Funding commitment for Mt Barker wind farm welcomed

Energy Minister Peter Collier has welcomed a $4.2million funding commitment from the Federal Government to build a wind farm near Mt Barker.

The funding would come through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program, which was provided by diesel excise paid in Western Australia and was administered by the State Government's Sustainable Energy Development Office.

Project proponent, the Mt Barker Power Company Pty Ltd, was seeking to raise the additional $4.2million needed to complete the project from other Australian businesses and private investors.

The project involved installing three 800 kilowatt wind turbines on a private farm 4km north of Mt Barker.

The wind farm was expected to generate about 8,400 megawatt hours of electricity each year, which was enough to supply power up to 1,500 homes.

"When operating, the wind farm will help support the local electricity system and reduce transmission and distribution losses," Mr Collier said.

"An additional benefit of the wind farm is that it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. This is comparable to taking more than 1,800 cars off the road."

The Minister said the State Government had a strong commitment to the development of renewable energy sources.

"There is a growing expectation in the wider community that governments and private industry will do more to support the growth of renewable energy," he said.

"Our ability to harness renewable energy sources is important and is something we must address."

The project was expected to be completed in November 2010.