Aussie companies get wind of perfect energy solution

The Canberra Times, Page: 24
Friday, 26 May 2006

IN the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) has dramatically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. There is now strong scientific evidence that this increase in greenhouse gas levels is causing an acceleration of the greenhouse effect, causing irreversible climate change. Scientists predict that the average global temperature will increase by up to two degrees celsius by 2030, and by as much as six degrees by 2070. Given that a rise of less than half of one degree produces dramatic ecosystem changes, the potential impacts of global warming could be devastating.

Extreme weather fluctuations such as droughts, storms, floods, heat waves and hail are already more frequent and more severe. There is a pressing need for Australia to pursue less harmful ways of producing the energy we need. Several renewable energy companies are now choosing to generate electricity from non-polluting wind and water. These are business decisions, guided by economic, social and environmental considerations that have delivered sustained profit growth, the avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as significant benefits to local communities.

Wind energy consumes nothing and produces no pollution. It does not cause irreversible and unknown damage to the climate or to the environment. Likewise, it is immune from long term price volatility and will never be a terrorist target. The USA, Canada, India, China and many European nations are leading the way in wind power, with the US planning to install 3,000MW of new wind generation this year alone - that's more than four times the total capacity of all Australian wind farms.

Wind energy has zero fuel price risk, zero fuel costs and extremely low running costs. Its fuel is free and endless. As electricity prices rise, wind energy is an obvious choice for the economic security of Australia's energy supply. The cost of wind energy for the consumer is currently up to twice the cost of fossil fuel generated electricity, but with economies of scale and fossil fuel costs rising, wind energy will be cost-competitive within 10-15 years.

If the cost of environmental and health pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions were factored in, wind energy would be cost-competitive with fossil-fuels today. So how does a windmill make electricity? Wind generator blades rotate due to a pressure differential caused by air moving over the surface of the blade. The blades cause a rotor to turn, which drives an electrical generator; just as steam drives a generator in a coal-fired or nuclear power station. The turbines used in Australian wind farms are 'smart machines' which require minimal maintenance.

Interestingly, most of Australia's wind farms are subject to hot northerly winds on summer days when the power system faces the biggest demand, largely due to the use of large numbers of air conditioners. On those days, wind farms contribute energy when it is needed the most. Opponents of windfarms say that the generators pose a threat to native birdlife, however, studies from Canada, Denmark and the US show that the total impact on wildlife from wind farms is negligible compared to the impact from road traffic. Wind energy's supporters also point to the thousands of species that will face extinction due to climate change in coming years if pollution-free energy systems are not adopted.

Australian wind farms are required to undertake detailed flora and fauna studies during their planning process to ensure minimal environmental impact during planning, construction and operation. The Australian Wind Energy Association, Auswind, has internationally-recognised Best Practice guidelines which its members follow in all stages of wind farm development. Wind farming is also popular with farmers, because well over 90% of their land can continue to be used for growing crops or grazing livestock. Wind energy is one of the most responsible energy sources, and Australia is well placed to take advantage of this finite resource.

It will not be the answer to all our future energy needs, but the Australian Greenhouse Office has found that the national electricity market can comfortably support 8, 000 MW of wind power, which is more than 10 times our current level. And all this without producing any pollution. It is no doubt time for Australians to realise that wind energy is more than a load of hot air. Our future depends on it.