Uni to study Hopetoun's power

The Weekly Advertiser, Page: 7
Thursday, 27 July 2006

The University of Ballarat has received a grant of $100,000 to study Hopetoun's power demand and to investigate renewable energy alternatives in the area. The State Government grant has been allocated to the National Centre for Sustainability Ballarat, which is based at the university."The project partners will research the capacity of community-owned renewable energy generation of Hopetoun, particularly from windpower," NCS manager Dennis Olmstead said."The study will investigate Hopetoun's current and projected power demand, collect wind speed data and investigate potential local alternative renewable energy technologies.

"It also will research waste management needs and practice, investigate potential sustainable industries for Hopetoun and develop a template for use in other communities."Mr Olmstead said he looked forward toworking with Hopetoun residents and businesses to improve the town's energy system."This will be a great opportunity for everyone in Hopetoun," he said."Through this project, we aim to investigate the possibility of developing permanent, secure provision of renewable energy for the Hopetoun area.

"We are delighted both to receive this grant from the State Government's Sustainability Fund and to be able to embark on this project.".