Wind farm should go-ahead: study

Denmark Bulletin
Thursday 12/10/2006, Page: 3

AN independent final feasibility study into a proposed windfarm at Denmark has found that the project is technically and financially viable, and recommends that it should proceed.

The study, conducted by Perthbased civil engineering company GHD Pty Ltd, confirmed that the limitations of Western Power's local infrastructure dictated a reduction in the size of the windfarm, from three turbines to two.

However, it could still succeed financially, due to the excellent wind resource at the chosen site, its proximity to existing infrastructure, and eligibility for regional assistance programs.

Denmark Community Windtarm, the community group managing the project, will now seek planning approvals, investors and grid-connection agreements for the $2.6m project, which will generate about 60 per cent of Denmark's annual power consumption and prevent more than 7000 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere each year.

DCW chairman Craig Chappelle said the study confirmed the group's long-held belief that a small-scale local windfarm could deliver a range of community benefits and be financially viable.

"The study vindicates the local community's vision to move Denmark towards a sustainable energy future, and do it profitably," Mr Chappelle said. "It shows that by careful planning and minimising the ecological footprint, decentralised, renewable-energy generation is achievable at a community scale.

"Our success will open the door for many other small rural communities to create similar projects." However, the current world demand for turbines meant that the windfarm may not begin operating until 2009.

DCW hoped that at least half the funds needed would come from the local community."