chinese and European solar products for the Brisbane region in Queensland, Australia . In some cases, plants are co-located, sharing equipment and grid connections . </P> <P> Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology generates electricity from sunlight, and it can be used in grid - connected and off - grid applications . They first become mass - produced in 2000, when German environmentalists and Eurosolar succeeded in obtaining government support for the 100,000 roofs program . According to a report in 2006 the issue for the Australian photovoltaics industry at that time was that there was enormous market potential, built up through a natural competitiveness in Australian research and development, industry investment and government policy support . However, despite this, the industry was not yet self - sustaining and advantages gained to date could be lost . A 2004 market report suggested that a partnership between government and industry was necessary: </P>

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