Substantial savings achieved from Ten-Mile Lagoon Wind Farm

4/3/95

Almost $700,000 in cost savings have been achieved from Australia's largest wind farm during its first year of operation.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett, who opened the wind farm one year ago today, said the $5.8 million Western Power wind farm had exceeded expectations by increasing its forecasted cost savings and by reducing fuel use, while also providing 30 per cent of the region's power needs.

"The Ten-Mile Lagoon Wind Farm has rivalled other wind projects around the world by proving to be a cost-effective and environmentally sound method of power generation," Mr Barnett said.

"It has also saved 1.8 million litres of fuel in one year, which equalls 5,000 litres of fuel a day and 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide."

The wind farm has the capacity to generate two megawatts of power to Esperance and surrounding areas and the nine wind turbines have provided enough power for 1,000 Esperance homes (more than six million kilowatt hours).

The Minister said the wind farm was established after the successful operation, over five years, of a smaller demonstration project at nearby Salmon Beach.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars 222 9699