Delay due to turbine shortage

Ballarat Courier
Tuesday 30/1/2007 Page: 7

A WORLDWIDE shortage of wind turbines is likely to hold up the start of construction on the Lexton wind farm. Plans for the farm were approved by Pyrenees Shire Council earlier this month but work is not expected to begin until next year.

Wind Power managing director Stephen Buckle said there was a shortage of wind turbines across the world.

"We need to figure out what turbines we can buy and when we can get them - that will determine the long-term timing of the project," he said. "There is a worldwide shortage of turbines. New factories are popping up all the time all over the place as people to try to keep up the supply but there is still a shortage.

The wait at the moment is between eight months and two years, so that's slightly frustrating from our point of view." Mr Buckle said the company was also still looking to finalise a buyer for the wind power.

He said extensive wind monitoring on the site would continue until work could begin and a buyer could be found. Mr Buckle praised Pyrenees Shire Council for its decision to approve the plan.

"I think it's been a good experience for everyone involved in that decision," he said. "They've done a great job in proactively encouraging the industry in windy areas." The 19-turbine wind farm, believed to cost about $28 million, will provide enough power to supply 16,000 homes and will displace 113,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas each year, the equivalent of taking 26,000 cars off the road.

Pyrenees Shire Council mayor Gabriel Horvat said the council was very supportive of renewable energy projects.