New Esperance wind farm nearing completion

17/7/93

SECWA's new wind farm at 10-Mile Lagoon, Esperance, is only weeks away from being in full swing.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett inspected the progress of the wind farm yesterday as the first concrete foundations were laid ready for the project to begin at the end of September.

Mr Barnett said the nation's only wind farm was in Esperance, with the new wind project set to be the largest of the two in Australia.

"These wind farm projects will enable SECWA to maintain national leadership in wind generation," he said.

The Minister said concrete bases were being put in place this week to make way for the 30-metre tall towers, being constructed and painted in Perth.

Power poles have been erected for the 16km transmission line from the wind farm to the power station.

"The existing Salmon Beach wind farm, operated by SECWA since 1987, has become a landmark seen by thousands of people," Mr Barnett said.

"The new wind farm will not only attract more tourists, but also increase the use of wind power as a clean and cost-effective alternative energy source in the region.

"A visitor information booth, parking bays, picnic area and lookout will be provided to cater for the expected tourist influx."

The design of these facilities was carried out between SECWA, Esperance Shire, the Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Mr Barnett said the nine 225-kilowatt wind turbines, which would have a total capacity of 2MW, would convert wind energy to electrical current which would flow through underground and overhead cables to Esperance power station.

That power would then be distributed on the district's grid to houses, schools, shops, factories and farms.

The wind farm is expected to contribute about 14 per cent of Esperance's power needs and replace 1.6 million litres of fuel oil which would have been used in the power station annually.

"This is an innovative project which is in line with the State Government and SECWA's commitment to the use of renewable energy resources," Mr Barnett said.

"Other potential wind farm sites could be identified from the results of wind resource monitoring at 10 other country locations outside the South-West grid.

"Wind energy is difficult to justify on the South-West grid where the cost of electricity from coal-fired power stations is much lower than could be produced from wind.

"However, in centres like Esperance, which rely on more costly diesel power stations, wind has the ability to be a reliable and feasible option."

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars - 222 9686