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> issue 23 > Last updated: 20 June 2006 |
The concept of the ‘Solar City’ seems to be a hot topic around the world at the present time, with plans for large-scale urban integration of PV on the cards from Adelaide to Beijing to San Francisco and numerous places in between.
Lisbon has been keeping comparatively quiet on the subject, but it was from there in March, alongside its workshop Photovoltaics in Buildings: Opportunities for New Business Ventures, that IEA PVPS Task 10 launched its Ideas Challenge.
The design competition is seeking to stimulate excellent, innovative concepts for integration of PV systems and technologies within urban structures. Suitable urban structures include major housing developments, mixed use developments, urban furniture and new structures deriving from emerging urban planning models (such as sustainable mobility). More than simply seeking great technological designs though, the Lisbon Challenge, which is sponsored by PME Investimentos, a Portuguese venture capital institution, is aiming to foster ideas that also offer sound business potential, to be demonstrated through an appropriate business plan. The competition is open to individuals or organizations worldwide, with a special emphasis on students or recently graduated professionals. Architects, engineers and designers, with an interest in new energy concepts for the built environment, are especially encouraged to enter the competition. The submission deadline for candidate ideas is 15 July 2006. Winners will be announced in mid-October 2006. A prize of 5 000 EUR will be awarded to the entry presenting the best business idea.
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