Australia approves 21 new wind power projects
The Australian government has approved 21 new wind power projects in the country, 13 already in operation. Once completed, these wind farms will triple the capacity from 428 megawatts to 1554 megawatts of power within next two years. The green energy produced from these wind farms will save tens of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases. The government is planning to pass renewable energy target legislation, which will include 20% of total electricity to be renewable by 2020.
The companies have completed the community consultation. They are looking for the national renewable energy target legislation to offer an improved return for their investment.
Already, Pacific Hydro Limited (Pacific Hydro) has several farms in operation and is suspended to get started on most of its planned projects.
Andrew Richards, executive manager corporate affairs at Pacific Hydro, said that it had been a long and frustrating wait for the renewable energy target legislation to pass. “We have been working on getting projects to investment readiness so that we are ready to go. As a company, we hope to triple our capacity in Victoria.”
Richards said that in future, the wind power projects will attract investment of between $3 billion and $4 billion in Victoria.
Terry Vincent, a resident of Carrajung south of Traralgon, has started his media campaign to try to avoid the construction of three to 12 turbines planned for the paddock next door to his. “I don’t want the noise, my wife has arthritis and spends a lot of time in bed and she doesn’t want to listen to them. We live in a very pretty area and that will be spoiled with wind farms.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings has reported that Victoria has led the way for the national renewable energy target in 2006 when it set a target of 10% renewable energy by 2016. Jennings intends to see the legislation to be passed very soon.
Energy and Resources Minister Peter Bachelor has reported that alternative energy industries will be a good source for new jobs and economic growth. “The Brumby Labor Government looks forward to the expanded national RET being passed so investment in wind and other technologies continues to grow.”
15 June 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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