Hopetoun Wind Diesel Project

Renewable generation, island grid connected
Location: Hopetoun, WA

The site

The site for the Hopetoun Wind Turbine is approximately 5 km north of Hopetoun. The site was selected as it provides an excellent wind resource, is cleared and grazed farmland and is in close proximity to existing roads and the local 33 kV electricity network. A community consultation process confirmed the site as being socially acceptable.

"When the $3m turbine was completed, it would mean an annual saving of about 400,000 litres of distillate at the local power station and replace some 1,100 tonnes of greenhouse gases. This is another example of Western Power's wind-diesel expertise which is acknowledged as world-leading."
The Hon. Eric Ripper, MLA (Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Energy)

Technology

The Hopetoun Wind/Diesel Project is designed to maximise wind utilisation in Hopetoun's islanded electricity system. A single 600 kW Enercon E-40 wind turbine operates in parallel with two Low Load Diesel (LLDr) generators, each rated at 320 kW. A Dynamic Grid Interface (DGITM) is installed on each diesel generator to ensure a high level of reliability. The grid interface in conjunction with an advanced power station control system enable the two diesel generators to enhance grid frequency stability while wind energy input is maximised and diesel fuel consumption is reduced. The power station control system automatically and continuously makes adjustments in response to changes in the system load and wind resource.

Energy purchase and supply

The Hopetoun wind turbine is expected to supply approximately 42 per cent of the town's electricity requirements per annum, saving about 400,000 litres of diesel fuel each year. The plant is expected to produce 1.4 GWh of electricity per annum. Power generated from the project is sold to Western Power Regional under a long-term wind energy power purchase agreement. The generator is an accredited generator with the Offi ce of Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) Scheme. The wind turbine is connected to Hopetoun's 33 kV electricity distribution system. The project is expected to save 1,100 tonnes per annum of greenhouse gas emissions.

Funding arrangements and acknowledgements

The Hopetoun Wind/Diesel Project was made possible through funding support from the Australian Greenhouse Offi ce (AGO) under the Renewable Remote Power Generator Program (RRPGP), providing 45 per cent towards the capital cost of the project. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) administered the project on behalf of the AGO.