A new campaign has been launched in Australia to make the capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin, a complete solar city by 2010. Isaac Asimov would be proud. The move comes as research shows that Darwin receives more sunlight than any other city throughout the country. With the price of photovoltaics dropping, concern over emissions growing, and government support for such ideas, the timing for an energy shift is spot-on. Why not take advantage of your greatest local natural resource?

The Northern Territory's Environment Centre came up with the idea, issuing a report titled "Toward A Solar City" that calls for greater "uptake in solar energy." Initial policies would call for the mandatory adoption of solar hot water systems for all houses and apartment blocks. Darwin's push isn't uncommon in a country that earlier in 2004 called for a $73.5 million solar cities initiative. In fact, this past November, Blacktown in New South Wales became the first government-endorsed 'solar city' with a grant of $15 million. The city expects to leverage another $22 million through private grants and install 860 photovoltaic systems of varying sizes and 2100 solar water heaters. I would love to see cities like Mesa, Arizona take advantage of a similar program. On a recent visit there last Fall, barely any homes were using the free energy above their roofs. Cost, education, and acceptance are still limiting adoption.

So, for the time being, we'll have to look down-under for some green, solar leadership. It will be interesting to see how energy-independent Australia's cities are by 2010. Hit the jump for more information on the program and Darwin's solar intentions.