November 2, 2015
Australia

Bigger turbines for Lal Lal farm

By Matthew Dixon | The Courier | Nov. 2, 2015 | www.thecourier.com.au

Bigger turbines would be constructed at the Lal Lal wind farm if planned changes to the proposal are approved.

The approved plans include turbines with a height of 130 metres, however WestWind Energy will apply to alter the plans to include turbines 161 metres in height.

The plans originally included the construction of 64 turbines between Yendon and Elaine, however, if the amended plans are approved it will be reduced to 60.

Westwind managing director Tobi Geiger said the bigger turbines allowed for more energy to be created.

“In essence what has happened is that turbine technology has moved in the last five years to larger rotors but only slightly bigger generator size,” he said.

“I can tell you honestly, if you were two kilometres away and you saw a 161 metre high turbine and then you drove further and saw a 130 metre turbine from two kilometres away you wouldn’t notice any different,” he said.

“It is only when you see them right beside each other you see the difference.

“We think the visual (impact) is minimal and probably offset by having a few less turbines.”

Mr Geiger said WestWind would now seek approval from the Planning Minister Richard Wynne to make the changes.

With the confidence in the industry growing since the removal of Prime Minister Tony Abbott, it is expected the Lal Lal wind farm could be one to gain funding for construction to begin.

“The amendments to the permit to the Lal Lal wind farm will make it a top notch farm in Australia,” Mr Geiger said.

“We would be mildly confident of investment shortly after the amendment. It is amazing how the removal of one politician has changed the landscape in Australia.”

The construction of the farm would be expected to create 190 jobs. Once completed it would continue to employ 20 people. The Lal Lal farm was approved in April 2009 and is waiting on investment for construction to start.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/11/02/bigger-turbines-for-lal-lal-farm/