The Asian-Pacific region is producing some of the most amazing eco-energy projects.

While China often steals the headlines with its large-scale eco-friendly projects such as the Beijing's Dawangjing District, other countries in the region often come up with smaller, but no less impressive ideas to combat climate change and provide sustainable sources of energy.

My eye was caught today by this story on Inhabitat by plans to convert Melbourne's iconic Southern Star Observation Wheel into a energy-generating windmill, complete with solar sails.

This is without a doubt, one of the most amazing ideas I've seen in a long time and shows one of the many ways that existing structures that would otherwise be demolished can be adapted into something postive for the environment.

Another example, albeit not in Asia, would be San Francisco's Hunter's Point Shipyard, considered on of the most polluted areas in North America.

The former naval shipyard is filled with radiation and industrial toxins, the place is so dangerous that many people, including some government officials, deemed the site unsuitable for development.

However, San Francisco last year announced plans to clean the shipyard of its toxins and construct the UN Global Compact Center. The center will be the headquarters for a world class climate change think tank and green technology incubator.

Due for completion in 2012, the new development will compromise over two million square feet of LEED-certified space.

What other existing structures can used to produce renewable energy? Solar panels on the Millenium Dome? A wind-turbine on top of all skyscrapers? Water turines above Niagra Falls?