SYDNEY, June 4 A former World War II naval munitions bunker in Australia has been retrofitted and made into a solar-powered classroom.The bunker at the Newington Armory Precinct -- near Homebush in western Sydney -- has been redesigned and fitted with solar panels and computers to teach school students about renewable energy, The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.The building's original features, including the light-rail tracks and cranes once used for lifting explosives on to trains, have all been preserved. The bunker is believed to have been built between 1939 and 1942 and was used as a Royal Australian Navy armament depot for more than 100 years until 1999.The Sydney Olympic Park Authority and EnergyAustralia joined forces to revive the heritage-listed building.Tim O'Grady, general manager, retail, at EnergyAustralia, says the bunker offers a unique opportunity for school students to learn about renewable energies in a historic setting."In the face of environmental challenges like climate change, we all need to find ways to be more sustainable," O ' Grady said. "We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves and the next generation about the solutions to climate change, and renewable energy is a key part of that solution." Students from two local schools are testing the classroom Monday. They will be taking part in experiments, field activities and online learning programs.Copyright 2007 by UPI
