Wednesday 3 October 2007

Developer says wind power is viable

Ballarat Courier
27/09/2007 Page: 4

CLAIMS that wind energy is largely unsuitable for Australia have been dismissed by the company behind a district development. Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said this week there was no evidence wind energy was a feasible, alternative energy source. But Wind Power, the company proposing the Tuki wind farm near Smeaton, which Ms Bailey is campaigning against, believes she has "misunderstood" the wind industry. Director Andrew Newbold said he would be happy to meet Ms Bailey to discuss the economics and dynamics of the wind industry.

Mr Newbold said around the world, there was a great take-up of wind energy. The US is installing wind farms at 4000 megawatts per annum," he said. The other thing is, wind farms won't get built unless they contribute to energy generation and, as a project, you only get paid for the power you generate." Ms Bailey also said government policy should focus on developing solar power. Mr Newbold said wind energy was ready to go" and should be pursued vigorously.

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