Brisbane cuts ribbon on world's largest solar-powered bridge

The Australian city of Brisbane has opened what it claims is the world's first large scale solar-powered bridge, built at a cost of A$63.3m (US$57.2m).

The 470m Kurilpa Bridge, which accommodates pedestrians and bicycles, opened last week after a two-year construction project and sports 84 solar panels that power up an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The panels supply between 75 and 100 per cent of the bridge's lighting needs, depending on the configuration of the LEDs, which can be programmed to produce a range of effects.

On average, the panels produce 100kWh of power a day, yielding an estimated output of 38MWh per year, with surplus electricity fed into the grid.

The solar panel system is expected to save about 37.8 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, according to Brisbane city officials.

Designed by Australia's Cox Architects and London-headquartered engineering firm Arup, the footbridge links Brisbane's cultural precinct to the central business district. It is expected to be used by about 36,500 pedestrians and cyclists each week.