| Windward-bound AGL sets a green course |
| Alternative Energy - Wind Power |
| Wednesday, 24 June 2009 15:19 |
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Age Friday 19/6/2009 Page: 4 AGL Energy has bought two windfarm developments from Transfield Services, the latest in a string of wind deals signed despite doubts over the Federal Government"s renewable energy target. The $9 million purchase gives AGL the right to develop up to 236 MWs of extra wind capacity at Barn Hill, near Adelaide, and Crows Nest in Queensland. The move follows further wind acquisitions by AGL and its rival Origin Energy in recent months, as the utilities prepare for a Federal Government policy that would require 20% of all power to cone from renewable energy from 2020. The policy is expected to drive up to $27 billion in renewable investment, and wind is set to dominate because it is the cheapest form of green energy. However, yesterday the Senate deferred the Renewable Energy Target Bill to a Senate committee, sparking an outcry from AGL and others in the industry. AGL"s managing director Michael Fraser said it was disappointing to see the bill used for "political football" between the parties over their climate change policies. "This unnecessary delay will impose additional pressures on an industry which is working very hard to promote job creation in a challenging economic climate." The Clean Energy Council, which includes fossil fuel generators in its members, also slammed the Senate"s move. AGL is positioning itself as the largest developer of renewable energy, while its listed rival, Origin Energy, has focused more on gas. Developing the sites acquired yesterday to full capacity could cost more than $600 million, and in March, AGL said it would spend $341 million expanding its Hallett project in South Australia. Last month, Origin Energy bought wind development sites in Victoria but did not disclose a price. Royal Bank of Scotland analyst Jason Mabee said AGL was leading the wind energy race between the two locally listed utilities. "My view that AGL has definitely secured some of the best sites early on," Mr Mabee said. AGL shares rose 2% to $13.94 and Transfield shares fell 0.8% to $2.62.  |
The problem with wind power in the UK: increased dependence on fossil fuels The BBC News science section has an interesting sketch of the different ways in which Europe"s wind power potential and costs are tied to different regional circumstances. Simon Cox asks what happens when the wind doesn"t blow, and compares the... Read more Wind Power | | Saturday, 6 September 2008 |
Farmers reap the wind - and profits Canberra TimesTuesday 5/8/2008 Page: 3Contentious wind farms worth hundreds of millions of dollars are offering farmers and drought stricken rural communities a fresh income stream. Work has started on a$ 100 million wind farm near Crookwell, and a planning application... Read more Wind Power | | Augustonday, 25 August 2008 |
Tick for city turbines - Support for green measures Hobart MercuryFriday 19/6/2009 Page: 7A PROPOSAL to erect wind turbines on two Hobart buildings has been greeted as a sign of things to come. Architects and sustainability experts have generally welcomed the proposal as an example of increasing environmental awareness.... Read more Wind Power | | Wednesday, 24 June 2009 |
Five Weird-Ass Wind Turbines We"re starting to get used to wind turbines...not just the idea of getting a significant portion of our energy from the breeze, but also to their form on the horizon. But while the traditional tri-blade has its advantages, there are... Read more Wind Power | | Sunday, 7 September 2008 |
Wind holds promise of work for thousands AustralianThursday 18/6/2009 Page: 2ONCE an oddity, the sight of giant windmills harvesting the breeze is set to increasingly become a normal part of the landscape as Australia seeks green energy alternatives. The world"s cheapest renewable energy source, which also boasts... Read more Wind Power | | Wednesday, 24 June 2009 |
Energy Ball Makes Wind Turbines Look Cool The Energy Ball definitely looks like one of the coolest wind turbines out there, and it is intended for residential homes, which makes it extra cool. The Energy Ball utilizes the Venturi effect, a measurement of pressure created by... Read more Wind Power | | Friday, 5 September 2008 |
Wind Generator Plans - Build a Wind Generator TodayIf you"re considering getting a wind generator installed to help conserve energy and save money on your energy bills each month, why not build one instead? By building one on your own, you can save more money, therefore you reap... Read more Wind Power | | TUSEDAY, 19 August 2008 |
How to Make a Wind Generator - Save Cash On Your Power Bill Too!Alternative energy (such as wind and solar energy) is becoming more and more popular these days. With the whole world turning to the "going green" movement, alternative energy has began to go mainstream, with people all over looking to start... Read more Wind Power | | Thursday, 7 August 2008 |
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