13 July
2006 - The two remote Western Australian towns
of Hopetoun and Denham are cutting their diesel
fuel consumption and improving environmental outcomes
through increased electricity generation from
two new wind turbines.
Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said the wind
turbine expansion was supported by $1.8 million
Australian Government funding through the Renewable
Remote Power Generation Programme.
"Hopetoun and Denham are
two towns where wind generation of electricity
is making a big difference to their economic and
environmental health," Senator Campbell said.
"In Hopetoun, the expansion
project will provide an additional 1000 megawatt
hours each year. The town will reduce its annual
diesel consumption by 220,000 litres and prevent
around 600 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering
the atmosphere.
"The results from Denham
are equally good. It's expansion project will
add 705 megawatt hours of electricity and save
230,000 litres of diesel fuel annually, plus avoid
the release of 620 tonnes of greenhouse gases."
Both projects include the installation
of additional 'low load' diesel generators specifically
designed to integrate with the wind turbines,
and which allow more wind-generated electricity
to be included in the power supply.
"Wind is a clean and reliable
energy source that works well in these communities.
Combined with modern, efficient diesel generators,
these two towns are now assured of sufficient
electricity supplies for their future development
needs," Senator Campbell said.
"With the development of
the Ravensthorpe nickel mine, nearby to Hopetoun,
clever technological solutions were needed to
ensure future high quality electricity supplies.
These supplies are now assured and the town will
benefit from the economic boost the mine brings."
Approximately $205 million is
available under the Australian Government's Renewable
Remote Power Generation Programme to support the
installation of renewable generation equipment
that displaces diesel generation in remote parts
of Australia.
Rob Broadfield
