Wind farm a world-beater - Higher than the Harbour Bridge

Sunday Telegraph
Sunday 5/10/2008 Page: 29

ALMOST 600 wind turbines as tall as the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be built in the State's far west as part of a plan to develop the world's biggest wind farm. The State Government has released the first detailed plans of the proposed Silverton Wind Farm, which is expected to produce enough energy to supply almost half a million homes. The joint venture by Epuron and Macquarie Capital Group is expected to cost around $2.2 billion to develop. Work may begin as early as next year.

Under the plan, 598 turbines as high as 155m will be constructed across 32,000ha. They will be almost 20m taller than the Sydney Harbour Bridge at its highest point. The farm will also involve the construction of seven substations and transmission lines to Broken Hill and Victoria as part of its connection to the national electricity grid. The Government expects the development to inject as much as $700 million into the NSW economy, as well as providing a tourism opportunity.

The proposal has split the Silverton community, with those opposing the farm concerned about its visual and noise impacts. The turbines are so tall that red obstacle beacons will be placed around them to warn approaching aircraft. Naomi Schmidt, who with her husband Stephen operates a farm stay on their property, is worried that the giant structures will drive tourists away. The Schmidts' property, Eldee Station, is just 2km from the site. "If you look straight out my front door, you'll see them," Ms Schmidt said.

The people that come here are drawn to the wide open spaces, not a built environment - they come out here looking for peace and quiet. The comments we have got from them so far have not been very promising." A meeting has been planned next week with several landholders to discuss possible compensation claims. Nigel Lawrence, whose property is 12km from the site, said the wind farm would be good for the local community. We are negotiating compensation packages, and we'll hopefully end up with a good result," Mr Lawrence said.

The Silverton Wind Farm environmental assessment report says the operation's generating capacity is estimated at more than 3.5 million megawatts - about 4.5 per cent of NSW's total energy consumption. That will not be enough, however, to warrant shutting down any of the State's 2640 megawatt, coal-fired power stations. The additional energy produced could help avoid power outages and blackouts during periods of peak demand. Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said the State Government would take into account the concerns of the community when making its final assessment on the project.