Why isn't WA harnessing wind power?

www.watoday.com.au
4 Apr 2012

New research reveals while Perth is the third windiest capital in the world, it is in the doldrums when it comes to wind power. Perth is an international hotspot for windsurfing and the destination of choice for the ISAF Sailing World Championships. If you thought Western Australia was a leader in wind power, think again. New research reveals while Perth is the third windiest capital in the world, it is in the doldrums when it comes to wind power.

A spokesman from the Independent Market Operator, which oversees the Wholesale Electricity Market in WA, says wind power made up just 4.33% of total electricity generation in the 12 months prior to October 2011. That's compared to a fresh and gusty 26% in South Australia. The latest quarterly report from energy economics group EnergyQuest reveals that in SA electricity generated by wind has grown from just one% five years ago to the highest in the country in 2012. With an average wind speed of more than 27km/h and twelve operating wind farms lining the coast from Coral Bay to Albany, WA could be leading the nation.

Online social commentator and writer David Clarke says government reluctance to build and maintain the high-capacity electricity transmission lines needed could be slowing down WA's wind power. "WA has some big wind farms, but for some reason growth is slow. The presence and status of high capacity power lines could be an important factor". Shadow Minister for Energy Bill Johnston says the government can do better. "I don't think the Minister for Energy has got any plans to create a more dynamic future for the energy system in this state. He's fixated on the past, on government control over the energy system".

Mr Johnston says the government push to re-merge State-owned energy companies Verve Energy and Synergy Energy will crush innovation by private investors. "The Northern Reinforcement Line, which will run up to potential wind power sites near Geraldton, is four years late and way over cost already. "The state government doesn't seem to be prepared to invest in the infrastructure that private investors in the wind power sector would need".

Renewable energy is big news across the world. This week, the Danish Government announced new targets that would see 35% of Denmark's electricity coming from renewable resources by 2020, and 100% by 2050. Mr Clarke says there is no reason that WA could manage wind power at the levels achieved by SA. "It seems that WA has an excellent wind resource... I'm sure that if there was a will for it WA could get at least 30% of its electricity from wind power". The Minister for Energy was not available to comment.