Sustainable Energy Supply For Hopetoun: Unique power combination

Esperance Express
Wednesday 6/6/2007 Page: 1

POWER supply to the coastal town of Hopetoun was given a boost recently with the opening of a $7.5 million wind-diesel power project.

Built by Verve Energy, the second wind turbine and seven-diesel generator power station will provide the community with a sustainable energy supply based on renewable wind energy. Verve Energy is working alongside power company Horizon Power on the project, which was funded by the utility companies and aided by Federal Government grants.

Verve Energy Manager of Corporate Relations Peter Skinner said the decision to replace older generators in Hopetoun and construct a second wind turbine was made to accommodate the need for a reliable energy supply for the growing community. The first wind turbine was built in Hopetoun in 1993.

The project was officially opened by Minister for Energy Hon Francis Logan on May 30. The minister said he was impressed by the advanced technology utilised and the eco-friendly nature of the power source. "This will save 700,000 litres of diesel fuel and 1850 tonnes of greenhouse emissions each year, the equivalent of taking 50 cars off the road," he said.

Mr Skinner said between 40 and 90 per cent of Hopetoun's power will be supplied by the wind turbines, which are the same size as those in the Esperance windfarm. The diesel generators are designed to supply the remaining power demand and can run on as little as five per cent power generation, unlike older models that must generate at least 30 per cent of the total power needed.

Speaking at the project's official opening, Ravensthorpe Shire President Brenda Tilbrook praised the companies involved and said the station is vital to the continued growth of Hopetoun. Mr Skinner said the combination of wind and diesel power in Hopetoun is an innovative initiative and is not used anywhere else in the world.

He said there are opportunities for the power station to further reduce greenhouse emissions in the future and the company has had positive feedback from the Hopetoun community about the quality of power supply.