The Geraldton Guardian, Page: 3
Wednesday, 31 May 2006
HALF of Kalbarri's energy requirements will be supplied through the construction of a $3.8m two-turbine wind farm this year. The project was announced by Energy Minister Francis Logan on Monday as part of an $18m expansion of the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP), which will see rebates offered to small and medium sized renewable energy systems in rural areas on the fringe of the main electricity grid. Mr Logan said having the turbines would provide a more reliable power source for Kalbarri, which was known tor Us questionable supply.
"They are two Enercon wind turbines. 800 kilowatts each; webelieve they will certainly go a long way to providing stability for power supply in Kalbarri. " he said. "There is no guarantee the wind will blow all the time and they will get consistent power, but nevertheless it will certainly add to the reliability.
"They are going to be located, webelieve, south of Kalbairi, the actual site of location is still under negation with the shire there. "Mr Logan said when the power generaied by the new turbines was not being absorbed by Kalbarri, it would be fed back into the main grid so communities on the line to Kalbarri would also benefit from a more stable electricity supply. "I'd imagine construction will start before the end of the year, in terms of when the power will be connected. " he added.
Mr Logan saidhedidnot expect opposition from Kalbarrire sidents to the project. "The Walkaway wind site has been very successful and the embracing of renewable energy by the Mid West is fantastic. " he said. "Even if there is some concern about the location, and we haven't had feedback that there is, I think people in town will always come down to having consistent and reliable energy."
The RRPGP is a joint State and Federal Government initiative funded through the diesel fuel excise scheme. Kalbarri is the first major project under an expansion and extension program.
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