Monday 16 October 2006

Denmark embraces wind energy: HREA

Hepburn Shire Advocate
Wednesday 11/10/2006, Page: 4

Hepburn Renewable Energy Association secretary Brett Dutton in Denmark.COMMUNITY-owned wind farms are a normal part of life in Denmark, according to Hepburn Renewable Energy Association secretary Brett Dutton. On his trip to Denmark, Mr Dutton learnt about the wind farms of which Denmark has 5500.

"I've met lots of local people and they all say pretty much the same thing - that the wind farms are just a normal part of their lives," he said.

"One person has two turbines on their property and says they've never had a problem with noise or shadows." The idea for the small-scale wind farm in the Daylesford area, proposed by HREA, came from the Danish model where 20 per cent of electricity produced comes from wind.

It is estimated that some 150,000 Danes have already invested in wind power and own wind turbines or shares in wind turbine co-operatives. "I'm very inspired by what I've seen," Mr Dutton said.

People are so positive about renewable energy. The turbines are a part of the landscape and a step in the right direction towards a sustainable future."

Community owned wind farms in Denmark:
  • 75 per cent are privately owned by local co-operatives
  • 86 per cent of Danes support wind energy when compared with existing fuel sources.
  • Denmark's use of clean wind energy is saving the atmosphere from about 5.2 million tonnes of C02.
  • The Danish economy saves 2.3 million tonnes of coal worth more than 100 million Euro.

Inquiries: Per Bernard on 5348 1298 or visit the HREA website on www.hrea.org.au

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