Sunday 23 July 2006

Wind turbine for Hopetoun

The Esperance Express, Page: 12
Thursday, 20 July 2006

Two remote Western Australian towns - Hopetoun and Denham - are cutting their diesel fuel consumption and improving environmental outcomes through increased electricity generation from two new wind turbines.

Minister for the environment and heritage, Senator Ian Campell, said the wind turbine expansion was supported by $1.8 million Australian government funding through the renewable remote power generation program.

"Hopetoun and Denham are two towns where wind generation of electricity is making a big difference to their economic and environmental health," senator Campbell said. "In Hopetoun, the expansion project will provide an additional 1100 magawatt hours each year. The town will reduce its annual diesel consumption by 220,000 litres and prevent around 600 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere."

Both projects include the installation of additional "low load" diesel generators specifically designed to integrate with the wind turbines, which allow more wind generated electricity to be included in the power suppy.

"With development of the Ravensthorpe nickle mine, nearby to Hoptoun, clever technological solutions were needed to ensure future high quality electricity supplies. These supplies are now assured in the town will benefit from the economic boost the mine brings."

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