Fremantle Herald
Saturday 14/7/2007 Page: 10
ROOFTOP wind energy could soon generate over four per cent of WA's electricity needs. That's the claim of Murdoch University boffins who are looking at ways to harness the Fremantle Doctor, the strong gusty breeze that comes scudding in over WA's coast just about every day. Murdoch's engineering department, in collaboration with Melville council, has been awarded $28,000 to research the best way to harness the wind. Sensors will be placed on council buildings and computers will work out cost-effective and environmentally-friendly ways of using the technology.
Dr Jonathan Whale, one of the researchers, says "rooftop wind systems have enormous potential [for] micro-generation. .. in urban environments." Premier and WA science minister Alan Carpenter said "It would be a fantastic outcome if these projects... allowed householders to use the wind to generate their own electricity. .. save money. .. and reduce emissions," he added. The WA government wants to lower greenhouse emissions 60 per cent by 2050.
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