December 10, 2010
Australia

The spin during fire bans

By BRENDAN GULLIFER, Ballarat Courier, 9 December 2010

While farmers must be cautious operating equipment outdoors on total fire ban days, wind farms are free to operate.

A Country Fire Authority spokesperson said wind farms were not required to cease operation on days of total fire ban.

“The aim of a total fire ban is to restrict the use of fire in the open air on high-risk days,” the spokesman said.

Waubra wind farm operator Acciona has confirmed a policy of allowing fires in turbines to burn out, calling such episodes “extremely rare”.

Acciona also says its turbines are designed to prevent overheating.

“They have sophisticated cooling systems and can operate at very high ambient temperatures,” a spokesman said.

The spokesman said Acciona manufactured its own turbines for use at Waubra.

“Acciona always operates within the machinery specifications,” the spokesman said.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/10/the-spin-during-fire-bans/