Kurnell to be wind-powered

Goulburn Post
Wednesday 18/7/2007 Page: 3

THE State Government has reconfirmed its commitment to build the Kumell Desalination Plant, saying it would be powered 100 per cent by wind energy, which the Government would buy. However Water Utilities Minister Nathan Rees said would not be drawn into whether the plant would be powered by Southern Tablelands-based windfarms. "When it is running it will produce zero greenhouse gas emissions and be 100 per cent powered by wind energy," a spokesperson said.

"There are currently five wind farm projects in various places in NSW that already have development approval but have not yet been built by the proponents and several more are in the planning approval process right now." The spokesperson said the announcement to buy the green energy that would run the desalination plant could kick start several local wind farms that were on hold until their proponents were sure of a reliable market for their energy.

`Even though these companies have invested a good deal in securing land and getting approvals, it is unlikely that these projects will be built until the companies are sure there is a reliable and large enough market for the clean renewable energy to justify the millions of dollars in construction costs," the spokesperson said. "That's why the NSW Government's announcement it will purchase 100% of the energy to run the desalination plant from clean, green wind energy is the greatest shot in the arm to the renewable energy sector for many years. "Such a large customer for wind energy means these projects suddenly become viable.