Hopetoun wind farm project opened

30/05/07
Energy Minister Francis Logan has officially opened Western Australia's latest wind farm project at Hopetoun, about 175km west of Esperance.
The Hopetoun Wind-Diesel Project has seen the construction of a new power station and a second 600kW wind turbine in the town. The first turbine was commissioned in 2004.
Verve Energy undertook the $7.5million project, with Horizon Power investing $1.5million to connect the new power station to the distribution network.
Mr Logan said the new power station and wind turbine would ensure Hopetoun had a reliable power supply and he congratulated Verve Energy and Horizon Power on the successful completion of the project.
"Projects such as this which combine wind energy with low-load diesel technology, are proving extremely successful in providing power to off-grid towns such as Hopetoun," Mr Logan said.
"Hopetoun is experiencing a marked population growth and this project is the ideal solution to the town's growing energy needs."
The Minister said the south coast had a tremendous wind resource, as evidenced by successful wind farms at Hopetoun, Albany, Esperance and Bremer Bay.
"The Hopetoun wind-diesel project is a significant addition to renewable energy in the State," he said.
"The new power station maximises the benefits of the wind turbine and improves the reliability of local power supplies.
"The wind-diesel system will mean that, on average, about 40 per cent of Hopetoun's power will come from Verve Energy's two wind turbines.
"This will save 700,000 litres of diesel fuel and 1850 tonnes of greenhouse emissions each year, the equivalent of taking 500 cars off the road.
"By utilising sustainable energy resources, WA is making a healthy contribution to the national effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Carpenter Government is making decisions for the future and leading the way in preparing Western Australia to meet the challenges of our changing climate."
Since 2001, eight wind farms have been installed in WA - Esperance, Rottnest Island, Denham, Hopetoun, Bremer Bay, Albany, Emu Downs near Cervantes, Exmouth and Walkaway near Geraldton - and generating enough electricity to power 130,000 homes.
Minister's office - 9222 8950