The Ballarat Courier, Page: 7
Thursday, 27 July 2006
A GROUP of Waubra farmers has embraced the green light for what will become the state's second largest wind farm. The farmers, who will each reap $7000 per wind turbine as part of the $400 million 128-turbine project, yesterday took Energy and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous on a tour of the site. The State Government last week announced that construction of the project, which will generate 192 megawatts on land leased from the farmers, will begin in September, with the project set to take two years to complete. Glenbrae farmer Lawrence Gallagher, who will have six turbines on his property, said the turbines would be scattered across about 30 different properties.
"It will help our income," he said."We grow potatoes and sheep and lambs and crop."It will help us drought proof the farm plus we will be able to do some environmental work, like planting more trees and fixing up fences and everything like that."We are pretty happy about it.
"Mr Gallagher said the turbines would be a win-win situation for the Waubra community, which will receive $500 per turbine. "It's about $64,000 for the fire brigade, footy club and primary school. The community's fairly happy." Mr Theophanous attacked the Federal Government over Senator lan Campbell's decision to over-ride the State Government, refusing the wind farm in South Gippsland because of a chance it could threaten the orange-bellied parrot.
"We're saying to Senator Campbell, for heaven sakes wake up," he said."We have got climate change coming in Victoria and in the world and we want to get these projects up to try and do something about it." Mr Theophanous also criticised Federal Treasurer Peter Costello's comments yesterday on SAW, after he defended Senator Campbell's decision, adding bluntly that he thought wind farms "looked ugly." I wouldn't want one in my street, I wouldn't want one in my own backyard," Mr Costello said.
"If I had a backyard like this one, that we are standing on in Waubra, I would be very happy to have one in my backyard," Mr Theophanous said. Liberal candidate for Ripon Vie Dunn said wind farm environmental impacts, such as the orangebellied parrot, were cause for concern. Mr Dunn said he was also concerned about a lack of community consultation and the long term impact of wind farms."Is this the best option for us or are there better options for our area?" It's about $64,000 for the fire brigade, footy club and primary school. The community's fairly happy.
Friday, 28 July 2006
Uni to study Hopetoun's power
The Weekly Advertiser, Page: 7
Thursday, 27 July 2006
The University of Ballarat has received a grant of $100,000 to study Hopetoun's power demand and to investigate renewable energy alternatives in the area. The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre for Sustainability Ballarat, which is based at the university."The project partners will research the capacity of community-owned renewable energy generation of Hopetoun, particularly from windpower," NCS manager Dennis Olmstead said."The study will investigate Hopetoun's current and projected power demand, collect wind speed data and investigate potential local alternative renewable energy technologies.
"It also will research waste management needs and practice, investigate potential sustainable industries for Hopetoun and develop a template for use in other communities."Mr Olmstead said he looked forward toworking with Hopetoun residents and businesses to improve the town's energy system."This will be a great opportunity for everyone in Hopetoun," he said."Through this project, we aim to investigate the possibility of developing permanent, secure provision of renewable energy for the Hopetoun area.
"We are delighted both to receive this grant from the State Government's Sustainability Fund and to be able to embark on this project.".
Thursday, 27 July 2006
The University of Ballarat has received a grant of $100,000 to study Hopetoun's power demand and to investigate renewable energy alternatives in the area. The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre for Sustainability Ballarat, which is based at the university."The project partners will research the capacity of community-owned renewable energy generation of Hopetoun, particularly from windpower," NCS manager Dennis Olmstead said."The study will investigate Hopetoun's current and projected power demand, collect wind speed data and investigate potential local alternative renewable energy technologies.
"It also will research waste management needs and practice, investigate potential sustainable industries for Hopetoun and develop a template for use in other communities."Mr Olmstead said he looked forward toworking with Hopetoun residents and businesses to improve the town's energy system."This will be a great opportunity for everyone in Hopetoun," he said."Through this project, we aim to investigate the possibility of developing permanent, secure provision of renewable energy for the Hopetoun area.
"We are delighted both to receive this grant from the State Government's Sustainability Fund and to be able to embark on this project.".
Morawa's sustainable future
Midwest Times, Page: 6
Thursday, 27 July 2006
MORAWA has taken a step forward in replacing the region's ageing electricity infrastructure by investigating a range of alternative sustainable energy resources.
The excessive cost of replacing the old power system, which has proved unreliable in the past, prompted the Morawa Shire, along with the Wongan-Ballidu, Dalwallinu and Gingin Shires, to look into the advantages of solar and wind energy. Morawa Shire CEO Gavin Treasure said there were concerns in the town that the current 40-year-old power supply did not allow for regional growth.
"The town cannot possibly grow. Even if million dollar projects were lined up to locate here the quantities of power supply, line capacity and infrastructure won't allow it," he said. Mr Treasure said there would be rich flow on benefits for the community from using solar or wind powered energy. He said the initiative would allow Morawa to have 24-hour reliable power, resulting in cost savings and adequate light for sporting and recreational facilities and hospitals."
"The provision of a locally driven and financed energy supply system would provide opportunities for local investment, employment, innovation and wealth creation," he said.
"In effect, revenues would be kept local and reinvested into the community creating additional economic activity and associated returns."There would even be potential for excess power generation to be on-sold on a commercial basis back into the grid."The four Shires have submitted an application for funding to employ a project manager who would investigate local options and the potential of an integrated sustainable energy system. They would also weigh up the technical feasibility and scope for each Shire and explore tailor made systems for each user community.
Following community consultation and acceptance, the project manager would lobby for State and Federal Government support for the projects."For any community in rural and regional locations, this system bodes well for development, modernisation, staying ahead of growing dependency on electricity and reliability of power supply," Mr Treasure said. "This innovative project is the only way to go; we all deserve a clean and healthy lifestyle."
Thursday, 27 July 2006
MORAWA has taken a step forward in replacing the region's ageing electricity infrastructure by investigating a range of alternative sustainable energy resources.
The excessive cost of replacing the old power system, which has proved unreliable in the past, prompted the Morawa Shire, along with the Wongan-Ballidu, Dalwallinu and Gingin Shires, to look into the advantages of solar and wind energy. Morawa Shire CEO Gavin Treasure said there were concerns in the town that the current 40-year-old power supply did not allow for regional growth.
"The town cannot possibly grow. Even if million dollar projects were lined up to locate here the quantities of power supply, line capacity and infrastructure won't allow it," he said. Mr Treasure said there would be rich flow on benefits for the community from using solar or wind powered energy. He said the initiative would allow Morawa to have 24-hour reliable power, resulting in cost savings and adequate light for sporting and recreational facilities and hospitals."
"The provision of a locally driven and financed energy supply system would provide opportunities for local investment, employment, innovation and wealth creation," he said.
"In effect, revenues would be kept local and reinvested into the community creating additional economic activity and associated returns."There would even be potential for excess power generation to be on-sold on a commercial basis back into the grid."The four Shires have submitted an application for funding to employ a project manager who would investigate local options and the potential of an integrated sustainable energy system. They would also weigh up the technical feasibility and scope for each Shire and explore tailor made systems for each user community.
Following community consultation and acceptance, the project manager would lobby for State and Federal Government support for the projects."For any community in rural and regional locations, this system bodes well for development, modernisation, staying ahead of growing dependency on electricity and reliability of power supply," Mr Treasure said. "This innovative project is the only way to go; we all deserve a clean and healthy lifestyle."
Clean, green capital
The Border Watch, Page: 8
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
THE South East is leading the way in the production of green energy. With dozens of wind turbines already generating electricity near Millicent, the latest bid to explore the use of hot rocks to generate renewable energy is another step forward for the region. Geothermal Resources has secured five licences to drill holes between Robe and Penola to research the heat intensity of rocks. With dwindling coal resources and gas supplies, geothermal energy has the potential to play a significant role in the reduction of environmentally harmful greenhouse gasses.
The Federal Government has flagged its support by granting the company $2.4m. Although it will take several years before electricity is created, the long term benefits will flow through to future generations. With the South East quickly earning a reputation as a producer of clean, green energy, it is well positioned to further capitalise on other opportunities in this growing market.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
THE South East is leading the way in the production of green energy. With dozens of wind turbines already generating electricity near Millicent, the latest bid to explore the use of hot rocks to generate renewable energy is another step forward for the region. Geothermal Resources has secured five licences to drill holes between Robe and Penola to research the heat intensity of rocks. With dwindling coal resources and gas supplies, geothermal energy has the potential to play a significant role in the reduction of environmentally harmful greenhouse gasses.
The Federal Government has flagged its support by granting the company $2.4m. Although it will take several years before electricity is created, the long term benefits will flow through to future generations. With the South East quickly earning a reputation as a producer of clean, green energy, it is well positioned to further capitalise on other opportunities in this growing market.
Windfarms no threat to birds
www.abc.net.au
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
If wind farms are a hazard for birds, Glen Leman is yet to see any of the casualties. Leman is the Owners Site Representative at the Lake Bonney Windfarm, and has been working around the turbines since the scheme began.
"I've never seen an orange-bellied parrot and I've never seen any dead ones," he says.
"I've never seen a dead bird. Every time you see a bird flying around the wind farm, it's always a bit lower than the blades or well and truly in between the two turbines that they might be flying between."
The orange-bellied parrot has already been used to halt one windfarm. And the bird could soon give windfarm developers between south Gippsland and the Murray Mouth headaches.
But Leman has different concerns. The normally quite hills surrounding Lake Bonney are a hive of activity at present with earth being moved, roads being carved and cables and concrete foundations being laid. It's all preparation for the South East's latest windfarm development – the second stage of the Lake Bonney windfarm that will see a further 53 wind turbines erected between now and 2008.
This civil engineering needs to ready by November. This is the arrival date of the project's first batch of turbines and the 600 ton crane that will set them up. (Erecting them can take two days, though strong winds can cause delays.)
It's only been two years since stage one was completed. But in that short time, the output capacity of the turbines has doubled. These new ones can power, at capacity, 1,600 homes each, When completed, the Lake Bonney project (which doesn't include the 23 turbines in the neighbouring Canunda windfarm) will be able to power up to 100,000 homes at capacity.
The improvements are thanks to a better gear box set-up and better computer controls (computers set the turbines in position to catch the optimum amount of wind).
And Leman believes we could see the output double again over the next two years. "I believe there's some development happening over in Europe to get up to 5 megawatt machines. So, yes, there's always that striving for bigger and better machines."
The extension of the Lake Bonney project is significant when you consider there are only 505 wind turbines in the country. It will confirm the South East as the green energy capital of the country. It could also be the most windfarm friendly place in the country, with some farmers even jesting to Leman that there is plenty more room on their property for some extra turbines (farmers are paid a considerable amount for the use of their land).
"In South Australia we have more of a positive outlook to the windfarms."
But the South East is still some way from being greenhouse-neutral (creating as much energy from renewable sources as total energy it consumes). These wind projects generally only operate at about 30 per cent of capacity over a year. Also, industry uses much more power than households.
But if those behind the Lake Bonney project can get the government – state or federal – to guarantee to buy more of the green power under the MRET scheme, turbines could soon extend all the way to Mount Benson.
Parrots depending, of course.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
If wind farms are a hazard for birds, Glen Leman is yet to see any of the casualties. Leman is the Owners Site Representative at the Lake Bonney Windfarm, and has been working around the turbines since the scheme began."I've never seen an orange-bellied parrot and I've never seen any dead ones," he says.
"I've never seen a dead bird. Every time you see a bird flying around the wind farm, it's always a bit lower than the blades or well and truly in between the two turbines that they might be flying between."
The orange-bellied parrot has already been used to halt one windfarm. And the bird could soon give windfarm developers between south Gippsland and the Murray Mouth headaches.
But Leman has different concerns. The normally quite hills surrounding Lake Bonney are a hive of activity at present with earth being moved, roads being carved and cables and concrete foundations being laid. It's all preparation for the South East's latest windfarm development – the second stage of the Lake Bonney windfarm that will see a further 53 wind turbines erected between now and 2008.
This civil engineering needs to ready by November. This is the arrival date of the project's first batch of turbines and the 600 ton crane that will set them up. (Erecting them can take two days, though strong winds can cause delays.)
It's only been two years since stage one was completed. But in that short time, the output capacity of the turbines has doubled. These new ones can power, at capacity, 1,600 homes each, When completed, the Lake Bonney project (which doesn't include the 23 turbines in the neighbouring Canunda windfarm) will be able to power up to 100,000 homes at capacity.
The improvements are thanks to a better gear box set-up and better computer controls (computers set the turbines in position to catch the optimum amount of wind).
And Leman believes we could see the output double again over the next two years. "I believe there's some development happening over in Europe to get up to 5 megawatt machines. So, yes, there's always that striving for bigger and better machines."
The extension of the Lake Bonney project is significant when you consider there are only 505 wind turbines in the country. It will confirm the South East as the green energy capital of the country. It could also be the most windfarm friendly place in the country, with some farmers even jesting to Leman that there is plenty more room on their property for some extra turbines (farmers are paid a considerable amount for the use of their land).
"In South Australia we have more of a positive outlook to the windfarms."
But the South East is still some way from being greenhouse-neutral (creating as much energy from renewable sources as total energy it consumes). These wind projects generally only operate at about 30 per cent of capacity over a year. Also, industry uses much more power than households.
But if those behind the Lake Bonney project can get the government – state or federal – to guarantee to buy more of the green power under the MRET scheme, turbines could soon extend all the way to Mount Benson.
Parrots depending, of course.
HREA welcomes its 300th member
The Advocate - Daylesford Hepburn Shire Edition, Page: 8
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
MARLENE Bonnici became the 300th member of the Hepburn Renewable Energy Association last week, strengthening the association's drive for a community wind farm at Leonards Hill. HREA president PerBernard said he was thrilled to welcome Ms Bonnici, and presented her with Tim Flannery's book The Weather Makers. Ms Bonnici said she joined the HREA because she believed in renewable energy."I went on the bus trip (to the Challicum Hills Wind Farm) and was impressed by the turbines," she said.
Mr Bernard said the HREA's project partner was developing a Hepburn Community Wind Park.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
MARLENE Bonnici became the 300th member of the Hepburn Renewable Energy Association last week, strengthening the association's drive for a community wind farm at Leonards Hill. HREA president PerBernard said he was thrilled to welcome Ms Bonnici, and presented her with Tim Flannery's book The Weather Makers. Ms Bonnici said she joined the HREA because she believed in renewable energy."I went on the bus trip (to the Challicum Hills Wind Farm) and was impressed by the turbines," she said.
Mr Bernard said the HREA's project partner was developing a Hepburn Community Wind Park.
Thursday, 27 July 2006
Interest high in wind-farm challenge
The Examiner, Page: 14
Thursday, 27 July 2006
Tasmanians should watch a Federal Court challenge over wind-farm development in Victoria carefully. Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell has created political problems for himself with his decision to block a Victorian wind-farm project. The Federal Court is hearing a legal challenge by the Victorian Government and the wind-farm developer against Senator Campbell's veto of the project in South Gippsland. In April, Senator Campbell's argument for rejecting the project was that he needed to protect the endangered orangebellied parrot.
However, that decision is being challenged and further questions have been raised that mere politics, not the fate of an endangered species, had the most influence. The court heard that Senator Campbell's decision had been made against the advice from his own department, which said the Gippsland wind-farm development would have posed no threat to the parrot. Even the report that Senator Campbell did use to support his action said there had been no confirmed sightings of the parrot at the wind-farm site. To highlight the inconsistency in this decision, the Victorian site was seen as having even less potential impact on the parrot than the existing Tasmanian wind farm at Woolnorth.
Critics say the biggest influence on this decision was political, after the Government used local opposition to the project to win a seat off Labor in 2004.Treasurer Peter Costello has weighed into the debate on Senator Campbell's side, saying he thought wind farms "looked ugly" and he would not want them in his street. It was a clumsy argument. Coal-fired power stations aren't exactly a good look either.
The Federal Government line should not be surprising since it has effectively backed coal-fired power over genuine incentives for renewable energy. That move has torpedoed further wind-farm development in Tasmania. This State has an interest in seeing Senator Campbell do more to explain his decision.
Thursday, 27 July 2006
Tasmanians should watch a Federal Court challenge over wind-farm development in Victoria carefully. Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell has created political problems for himself with his decision to block a Victorian wind-farm project. The Federal Court is hearing a legal challenge by the Victorian Government and the wind-farm developer against Senator Campbell's veto of the project in South Gippsland. In April, Senator Campbell's argument for rejecting the project was that he needed to protect the endangered orangebellied parrot.
However, that decision is being challenged and further questions have been raised that mere politics, not the fate of an endangered species, had the most influence. The court heard that Senator Campbell's decision had been made against the advice from his own department, which said the Gippsland wind-farm development would have posed no threat to the parrot. Even the report that Senator Campbell did use to support his action said there had been no confirmed sightings of the parrot at the wind-farm site. To highlight the inconsistency in this decision, the Victorian site was seen as having even less potential impact on the parrot than the existing Tasmanian wind farm at Woolnorth.
Critics say the biggest influence on this decision was political, after the Government used local opposition to the project to win a seat off Labor in 2004.Treasurer Peter Costello has weighed into the debate on Senator Campbell's side, saying he thought wind farms "looked ugly" and he would not want them in his street. It was a clumsy argument. Coal-fired power stations aren't exactly a good look either.
The Federal Government line should not be surprising since it has effectively backed coal-fired power over genuine incentives for renewable energy. That move has torpedoed further wind-farm development in Tasmania. This State has an interest in seeing Senator Campbell do more to explain his decision.
Campbell wind farm decision political: Labor
abc.net.au
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 16:01 (AEDT)
Labor's environment spokesman Anthony Albanese has accused the Federal Environment Minister of lying about his reason for blocking the Bald Hills wind farm in Victoria.
In April, Senator Ian Campbell overrode the Victorian Government and refused the Bald Hill wind farm because of a small chance it could threaten the orange bellied parrot. Mr Albanese says its now clear the decision was political."The Minister lied to the Australian public when he said that this decision was based upon sound advice," he said."It's very clear given the Minister's own department indicated to him that there was no evidence of this orange bellied parrot being in the vicinity of the Bald Hills wind farm project.
" Victoria's Attorney-General Rob Hulls says Senator Campbell must explain his decision."His own independent report means his rejection of a $220 million investment was a nonsense, he has to explain why it was he really rejected the Bald Hill wind farm and why it was he went against his departmental advice," he said. The office of Senator Campbell says it is inappropriate to comment while a case brought by the wind farm proponent is before the Federal Court.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 16:01 (AEDT)
Labor's environment spokesman Anthony Albanese has accused the Federal Environment Minister of lying about his reason for blocking the Bald Hills wind farm in Victoria.In April, Senator Ian Campbell overrode the Victorian Government and refused the Bald Hill wind farm because of a small chance it could threaten the orange bellied parrot. Mr Albanese says its now clear the decision was political."The Minister lied to the Australian public when he said that this decision was based upon sound advice," he said."It's very clear given the Minister's own department indicated to him that there was no evidence of this orange bellied parrot being in the vicinity of the Bald Hills wind farm project.
" Victoria's Attorney-General Rob Hulls says Senator Campbell must explain his decision."His own independent report means his rejection of a $220 million investment was a nonsense, he has to explain why it was he really rejected the Bald Hill wind farm and why it was he went against his departmental advice," he said. The office of Senator Campbell says it is inappropriate to comment while a case brought by the wind farm proponent is before the Federal Court.
Wind farmers hope for shift in renewable energy targets
abc.net.au
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 15:32 (AEDT)
The wind farm sector is holding out some hope the Federal Government will consider alternative renewable energy targets.
Roaring Forties managing director, Mark Kelleher, says industry representatives have been meeting key players in Canberra. Mr Kelleher says while the Federal Government will not increase Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (MRET) there could be other avenues yet to be explored."We've been slightly encouraged by the fact that they're definitely acknowledging that they understand the situation the industry's in and which it's about to close unless something's done," he said."Whilst it's clear they won't change their mind about increasing MRET they've indicated some open mindedness to some alternative mechanisms.
"Roaring Forties has put its Heemskirk wind farm project on the west coast of Tasmania on hold because of the Federal Government's decision not to lift renewable energy targets. Roaring Forties is talking to the Tasmanian Government about introducing legislation to increase renewable energy targets. The Victorian Government is to impose its own renewable energy targets. Mr Kelleher says there has been good discussions with the State Government about setting renewable targets locally.
"As Victoria's done we're talking to them about that," he said."We've had Energy Minister [David Lewellyn] take the baton in his hand and went up and had direct talks with the federal Industry Minister [Ian] Macfarlane to see what could be done to enable some further projects to go ahead here, and in particular for Musselroe," Mr Kelleher said. Meanwhile, representatives from Roaring Forties will go to China in October to showcase its achievements. Mr Kelleher says the company's had great success in China since entering that market a year ago.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 15:32 (AEDT)
The wind farm sector is holding out some hope the Federal Government will consider alternative renewable energy targets.
Roaring Forties managing director, Mark Kelleher, says industry representatives have been meeting key players in Canberra. Mr Kelleher says while the Federal Government will not increase Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (MRET) there could be other avenues yet to be explored."We've been slightly encouraged by the fact that they're definitely acknowledging that they understand the situation the industry's in and which it's about to close unless something's done," he said."Whilst it's clear they won't change their mind about increasing MRET they've indicated some open mindedness to some alternative mechanisms.
"Roaring Forties has put its Heemskirk wind farm project on the west coast of Tasmania on hold because of the Federal Government's decision not to lift renewable energy targets. Roaring Forties is talking to the Tasmanian Government about introducing legislation to increase renewable energy targets. The Victorian Government is to impose its own renewable energy targets. Mr Kelleher says there has been good discussions with the State Government about setting renewable targets locally.
"As Victoria's done we're talking to them about that," he said."We've had Energy Minister [David Lewellyn] take the baton in his hand and went up and had direct talks with the federal Industry Minister [Ian] Macfarlane to see what could be done to enable some further projects to go ahead here, and in particular for Musselroe," Mr Kelleher said. Meanwhile, representatives from Roaring Forties will go to China in October to showcase its achievements. Mr Kelleher says the company's had great success in China since entering that market a year ago.
Wind farmers hope for shift in renewable energy targets
abc.net.au
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 15:32 (AEDT)
The wind farm sector is holding out some hope the Federal Government will consider alternative renewable energy targets.
Roaring Forties managing director, Mark Kelleher, says industry representatives have been meeting key players in Canberra. Mr Kelleher says while the Federal Government will not increase Mandatory Renewable Energy Target s (MRET) there could be other avenues yet to be explored."We've been slightly encouraged by the fact that they're definitely acknowledging that they understand the situation the industry's in and which it's about to close unless something's done," he said."Whilst it's clear they won't change their mind about increasing MRET they've indicated some open mindedness to some alternative mechanisms.
"Roaring Forties has put its Heemskirk wind farm project on the west coast of Tasmania on hold because of the Federal Government's decision not to lift renewable energy targets. Roaring Forties is talking to the Tasmanian Government about introducing legislation to increase renewable energy targets. The Victorian Government is to impose its own renewable energy targets. Mr Kelleher says there has been good discussions with the State Government about setting renewable targets locally.
"As Victoria's done we're talking to them about that," he said."We've had Energy Minister [David Lewellyn] take the baton in his hand and went up and had direct talks with the federal Industry Minister [Ian] Macfarlane to see what could be done to enable some further projects to go ahead here, and in particular for Musselroe," Mr Kelleher said. Meanwhile, representatives from Roaring Forties will go to China in October to showcase its achievements. Mr Kelleher says the company's had great success in China since entering that market a year ago.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006. 15:32 (AEDT)
The wind farm sector is holding out some hope the Federal Government will consider alternative renewable energy targets.
Roaring Forties managing director, Mark Kelleher, says industry representatives have been meeting key players in Canberra. Mr Kelleher says while the Federal Government will not increase Mandatory Renewable Energy Target s (MRET) there could be other avenues yet to be explored."We've been slightly encouraged by the fact that they're definitely acknowledging that they understand the situation the industry's in and which it's about to close unless something's done," he said."Whilst it's clear they won't change their mind about increasing MRET they've indicated some open mindedness to some alternative mechanisms.
"Roaring Forties has put its Heemskirk wind farm project on the west coast of Tasmania on hold because of the Federal Government's decision not to lift renewable energy targets. Roaring Forties is talking to the Tasmanian Government about introducing legislation to increase renewable energy targets. The Victorian Government is to impose its own renewable energy targets. Mr Kelleher says there has been good discussions with the State Government about setting renewable targets locally.
"As Victoria's done we're talking to them about that," he said."We've had Energy Minister [David Lewellyn] take the baton in his hand and went up and had direct talks with the federal Industry Minister [Ian] Macfarlane to see what could be done to enable some further projects to go ahead here, and in particular for Musselroe," Mr Kelleher said. Meanwhile, representatives from Roaring Forties will go to China in October to showcase its achievements. Mr Kelleher says the company's had great success in China since entering that market a year ago.
Minister exposed on parrot
The Australian, Page: 1
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
FEDERAL Environment Minister Ian Campbell ignored explicit advice from his own department that stated a $220 million windfarm posed no obvious threat to an endangered parrot and should be approved. Senator Campbell vetoed the project despite warnings from one of his top bureaucrats that using the orange-bellied parrot to stop the windfarm could have widespread ramifications for coastal development in four states. The Department of Environment and Heritage told Senator Campbell on March 10 this year there did "not appear to be direct evidence of any impact on the orange-bellied parrots" from the Bald Hills windfarm, in Victoria's Gippsland. The advice, written by department first assistant secretary Gerard Early, recommends Senator Campbell approve the windfarm subject to a range of standard conditions.
In supporting the windfarm, the department is believed to have rejected two other options. The first was to approve the project provided its turbines were 2km from the coastline. The second option was to reject the proposal and ask the developer to resubmit an application that avoided any impact on the orangebellied parrot. It is believed Mr Early found that "on balance" these options were not supported by the department.
"Both of these approaches would represent a lowering of the previous threshold for unacceptable impact on the orange-bellied parrot, particularly as there does not appear to be direct evidence of any impact on the orangebellied parrot at Bald Hills," he wrote. The Australian understands Mr Early wrote that these options might be seen as inconsistent with the approach to other windfarms that have previously been approved at Portland in Victoria and Woolnorth and Musselroe Bay in Tasmania. "It would have ramifications for all coastal development in western Tasmania, Victoria, southern NSW and southeast South Australia," he wrote. "A consistent approach should be adopted for all development proposals in the orange-bellied parrot's migratory range and, as such, a lowering of the threshold may attract criticism in relation to other developments.
"Despite the advice, Senator Campbell rejected the proposal. On April 3 this year, he wrote on the advice: "Proposed project not agreed. "Senator Campbell informed the developer, a company called Wind Power, of his decision on April 4, provoking a political storm about whether the windfarm genuinely posed a threat to the parrot. It also sparked debate about the minister's performance and the Government's environmental approval process.
Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls said yesterday Senator Campbell's decision to ignore his own department was further evidence the windfarm - a hot political issue in the federal seat of McMillan during the 2004 election campaign - had been blocked for "purely political reasons". "Senator Campbell has been exposed again," Mr Hulls said. "Not only did he ignore the overwhelming evidence in his own, publicly available scientific reports that windfarms pose a negligible risk to the parrots, he also rejected his own department's recommendations. A spokeswoman for Senator Campbell last night released a statement, insisting he made his decision based on an independent report that found "the impact of wind turbine collisions on the orange-bellied parrot, though small, could be sufficient to tip the balance against its continued existence".
The report examined the impact on migratory birds of 23 current and proposed windfarms in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, showing the orange-bellied parrot was likely to be extinct within 50 years. It showed the parrot didn't regularly fly near Bald Hills, and predicted that Continued-Page 2From Page 1 seven if all 23 of the wind farms were built in the three states, the impact would be "very small, even barely noticeable", possibly causing up to one extra death a year. The minister declined a request for further comment. The federal Government had refused a Victorian Government application under Freedom of information to release the departmental advice.
Mr Hulls and federal Opposition environment spokesman Anthony Albanese demanded the advice be released. "The Howard Government is setting dangerous precedents for arbitrary, political interference in infrastructure development," Mr Albanese said. The revelation that Senator Campbell's department had recommended the wind farm be approved came yesterday during Federal Court proceedings initiated by Wind Power Pty Ltd. The company is seeking to have the wind farm rejection set aside and for it to be reconsidered by the department.
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
FEDERAL Environment Minister Ian Campbell ignored explicit advice from his own department that stated a $220 million windfarm posed no obvious threat to an endangered parrot and should be approved. Senator Campbell vetoed the project despite warnings from one of his top bureaucrats that using the orange-bellied parrot to stop the windfarm could have widespread ramifications for coastal development in four states. The Department of Environment and Heritage told Senator Campbell on March 10 this year there did "not appear to be direct evidence of any impact on the orange-bellied parrots" from the Bald Hills windfarm, in Victoria's Gippsland. The advice, written by department first assistant secretary Gerard Early, recommends Senator Campbell approve the windfarm subject to a range of standard conditions.
In supporting the windfarm, the department is believed to have rejected two other options. The first was to approve the project provided its turbines were 2km from the coastline. The second option was to reject the proposal and ask the developer to resubmit an application that avoided any impact on the orangebellied parrot. It is believed Mr Early found that "on balance" these options were not supported by the department.
"Both of these approaches would represent a lowering of the previous threshold for unacceptable impact on the orange-bellied parrot, particularly as there does not appear to be direct evidence of any impact on the orangebellied parrot at Bald Hills," he wrote. The Australian understands Mr Early wrote that these options might be seen as inconsistent with the approach to other windfarms that have previously been approved at Portland in Victoria and Woolnorth and Musselroe Bay in Tasmania. "It would have ramifications for all coastal development in western Tasmania, Victoria, southern NSW and southeast South Australia," he wrote. "A consistent approach should be adopted for all development proposals in the orange-bellied parrot's migratory range and, as such, a lowering of the threshold may attract criticism in relation to other developments.
"Despite the advice, Senator Campbell rejected the proposal. On April 3 this year, he wrote on the advice: "Proposed project not agreed. "Senator Campbell informed the developer, a company called Wind Power, of his decision on April 4, provoking a political storm about whether the windfarm genuinely posed a threat to the parrot. It also sparked debate about the minister's performance and the Government's environmental approval process.
Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls said yesterday Senator Campbell's decision to ignore his own department was further evidence the windfarm - a hot political issue in the federal seat of McMillan during the 2004 election campaign - had been blocked for "purely political reasons". "Senator Campbell has been exposed again," Mr Hulls said. "Not only did he ignore the overwhelming evidence in his own, publicly available scientific reports that windfarms pose a negligible risk to the parrots, he also rejected his own department's recommendations. A spokeswoman for Senator Campbell last night released a statement, insisting he made his decision based on an independent report that found "the impact of wind turbine collisions on the orange-bellied parrot, though small, could be sufficient to tip the balance against its continued existence".
The report examined the impact on migratory birds of 23 current and proposed windfarms in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, showing the orange-bellied parrot was likely to be extinct within 50 years. It showed the parrot didn't regularly fly near Bald Hills, and predicted that Continued-Page 2From Page 1 seven if all 23 of the wind farms were built in the three states, the impact would be "very small, even barely noticeable", possibly causing up to one extra death a year. The minister declined a request for further comment. The federal Government had refused a Victorian Government application under Freedom of information to release the departmental advice.
Mr Hulls and federal Opposition environment spokesman Anthony Albanese demanded the advice be released. "The Howard Government is setting dangerous precedents for arbitrary, political interference in infrastructure development," Mr Albanese said. The revelation that Senator Campbell's department had recommended the wind farm be approved came yesterday during Federal Court proceedings initiated by Wind Power Pty Ltd. The company is seeking to have the wind farm rejection set aside and for it to be reconsidered by the department.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
Minister may face court
The Age, Page: 5
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
A FIGHT over the orange-bellied parrot could land Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell in court. The developers of a rejected $220 million Gippsland wind farm will apply today in the Federal Court to subpoena Senator Campbell, which would force him to appear next month to explain his decision to veto their development. In April, Senator Campbell invoked a rarely used environmental law to block the 52-turbine Bald Hills wind farm, arguing it posed too great a risk to the parrot, even though his own consultant's report found that banning all wind farms in southeastern Australia would have only a marginal impact on saving the parrot from extinction. A spokeswoman for Senator Campbell said: "It would be inappropriate to comment.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
A FIGHT over the orange-bellied parrot could land Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell in court. The developers of a rejected $220 million Gippsland wind farm will apply today in the Federal Court to subpoena Senator Campbell, which would force him to appear next month to explain his decision to veto their development. In April, Senator Campbell invoked a rarely used environmental law to block the 52-turbine Bald Hills wind farm, arguing it posed too great a risk to the parrot, even though his own consultant's report found that banning all wind farms in southeastern Australia would have only a marginal impact on saving the parrot from extinction. A spokeswoman for Senator Campbell said: "It would be inappropriate to comment.
Fuel plan beset by fossilised thinking
The Australian, Page: 8
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
AUSTRALIA is perfectly placed to be the real energy superpower: the instigator and global leader in renewable electricity production. A country bathed in sun and ferociously windy in many locations, Australia could, with political will and vision, usher in a safe, carbon free and nuclear-free future. Instead, both Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition leader Kim Beazley seem fixated on the continued mining and burning of coal: a strategy which, at this juncture in the world's history, is environmentally contraindicated. Anyone who has seen Al Gore's extraordinary film An Inconvenient Truth will realise that the world must, urgently, stop burning fossil fuel.
Indeed, a draft report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, presently circulating among Australian scientific, business and environmental groups, predicts global temperature increases of 0.3 to 3.5C degrees by 2050, and a sea level rise of 6m should the Greenland ice cap melt. Life as we know it is in jeopardy, but the politicians proceed unimpeded on their march over the climate-change cliff, ignoring these stark facts and their ecological implications.
Equally alarming as his continued endorsement of the coal industry, Howard's answer to global warming is the expansion of Australian uranium mining, value-added enrichment of uranium, nuclear power for Australia and the possible storage on this continent of much of the world's radioactive waste. For his part, Beazley has announced plans to expand uranium mining. Never mind that the nuclear fuel cycle - encompassing uranium mining, milling, enrichment, reactor construction and decommissioning, and radioactive waste storage for 500,000 years - creates large quantities of global warming gases, including CO2 and CFC. Do Howard and Beazley not know, or worse, are they choosing to ignore, that nuclear power will have grave public health consequences, bestowing, as it will, leaking, long-lived nuclear waste facilities to future generations, a legacy that will engender epidemics of genetic disease and malignancies?We need politicians with knowledge, energy and courage who will move beyond the fossil fuel and nuclear eras.
Is it possible to make that leap with available technology? Yes. A recent invention in solar power by Professor Vivian Alberts at the University of Johannesburg, which uses a micro-thin metallic film, has made solar electricity five times less expensive than solar photovoltaic cells. For the first time, solar electricity is economically feasible and cheaper than coal. Australian entrepreneurs, subsidised by the federal Government, should develop this technology as fast as possible.
Every old building and house in Australia should be retrofitted with solar panels, and all new buildings similarly equipped. As solar technology becomes cheaper and more efficient, a huge market in Indonesia, the Philippines and India will emerge. A rising GDP, with thousands of people employed in a safe, clean industry, would usher Australia into a new era of prosperity and global leadership in the 21st century. In the US, farmers are making more money building wind farms than growing food in a rapidly growing alternative energy market.
Australia could emulate Denmark where wind electricity, which has minimal greenhouse gas emissions, supplies at least 20 per cent of the country's needs. But in 2004, the Prime Minister, working with uranium and coal mining interests, devised a way to pull the rug from under the burgeoning Australian wind power industry. Some campaigners aiming to discredit wind power have links to well-known deniers of climate change. British nuclear industry allies are also known to be connected to Australian anti-wind power groups.
Tidal power, geothermal energy, co-generation and biomass combined with conservation are some of the resources yet to be explored by Australia. According to a Bostonian Synapse Energy Economics study, electricity conservation in the US could save 28 per cent in energy efficiency. Similar figures apply to Australia. In other words, for the first time in human history, all electricity can be generated by a combination of renewable carbon-free and nuclear-free technologies.
But the forces opposing these promising developments are very powerful and have the eye and ear of the PM and Labor leader. We need, above all, politicians who are scientifically and medically knowledgeable, not just lawyers, business men and former humanities academics who seem not to comprehend the immensely dangerous problems threatening the survival of our children, descendants and 30,000 other species that cohabit this planet.
Helen Caldicott, a pediatrician, is president of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute. She is author of Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Global Warming or Anything Else.
Tuesday, 25 July 2006
AUSTRALIA is perfectly placed to be the real energy superpower: the instigator and global leader in renewable electricity production. A country bathed in sun and ferociously windy in many locations, Australia could, with political will and vision, usher in a safe, carbon free and nuclear-free future. Instead, both Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition leader Kim Beazley seem fixated on the continued mining and burning of coal: a strategy which, at this juncture in the world's history, is environmentally contraindicated. Anyone who has seen Al Gore's extraordinary film An Inconvenient Truth will realise that the world must, urgently, stop burning fossil fuel.
Indeed, a draft report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, presently circulating among Australian scientific, business and environmental groups, predicts global temperature increases of 0.3 to 3.5C degrees by 2050, and a sea level rise of 6m should the Greenland ice cap melt. Life as we know it is in jeopardy, but the politicians proceed unimpeded on their march over the climate-change cliff, ignoring these stark facts and their ecological implications.
Equally alarming as his continued endorsement of the coal industry, Howard's answer to global warming is the expansion of Australian uranium mining, value-added enrichment of uranium, nuclear power for Australia and the possible storage on this continent of much of the world's radioactive waste. For his part, Beazley has announced plans to expand uranium mining. Never mind that the nuclear fuel cycle - encompassing uranium mining, milling, enrichment, reactor construction and decommissioning, and radioactive waste storage for 500,000 years - creates large quantities of global warming gases, including CO2 and CFC. Do Howard and Beazley not know, or worse, are they choosing to ignore, that nuclear power will have grave public health consequences, bestowing, as it will, leaking, long-lived nuclear waste facilities to future generations, a legacy that will engender epidemics of genetic disease and malignancies?We need politicians with knowledge, energy and courage who will move beyond the fossil fuel and nuclear eras.
Is it possible to make that leap with available technology? Yes. A recent invention in solar power by Professor Vivian Alberts at the University of Johannesburg, which uses a micro-thin metallic film, has made solar electricity five times less expensive than solar photovoltaic cells. For the first time, solar electricity is economically feasible and cheaper than coal. Australian entrepreneurs, subsidised by the federal Government, should develop this technology as fast as possible.
Every old building and house in Australia should be retrofitted with solar panels, and all new buildings similarly equipped. As solar technology becomes cheaper and more efficient, a huge market in Indonesia, the Philippines and India will emerge. A rising GDP, with thousands of people employed in a safe, clean industry, would usher Australia into a new era of prosperity and global leadership in the 21st century. In the US, farmers are making more money building wind farms than growing food in a rapidly growing alternative energy market.
Australia could emulate Denmark where wind electricity, which has minimal greenhouse gas emissions, supplies at least 20 per cent of the country's needs. But in 2004, the Prime Minister, working with uranium and coal mining interests, devised a way to pull the rug from under the burgeoning Australian wind power industry. Some campaigners aiming to discredit wind power have links to well-known deniers of climate change. British nuclear industry allies are also known to be connected to Australian anti-wind power groups.
Tidal power, geothermal energy, co-generation and biomass combined with conservation are some of the resources yet to be explored by Australia. According to a Bostonian Synapse Energy Economics study, electricity conservation in the US could save 28 per cent in energy efficiency. Similar figures apply to Australia. In other words, for the first time in human history, all electricity can be generated by a combination of renewable carbon-free and nuclear-free technologies.
But the forces opposing these promising developments are very powerful and have the eye and ear of the PM and Labor leader. We need, above all, politicians who are scientifically and medically knowledgeable, not just lawyers, business men and former humanities academics who seem not to comprehend the immensely dangerous problems threatening the survival of our children, descendants and 30,000 other species that cohabit this planet.
Helen Caldicott, a pediatrician, is president of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute. She is author of Nuclear Power is Not the Answer to Global Warming or Anything Else.
Grant to study power demand
The Ballarat Courier, Page: 3
Monday, 24 July 2006
THE University of Ballarat has received a grant of $100,000 to study Hopetoun's power demand, and to investigate renewable energy alternatives in the area. The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre of Sustainability, Ballarat, which is based at the university. Centre manager Dennis Olmstead said the project partners would research the capacity of community owned renewable energy generation at Hopetoun, particularly from wind power. "This study will investigate Hopetoun's current and projected power demand," he said.
Monday, 24 July 2006
THE University of Ballarat has received a grant of $100,000 to study Hopetoun's power demand, and to investigate renewable energy alternatives in the area. The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre of Sustainability, Ballarat, which is based at the university. Centre manager Dennis Olmstead said the project partners would research the capacity of community owned renewable energy generation at Hopetoun, particularly from wind power. "This study will investigate Hopetoun's current and projected power demand," he said.
Sunday, 23 July 2006
Ararat backs energy target
The Wimmera Mail-Times, Page: 8
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Ararat backs energy target
The Wimmera Mail-Times, Page: 8
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
Friday, 21 July 2006
THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.
Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.
"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.
"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.
'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.
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."
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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