Solar-powered street lamp wins sustainability challenge

Engineering student Zheng Sibo has won Unitec Institute of Technology’s latest sustainability challenge thanks to his design for a solar-powered street lamp.

Sibo, who is in his second year of a Diploma of Engineering, submitted a total of eight entries to the sustainability challenges. His winning design of a dual-facing streetlight mimics an emerging plant, similar to the sturdy bamboo stalk with opposing leaves. His other designs included a solar-powered pod, bicycle ramp and bus stop.

Anthony Lai, an engineering lecturer at Unitec, said he encouraged all his electrical engineering students to enter the design competition as a chance to solve real sustainability problems.

“Sibo showed me his designs — they are fascinating,” he said. “They are modern and have clean lines and great aesthetics. Definitely, I was very impressed, and in my own thinking, he was in for a chance.”

By winning the competition, Sibo also secured himself $3000 to put towards course costs. Once he graduates he hopes to be an electrical or technological engineer, or a teacher.

Image caption: Sibo’s winning 3D design of a solar-powered street lamp.