Windfarm project 'financially viable'

Albany Extra, Page: 3
Friday, 7 July 2006

The Denmark Community Windfarm group claims it will have a "bankable project," by October, after receiving the results of a draft study into the windfarm's feasibility. DCW chair Craig Chappelle, said that while some details still have to be resolved, the report has confirmed the project is technically possible and financially viable. "The report vindicates three years of hard slog, and demonstrates that renewable-energy generation is achievable at a community scale," Mr Chappelle said. Mr Chappelle said some technical issues still needed to be dealt with but were being worked through with Western Power and Perth based firm GHD Pty Ltd, who are overseeing the project.

South Coast Landscape Guardians chair Peter Mortimer, said he was wary of the DCW's claims that its report had justified its battle for a windfarm. 'They don't seem to have released much, they're keeping the facts very close to their chest. "Surely if they want to be open and accountable they have to be open with their reports," he said. "It's all a bit mysterious," Mr Mortimer said.

Mr Mortimer said DCW had to be more open to gain the community's trust, although Mr Chappelle said there is a growing acceptance in Denmark that wind power is a positive way to combat climate change. Mr Chappelle said the report showed two wind turbines could generate enough electricity for the project to run at a profit, within the limitations of Western Power's existing grid infrastructure.