Emu Downs energy milestone

Midwest Times, Page: 3
Thursday, 13 July 2006

THE Emu Downs Wind Farm installed its 48th and final turbine last week, marking its entry into the final stages of the $180million project. The 80 Megawatt wind farm is being constructed 30 kilometres east of Cervantes as part of a joint venture between Stanwell Corporation Limited (Stanwell) and Griffin Energy. Griffin Energy Power Generation executive general manager Wayne Trumble said the project had progressed successfully thanks to good weather conditions, thehard work of the project team and local Input and support." Local businesses have been responsible for much of the work carried out onsite and the project has created local opportunities for training, tradespeople, suppliers and other service providers," he said.

The project, which will power more than 50,000 homes each year, will now move into its commissioning phase and project manager Bruce Mitchell said it was on schedule to be completed later this year. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Francis Logan has called for expressions of interest from consumers to be part of a ministerial advisory committee on electricity supply. "We will want committee members to identify issues associated with standards of electricity supply, comment on the effectiveness of consumer protection mechanisms and advise on existing or emerging issueswith electricity supply standards," Mr Logan said.

"It will be invaluable to have the input of the end users who deal with the impact of electricity supply issues on a daily basis." Mr Logan said the committee would include residential electricity users from both metropolitan and regional areas, as well as owners and operators of small, medium and large businesses. The committee will be established and chaired by the Minister. Expressions of interest close on July 28.

For information call 9420 5600 or visit www.energy.wa.gov.au