Bendigo Advertiser
Thursday 5/7/2007 Page: 5
INNOVATIONS in renewable energy will be showcased when a conference in Bendigo brings together experts in the field in September. La Trobe University and the City of Greater Bendigo are hosting the conference, which will examine business opportunities for renewable energy in regional Australia. Organising committee chairman, councillor Keith Reynard, said the council had partnered with La Trobe University to formulate a diverse program. "The conference will focus Bendigo as a place for future research and development in renewable energy options," he said.
Mr Reynard said the conference had something for everyone, with a range of speakers likely to appeal to policy makers, property developers, community groups and other business groups. La Trobe University Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities director, Professor John Martin, said businesses involved in the production of renewable energy sources were already visible in regional areas. "We have the solar tower at Mildura, wind farms, biofuel plants, such as the one at Barnawartha now in construction, and feeder businesses, such as wind turbine and renewable energy regulator manufacturers, and others emerging," he said.
With a diverse program planned, attendees will be treated to topics such as the Hepburn Community Wind Farm story, the solar cities project in Townsville, wave energy, and small scale biomass gasification. Keynote speakers will include Minister John Brumby, Grant McVicar, director of the Office of Energy Conservation in Canada, and Bendigo Bank's chief executive officer Rob Hunt, with Rob Gell the Master of Ceremonies. The price tag of $590 for the full program includes dinner at Bendigo Town Hall on Monday, September 17.
Mr Reynard said the full program may appeal principally to government organisations and businesses, with different pricing structures available for single day attendances, or the dinner. "This is a great opportunity for business developers, planners and regional leaders to hear about the opportunities, challenges and scenarios ahead, including how renewable energy will be created, distributed and regulated." The conference will be held at the The Capital, Bendigo's Performing Arts Centre, from September 17 to 18.
For details and registration go to www.renewableenergyconference.com.au or phone 5434 6001.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Power poles going up
Portland Observer
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 3
Pacific Hydro's transmission line from the second stage of its Portland Wind Energy Project at Cape Bridgewater is nearly 50 per cent complete. Powercor and Alinta have been busy in the past few weeks putting up the power poles along various road easements in the district. The powerlines, their configuration and their routes across private land and on road easements were subject to controversy last year when several residents objected to them and the Pacific Hydro consultation process.
The wind energy company plans to have 43 kilometres of 66kv powerlines once the wind farms at capes Bridgewater, Grant and Nelson are completed. Work on the farms at capes Grant and Nelson will start once Cape Bridgewater is operating. Energy from the wind farms will link into the grid near the Portland Aluminium switchyard.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 3
Pacific Hydro's transmission line from the second stage of its Portland Wind Energy Project at Cape Bridgewater is nearly 50 per cent complete. Powercor and Alinta have been busy in the past few weeks putting up the power poles along various road easements in the district. The powerlines, their configuration and their routes across private land and on road easements were subject to controversy last year when several residents objected to them and the Pacific Hydro consultation process.
The wind energy company plans to have 43 kilometres of 66kv powerlines once the wind farms at capes Bridgewater, Grant and Nelson are completed. Work on the farms at capes Grant and Nelson will start once Cape Bridgewater is operating. Energy from the wind farms will link into the grid near the Portland Aluminium switchyard.
Clean energy plans
Bayside Bulletin
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 3
CLEAN energy sources will hopefully supply at least half of Redland Shire's power needs in about five years, Mayor Don Seccombe has declared. He was speaking as Redland Shire Council unveiled a new green energy policy to encourage companies to invest locally in renewable energy technology such as solar, wind, wave and tidal power.
While specific projects were not spelt out in yesterday's Budget documents, the policy states the council will look at how it can support potential clean energy projects on a case-by-case basis. For example, financial grants and other support may be provided.
Cr Seccombe told the Bayside Bulletin he would like to get approvals in place for 50 per cent of the Shire's power to come from renewable sources by the end of the next council term in 3012. He said the Shire was blessed with numerous opportunities including North Stradbroke Island's strong winds, waves and tidal currents.
Cr Seccombe said the recently approved chicken-litter-fuelled biomass power plant at Mount Cotton would provide enough energy for up to 17 per cent of Redland Shire's needs. Ultimately, he wanted the see the Redlands become a "renewable energy shire" that was self-sufficient and could feed excess power into other areas. Cr Seccombe said he did not support nuclear power.
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 3
CLEAN energy sources will hopefully supply at least half of Redland Shire's power needs in about five years, Mayor Don Seccombe has declared. He was speaking as Redland Shire Council unveiled a new green energy policy to encourage companies to invest locally in renewable energy technology such as solar, wind, wave and tidal power.While specific projects were not spelt out in yesterday's Budget documents, the policy states the council will look at how it can support potential clean energy projects on a case-by-case basis. For example, financial grants and other support may be provided.
Cr Seccombe told the Bayside Bulletin he would like to get approvals in place for 50 per cent of the Shire's power to come from renewable sources by the end of the next council term in 3012. He said the Shire was blessed with numerous opportunities including North Stradbroke Island's strong winds, waves and tidal currents.
Cr Seccombe said the recently approved chicken-litter-fuelled biomass power plant at Mount Cotton would provide enough energy for up to 17 per cent of Redland Shire's needs. Ultimately, he wanted the see the Redlands become a "renewable energy shire" that was self-sufficient and could feed excess power into other areas. Cr Seccombe said he did not support nuclear power.
Winchelsea wind action
Colac Herald
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 12
Plans to build a 14- turbine wind farm outside Winchelsea have cut through its first set of red tape. British company International Power plans to build the wind farm 10 kilometres north-east of Winchelsea.
The Department of Environment and Heritage has deemed the project is "not a controlled action", which means the wind farm does not breach federal environment laws. The decision this month followed a period for public submissions in May. International Power will need final approval from Surf Coast Shire Council before it can build the wind farm.
The project will not need the State Government's approval because it will produce only 28 megawatts of power. The State Government has planning control over wind farms which produce more than 30 megawatts of power. Winchelsea Wind Farm could produce enough electricity to power 14,000 homes.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 12
Plans to build a 14- turbine wind farm outside Winchelsea have cut through its first set of red tape. British company International Power plans to build the wind farm 10 kilometres north-east of Winchelsea.
The Department of Environment and Heritage has deemed the project is "not a controlled action", which means the wind farm does not breach federal environment laws. The decision this month followed a period for public submissions in May. International Power will need final approval from Surf Coast Shire Council before it can build the wind farm.
The project will not need the State Government's approval because it will produce only 28 megawatts of power. The State Government has planning control over wind farms which produce more than 30 megawatts of power. Winchelsea Wind Farm could produce enough electricity to power 14,000 homes.
Bioenergy preferred as `new' alternative
Lithgow Mercury
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 12
Bioenergy is a greatly underutilised clean energy source that could help dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions, revive rural communities and strengthen energy security. The raw fuel for bioenergy comes from biological matter - `biomass' - such as the agricultural waste from wheat crops, cotton, rice, sugar cane and other crops; animal manure, wood and paper processing, and food scraps. Much of this biomass is in rural Australia.
Bioenergy offers the prospect of considerable employment and investment and a supplemental income stream to farming, while providing a clean, renewable and reliable source of baseload electricity. In contrast to some other energy technologies, bioenergy electricity plants are flexible as well as reliable: they can be turned on and off on demand, and can generate electricity all year round, 24 hours a day.
Together with natural gas and a mix of other renewable energy technologies like wind energy and solar power, bioenergy could form a large slice of Australia's clean energy pie, as part of the necessary transition away from polluting coal-fired electricity generation. "Analysis suggests that by the year 2030, bioenergy could account for 20 per cent of Australia's electricity generation capacity, potentially making it the largest renewable energy source," the Executive Director of the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Ric Brazzale said.
"Bioenergy is a tried, true and tested technology. "There are already many plants successfully operating, in Australia and the rest of the world. "If implemented on the scale necessitated by the threat of global warming, the construction of bioenergy plants would create considerable employment and major investment stimulus in rural and regional areas in Australia," Mr Brazzale said.
Many rural communities in Australia have suffered economic hardship over the past 20 years. High unemployment, falling agricultural incomes, population decline and withdrawal of essential services like banks and schools have all impacted. If Australia were to fully develop the bioenergy sector and develop one-fifth of electricity from this source by 2030, it could lead to the creation of 50,000 job years in construction and manufacturing, and 7000 ongoing jobs in operation and maintenance, many of these jobs in rural and regional areas.
The generation of bioenergy creates many more jobs per unit of energy generation than fossil fuels. Jobs are diverse, ranging from extensions to existing agricultural and forestry activities, through to specialised engineering and electronic functions. It also offers rural communities a practical way to get active in the fight against climate change by making significant cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.
Bioenergy currently supplies electricity to the needs of about 400,000 Australian households. But it could supply much more. "bioenergy is not a technology of the future; it is ready here and now and we can employ it to rapidly respond to the challenge created by climate change," Mr Brazzale said.
Benefits Of Bioenergy
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 12
Bioenergy is a greatly underutilised clean energy source that could help dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions, revive rural communities and strengthen energy security. The raw fuel for bioenergy comes from biological matter - `biomass' - such as the agricultural waste from wheat crops, cotton, rice, sugar cane and other crops; animal manure, wood and paper processing, and food scraps. Much of this biomass is in rural Australia.
Bioenergy offers the prospect of considerable employment and investment and a supplemental income stream to farming, while providing a clean, renewable and reliable source of baseload electricity. In contrast to some other energy technologies, bioenergy electricity plants are flexible as well as reliable: they can be turned on and off on demand, and can generate electricity all year round, 24 hours a day.
Together with natural gas and a mix of other renewable energy technologies like wind energy and solar power, bioenergy could form a large slice of Australia's clean energy pie, as part of the necessary transition away from polluting coal-fired electricity generation. "Analysis suggests that by the year 2030, bioenergy could account for 20 per cent of Australia's electricity generation capacity, potentially making it the largest renewable energy source," the Executive Director of the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Ric Brazzale said.
"Bioenergy is a tried, true and tested technology. "There are already many plants successfully operating, in Australia and the rest of the world. "If implemented on the scale necessitated by the threat of global warming, the construction of bioenergy plants would create considerable employment and major investment stimulus in rural and regional areas in Australia," Mr Brazzale said.
Many rural communities in Australia have suffered economic hardship over the past 20 years. High unemployment, falling agricultural incomes, population decline and withdrawal of essential services like banks and schools have all impacted. If Australia were to fully develop the bioenergy sector and develop one-fifth of electricity from this source by 2030, it could lead to the creation of 50,000 job years in construction and manufacturing, and 7000 ongoing jobs in operation and maintenance, many of these jobs in rural and regional areas.
The generation of bioenergy creates many more jobs per unit of energy generation than fossil fuels. Jobs are diverse, ranging from extensions to existing agricultural and forestry activities, through to specialised engineering and electronic functions. It also offers rural communities a practical way to get active in the fight against climate change by making significant cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.
Bioenergy currently supplies electricity to the needs of about 400,000 Australian households. But it could supply much more. "bioenergy is not a technology of the future; it is ready here and now and we can employ it to rapidly respond to the challenge created by climate change," Mr Brazzale said.
Benefits Of Bioenergy
- Tried and tested.
- Readily available fuel source
- A stimulus for our farmers
- Eases the unemployment rate
- Reduces greenhouse emissions
- Boost for investment
Future built on sustainable energy
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday 4/7/2007 Page: 18
Newcastle is perfectly positioned to be a world leader in renewable energy, the city's business leaders were told yesterday. CSIRO energy systems manager James McGregor said the city's links to "energy-hungry" sectors through coal export, as well as its research resources and skilled work force, made it ideal. "We have all of the right conditions to set Newcastle up as the next Silicon Valley of the sustainable energy industry," Mr McGregor told Newcastle Business Club.
Newcastle's CSIRO Energy Centre is researching and trialling a device that allows communication between homes and can predict peak power demand, possibly averting the kind of chaos experienced in the Hunter during the Queen's Birthday storms. Called smart agents, the devices can predict a spike in the electricity price that coincides with the network being under pressure.
"If in the storm the other week we'd had agents distributing power generation so everyone had solar power in the home and wind turbines or little fuel-cells in the backyard, we had agents controlling our airconditioning systems and they were all talking together on a network, these agents could actually make decisions on getting the grid up and running automatically based on little nodes that were still interconnected [after the storm]," Mr McGregor said.
He said that, in the age of climate change, the future lay in developing a mix of energy sources, including clean coal, solar and wind energy and technology not yet dreamt up. "Networks are at full capacity so we need to be bringing technologies to fill the gap that can also reduce our carbon footprints," Mr McGregor said.
Wednesday 4/7/2007 Page: 18
Newcastle is perfectly positioned to be a world leader in renewable energy, the city's business leaders were told yesterday. CSIRO energy systems manager James McGregor said the city's links to "energy-hungry" sectors through coal export, as well as its research resources and skilled work force, made it ideal. "We have all of the right conditions to set Newcastle up as the next Silicon Valley of the sustainable energy industry," Mr McGregor told Newcastle Business Club.
Newcastle's CSIRO Energy Centre is researching and trialling a device that allows communication between homes and can predict peak power demand, possibly averting the kind of chaos experienced in the Hunter during the Queen's Birthday storms. Called smart agents, the devices can predict a spike in the electricity price that coincides with the network being under pressure.
"If in the storm the other week we'd had agents distributing power generation so everyone had solar power in the home and wind turbines or little fuel-cells in the backyard, we had agents controlling our airconditioning systems and they were all talking together on a network, these agents could actually make decisions on getting the grid up and running automatically based on little nodes that were still interconnected [after the storm]," Mr McGregor said.
He said that, in the age of climate change, the future lay in developing a mix of energy sources, including clean coal, solar and wind energy and technology not yet dreamt up. "Networks are at full capacity so we need to be bringing technologies to fill the gap that can also reduce our carbon footprints," Mr McGregor said.
Energy target a breeze at Crows Nest
Toowoomba Chronicle
Wednesday 4/7/2007 Page: 5
Crows Nest chief executive officer David McEvoy said recent changes to Queensland's renewable energy targets will help the Crows Nest wind farm take the next step. Over six months ago, the $270-million Crows Nest wind farm was approved by the Planning and Environment Court.
Mr McEvoy said the owner of the wind farm, Allco Wind Energy, has been negotiating a number of power supplies over the past couple of months. "All approvals are in place except for a Power Purchase Agreement," Mr McEvoy said. "Recently, the Government proposed setting a target for renewable energy of 6% by 2015 and 10% by 2020. "Now it will be much easier for Allco to get a Power Purchase Agreement with an electricity retailer in Queensland.
"The farm will provide 1% of the State total (renewable energy) effect requirement. The State so far only has 2% of renewable energy, so another 1% is a big step." The site, north-west of Crows Nest township, will have 72 turbines worth $2.75 million each and the project total will be $270 million.
"It is a big project and $100 million of that will be spent locally," Mr McEvoy said. "It will also bring workers to the area and another big plus is the considerable tourism. "When other wind farms were built, they created a lot of tourism." The 124-megawatt project will potentially avoid the emission of 265,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and the electricity will supply the equivalent of 47,000 homes' annual energy requirements.
It is expected the Crows Nest wind farm will create 460 manufacturing and construction jobs and a further 15 full-time maintenance jobs.
Wednesday 4/7/2007 Page: 5
Crows Nest chief executive officer David McEvoy said recent changes to Queensland's renewable energy targets will help the Crows Nest wind farm take the next step. Over six months ago, the $270-million Crows Nest wind farm was approved by the Planning and Environment Court.
Mr McEvoy said the owner of the wind farm, Allco Wind Energy, has been negotiating a number of power supplies over the past couple of months. "All approvals are in place except for a Power Purchase Agreement," Mr McEvoy said. "Recently, the Government proposed setting a target for renewable energy of 6% by 2015 and 10% by 2020. "Now it will be much easier for Allco to get a Power Purchase Agreement with an electricity retailer in Queensland.
"The farm will provide 1% of the State total (renewable energy) effect requirement. The State so far only has 2% of renewable energy, so another 1% is a big step." The site, north-west of Crows Nest township, will have 72 turbines worth $2.75 million each and the project total will be $270 million.
"It is a big project and $100 million of that will be spent locally," Mr McEvoy said. "It will also bring workers to the area and another big plus is the considerable tourism. "When other wind farms were built, they created a lot of tourism." The 124-megawatt project will potentially avoid the emission of 265,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and the electricity will supply the equivalent of 47,000 homes' annual energy requirements.
It is expected the Crows Nest wind farm will create 460 manufacturing and construction jobs and a further 15 full-time maintenance jobs.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Water shortage has windy solution
North Eastern Advertiser
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 4
A spokesman for Beyond Zero Emissions believes the current water shortage crisis, especially in Victoria, can be solved with a transition of electricity generation to zero emission renewable energy. Matthew Wright said that wind energy fully backed up by gas would use 91 per cent less water than the coal-fired power generators, and would be much more cost effective in an era of rising water and carbon costs. "The Victorian Government has conveniently ignored the cause of our water shortage: climate change induced drought," Mr Wright said.
He said the Danish government has announced it aims to generate 75 per cent of its electricity through wind energy by 2025. By 2010 Germany will have 30,000 Megawatts (MW) of wind energy potential installed into their grid, enough to generate 40 per cent of Australia's electricity needs. Recently Texan billionaire T. Boone Pickens announced he is going to build a 4000 MW wind farm; three of these would provide most of Victoria's energy needs. In comparison, Victoria's biggest, dirtiest coal power plant is a tiny 2000MW.
The output from the proposed Roaring 40s Musselroe Wind Farm will be sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 50,000 households in Tasmania. Roaring 40s spokesman Josh Bradshaw said it was only a matter of time before someone started to make the water/power generation link "The Government's push for nuclear energy also doesn't recognise that this type of generation requires massive amounts of water for cooling, and clean coal or carbon capture and storage, while cleaning up emissions, won't address the fact that these types of generation also require large amounts of water. "And all this on the driest continent on Earth," Mr Bradshaw said.
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 4
A spokesman for Beyond Zero Emissions believes the current water shortage crisis, especially in Victoria, can be solved with a transition of electricity generation to zero emission renewable energy. Matthew Wright said that wind energy fully backed up by gas would use 91 per cent less water than the coal-fired power generators, and would be much more cost effective in an era of rising water and carbon costs. "The Victorian Government has conveniently ignored the cause of our water shortage: climate change induced drought," Mr Wright said.
He said the Danish government has announced it aims to generate 75 per cent of its electricity through wind energy by 2025. By 2010 Germany will have 30,000 Megawatts (MW) of wind energy potential installed into their grid, enough to generate 40 per cent of Australia's electricity needs. Recently Texan billionaire T. Boone Pickens announced he is going to build a 4000 MW wind farm; three of these would provide most of Victoria's energy needs. In comparison, Victoria's biggest, dirtiest coal power plant is a tiny 2000MW.
The output from the proposed Roaring 40s Musselroe Wind Farm will be sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 50,000 households in Tasmania. Roaring 40s spokesman Josh Bradshaw said it was only a matter of time before someone started to make the water/power generation link "The Government's push for nuclear energy also doesn't recognise that this type of generation requires massive amounts of water for cooling, and clean coal or carbon capture and storage, while cleaning up emissions, won't address the fact that these types of generation also require large amounts of water. "And all this on the driest continent on Earth," Mr Bradshaw said.
Committee selected
Ballarat Courier
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 4
THE company behind a proposed wind farm development near Smeaton has selected the members of its Community Reference Group. Announced Sunday, the group of about 10 people will meet and and liaise with Wind Power about community attitudes towards the project. Wind Power is proposing to build 19 turbines near Smeaton and said the CRG would play an important part in its consultation process.
Company director Andrew Newbold said half of the people selected on the panel were members of the Spa Country Landscape Guardians Group. The SCLGG has been strongly opposed to the wind farm proposal. "What we are looking for them to do is give us feedback on our project... and what the issues of concern are to them and see if we can seek to compromise," Mr Newbold said.
We are approaching this with an open mind and as we have said in the past if the overwhelming majority are against it (the development) we won't proceed, but we don't believe that's the case. They (the CRG) will decide things like how often they should meet and we will be listening and responding." Mr Newbold said it was hoped the first meeting would be held on July 19 and that public relations company Socom had been employed to independently sit and control the meetings.
Spa Country Landscape Guardians Group spokesman Jim Elsworth said the selected members would play a constructive role in the process. Our people are always open and will make sure they are completely honest and forthright in representing our interests," he said. We all want the committee to look at the affects this proposal will have on the district and compensation for those who we know will be adversely affected." Mr Newbold said he anticipated the CRG to make final judgements after six months of meetings, and members would be notified by mail this week.
Tuesday 3/7/2007 Page: 4
THE company behind a proposed wind farm development near Smeaton has selected the members of its Community Reference Group. Announced Sunday, the group of about 10 people will meet and and liaise with Wind Power about community attitudes towards the project. Wind Power is proposing to build 19 turbines near Smeaton and said the CRG would play an important part in its consultation process.
Company director Andrew Newbold said half of the people selected on the panel were members of the Spa Country Landscape Guardians Group. The SCLGG has been strongly opposed to the wind farm proposal. "What we are looking for them to do is give us feedback on our project... and what the issues of concern are to them and see if we can seek to compromise," Mr Newbold said.
We are approaching this with an open mind and as we have said in the past if the overwhelming majority are against it (the development) we won't proceed, but we don't believe that's the case. They (the CRG) will decide things like how often they should meet and we will be listening and responding." Mr Newbold said it was hoped the first meeting would be held on July 19 and that public relations company Socom had been employed to independently sit and control the meetings.
Spa Country Landscape Guardians Group spokesman Jim Elsworth said the selected members would play a constructive role in the process. Our people are always open and will make sure they are completely honest and forthright in representing our interests," he said. We all want the committee to look at the affects this proposal will have on the district and compensation for those who we know will be adversely affected." Mr Newbold said he anticipated the CRG to make final judgements after six months of meetings, and members would be notified by mail this week.
Monday, 2 July 2007
Schools spell out need for action
Canberra Times
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 9
Mother Nature wasn't her usual extreme-weather self yesterday. Students from seven primary and secondary schools across the ACT left their wet-weather gear at home before taking part in the construction of several human signs to spell out their thoughts on climate change.
Clean Energy for Eternity local coordinator Jo Dodd said,"Young people don't get a say. .. it's mainly the adults talking about the calamities. .. we wanted to give the students a voice so their concerns could be heard." Stromlo and Melrose high schools both took part, with Maribyrnong, St Michael's, St Joseph's, Mt Rogers and Canberra Girls' Grammar primary schools. "Our Future" was the theme of the messages that centred on maintaining and sustaining the environment for future generations.
Stromlo High built an 80m-long human wind turbine to represent an alternative energy solution. A symbol for water was illustrated by Melrose High students in the home language of Canberra's sister city, Nara in Japan. Other schools constructed the words "reduce", "save" and "hope" to ask Australia to do more about the degradation of the environment.
Five schools from south-east NSW took part in the first human sign on Wednesday. Donning raincoats and positioning themselves on flooded ovals, the students spelt out a powerful message in 4m x 10m human letters: SCHOOLS 4 CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION NOW! The campaign will move to schools in Jindabyne, Berridale and Cooma before going north to the Eurobodalla region. Messages will include "SOS (Save Our Snow) " and "save our planet please".
www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 9
Mother Nature wasn't her usual extreme-weather self yesterday. Students from seven primary and secondary schools across the ACT left their wet-weather gear at home before taking part in the construction of several human signs to spell out their thoughts on climate change.Clean Energy for Eternity local coordinator Jo Dodd said,"Young people don't get a say. .. it's mainly the adults talking about the calamities. .. we wanted to give the students a voice so their concerns could be heard." Stromlo and Melrose high schools both took part, with Maribyrnong, St Michael's, St Joseph's, Mt Rogers and Canberra Girls' Grammar primary schools. "Our Future" was the theme of the messages that centred on maintaining and sustaining the environment for future generations.
Stromlo High built an 80m-long human wind turbine to represent an alternative energy solution. A symbol for water was illustrated by Melrose High students in the home language of Canberra's sister city, Nara in Japan. Other schools constructed the words "reduce", "save" and "hope" to ask Australia to do more about the degradation of the environment.
Five schools from south-east NSW took part in the first human sign on Wednesday. Donning raincoats and positioning themselves on flooded ovals, the students spelt out a powerful message in 4m x 10m human letters: SCHOOLS 4 CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION NOW! The campaign will move to schools in Jindabyne, Berridale and Cooma before going north to the Eurobodalla region. Messages will include "SOS (Save Our Snow) " and "save our planet please".
www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au
Harnessing the wind
Newcastle Herald
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 27
ALLEN Dunlop sat on a hill on his Vacy property five years ago and toyed with the idea of having a wind turbine run his water pump. That moment of reflection has led him to commit more than $500,000 for two turbines that will generate enough electricity to power 185 average Australian homes.
Dungog Shire Council has approved an application by Mr Dunlop's company Green Power to erect twin turbines on his Lennoxton Road property, to supply 1100 megawatt hours of power to the national grid. By providing renewable energy, instead of coal-fired electricity, the turbines will reduce climate changing greenhouse gas pollution by 1160 tonnes at year.
When explaining the plan to The Herald this week, Mr Dunlop said he did not do it because he was a "greenie", the project was a straight forward business proposition. He will sell electricity to Country Energy and expects the turbines to pay for themselves within five years. The turbines will also be used to promote his Green Power business to provide turbines.
Mr Dunlop said he hoped to complete a power purchase agreement with Country Energy by the end of July, and have his turbines producing electricity before Christmas. The turbines, with a 45-metre blade tip height, will have the same output as EnergyAustralia's Kooragang turbine. Mr Dunlop said he had already spent about $380,000 on the project to buy secondhand towers and rotors from Holland, have then inspected, overhauled and shipped to Australia.
Dungog Shire Council environmental services manager Terry Kavanagh said approval required the turbines to comply with a multitude of guidelines, including visual and noise limits, shadow flicker, blade glint, bird strike and electromagnetic interference.
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 27
ALLEN Dunlop sat on a hill on his Vacy property five years ago and toyed with the idea of having a wind turbine run his water pump. That moment of reflection has led him to commit more than $500,000 for two turbines that will generate enough electricity to power 185 average Australian homes.
Dungog Shire Council has approved an application by Mr Dunlop's company Green Power to erect twin turbines on his Lennoxton Road property, to supply 1100 megawatt hours of power to the national grid. By providing renewable energy, instead of coal-fired electricity, the turbines will reduce climate changing greenhouse gas pollution by 1160 tonnes at year.
When explaining the plan to The Herald this week, Mr Dunlop said he did not do it because he was a "greenie", the project was a straight forward business proposition. He will sell electricity to Country Energy and expects the turbines to pay for themselves within five years. The turbines will also be used to promote his Green Power business to provide turbines.
Mr Dunlop said he hoped to complete a power purchase agreement with Country Energy by the end of July, and have his turbines producing electricity before Christmas. The turbines, with a 45-metre blade tip height, will have the same output as EnergyAustralia's Kooragang turbine. Mr Dunlop said he had already spent about $380,000 on the project to buy secondhand towers and rotors from Holland, have then inspected, overhauled and shipped to Australia.
Dungog Shire Council environmental services manager Terry Kavanagh said approval required the turbines to comply with a multitude of guidelines, including visual and noise limits, shadow flicker, blade glint, bird strike and electromagnetic interference.
Plovers wing desal plant
Herald Sun
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 17
VICTORIA's $3.1 billion desalination plant may be subject to a rigourous federal environment assessment over its potential impact on the endangered hooded plovers. Birds Australia says it will push for a full assessment of the plant, to be built in the middle of nesting grounds on the coast between Kilcunda and Cape Paterson. Only 450 of the endangered birds are left in Victoria.
Government spokesman Geoff Fraser said a decision on such a study had not yet been made. The extremely rare orange-bellied parrot is unlikely to be at risk: none have been seen in the area, near Powlett River, for more than a decade. But the Department of Sustainability and Environment said it was possible they visited during annual migrations.
Last year, former federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell caused a scandal when he halted a wind farm proposal at Bald Hills over an almost non-existent risk to the rare orange-bellied parrot. This was overturned, but led to better state and federal processes dealing with big developments that could damage rare or endangered flora and fauna.
Birds Australia CEO Graeme Hamilton said hooded plovers' nests were very vulnerable to disturbance and the site's relatively pristine state made it unsuitable. "It's not a particularly sensible place to have it and it's bound to have some impact," he said.
Melbourne Water's feasibility study notes that there are records of sightings of significant species, including the growling grass frog, swamp skink and giant Gippsland earthworm. It says it should be possible to select a site that is not located in areas of suitable habitat for the orange-bellied parrot, one of Australia's rarest creatures. The study says a parrot management plan will be drawn up to ensure there is no risk to the bird.
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 17
VICTORIA's $3.1 billion desalination plant may be subject to a rigourous federal environment assessment over its potential impact on the endangered hooded plovers. Birds Australia says it will push for a full assessment of the plant, to be built in the middle of nesting grounds on the coast between Kilcunda and Cape Paterson. Only 450 of the endangered birds are left in Victoria.Government spokesman Geoff Fraser said a decision on such a study had not yet been made. The extremely rare orange-bellied parrot is unlikely to be at risk: none have been seen in the area, near Powlett River, for more than a decade. But the Department of Sustainability and Environment said it was possible they visited during annual migrations.
Last year, former federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell caused a scandal when he halted a wind farm proposal at Bald Hills over an almost non-existent risk to the rare orange-bellied parrot. This was overturned, but led to better state and federal processes dealing with big developments that could damage rare or endangered flora and fauna.
Birds Australia CEO Graeme Hamilton said hooded plovers' nests were very vulnerable to disturbance and the site's relatively pristine state made it unsuitable. "It's not a particularly sensible place to have it and it's bound to have some impact," he said.
Melbourne Water's feasibility study notes that there are records of sightings of significant species, including the growling grass frog, swamp skink and giant Gippsland earthworm. It says it should be possible to select a site that is not located in areas of suitable habitat for the orange-bellied parrot, one of Australia's rarest creatures. The study says a parrot management plan will be drawn up to ensure there is no risk to the bird.
Dungog joins windfarm club
Scone Advocate
Thursday 28/6/2007 Page: 3
Dungog Shire has joined the Upper Hunter on the green energy revolution, with their shire council approving the construction of two wind towers near Vacy. The decision of Dungog Shire is similar to a small wind farm development in Murrurundi where six turbines were approved for construction. Scone has also been earmarked as the site for wind farms with Pamada applying to construct the Kyoto Energy Park at two sites around the town.
Thursday 28/6/2007 Page: 3
Dungog Shire has joined the Upper Hunter on the green energy revolution, with their shire council approving the construction of two wind towers near Vacy. The decision of Dungog Shire is similar to a small wind farm development in Murrurundi where six turbines were approved for construction. Scone has also been earmarked as the site for wind farms with Pamada applying to construct the Kyoto Energy Park at two sites around the town.
Powers that be
Perth Voice
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 2
ONE quarter of the power to run all Vincent council's facilities is to come from renewable energy, the recent town budget revealed.
"Committing to clean, renewable energy is one of the strongest steps Vincent can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for this and future generations," North Ward councillor Simon Chester, who in November 2006 asked that the costs and benefits of the move be assessed, said in a release. "A 25 per cent commitment by Vincent is the equivalent of taking 324 cars off the road and prevents 1,019 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the earth's atmosphere".
Vincent will pay 6.75 per cent more to have a quarter of its energy supplied from renewable sources. Most of WA's renewable energy is produced by wind farms near Albany.
Saturday 30/6/2007 Page: 2
ONE quarter of the power to run all Vincent council's facilities is to come from renewable energy, the recent town budget revealed.
"Committing to clean, renewable energy is one of the strongest steps Vincent can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for this and future generations," North Ward councillor Simon Chester, who in November 2006 asked that the costs and benefits of the move be assessed, said in a release. "A 25 per cent commitment by Vincent is the equivalent of taking 324 cars off the road and prevents 1,019 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the earth's atmosphere".
Vincent will pay 6.75 per cent more to have a quarter of its energy supplied from renewable sources. Most of WA's renewable energy is produced by wind farms near Albany.
WIndfarm green light
Wimmera Mail Times
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 12
A NORTHERN Wimmera mayor said his council would welcome any alternative energy projects. Buloke Shire Mayor Reid Mather said he was excited about a council-backed proposal to build 16 wind turbines at Berrimal, in the shire's east.
Cr Mather said it was the first type of proposal put before Buloke Shire and he would support a range of alternative energy projects, such as wind farming and solar power. "It was a unanimous decision. It generated some discussion, but everyone spoke in favour of it," he said. "We would be keen to look at more renewable energy projects, including wind and solar into the future." Cr Mather said the project was put forward for public continent with no objections.
"The public has been very receptive to the project. Probably because it will be situated in a area that is not densely populated," he said. "We are all for it. It will shore up our power supply into the future." Hindmarsh Shire chief executive John Hicks also threw his support behind using alternative energy sources. "We have not received any proposals at the moment, but we will have to look at everything case by case. We are for renewable energy projects, unless someone wanted to build wind turbines in the middle of Lake Hindmarsh," he said.
Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade said his council had not received any requests for renewable energy projects, but would welcome anyone wanting to establish a project in the municipality. "We had someone look at wind farming 10 years ago, but Horsham was found to be too flat. We are definitely happy to talk to anyone about renewable energy projects," he said.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 12
A NORTHERN Wimmera mayor said his council would welcome any alternative energy projects. Buloke Shire Mayor Reid Mather said he was excited about a council-backed proposal to build 16 wind turbines at Berrimal, in the shire's east.
Cr Mather said it was the first type of proposal put before Buloke Shire and he would support a range of alternative energy projects, such as wind farming and solar power. "It was a unanimous decision. It generated some discussion, but everyone spoke in favour of it," he said. "We would be keen to look at more renewable energy projects, including wind and solar into the future." Cr Mather said the project was put forward for public continent with no objections.
"The public has been very receptive to the project. Probably because it will be situated in a area that is not densely populated," he said. "We are all for it. It will shore up our power supply into the future." Hindmarsh Shire chief executive John Hicks also threw his support behind using alternative energy sources. "We have not received any proposals at the moment, but we will have to look at everything case by case. We are for renewable energy projects, unless someone wanted to build wind turbines in the middle of Lake Hindmarsh," he said.
Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade said his council had not received any requests for renewable energy projects, but would welcome anyone wanting to establish a project in the municipality. "We had someone look at wind farming 10 years ago, but Horsham was found to be too flat. We are definitely happy to talk to anyone about renewable energy projects," he said.
Friday, 29 June 2007
Winds of change for household power
West Australian
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 40
Perth households could soon be using the "Fremantle Doctor" to save energy and cut electricity bills. The State Government is funding two projects that could result in electricity being generated from small wind turbines on suburban roofs, Premier Alan Carpenter says. Local inventor Graeme Attey has been given $34,000 to commercialise a modular wind turbine system that sits on a roof and can generate household power from the prevailing sea breeze that sweeps into the city.
Mr Carpenter said the system was small, quiet, had no visible rotating blades and was expected to be relatively cheap. It could also operate in variable urban winds. "And the system is modular, so you can produce as much energy as you want by simply connecting units together," the Premier said. "I am told that five units could produce enough electricity to run an average household." He said Jonathan Whale, from Murdoch University, had been awarded $28,000 to obtain data on the best practice placement of rooftop wind systems.
The State Government aims to reduce Western Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by the year 2050.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 40
Perth households could soon be using the "Fremantle Doctor" to save energy and cut electricity bills. The State Government is funding two projects that could result in electricity being generated from small wind turbines on suburban roofs, Premier Alan Carpenter says. Local inventor Graeme Attey has been given $34,000 to commercialise a modular wind turbine system that sits on a roof and can generate household power from the prevailing sea breeze that sweeps into the city.Mr Carpenter said the system was small, quiet, had no visible rotating blades and was expected to be relatively cheap. It could also operate in variable urban winds. "And the system is modular, so you can produce as much energy as you want by simply connecting units together," the Premier said. "I am told that five units could produce enough electricity to run an average household." He said Jonathan Whale, from Murdoch University, had been awarded $28,000 to obtain data on the best practice placement of rooftop wind systems.
The State Government aims to reduce Western Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by the year 2050.
Wind farm project to start this year
Hobart Mercury
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 15
WORK on the $270 million Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania's far North-East is to start later this year. Energy Minister David Llewellyn told Parliament yesterday that Hydro Tasmania's half-owned subsidiary Roaring 40s had secured all project rights, including the vital land agreement, earlier this week.
Roaring 40s is now in negotiations for supply of the turbines and signing contracts for the renewable energy generated from the coastal wind farm with New South Wales. "The project is proceeding well with strong support from the local council and the community," Mr Llewellyn said. The Liberal Opposition welcomed the news that the wind farm construction was to start soon.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 15
WORK on the $270 million Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania's far North-East is to start later this year. Energy Minister David Llewellyn told Parliament yesterday that Hydro Tasmania's half-owned subsidiary Roaring 40s had secured all project rights, including the vital land agreement, earlier this week.
Roaring 40s is now in negotiations for supply of the turbines and signing contracts for the renewable energy generated from the coastal wind farm with New South Wales. "The project is proceeding well with strong support from the local council and the community," Mr Llewellyn said. The Liberal Opposition welcomed the news that the wind farm construction was to start soon.
Musselroe negotiations
Launceston Examiner
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 10
Operator Roaring 40s is finalising negotiations on two key elements of the Musselroe Wind Farm and expects to start construction later this year. Energy Minister David Llewellyn said all project rights, including the land agreement, were secured this week and preconstruction activities, such as environmental surveys and transmission line mapping, were progressing. Roaring 40s, a joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and CLP Power Asia, is continuing negotiations on securing a turbine supply contract for the project and securing take-off arrangements for the project under the proposed NSW Renewable Energy Target. The Opposition said it was good news that the $230 million project was on track.
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 10
Operator Roaring 40s is finalising negotiations on two key elements of the Musselroe Wind Farm and expects to start construction later this year. Energy Minister David Llewellyn said all project rights, including the land agreement, were secured this week and preconstruction activities, such as environmental surveys and transmission line mapping, were progressing. Roaring 40s, a joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and CLP Power Asia, is continuing negotiations on securing a turbine supply contract for the project and securing take-off arrangements for the project under the proposed NSW Renewable Energy Target. The Opposition said it was good news that the $230 million project was on track.
Few incentives offered
Australian Farm Journal
July, 2007 Page: 20
Despite climate change being front page news, and calls on farmers to improve their environmental management, few state and territory governments offer any financial incentives to farmers to install solar hot water systems.
Most solar rebate schemes target residential or community installations only, with Sustainability Victoria the only scheme to specifically contemplate rebates for on-farm installations (visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9655 3222). Eligibility varies depending on the type of booster system used, with electric boosted systems qualifying for a lesser (or zero) rebate than gas boosted systems. Retrofits are not entitled to the full ($1500) rebate.
Farmers who install an accredited solar hot-water system may be eligible to create Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Once validated by the Office of Renewable Energy, RECs can be sold to other companies and individuals. A list of accredited solar hot-water systems, and the number of RECs each system is entitled to, can be found at www.orec-registry.gov.au. Entitlements range from 10 to 64 RECs for domestic- sized solar hot-water systems, and up to 100 RECs for commercial systems, depending on the systems' efficiency.
At the time of writing, one REC was trading at $25. Retrofits and upgrades may not be entitled to RECs.
July, 2007 Page: 20
Despite climate change being front page news, and calls on farmers to improve their environmental management, few state and territory governments offer any financial incentives to farmers to install solar hot water systems.
Most solar rebate schemes target residential or community installations only, with Sustainability Victoria the only scheme to specifically contemplate rebates for on-farm installations (visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9655 3222). Eligibility varies depending on the type of booster system used, with electric boosted systems qualifying for a lesser (or zero) rebate than gas boosted systems. Retrofits are not entitled to the full ($1500) rebate.
Farmers who install an accredited solar hot-water system may be eligible to create Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Once validated by the Office of Renewable Energy, RECs can be sold to other companies and individuals. A list of accredited solar hot-water systems, and the number of RECs each system is entitled to, can be found at www.orec-registry.gov.au. Entitlements range from 10 to 64 RECs for domestic- sized solar hot-water systems, and up to 100 RECs for commercial systems, depending on the systems' efficiency.
At the time of writing, one REC was trading at $25. Retrofits and upgrades may not be entitled to RECs.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Emission trading scheme welcomed
Mining Chronicle
June, 2007 Page: 64
A renewable energy group has welcomed the decision to have an emission trading scheme in place by 2012, but expressed scepticism it would boost clean energy. Susan Jeanes, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Generators Australia, said there remained many uncertainties about how the scheme would operate.
"We are expecting that even once we see the detail, it is still not going to be enough to support the development of clean energy whether it be renewable or clean coal or anything else," she said. "There is still an awful lot of uncertainty and we are going to have to see more details before you get any investment in the sort of projects that will start to reduce emissions." Ms Jeanes said proposed legislation would be in place by 2009, caps to be determined in 2010 and the scheme would commence in 2011-12. "They are very important decisions and but the devil as always will be in the details," she said.
"As soon as the government can clear up the uncertainties and identify the caps and make the decisions that will start to set prices in the markets; the better off we will all be." Ms Jeanes said there were misconceptions about the economic viability of different types of renewable energy.
She said wind energy become viable at an emission cost around $30- $40 a tonne. "But there are other technologies that will benefit from lower prices and other that will benefit at higher prices," she said. "The important thing is to get the framework in place and then to look at what technologies you still need to support to get into the market."
June, 2007 Page: 64
A renewable energy group has welcomed the decision to have an emission trading scheme in place by 2012, but expressed scepticism it would boost clean energy. Susan Jeanes, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Generators Australia, said there remained many uncertainties about how the scheme would operate.
"We are expecting that even once we see the detail, it is still not going to be enough to support the development of clean energy whether it be renewable or clean coal or anything else," she said. "There is still an awful lot of uncertainty and we are going to have to see more details before you get any investment in the sort of projects that will start to reduce emissions." Ms Jeanes said proposed legislation would be in place by 2009, caps to be determined in 2010 and the scheme would commence in 2011-12. "They are very important decisions and but the devil as always will be in the details," she said.
"As soon as the government can clear up the uncertainties and identify the caps and make the decisions that will start to set prices in the markets; the better off we will all be." Ms Jeanes said there were misconceptions about the economic viability of different types of renewable energy.
She said wind energy become viable at an emission cost around $30- $40 a tonne. "But there are other technologies that will benefit from lower prices and other that will benefit at higher prices," she said. "The important thing is to get the framework in place and then to look at what technologies you still need to support to get into the market."
Wind farm needs govt approval
Hepburn Shire Advocate
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 14
WIND Power will need State Government approval for its proposed wind farm at Lexton because changes to the design mean it will produce more energy. The turbines the company planned to use in the 19-tower farm are no longer being made and the new turbines will generate more energy, making the wind farm large enough to require Victorian Government approval, according to spokesman Andrew Newbold. He said the new German-made turbines would not look any different.
"The change has come about because of a world-wide shortage of turbines. "The new turbines will be more expensive but on the flip side they will generate a lot more energy," Mr Newbold said. "The alternative turbines in fact confirm exactly to the permit in every respect in relation to height, noise, blades, so there's no visible effect by the change," he said.
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 14
WIND Power will need State Government approval for its proposed wind farm at Lexton because changes to the design mean it will produce more energy. The turbines the company planned to use in the 19-tower farm are no longer being made and the new turbines will generate more energy, making the wind farm large enough to require Victorian Government approval, according to spokesman Andrew Newbold. He said the new German-made turbines would not look any different.
"The change has come about because of a world-wide shortage of turbines. "The new turbines will be more expensive but on the flip side they will generate a lot more energy," Mr Newbold said. "The alternative turbines in fact confirm exactly to the permit in every respect in relation to height, noise, blades, so there's no visible effect by the change," he said.
Blayney Wind Farm topic of conversation
Cowra Guardian
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 5
A group of students from Cowra High School learnt what it means to be green last week when they visited the Blayney Wind Farm. Students from the special education class at the high school were treated to a talk and tour around the Blayney Wind Farm which produces green energy for electricity retailers to purchase and provide to customers.
Country Energy organised the excursion on the school's behalf which included a tour of the wind farm, talk from Eraring Energy, and the opportunity to learn about green energy. Regional general manager, Chas McPhail said it was wonderful to see school groups wanting to learn more about green energy and more simply, how our local wind farm works.
"Having the wind farm in Blayney provides the opportunity for our local customers to see a renewable energy wind farm working, and to have that first hand connection with the farm. "I would encourage any school group wanting to learn more about green energy to call us and organise an excursion to the farm," Chas said. Cindy Berg a school teacher from Cowra High School said that the students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. "We really appreciated the opportunity to visit the wind farm and especially want to thank Ian Newton from Eraring Energy who took us through the farm and showed us areas that are not normally accessible to the public." Cindy said.
Country Energy purchases green energy from the wind farm on behalf of the retailer's countrygreen customers. The energy purchased is then fed into the Country Energy electricity network helping to reduce green house gas emissions. "Country Energy has a number of green energy products available for customers to purchase and I would strongly encourage our customers to contact us to learn more about how they can help the environment," Chas said.
To learn more about Country Energy's countrygreen products customers can call us on 13 23 56, visit our website, www.countryenergy.com.au/green, or call into one of our customer service centres.
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 5
A group of students from Cowra High School learnt what it means to be green last week when they visited the Blayney Wind Farm. Students from the special education class at the high school were treated to a talk and tour around the Blayney Wind Farm which produces green energy for electricity retailers to purchase and provide to customers.
Country Energy organised the excursion on the school's behalf which included a tour of the wind farm, talk from Eraring Energy, and the opportunity to learn about green energy. Regional general manager, Chas McPhail said it was wonderful to see school groups wanting to learn more about green energy and more simply, how our local wind farm works.
"Having the wind farm in Blayney provides the opportunity for our local customers to see a renewable energy wind farm working, and to have that first hand connection with the farm. "I would encourage any school group wanting to learn more about green energy to call us and organise an excursion to the farm," Chas said. Cindy Berg a school teacher from Cowra High School said that the students thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. "We really appreciated the opportunity to visit the wind farm and especially want to thank Ian Newton from Eraring Energy who took us through the farm and showed us areas that are not normally accessible to the public." Cindy said.
Country Energy purchases green energy from the wind farm on behalf of the retailer's countrygreen customers. The energy purchased is then fed into the Country Energy electricity network helping to reduce green house gas emissions. "Country Energy has a number of green energy products available for customers to purchase and I would strongly encourage our customers to contact us to learn more about how they can help the environment," Chas said.
To learn more about Country Energy's countrygreen products customers can call us on 13 23 56, visit our website, www.countryenergy.com.au/green, or call into one of our customer service centres.
Doctor makes more than house call
Ballarat Courier
Thursday 28/6/2007 Page: 13
PERTH households could soon be using the Fremantle Doctor to save energy and cut electricity bills. The state is funding two projects that could result in electricity being generated from small wind turbines on suburban roofs, WA Premier Alan Carpenter said. Local inventor Graerne Attey has been given $34,000 to commercialise a modular wind turbine system that sits on a roof and can generate household power from the daily sea breeze, known as the Fremantle Doctor, that sweeps across the city. Mr Carpenter said the system was small, quiet, had no visible rotating blades, and was expected to be relatively cheap.
Thursday 28/6/2007 Page: 13
PERTH households could soon be using the Fremantle Doctor to save energy and cut electricity bills. The state is funding two projects that could result in electricity being generated from small wind turbines on suburban roofs, WA Premier Alan Carpenter said. Local inventor Graerne Attey has been given $34,000 to commercialise a modular wind turbine system that sits on a roof and can generate household power from the daily sea breeze, known as the Fremantle Doctor, that sweeps across the city. Mr Carpenter said the system was small, quiet, had no visible rotating blades, and was expected to be relatively cheap.
Volunteers build windfarm viewing area
South Eastern Times
Monday 25/6/2007 Page: 7
MEMBERS of the Wattle Rangers and the Mount Gambier and Districts Four Wheel Drive Clubs have assisted National Parks Rangers establish viewing areas for the Canunda Windfarm. The project, which began as an idea of the Wattle Rangers 4WD club, involved the formation of a viewing area in the Canunda National Park, on the southern side of Lake Bonney, along one of the drifts.
Wattle Rangers club member Jeanette Fisk, said the National Park service were keen to put into action the club's idea for the viewing area. "National Parks was approached, they discussed the matter, agreed, and a date was set for the working bee, with the National Parks supplying the materials," she said.
The service set out the area of the park to be fenced in preparation for the working bee, and Ms Fisk said that despite the inclement weather, it did not take long for the 4WD club volunteers to erect the fence to establish the viewing area. "Members of the Mount Gambier 4WD club joined us, making 10 vehicles of helpers in all.
With so many helpers the fences were erected around the designated area in a little over an hour, including the sign," she said. After completing their task the club members stopped for lunch and to shelter from the freezing winds, before setting off to Carpenters Rocks, and mending fences along the way.
Mount Gambier and Districts 4WD Club Secretary Janet Pool, said her club was keen to assist in this project, as voluntary work was part of the club's commitment to protecting the environment. "We regularly volunteer to undertake maintenance and repairs throughout the Canunda area," she said. "As we use the area for recreation, we have a great respect for the natural environment in this area, and like to do our part to ensure it is protected and conserved for everyone to enjoy"
Monday 25/6/2007 Page: 7
MEMBERS of the Wattle Rangers and the Mount Gambier and Districts Four Wheel Drive Clubs have assisted National Parks Rangers establish viewing areas for the Canunda Windfarm. The project, which began as an idea of the Wattle Rangers 4WD club, involved the formation of a viewing area in the Canunda National Park, on the southern side of Lake Bonney, along one of the drifts.
Wattle Rangers club member Jeanette Fisk, said the National Park service were keen to put into action the club's idea for the viewing area. "National Parks was approached, they discussed the matter, agreed, and a date was set for the working bee, with the National Parks supplying the materials," she said.
The service set out the area of the park to be fenced in preparation for the working bee, and Ms Fisk said that despite the inclement weather, it did not take long for the 4WD club volunteers to erect the fence to establish the viewing area. "Members of the Mount Gambier 4WD club joined us, making 10 vehicles of helpers in all.
With so many helpers the fences were erected around the designated area in a little over an hour, including the sign," she said. After completing their task the club members stopped for lunch and to shelter from the freezing winds, before setting off to Carpenters Rocks, and mending fences along the way.
Mount Gambier and Districts 4WD Club Secretary Janet Pool, said her club was keen to assist in this project, as voluntary work was part of the club's commitment to protecting the environment. "We regularly volunteer to undertake maintenance and repairs throughout the Canunda area," she said. "As we use the area for recreation, we have a great respect for the natural environment in this area, and like to do our part to ensure it is protected and conserved for everyone to enjoy"
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
An inconvenient film for wind farm opposition
Hamilton Spectator
Saturday 23/6/2007 Page: 2
Glenthompson and district residents will be able to view the controversial Academy award-winning documentary, `An Inconvenient Truth', on Wednesday. This documentary about climate change, specifically global warming, is presented by former United States vice-president Al Gore and was directed by Davis Guggenheim.
With an area just south of the township currently the subject of a planning application for a wind farm, the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm developers are giving residents the opportunity to view this film which focuses heavily on climate change as a result of carbon emissions. Since its release two years ago, the film has been generally well received by critics, scientists and politicians while sceptics opposing the mainstream scientific assessment of global warming have attacked the film as "hype".
This screening will give residents a chance to make up their own minds, while a gold coin donation to the film will assist the Glenthompson Community Association's playground appeal. An Inconvenient Truth will be screened at the Glenthompson War Memorial Hall at 7pm Wednesday. The screening will be followed by a light supper.
Saturday 23/6/2007 Page: 2
Glenthompson and district residents will be able to view the controversial Academy award-winning documentary, `An Inconvenient Truth', on Wednesday. This documentary about climate change, specifically global warming, is presented by former United States vice-president Al Gore and was directed by Davis Guggenheim.
With an area just south of the township currently the subject of a planning application for a wind farm, the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm developers are giving residents the opportunity to view this film which focuses heavily on climate change as a result of carbon emissions. Since its release two years ago, the film has been generally well received by critics, scientists and politicians while sceptics opposing the mainstream scientific assessment of global warming have attacked the film as "hype".
This screening will give residents a chance to make up their own minds, while a gold coin donation to the film will assist the Glenthompson Community Association's playground appeal. An Inconvenient Truth will be screened at the Glenthompson War Memorial Hall at 7pm Wednesday. The screening will be followed by a light supper.
Turbines given approval
Maitland Mercury
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 3
Dungog shire will soon be a little greener after the council approved a PowerServe/Green Power project that will see two wind turbines installed on a property about 4km west of Vacy. The turbines have a combined output of about 600kw of clean energy, which is equivalent to the energy needs of 185 houses a year according to manager of environmental services for Dungog Shire Council Terry Kavanagh.
"They're medium-sized turbines compared to today's standards," Mr Kavanagh said. "They have a tip height of about 45m" "This is a private development project that met the requirements of the development control program. "We have taken submissions and the concerns that were raised were met in the conditions of the development.
"We've recognised that this is something new to the area, there were a few issues to work out but it's nice to get the application through" Managing director of PowerServe Allen Dunlop is a big advocate of green initiatives. "I bought these two turbines in Holland. They are being dismantled now. "They have become available as people are putting large turbines up beside their house to help build their nest egg in retirement, as well as to help the larger climate change concern.
"The benefits of wind energy are incredible. It does not create pollution or consume natural resources. "Wind power is clean, renewable energy that is playing an increasingly important role in the sustainable energy debate, especially as policies to reduce greenhouse gases are adopted around the world." Mr Dunlop also owns the land on which the turbines will be constructed, and believes that the turbines will be a positive addition. "We can do the complete process ourselves. We can construct the powerlines, assemble the turbines and maintain the structures."
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 3
Dungog shire will soon be a little greener after the council approved a PowerServe/Green Power project that will see two wind turbines installed on a property about 4km west of Vacy. The turbines have a combined output of about 600kw of clean energy, which is equivalent to the energy needs of 185 houses a year according to manager of environmental services for Dungog Shire Council Terry Kavanagh.
"They're medium-sized turbines compared to today's standards," Mr Kavanagh said. "They have a tip height of about 45m" "This is a private development project that met the requirements of the development control program. "We have taken submissions and the concerns that were raised were met in the conditions of the development.
"We've recognised that this is something new to the area, there were a few issues to work out but it's nice to get the application through" Managing director of PowerServe Allen Dunlop is a big advocate of green initiatives. "I bought these two turbines in Holland. They are being dismantled now. "They have become available as people are putting large turbines up beside their house to help build their nest egg in retirement, as well as to help the larger climate change concern.
"The benefits of wind energy are incredible. It does not create pollution or consume natural resources. "Wind power is clean, renewable energy that is playing an increasingly important role in the sustainable energy debate, especially as policies to reduce greenhouse gases are adopted around the world." Mr Dunlop also owns the land on which the turbines will be constructed, and believes that the turbines will be a positive addition. "We can do the complete process ourselves. We can construct the powerlines, assemble the turbines and maintain the structures."
Shell appeals for change
Geelong Advertiser
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 28
Former refinery engineer returns to Geelong to enforce the company's vision for sustainable energy. THE day a petroleum company insists immediate action is needed to stop CO2 emissions further warming the planet, is the day to start listening. Shell International yesterday urged government, big business and consumers to urgently change society's unsustainable energy use before 2025 and stop the planet warming disastrously by up to six degrees.
The petrol giant's global climate change adviser David Hone flew from Europe to reveal the company's vision for sustainable energy, including his work with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, at a meeting for Geelong leaders. Mr Hone, a former Shell refinery engineer at Corio, outlined the major challenges facing Australia to stop the current trend towards catastrophe, requiring:
Mr Hone dismissed reports temperature change was a natural phenomenon. "There have been significant net changes in climate over the millennia, but what we are doing to the environment now is a steep change and a very rapid one," he said. "The evidence is there that this is a result of what we are doing and not which was naturally there." So where would less fossil fuel use leave one of the biggest petrol companies? One common thread in Mr Hone's appeal was an insistence governments must legislate for and support early renewable energy projects.
Shell would benefit for such project funding. The company already boasted being the world's leading biofuels blender, half-owner of one of the largest offshore wind farms, a major hydrogen public transport partner, and designer for a 20 megawatt solar facility. "It's a twin challenge. How do we limit the energy for the next 50 years and how are we going to supply that energy in a sustainable way?" he said. "What it means is if we want to start this very ambitious plan, we better start now." One positive, Mr Hone said, was evidence showing strong economies helped population growth levelled off as seen in Europe and Japan.
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 28
Former refinery engineer returns to Geelong to enforce the company's vision for sustainable energy. THE day a petroleum company insists immediate action is needed to stop CO2 emissions further warming the planet, is the day to start listening. Shell International yesterday urged government, big business and consumers to urgently change society's unsustainable energy use before 2025 and stop the planet warming disastrously by up to six degrees.
The petrol giant's global climate change adviser David Hone flew from Europe to reveal the company's vision for sustainable energy, including his work with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, at a meeting for Geelong leaders. Mr Hone, a former Shell refinery engineer at Corio, outlined the major challenges facing Australia to stop the current trend towards catastrophe, requiring:
- Government-funded development of new energy sources, such as wind and solar;
- Launching an emissions trading scheme to ensure market control on companies' carbon footprint; and.
- Everyone changing consumer trends, including cars and house choices.
Mr Hone dismissed reports temperature change was a natural phenomenon. "There have been significant net changes in climate over the millennia, but what we are doing to the environment now is a steep change and a very rapid one," he said. "The evidence is there that this is a result of what we are doing and not which was naturally there." So where would less fossil fuel use leave one of the biggest petrol companies? One common thread in Mr Hone's appeal was an insistence governments must legislate for and support early renewable energy projects.
Shell would benefit for such project funding. The company already boasted being the world's leading biofuels blender, half-owner of one of the largest offshore wind farms, a major hydrogen public transport partner, and designer for a 20 megawatt solar facility. "It's a twin challenge. How do we limit the energy for the next 50 years and how are we going to supply that energy in a sustainable way?" he said. "What it means is if we want to start this very ambitious plan, we better start now." One positive, Mr Hone said, was evidence showing strong economies helped population growth levelled off as seen in Europe and Japan.
3000 wind turbines predicted in 20 years
Geelong Advertiser
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 28
WIND turbines lining Victoria's coast, more solar power, underground emission storage and carbon trading are all needed for Australia to reach critical sustainable energy targets, Shell International's climate change guru David Hone said yesterday. The former Geelong refinery engineer said that within 20 years 3000 of the biggest wind turbines should line the state's coast and solar power projects laid out, under government-backed clean energy initiatives.
Mr Hone outlined five sectors that needed drastic change, including power generation, transport, buildings, consumer behaviour, and emissions from industry and manufacturing. A carbon trading scheme was also essential for CO2-emitting plants, such as Shell's Geelong operations, to operate beyond 2025 under strict new laws governing firm's "carbon footprints". Mr Hone said the scheme was fundamental to allow businesses to survive and allowing market forces to dictate individual companies' green performances without government intervention.
But the carbon expert refused to comment on both parties' sustainable energy policies in the lead up to this year's Federal election. Mr Hone just called for bi-partisan support. "These are policies that need to be implemented over decades not just for four years," he said. "It's clearly an issue that's being discussed and the fact that the debate is starting is what we encourage."
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 28
WIND turbines lining Victoria's coast, more solar power, underground emission storage and carbon trading are all needed for Australia to reach critical sustainable energy targets, Shell International's climate change guru David Hone said yesterday. The former Geelong refinery engineer said that within 20 years 3000 of the biggest wind turbines should line the state's coast and solar power projects laid out, under government-backed clean energy initiatives.
Mr Hone outlined five sectors that needed drastic change, including power generation, transport, buildings, consumer behaviour, and emissions from industry and manufacturing. A carbon trading scheme was also essential for CO2-emitting plants, such as Shell's Geelong operations, to operate beyond 2025 under strict new laws governing firm's "carbon footprints". Mr Hone said the scheme was fundamental to allow businesses to survive and allowing market forces to dictate individual companies' green performances without government intervention.
But the carbon expert refused to comment on both parties' sustainable energy policies in the lead up to this year's Federal election. Mr Hone just called for bi-partisan support. "These are policies that need to be implemented over decades not just for four years," he said. "It's clearly an issue that's being discussed and the fact that the debate is starting is what we encourage."
Turbines go out-of-sight
Bendigo Advertiser
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 25
THE world's first floating wind turbine could be generating electricity in the North Sea in 2009 under a research pact between Norwegian energy group Norsk Hydro and German engineering firm Siemens. Floating wind turbines would represent a technological breakthrough for offshore power generation, which has had to rely on shallow sites for turbines installed on the seabed.
"It's attractive to have windmills out at sea. out of sight of land, away from birds' migration routes," said Alexandra Bech Gjoerv, head of Hydro's New Energy division at a signing ceremony to develop floating wind turbine technology. "We want to build the world's first offshore floating windmill," Bech Gjoerv said. "We want to produce a lot of energy, out of sight." Under the plan, Hydro will combine its knowledge of floating installations, such as North Sea loading buoys for oil tankers, with Siemens' expertise in building turbines, both on land and standing in shallow waters offshore.
Floating wind turbines are more costly than on land, but could supply power both to offshore oil or gas platforms or to coastal cities, cutting emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and defusing objections that turbines are eyesores. Hydro said a prototype, costing 200 million crowns ($A39.7 million), could be in place in the North Sea in 2009 assuming the firm secured funding this year.
The timetable is two years later than hoped when Hydro unveiled a floating design in 2005. If tests of the five megawatt wind turbine are successful, a small offshore wind park could be built in 2013-14. A Siemens unit built the first offshore wind park in 1991, with turbines standing on the seabed off Copenhagen.
"Windmills standing in waters deeper than about 30 metres become prohibitively expensive," said Henrik Stiesdal, chief technology officer of Siemens' wind energy unit. "Hydro's is the most elegant and simple solution we have seen." Hydro's design is an upright steel tube with a concrete base about 200 m long with 80 m jutting above the water and three blades 60 m long.
The wind turbine is tied to the seabed by three cables to keep it steady in seas where waves can be 30 m high. Hydro reckons it can work in waters 700 m deep. Stiesdal said other models for wind turbines at sea relied on more complex designs, such as giant tripods mounted on the seabed or turbines mounted on floating boat-like structures.
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 25
THE world's first floating wind turbine could be generating electricity in the North Sea in 2009 under a research pact between Norwegian energy group Norsk Hydro and German engineering firm Siemens. Floating wind turbines would represent a technological breakthrough for offshore power generation, which has had to rely on shallow sites for turbines installed on the seabed.
"It's attractive to have windmills out at sea. out of sight of land, away from birds' migration routes," said Alexandra Bech Gjoerv, head of Hydro's New Energy division at a signing ceremony to develop floating wind turbine technology. "We want to build the world's first offshore floating windmill," Bech Gjoerv said. "We want to produce a lot of energy, out of sight." Under the plan, Hydro will combine its knowledge of floating installations, such as North Sea loading buoys for oil tankers, with Siemens' expertise in building turbines, both on land and standing in shallow waters offshore.
Floating wind turbines are more costly than on land, but could supply power both to offshore oil or gas platforms or to coastal cities, cutting emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and defusing objections that turbines are eyesores. Hydro said a prototype, costing 200 million crowns ($A39.7 million), could be in place in the North Sea in 2009 assuming the firm secured funding this year.
The timetable is two years later than hoped when Hydro unveiled a floating design in 2005. If tests of the five megawatt wind turbine are successful, a small offshore wind park could be built in 2013-14. A Siemens unit built the first offshore wind park in 1991, with turbines standing on the seabed off Copenhagen.
"Windmills standing in waters deeper than about 30 metres become prohibitively expensive," said Henrik Stiesdal, chief technology officer of Siemens' wind energy unit. "Hydro's is the most elegant and simple solution we have seen." Hydro's design is an upright steel tube with a concrete base about 200 m long with 80 m jutting above the water and three blades 60 m long.
The wind turbine is tied to the seabed by three cables to keep it steady in seas where waves can be 30 m high. Hydro reckons it can work in waters 700 m deep. Stiesdal said other models for wind turbines at sea relied on more complex designs, such as giant tripods mounted on the seabed or turbines mounted on floating boat-like structures.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Wind farm plan shrinks
Yarram Standard News
Wednesday 20/6/2007 Page: 2
THE wind farm mooted for Devon North will be smaller than first planned. The company behind the proposal has reduced the number of turbines from nine to seven. Wellington Shire Council last year rejected the company's request for a planning permit to proceed with nine turbines.
The state's peak planning disputes body, the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will now consider the adjusted application for seven turbines. 'This change was foreshadowed at a VCAT Directions Hearing held at the end of March. Council and the other parties involved in the VCAT hearing will now consider the revised plans before the VCAT hearing which begins on August 1,' said council public relations officer, Gaye Davies. The VCAT hearing will take place at council's offices at Sale.
Wednesday 20/6/2007 Page: 2
THE wind farm mooted for Devon North will be smaller than first planned. The company behind the proposal has reduced the number of turbines from nine to seven. Wellington Shire Council last year rejected the company's request for a planning permit to proceed with nine turbines.
The state's peak planning disputes body, the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will now consider the adjusted application for seven turbines. 'This change was foreshadowed at a VCAT Directions Hearing held at the end of March. Council and the other parties involved in the VCAT hearing will now consider the revised plans before the VCAT hearing which begins on August 1,' said council public relations officer, Gaye Davies. The VCAT hearing will take place at council's offices at Sale.
Clean power from a never-ending source
Mining Chronicle
June, 2007 Page: 118
By Dr Rovel Shackleford Optec Pty Ltd
In the 1990s, the California wind farm market began to be affected by the expiration or forced re-negotiation of attractive power purchase contracts with the major California utilities: Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric. And much of the existing inventory of 1980s wind turbines were really an albatross around the wind industry's neck. Renewal was needed, and - buoyed by "green power" initiatives in Colorado, Texas and elsewhere - US wind energy development resumed in 1999, with a much broader geographical base.
A variety of new wind projects were installed in the US in the late 1990s, including a cluster of Zond Z-40 turbines operated for a utility in southwest Texas, a wind plant of 46 Vestas machines planned for Big Spring, Texas, a 10-megawatt wind plant in northern Colorado, a number of plants in the upper Midwest, and the "re-powering" of some projects in California. Some of these involve foreign machines manufactured in the US. There's a sense that the industry is finally on the move again, with over 8,000 megawatts of new capacity planned for 2007/8 in the US alone.
The cost of energy from larger electrical output wind turbines used in utility-interconnected or wind farm applications has dropped from more than $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 1978 to under $0.05 per kWh in 1998, and is projected to plummet to $0.025 per kWh when new large wind plants come on line. The hardware costs of these wind turbines have dropped below $800 per installed kilowatt in the past five years, underpricing the capital costs of almost every other type of power plant.
It's difficult to accurately compare the costs of wind plants and fossil fuel plants because the cost drivers are so different. Low installed-cost-per kilowatt figures for wind turbines are somewhat misleading because of the low-capacity factor of wind turbines relative to coal and other fossil-fuelled power plants. ("Capacity factor" is simply the ratio of actual energy produced by a power plant to the energy that would be produced if it operated at rated capacity for an entire year.) Capacity factors of successful wind farm operations range from 0.20 to 0.35. These can be compared with factors of more than 0.50 for fossil-fuel power plants and over 0.60 for some of the new gas turbines.
However, the use of "capacity factor" is also misleading because wind has a "rubber" capacity factor that varies with the density of the wind resource. But that wind resource is constant for the life of the machine and is not subject to manipulation or cost increases. One reason why fossil fuels are so popular with investors is that many of the risks are passed on to consumers.
Fossil fuel shortages result in an increase in revenues for investors, who are actually rewarded for speeding the depletion of a non-renewable resource or not investing enough of their profits in support infrastructure, which drives up prices. If a big oil coal or gas company could start charging for the wind, they would make sure that wind energy development happened. In late 1996, with the purchase of Zond Systems by Enron (a now-defunct gas mining and distribution company), the possibility of this happening became very real. (Even though Enron proved to be a poor steward for the Zond technology, the subsequent purchase of what was one of the only viable Enron divisions by GE Energy in 2003 maintained US visibility in the large wind turbine market.)
Since the late 1970s the US cost goals for wind energy have continued to be about $0.04 per kilowatt hour, despite inflation. Wind turbines have consistently been able to arrive at that level, but by the time they get there, another reduction in the cost of nonrenewable fossil fuels has taken place and the bar is lowered further.
Cost per kilowatt hour figures of $0.04 or less (in 1998 dollars) are now commonly projected for advanced US wind turbines in 17 mph or better wind regimes, where capacity factors of over 0.40 can be achieved. That means that the wind energy cost goals of 1980 - which seemed daunting or impossible at the time - have been met many times over. (This fact should be remembered by those doubting the achievability of recently refigured cost goals, which are now closer to $0.025/kWh.)
The lower cost of energy from these advanced turbines is partly a result of higher efficiencies and rotor loading made possible by improved rotor design, shedding of fatigue loads provided by teetered hubs and flexible structures, and other innovations such as variable speed operation. But reduced weight and material usage and high reliability are perhaps more important factors in the cost equation. Costs of smaller systems vary widely, with installed costs from $2,000 to $3,000 per installed kilowatt. Energy costs for small turbines of $0.12 to $0.20 are still the norm in the US market.
Worldwide, there are 10 to 12 manufacturers of large, utility-scale systems, marketing 200kW to 3MW systems of various configurations, including three-bladed machines with full-span pitch control and two-bladed, stall control machines with teetering hubs. European manufacturers like Tacke, Micon, Vestas and Enercon have commercialised turbines with more conventional rotors, but featuring such important innovations as low speed generators and complete variable speed systems incorporating advanced power electronics. Recently, GE Energy (which purchased the wind division of defunct Enron) has adopted the European design philosophy in the US, with its merger of the technical expertise of Zond and Tacke.
One of the latest innovations being investigated in the US and Europe is the addition of a hinge at the nacelle tower attachment, allowing the turbine to "nod" up and down in response to turbulence and wind shear (the difference in wind speed at the top and bottom of the rotor disk). This configuration has been tested at Riso and promises substantial reductions in rotor and drive-train loads and in control system costs. A model intended for commercial development operated in California for several years and has been investigated by the National Wind Technology Centre. However, such innovations may not be necessary for wind to meet its cost goals for several years.
European wind turbine power ratings pushing two megawatts, Denmark's Riso Laboratories touting its new wind turbine airfoil designs (modelled closely after pioneering activities in the US.), and the U. S. company Enron marketing machines from both the U.S. and Europe, there is really very little difference between European and U.S. technology. The last remaining major area of controversy is the issue of two versus three blades for large wind turbines. Theoretically, a two-bladed machine should be less expensive and more efficient than a three-bladed one.
But considerable refinements are still needed to offset the greater stability and lower per-blade loads of three bladed designs. And the optical illusion of speed fluctuations and out-of-plane rotation associated with two-bladed machines makes them less attractive to some onlookers. Time will tell if one design will win out or if both will be able to exist in specific applications.
In the near future, wind energy will be the most cost effective source of electrical power. In fact, a good case can be made for saying that it already has achieved this status. The actual lifecycle cost of fossil fuels (from mining and extraction to transport to use technology to environmental impact to political costs and impacts, etc) is not really known, but it is certainly far more than the current wholesale rates. The eventual depletion of these energy sources will entail rapid escalations in price which - averaged over the brief period of their use - will result in postponed actual costs that would be unacceptable by present standards. And this doesn't even consider the environmental and political costs of fossil fuels use that are silently and not-so-silently mounting every day.
The major technology developments enabling wind energy commercialisation have already been made. There will be infinite refinements and improvements, of course. One can guess (based on experience with other technologies) that the eventual push to full commercialisation and deployment of the technology will happen in a manner that no one can imagine today.
There will be a "weather change" in the marketplace, or a "killer application" somewhere that will put several key companies or financial organisations in a position to profit. They will take advantage of public interest, the political and economic climate, and emotional or marketing factors to position wind energy technology (developed in a long lineage from the Chinese and the Persians to the present wind energy researchers and developers) for its next round of development.
June, 2007 Page: 118
By Dr Rovel Shackleford Optec Pty Ltd
In the 1990s, the California wind farm market began to be affected by the expiration or forced re-negotiation of attractive power purchase contracts with the major California utilities: Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric. And much of the existing inventory of 1980s wind turbines were really an albatross around the wind industry's neck. Renewal was needed, and - buoyed by "green power" initiatives in Colorado, Texas and elsewhere - US wind energy development resumed in 1999, with a much broader geographical base.
A variety of new wind projects were installed in the US in the late 1990s, including a cluster of Zond Z-40 turbines operated for a utility in southwest Texas, a wind plant of 46 Vestas machines planned for Big Spring, Texas, a 10-megawatt wind plant in northern Colorado, a number of plants in the upper Midwest, and the "re-powering" of some projects in California. Some of these involve foreign machines manufactured in the US. There's a sense that the industry is finally on the move again, with over 8,000 megawatts of new capacity planned for 2007/8 in the US alone.
The cost of energy from larger electrical output wind turbines used in utility-interconnected or wind farm applications has dropped from more than $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 1978 to under $0.05 per kWh in 1998, and is projected to plummet to $0.025 per kWh when new large wind plants come on line. The hardware costs of these wind turbines have dropped below $800 per installed kilowatt in the past five years, underpricing the capital costs of almost every other type of power plant.
It's difficult to accurately compare the costs of wind plants and fossil fuel plants because the cost drivers are so different. Low installed-cost-per kilowatt figures for wind turbines are somewhat misleading because of the low-capacity factor of wind turbines relative to coal and other fossil-fuelled power plants. ("Capacity factor" is simply the ratio of actual energy produced by a power plant to the energy that would be produced if it operated at rated capacity for an entire year.) Capacity factors of successful wind farm operations range from 0.20 to 0.35. These can be compared with factors of more than 0.50 for fossil-fuel power plants and over 0.60 for some of the new gas turbines.
However, the use of "capacity factor" is also misleading because wind has a "rubber" capacity factor that varies with the density of the wind resource. But that wind resource is constant for the life of the machine and is not subject to manipulation or cost increases. One reason why fossil fuels are so popular with investors is that many of the risks are passed on to consumers.
Fossil fuel shortages result in an increase in revenues for investors, who are actually rewarded for speeding the depletion of a non-renewable resource or not investing enough of their profits in support infrastructure, which drives up prices. If a big oil coal or gas company could start charging for the wind, they would make sure that wind energy development happened. In late 1996, with the purchase of Zond Systems by Enron (a now-defunct gas mining and distribution company), the possibility of this happening became very real. (Even though Enron proved to be a poor steward for the Zond technology, the subsequent purchase of what was one of the only viable Enron divisions by GE Energy in 2003 maintained US visibility in the large wind turbine market.)
Since the late 1970s the US cost goals for wind energy have continued to be about $0.04 per kilowatt hour, despite inflation. Wind turbines have consistently been able to arrive at that level, but by the time they get there, another reduction in the cost of nonrenewable fossil fuels has taken place and the bar is lowered further.
Cost per kilowatt hour figures of $0.04 or less (in 1998 dollars) are now commonly projected for advanced US wind turbines in 17 mph or better wind regimes, where capacity factors of over 0.40 can be achieved. That means that the wind energy cost goals of 1980 - which seemed daunting or impossible at the time - have been met many times over. (This fact should be remembered by those doubting the achievability of recently refigured cost goals, which are now closer to $0.025/kWh.)
The lower cost of energy from these advanced turbines is partly a result of higher efficiencies and rotor loading made possible by improved rotor design, shedding of fatigue loads provided by teetered hubs and flexible structures, and other innovations such as variable speed operation. But reduced weight and material usage and high reliability are perhaps more important factors in the cost equation. Costs of smaller systems vary widely, with installed costs from $2,000 to $3,000 per installed kilowatt. Energy costs for small turbines of $0.12 to $0.20 are still the norm in the US market.
Worldwide, there are 10 to 12 manufacturers of large, utility-scale systems, marketing 200kW to 3MW systems of various configurations, including three-bladed machines with full-span pitch control and two-bladed, stall control machines with teetering hubs. European manufacturers like Tacke, Micon, Vestas and Enercon have commercialised turbines with more conventional rotors, but featuring such important innovations as low speed generators and complete variable speed systems incorporating advanced power electronics. Recently, GE Energy (which purchased the wind division of defunct Enron) has adopted the European design philosophy in the US, with its merger of the technical expertise of Zond and Tacke.
One of the latest innovations being investigated in the US and Europe is the addition of a hinge at the nacelle tower attachment, allowing the turbine to "nod" up and down in response to turbulence and wind shear (the difference in wind speed at the top and bottom of the rotor disk). This configuration has been tested at Riso and promises substantial reductions in rotor and drive-train loads and in control system costs. A model intended for commercial development operated in California for several years and has been investigated by the National Wind Technology Centre. However, such innovations may not be necessary for wind to meet its cost goals for several years.
European wind turbine power ratings pushing two megawatts, Denmark's Riso Laboratories touting its new wind turbine airfoil designs (modelled closely after pioneering activities in the US.), and the U. S. company Enron marketing machines from both the U.S. and Europe, there is really very little difference between European and U.S. technology. The last remaining major area of controversy is the issue of two versus three blades for large wind turbines. Theoretically, a two-bladed machine should be less expensive and more efficient than a three-bladed one.
But considerable refinements are still needed to offset the greater stability and lower per-blade loads of three bladed designs. And the optical illusion of speed fluctuations and out-of-plane rotation associated with two-bladed machines makes them less attractive to some onlookers. Time will tell if one design will win out or if both will be able to exist in specific applications.
In the near future, wind energy will be the most cost effective source of electrical power. In fact, a good case can be made for saying that it already has achieved this status. The actual lifecycle cost of fossil fuels (from mining and extraction to transport to use technology to environmental impact to political costs and impacts, etc) is not really known, but it is certainly far more than the current wholesale rates. The eventual depletion of these energy sources will entail rapid escalations in price which - averaged over the brief period of their use - will result in postponed actual costs that would be unacceptable by present standards. And this doesn't even consider the environmental and political costs of fossil fuels use that are silently and not-so-silently mounting every day.
The major technology developments enabling wind energy commercialisation have already been made. There will be infinite refinements and improvements, of course. One can guess (based on experience with other technologies) that the eventual push to full commercialisation and deployment of the technology will happen in a manner that no one can imagine today.
There will be a "weather change" in the marketplace, or a "killer application" somewhere that will put several key companies or financial organisations in a position to profit. They will take advantage of public interest, the political and economic climate, and emotional or marketing factors to position wind energy technology (developed in a long lineage from the Chinese and the Persians to the present wind energy researchers and developers) for its next round of development.
Energy source blowing in the wind
Mining Chronicle
June, 2007 Page: 114
By Dr Rovel Shackleford, Optec Pty Ltd
Wind energy in many jurisdictions receives some financial or other support to encourage its development. A key issue is the comparison to other forms of energy production, and their total cost. Two main points of discussion arise: direct subsidies and externalities for various sources of electricity, including wind. Wind energy benefits from subsidies of various kinds in many jurisdictions, either to increase its attractiveness, or to compensate for subsidies received by other forms of production or which have significant negative externalities.
Most forms of energy production create some form of negative externality: costs that are not paid by the producer or consumer of the goods. For electric production, the most significant externality is pollution, which imposes costs on society in the form of increased health expenses, reduced agricultural productivity, and other problems. Other significant externalities can include national security expenditures to ensure access to fossil fuels, remediation of polluted sites, destruction of wild habitat, loss of scenery/tourism, and so on.
Wind energy supporters argue that, once external costs and subsidies to other forms of electrical production are accounted for, wind energy is among the most cost-effective forms of electrical production. Critics may debate the level of subsidies required or existing, the "cost" of pollution externalities, and the uncertain financial returns to wind projects that is, the all-in cost of wind energy compared to other technologies.
Conventional and nuclear power plants receive substantial direct and indirect governmental subsidies. If a comparison is made on total production costs (including subsidies), wind energy may be competitive compared to many other sources. If the full costs (environmental, health, and so on) are taken into account, wind energy would be competitive in many more cases.
Furthermore, wind energy costs have generally decreased due to technology development and scale enlargement. However, the cost of other capital intensive generation technologies, such as nuclear and fossil fuelled plants, is also subject to cost reductions due to economies of scale and technological improvements. To compete with traditional sources of energy, wind energy often receives financial incentives. In the US, wind energy receives a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour produced; at 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2006, the credit has a yearly inflationary adjustment. Another tax benefit is accelerated depreciation.
Many American states also provide incentives, such as exemption from property tax, mandated purchases, and additional markets for "green credits." Countries such as Canada and Germany also provide other incentives for wind turbine construction, such as tax credits or minimum purchase prices for wind generation, with assured grid access (sometimes referred to as feed-in tariffs). These feed-in tariffs are typically set well above average electricity prices. Many potential sites for wind farms are far from demand centres, requiring substantially more money to construct new transmission lines and substations.
Since the primary cost of producing wind energy is construction and there are no fuel costs, the average cost of wind energy per unit of production is dependent on a few key assumptions, such as the cost of capital and years of assumed service. The marginal cost of wind energy once a plant is constructed is close to zero. The cost of wind energy production has fallen rapidly since the early 1980s, primarily due to technological improvements, although the cost of construction materials (particularly metals) and the increased demand for turbine components caused price increases in 2005-06.
Many expect further reductions in the cost of wind energy through improved technology, better forecasting, and increased scale. Since the cost of capital plays a large part in projected cost, risk (as perceived by investors) will affect projected costs per unit of electricity. Apart from regulatory issues and externalities, decisions to invest in wind energy will also depend on the cost of alternative sources of energy. Natural gas, oil and coal prices, the main production technologies with significant fuel costs, will therefore also be a determinant in the choice of the level of wind energy.
The commercial viability of wind energy also depends on the pricing regime for power producers. Electricity prices are highly regulated worldwide, and in many locations may not reflect the full cost of production, let alone indirect subsidies or negative externalities. Certain jurisdictions or customers may enter into long-term pricing contracts for wind to reduce the risk of future pricing changes, thereby ensuring more stable returns for projects at the development stage.
June, 2007 Page: 114
By Dr Rovel Shackleford, Optec Pty Ltd
Wind energy in many jurisdictions receives some financial or other support to encourage its development. A key issue is the comparison to other forms of energy production, and their total cost. Two main points of discussion arise: direct subsidies and externalities for various sources of electricity, including wind. Wind energy benefits from subsidies of various kinds in many jurisdictions, either to increase its attractiveness, or to compensate for subsidies received by other forms of production or which have significant negative externalities.Most forms of energy production create some form of negative externality: costs that are not paid by the producer or consumer of the goods. For electric production, the most significant externality is pollution, which imposes costs on society in the form of increased health expenses, reduced agricultural productivity, and other problems. Other significant externalities can include national security expenditures to ensure access to fossil fuels, remediation of polluted sites, destruction of wild habitat, loss of scenery/tourism, and so on.
Wind energy supporters argue that, once external costs and subsidies to other forms of electrical production are accounted for, wind energy is among the most cost-effective forms of electrical production. Critics may debate the level of subsidies required or existing, the "cost" of pollution externalities, and the uncertain financial returns to wind projects that is, the all-in cost of wind energy compared to other technologies.
Conventional and nuclear power plants receive substantial direct and indirect governmental subsidies. If a comparison is made on total production costs (including subsidies), wind energy may be competitive compared to many other sources. If the full costs (environmental, health, and so on) are taken into account, wind energy would be competitive in many more cases.
Furthermore, wind energy costs have generally decreased due to technology development and scale enlargement. However, the cost of other capital intensive generation technologies, such as nuclear and fossil fuelled plants, is also subject to cost reductions due to economies of scale and technological improvements. To compete with traditional sources of energy, wind energy often receives financial incentives. In the US, wind energy receives a tax credit for each kilowatt-hour produced; at 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2006, the credit has a yearly inflationary adjustment. Another tax benefit is accelerated depreciation.
Many American states also provide incentives, such as exemption from property tax, mandated purchases, and additional markets for "green credits." Countries such as Canada and Germany also provide other incentives for wind turbine construction, such as tax credits or minimum purchase prices for wind generation, with assured grid access (sometimes referred to as feed-in tariffs). These feed-in tariffs are typically set well above average electricity prices. Many potential sites for wind farms are far from demand centres, requiring substantially more money to construct new transmission lines and substations.
Since the primary cost of producing wind energy is construction and there are no fuel costs, the average cost of wind energy per unit of production is dependent on a few key assumptions, such as the cost of capital and years of assumed service. The marginal cost of wind energy once a plant is constructed is close to zero. The cost of wind energy production has fallen rapidly since the early 1980s, primarily due to technological improvements, although the cost of construction materials (particularly metals) and the increased demand for turbine components caused price increases in 2005-06.
Many expect further reductions in the cost of wind energy through improved technology, better forecasting, and increased scale. Since the cost of capital plays a large part in projected cost, risk (as perceived by investors) will affect projected costs per unit of electricity. Apart from regulatory issues and externalities, decisions to invest in wind energy will also depend on the cost of alternative sources of energy. Natural gas, oil and coal prices, the main production technologies with significant fuel costs, will therefore also be a determinant in the choice of the level of wind energy.
The commercial viability of wind energy also depends on the pricing regime for power producers. Electricity prices are highly regulated worldwide, and in many locations may not reflect the full cost of production, let alone indirect subsidies or negative externalities. Certain jurisdictions or customers may enter into long-term pricing contracts for wind to reduce the risk of future pricing changes, thereby ensuring more stable returns for projects at the development stage.
Wind farm sale to aid climate change coffers
Cairns Post
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 4
THE State Government will sell its Windy Hill Wind Farm near Ravenshoe by the end of the year and channel the money into fighting climate change. The wind farm is one of Queensland's largest, with 20 wind turbines generating 12 megawatts of green electricity a year, enough to power 3500 homes and displace 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas. The plan to sell the farm, built by state owned corporation Stanwell in 2000, is part of the Government's $414 million climate change strategy ClimateSmart 2050, unveiled earlier this month. Proceeds from the sale of the Ravenshoe farm and four others in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, will go into a $300 million Queensland Climate Change Fund to develop new technologies such as hydrogen fuel-cells.
The Government will also sell off the remaining gas assets of the Enertrade business but a spokesman yesterday ruled out speculation that other assets, including the Barron Gorge and Kareeya (at Tully Falls) hydro-electric power stations, would also be put on the market. The cash generated by the sales will bring Queensland's contribution to the fight against climate change to $1.3 billion - $414 million in new money plus $300 million already committed by the state and $600 million committed by the coal industry to the Clean Coal Fund.
"Every one of us is being affected by climate change but the good news is that every one of us can also be part of the solution," Premier Peter Beattie said. "If the Queensland Government did not take action on greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, Queensland would be emitting 63.7 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere by 2020. "By implementing this plan we project we can reduce emissions by about 34 per cent to 50.9 million tonnes by 2020." The strategy also includes $7.25 million to help people living in remote areas install greenhouse- friendly hot water systems, more efficient refrigeration and insulation.
The strategy can be read at www.thepremier.gld.gov.au/climatechange
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 4
THE State Government will sell its Windy Hill Wind Farm near Ravenshoe by the end of the year and channel the money into fighting climate change. The wind farm is one of Queensland's largest, with 20 wind turbines generating 12 megawatts of green electricity a year, enough to power 3500 homes and displace 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas. The plan to sell the farm, built by state owned corporation Stanwell in 2000, is part of the Government's $414 million climate change strategy ClimateSmart 2050, unveiled earlier this month. Proceeds from the sale of the Ravenshoe farm and four others in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, will go into a $300 million Queensland Climate Change Fund to develop new technologies such as hydrogen fuel-cells.
The Government will also sell off the remaining gas assets of the Enertrade business but a spokesman yesterday ruled out speculation that other assets, including the Barron Gorge and Kareeya (at Tully Falls) hydro-electric power stations, would also be put on the market. The cash generated by the sales will bring Queensland's contribution to the fight against climate change to $1.3 billion - $414 million in new money plus $300 million already committed by the state and $600 million committed by the coal industry to the Clean Coal Fund.
"Every one of us is being affected by climate change but the good news is that every one of us can also be part of the solution," Premier Peter Beattie said. "If the Queensland Government did not take action on greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, Queensland would be emitting 63.7 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere by 2020. "By implementing this plan we project we can reduce emissions by about 34 per cent to 50.9 million tonnes by 2020." The strategy also includes $7.25 million to help people living in remote areas install greenhouse- friendly hot water systems, more efficient refrigeration and insulation.
The strategy can be read at www.thepremier.gld.gov.au/climatechange
Leonards Hill awaits wind farm decision
Ballarat Courier
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 4
RESIDENTS are awaiting a decision on the Leonards Hill wind farm proposal after a hearing last week. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing began last Tuesday, and it may take two months before a decision is made. The Hepburn Shire Council gave the proposal the go-ahead in February, despite it drawing 18 objections. Objectors then went to VCAT to appeal the council's decision.
The wind farm is being developed by Melbourne based company Future Energy and the Hepburn Renewable Energy Association. It will become Australia's first community-owned wind farm, modelled on similar projects across Europe and the United States. It consists of two two megawatt wind turbines to be built on farmland at 2040 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Leonards Hill.
Future Energy managing director David Shapero said he hoped the group was granted a permit. We were very impressed with the VCAT process. The wind farm is a magnificent initiative by the community to take responsibility for their own energy needs into the future," Mr Shapero said.
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 4
RESIDENTS are awaiting a decision on the Leonards Hill wind farm proposal after a hearing last week. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing began last Tuesday, and it may take two months before a decision is made. The Hepburn Shire Council gave the proposal the go-ahead in February, despite it drawing 18 objections. Objectors then went to VCAT to appeal the council's decision.
The wind farm is being developed by Melbourne based company Future Energy and the Hepburn Renewable Energy Association. It will become Australia's first community-owned wind farm, modelled on similar projects across Europe and the United States. It consists of two two megawatt wind turbines to be built on farmland at 2040 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Leonards Hill.
Future Energy managing director David Shapero said he hoped the group was granted a permit. We were very impressed with the VCAT process. The wind farm is a magnificent initiative by the community to take responsibility for their own energy needs into the future," Mr Shapero said.
Dr Shi takes a shine to the PM
Australian
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 17
SHI Zhengrong dubbed China's sunshine boy by the international press has pressured Prime Minister John Howard to join his push to pursue renewable energy in preference to nuclear power. The visiting Australian passport- holding billionaire told The Australian: "I said to the Prime Minister, as far as I understand, it will take 10 years to plan for nuclear power. "In reality, solar power will definitely be very competitive with conventional technology in 10 years' time. There is no need to go to nuclear power." Dr Shi is the founder of the Nasdaq-listed SunTech Power, capitalised at $US5.5 billion ($6.5 billion).
In 2005, he raised $US455 million to fund expansion and research and development. He owns 40 per cent of the shares himself. Over dinner in Canberra last Friday, Dr Shi explained to Mr Howard that conventional energy sources such as oil should be kept for needs such as aviation. "I urge Australia to promote renewable energy, such as solar energy. Australian sunshine is an asset you have to use it," he said.
According to Dr Shi, Mr Howard agreed, but said Australia lacked the ability to use solar energy for baseload power, which is why his government was looking at nuclear power. Dr Shi said a big percentage of Australia's electricity supplies could come from solar energy, so "in my opinion there is no need for a big baseload".
Dr Shi, who came to Australia as a student when he was 19, was part of a delegation from Wuxi, a city near Shanghai, visiting Australia to recruit 300 young talents in a range of disciplines. The former PhD student of University of New South Wales maintains close links with its research department, particularly his mentor Professor Martin Green, a world leader in photovoltaic solar cells.
The efficiency of solar technology is improving, he said, but he agreed that, depending on the location, it still cost two to five times that of conventional energy. Dr Shi said the cost of silicon was the reason solar energy remained expensive. However, with plenty of money going into setting up additional silicon manufacturing capacity, he expected the silicon price to drop from 2009 onwards, when the extra plants went into production.
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 17
SHI Zhengrong dubbed China's sunshine boy by the international press has pressured Prime Minister John Howard to join his push to pursue renewable energy in preference to nuclear power. The visiting Australian passport- holding billionaire told The Australian: "I said to the Prime Minister, as far as I understand, it will take 10 years to plan for nuclear power. "In reality, solar power will definitely be very competitive with conventional technology in 10 years' time. There is no need to go to nuclear power." Dr Shi is the founder of the Nasdaq-listed SunTech Power, capitalised at $US5.5 billion ($6.5 billion).
In 2005, he raised $US455 million to fund expansion and research and development. He owns 40 per cent of the shares himself. Over dinner in Canberra last Friday, Dr Shi explained to Mr Howard that conventional energy sources such as oil should be kept for needs such as aviation. "I urge Australia to promote renewable energy, such as solar energy. Australian sunshine is an asset you have to use it," he said.
According to Dr Shi, Mr Howard agreed, but said Australia lacked the ability to use solar energy for baseload power, which is why his government was looking at nuclear power. Dr Shi said a big percentage of Australia's electricity supplies could come from solar energy, so "in my opinion there is no need for a big baseload".
Dr Shi, who came to Australia as a student when he was 19, was part of a delegation from Wuxi, a city near Shanghai, visiting Australia to recruit 300 young talents in a range of disciplines. The former PhD student of University of New South Wales maintains close links with its research department, particularly his mentor Professor Martin Green, a world leader in photovoltaic solar cells.
The efficiency of solar technology is improving, he said, but he agreed that, depending on the location, it still cost two to five times that of conventional energy. Dr Shi said the cost of silicon was the reason solar energy remained expensive. However, with plenty of money going into setting up additional silicon manufacturing capacity, he expected the silicon price to drop from 2009 onwards, when the extra plants went into production.
Pace gathering for the end of cheaper coal
Adelaide Advertiser
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 50
WIND and geothermal power are shaping up as South Australia's most economical new source of electricity when coal supplies run out. A report to be delivered to the State Government next week predicts an increasing reliance on renewable energy after 2017. The Electricity Supply Industry Planning Council warns that the cost of obtaining coal from other states is likely to be "uneconomic" and it rules out diesel as a potential replacement for coal because of price.
Leigh Creek coalfields have only a 10-year supply left for Port Augusta's Northern and Playford power stations. The council has noted alternative deposits in NSW and Western Australia but says "transport costs and infrastructure issues are likely to make them uneconomic". However, it believes there are "encouraging" signs that wind farms and geothermal power may be able to replace some of the 36 per cent of electricity currently generated from coal. The report says wind farms are dominating new generation construction and, by December, should produce 742 megawatts of SA's total demand of 3274. It says 12 companies have obtained geothermal exploration licences and have provided confidential information on their indicative plans for electricity generated from underground heat.
While the council says northern lignite deposits have "some potential" for power generation, they would need power stations to be built near the mines or extra infrastructure to transport it to Port Augusta. Numerous "thick coal seams" believed to total billions of tonnes have been found in the Cooper Basin but are at depths ranging from 1300m to 4000m and considered uneconomic to mine.
Tuesday 26/6/2007 Page: 50
WIND and geothermal power are shaping up as South Australia's most economical new source of electricity when coal supplies run out. A report to be delivered to the State Government next week predicts an increasing reliance on renewable energy after 2017. The Electricity Supply Industry Planning Council warns that the cost of obtaining coal from other states is likely to be "uneconomic" and it rules out diesel as a potential replacement for coal because of price.
Leigh Creek coalfields have only a 10-year supply left for Port Augusta's Northern and Playford power stations. The council has noted alternative deposits in NSW and Western Australia but says "transport costs and infrastructure issues are likely to make them uneconomic". However, it believes there are "encouraging" signs that wind farms and geothermal power may be able to replace some of the 36 per cent of electricity currently generated from coal. The report says wind farms are dominating new generation construction and, by December, should produce 742 megawatts of SA's total demand of 3274. It says 12 companies have obtained geothermal exploration licences and have provided confidential information on their indicative plans for electricity generated from underground heat.
While the council says northern lignite deposits have "some potential" for power generation, they would need power stations to be built near the mines or extra infrastructure to transport it to Port Augusta. Numerous "thick coal seams" believed to total billions of tonnes have been found in the Cooper Basin but are at depths ranging from 1300m to 4000m and considered uneconomic to mine.
Monday, 25 June 2007
Roaring 40s in first India project
Tasmanian Business Reporter
June, 2007 Page: 7
LEADING Australian based renewable energy company Roaring 40s has signed an agreement with major turbine manufacturer Enercon (India) for its first India wind farm project. The agreement establishes the commercial arrangements for the construction of a 50.4 MW wind energy project at Khandke, in the state of Maharashtra. The $80-million project, on which construction recently began, will be wholly owned by Roaring 40s with full commissioning expected by December.
Enercon (India) is the Indian subsidiary of Enercon GmbH, the renowned gearless turbine manufacturer, and is one of the largest operators in India's growing wind energy market. The company has operational experience in all wind energy active states within India and the second-largest market share in the Indian wind energy market, with specialist skills in engineering, procurement and construction of wind energy projects.
Enercon has been growing consistently to achieve a turnover of more than $600 million by March 2007, and is well placed to complement Roaring 40s' existing skills set. The project in Maharashtra is the first of what is anticipated to be a growing portfolio of wind energy projects for Roaring 40s in this large emerging market, and was made possible through the strong renewable energy policy implemented by the Maharashtra state administration in 2006.
Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said: "The Maharashtra project represents a significant milestone for Roaring 40s and reinforces the company's strong and continued growth in the Asian region. "India is one of the global leaders in embracing wind energy as a means of meeting increasing energy demand and improving the environment, and Roaring 40s is very pleased to be working with Enercon to help India achieve its renewable energy targets." Roaring 40s is a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and CLP Group.
June, 2007 Page: 7
LEADING Australian based renewable energy company Roaring 40s has signed an agreement with major turbine manufacturer Enercon (India) for its first India wind farm project. The agreement establishes the commercial arrangements for the construction of a 50.4 MW wind energy project at Khandke, in the state of Maharashtra. The $80-million project, on which construction recently began, will be wholly owned by Roaring 40s with full commissioning expected by December.
Enercon (India) is the Indian subsidiary of Enercon GmbH, the renowned gearless turbine manufacturer, and is one of the largest operators in India's growing wind energy market. The company has operational experience in all wind energy active states within India and the second-largest market share in the Indian wind energy market, with specialist skills in engineering, procurement and construction of wind energy projects.
Enercon has been growing consistently to achieve a turnover of more than $600 million by March 2007, and is well placed to complement Roaring 40s' existing skills set. The project in Maharashtra is the first of what is anticipated to be a growing portfolio of wind energy projects for Roaring 40s in this large emerging market, and was made possible through the strong renewable energy policy implemented by the Maharashtra state administration in 2006.
Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said: "The Maharashtra project represents a significant milestone for Roaring 40s and reinforces the company's strong and continued growth in the Asian region. "India is one of the global leaders in embracing wind energy as a means of meeting increasing energy demand and improving the environment, and Roaring 40s is very pleased to be working with Enercon to help India achieve its renewable energy targets." Roaring 40s is a 50:50 joint venture between Hydro Tasmania and CLP Group.
Australia lags badly on renewables
Earthmover and Civil Contractor
June, 2007 Page: 20
Australia ranks 14th out of 25 countries in terms of its investment attractiveness for renewable energy, behind the US, India and China, according to a survey by Ernst & Young.
THE INDEX rates countries according to their overall near and long-term policies for renewables, particularly wind energy. China's installed wind energy capacity doubled last year, and is set to exceed 5000MW well before its 2010 target. Australia has 817MW wind energy capacity, with new projects tapering off to about 100MW last year as industry incentives run out.
The US is expected to build 3000MW of wind farm capacity this year, up 26% on last year, resuming its growth as more states set renewable energy targets. California alone aims to get 20% of power from renewable sources, including solar, by 2010.
June, 2007 Page: 20
Australia ranks 14th out of 25 countries in terms of its investment attractiveness for renewable energy, behind the US, India and China, according to a survey by Ernst & Young.
THE INDEX rates countries according to their overall near and long-term policies for renewables, particularly wind energy. China's installed wind energy capacity doubled last year, and is set to exceed 5000MW well before its 2010 target. Australia has 817MW wind energy capacity, with new projects tapering off to about 100MW last year as industry incentives run out.
The US is expected to build 3000MW of wind farm capacity this year, up 26% on last year, resuming its growth as more states set renewable energy targets. California alone aims to get 20% of power from renewable sources, including solar, by 2010.
Home grown turbines keep foreign exchange healthy
Earthmover and Civil Contractor
June, 2007 Page: 8
New Zealand's Windflow Technology sources more than 90% of its wind turbine components from within New Zealand. It says this means that a $100 million wind farm using Windflow turbines, invests more than $92m directly into the NZ economy. In comparison, a $100m wind farm using imported turbines, invests about $20m locally, mainly in foundations, roads, transport and electrical connections.
Christchurch based Windflow is continuing to expand its manufacturing capabilities, in order to complete the remaining 92 turbines scheduled for delivery to Te Rere Hau, a north island site, over the next 18 months. The final installation of 97 will generate 48.5MW.
June, 2007 Page: 8
New Zealand's Windflow Technology sources more than 90% of its wind turbine components from within New Zealand. It says this means that a $100 million wind farm using Windflow turbines, invests more than $92m directly into the NZ economy. In comparison, a $100m wind farm using imported turbines, invests about $20m locally, mainly in foundations, roads, transport and electrical connections.
Christchurch based Windflow is continuing to expand its manufacturing capabilities, in order to complete the remaining 92 turbines scheduled for delivery to Te Rere Hau, a north island site, over the next 18 months. The final installation of 97 will generate 48.5MW.
Energy change in the wind
Country Leader Tamworth
Monday 25/6/2007 Page: 11
AMONG the infusion of new technology to generate power is one of the latest innovations: wind farms. The Starfish Hill Wind Farm is one of the first to come into operation in Australia and is already making a difference to the environmental way of generating power. The Starfish Hill Wind Farm will reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.1 million tonnes of CO(2) during its forecast 25-year operating life. The $65 million, 34.5 megawatt, (MW) wind farm near Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula is South Australia's first wind farm.
Starfish Hill Wind Farm provides enough energy to meet the needs of about 18,000 households, representing 2 per cent of South Australia's residential customers. The project was developed by Starfish Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a wholly owned company of Tarong Energy The wind farm has two major elements: A 34.5MW wind farm comprising 23 turbines, each of 1.5 MW capacity. A 25km overhead transmission line to connect the wind farm to the ET electricity distribution network at Yankalilla. It's located across two hills, Starfish and Salt Creek, with eight turbines on Starfish and 15 on Salt Creek.
Monday 25/6/2007 Page: 11
AMONG the infusion of new technology to generate power is one of the latest innovations: wind farms. The Starfish Hill Wind Farm is one of the first to come into operation in Australia and is already making a difference to the environmental way of generating power. The Starfish Hill Wind Farm will reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.1 million tonnes of CO(2) during its forecast 25-year operating life. The $65 million, 34.5 megawatt, (MW) wind farm near Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula is South Australia's first wind farm.
Starfish Hill Wind Farm provides enough energy to meet the needs of about 18,000 households, representing 2 per cent of South Australia's residential customers. The project was developed by Starfish Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a wholly owned company of Tarong Energy The wind farm has two major elements: A 34.5MW wind farm comprising 23 turbines, each of 1.5 MW capacity. A 25km overhead transmission line to connect the wind farm to the ET electricity distribution network at Yankalilla. It's located across two hills, Starfish and Salt Creek, with eight turbines on Starfish and 15 on Salt Creek.
Wind farm on track for turbines by December
Plains Producer
Wednesday 20/6/2007 Page: 15
A month since first beginning road construction, a $200 million wind farm near Snowtown is on time and on budget, according to Wind Prospect development manager Andrew Dickson. Mr Dickson said road construction would be the main priority until December, when turbines would be transported to the site.
"The rest of this year is really building roads and then building the foundations for each turbine location, and also doing the trenching of the underground electrical cables," he said. "We need to be in a position by the end of the year so turbines and trucks can start arriving." Construction of an electrical sub-station will also begin in the next month.
The 42 turbines, will stretch 17km along the Barunga Range, and will be commissioned progressively from April to October next year. It will have a capacity of 88MW, enough to power 60,000 average South Australian homes, which will go into the national electricity market. While there are currently up to 20 workers on site, 170 are expected to be employed during peak construction times, and on completion, the wind farm will employ four full-time staff.
Earlier this year, TrustPower business development manager Rodney Ahern told Snowtown community members the development would return an additional $1 million within the community through increased employment, accommodation and fees paid to land owners. TrustPower, Wind Prospect and Suzlon Energy are all involved in the building of the wind farm.
Wednesday 20/6/2007 Page: 15
A month since first beginning road construction, a $200 million wind farm near Snowtown is on time and on budget, according to Wind Prospect development manager Andrew Dickson. Mr Dickson said road construction would be the main priority until December, when turbines would be transported to the site.
"The rest of this year is really building roads and then building the foundations for each turbine location, and also doing the trenching of the underground electrical cables," he said. "We need to be in a position by the end of the year so turbines and trucks can start arriving." Construction of an electrical sub-station will also begin in the next month.
The 42 turbines, will stretch 17km along the Barunga Range, and will be commissioned progressively from April to October next year. It will have a capacity of 88MW, enough to power 60,000 average South Australian homes, which will go into the national electricity market. While there are currently up to 20 workers on site, 170 are expected to be employed during peak construction times, and on completion, the wind farm will employ four full-time staff.
Earlier this year, TrustPower business development manager Rodney Ahern told Snowtown community members the development would return an additional $1 million within the community through increased employment, accommodation and fees paid to land owners. TrustPower, Wind Prospect and Suzlon Energy are all involved in the building of the wind farm.
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