Turbines work a treat

Northern Guardian
Wednesday 27/2/2008 Page: 3

The approach of Cyclone Nicholas on Sunday February 17 was the signal to lower three wind turbines at Coral Bay. Verve Energy Sustainable Energy operations superintendent Ken Littlewood said while the turbines had been lowered many times during testing, this was the first time they had been lowered to avoid damage from cyclonic winds.

"After the cyclone passed Coral Bay, and the Code Red was lifted, the wind turbines and diesel power station were inspected," Mr Littlewood said. "They worked a treat, unscathed." The wind turbines were back in operation Friday February 22.

The ability to lower the turbines was a feature of the wind over diesel project built in Coral Bay to capitalise on the excellent wind resource. While the turbines were on the ground and tied down, the community's power was maintained by the diesel generating units. "Much of Coral Bay's electricity comes from the wind and wind turbines, with the benefits of lower greenhouse emissions and reduced diesel bum," Mr Littlewood said.