The image shows the Siemens Superstar, "a symbol for green innovation and worldwide climate protection and a visible signpost" installed by the Germany turbine manufacturer in December 2009 for the Global Climate Conference in Copenhagen.
Siemens developed and completed the unique and pioneering technological project next to the A9 autobahn outside Munich (Germany) together with local multimedia artist Michael Pendry. The lighting installation consisted of 9,000 Siemens Osram light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are as bright as around 20,000 Christmas candles. Yet the entire installation only used only as much electricity as a hair dryer or a water kettle.
We reported on this story way back in 2009 -- four years ago, already; how time flies! -- and thought it would make a good Christmas image for our homepage this year, as well as reminding people about how far we still have to go.
Let's hope 2014 brings more progress, more certainty, new breakthroughs and a substantial rise in the amount of renewable energy used and slated to be used around the world.
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