Cyclone proof wind turbines

Northern Guardian
Wednesday 1/11/2006, Page: 1

THREE state-of-the-art, cyclone-proof wind turbines are to be built at Coral Bay.

Energy Minister Francis Logan said the 275kw turbines were expected to supply 40 per cent of Coral Bay's energy needs by the end of 2007. Mr Logan said the $9.6 million wind-diesel project would involve new technologies developed in Western Australia.

"The power system will use Verve Energy's technologically advanced control systems and low-load diesel generators which maximise the use of wind energy," he said. "It will also involve the use of wind turbines that can be lowered in the event of a cyclone.

"This will be the first large-scale application of its kind in Australia and has good potential to be used in other cyclone-affected areas." The Minister said the project would be jointly funded by Verve Energy and the Commonwealth funded Renewable Remote Power Generation Project (RRPGP).

"Verve Energy will build the power system and contribute $6.84m to the project," he said. "Financial assistance of up to $2.76m has been committed through the RRPGP." Mr Logan said electricity in Coral Bay was supplied by a number of individual stand-alone power systems, owned and managed by operators of tourist facilities.

Under the new arrangements, Verve Energy would supply power to Horizon Power, which would have responsibility for the electricity network and retail operations in Coral Bay.

"Installing a public wind-diesel system is considered to be the best option for improving power supply to Coral Bay," the Minister said.

"It will provide a reliable, high-quality electricity supply with a substantial contribution from renewable energy. These wind turbines are expected to save 440,000 litres of diesel each year and reduce greenhouse emissions by 1,160 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year."

Mr Logan said that since 2001, eight new wind farms had been installed around WA, with a total generating capacity of 195MW. These included Esperance, Rottnest Island, Hopetoun, Bremer Bay, Albany, Emu Downs, Exmouth and Walkaway. The Minister said these farms were capable of generating enough electricity to power 130,000 homes.

The RRPGP is a Commonwealth program, funded by diesel excise paid in WA. The program is administered by the State Government's Sustainable Energy Development Office.