Australia plans to build one of the world’s largest solar power station networks in partnership with the private sector as part of its commitment to source 20 per cent of its needs from renewable energy by 2020.

Solar collectors harness energy at a power plant in Harper Lake, California. A network of US solar plants is planned

Kevin Rudd, the prime minister, said the government would invest up to A$1.4bn ($1bn, €775m, £700m) in solar energy out of the A$4.7bn Canberra has promised to spend on clean energy initiatives over the next decade.