Official opening of largest Australian wind farm

4/3/94

Australia's largest wind farm, on the southern coast of Western Australia, was officially opened today.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett said the $5.8 million State Energy Commission of WA (SECWA) wind farm would save $650,000 in fuel costs each year and would provide up to 30 per cent of the local region's power needs.

The Minister said the Ten Mile Lagoon Wind Farm was established for the remote town of Esperance after five years of successful operation of a smaller demonstration project at the nearby Salmon Beach.

The wind farm will generate two megawatts of power to Esperance and surrounding areas in conjunction with the local diesel power station. It will save 1.9 million litres of fuel each year (or 5,000 litres a day) - equal to 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The Minister said the wind farm would generage power at a cost of about eight cents per kilowatt hour compared to about 10 cents per kilowatt hour in fuel costs for the diesel power station.

"The new Esperance wind farm has been operating above expectations and its cost-effectiveness has rivalled any of the other wind projects around the world," Mr Barnett said.

"It is expected to pay for itself within about 12 years.

"The community has increasingly supported the application of renewable energy as a practical power source.

"The success of renewable energy as a prominent power source will hinge on the ability to create an effective long-term market.

"To achieve that goal, solar power needs to be available at a price which is attractive compared to conventional forms of power generation.

"This project has distinguished itself by being large scale as well as by providing a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative."

The Minister said the wind farm not only served an important practical and environmental purpose but had been recognised as a major tourist attraction for the region and had showcased Esperance as the wind energy capital of Australia.

The wind farm has also been nominated, this week, for the prestigious Banksia Environmental Awards due to the nature of the project and the extensive environmental planning and management carried out to ensure limited disturbance to the local environment.

The awards recognise business or organisations which best promote environmental awareness.  SECWA worked closely with the departments of conservation and land management and environmental planning to restrict the wind farm's impact.

"Western Australia now leads Australia with the practical application of wind energy, with SECWA being highly regarded both nationally and internationally for its expertise in wind generation and commitment to the promotion of renewable energy," Mr Barnett said.

Media contact:  Carolyn Vicars (018) 90 60 60/480 9193 (Pager).

FACT SHEET

·       The Ten Mile Lagoon Wind Farm is the first commercial wind farm in Australia and is the largest wind farm in the nation.

·       Funded by the State Energy Commission of Western Australia (SECWA) at a cost of $5.8 million, the wind farm has been operating since October 1993.

·       It is located on a coastal ridge, 15 kilometres west of the South-West town of Esperance, which experiences extremely reliable winds of high annual average speed (7.5 metres per second).

·       Ten Mile Lagoon has a generating capacity of two megawatts from nine wind turbines, atop 30 metre-tall towers.

·       It is expected to supply up to 30 per cent of the power demand of Esperance and its surrounding districts.

·       The wind farm is connected to the Esperance power station by a 15-kilometre powerline.  Working in conjunction with the power station, the wind farm reduces the amount of electricity generated by diesel power, resulting in the production of lower cost electricity.  Wind power costs approximately eight cents per kilowatt hour compared to about 10 cents per kilowatt hour for diesel power, based on fuel costs.

·       Ten Mile Lagoon will save $650,000 in fuel costs annually (1.9 million litres of fuel each year or 5,000 litres per day) and will pay for itself in about 12 years.

·       To reduce visual impact, the wind farm's turbines have been painted white and bear no logos.  Access roads and power lines are, where possible, hidden from view.  Vegetation disturbed during construction is being rehabilitated and special measures are being taken to prevent the spread of dieback and weed infestation.  Strict erosion controls have been introduced and public access is limited to selected viewing areas.

·       The development of the wind farm follows the successful operation of a smaller demonstration wind farm built by SECWA in 1987 at nearby Salmon Beach.  This wind farm supplies about three per cent of the Esperance region's power needs.