Good start to Ten Mile Lagoon

1 May 1994

Australia's second -- and largest -- wind farm was officially opened on March 4. Named Ten Mile Lagoon, the 2 MW plant is sited on a coastal ridge 15 kilometres west of Esperance.

Developed by the State Energy Commission of Western Australia (SECWA) the wind turbines are expected to supply 30% of Esperance's power. "The wind farm has been operating above expectations and its cost effectiveness has rivalled any of the other wind projects around the world," said state energy minister, Colin Barnett, at the opening. A 15 kilometre power line links the wind farm to Esperance's diesel power plant which generates electricity for AUS$ 0.10/kWh. The wind plant can generate power for just AUS$ 0.08/kWh and annual fuel savings are estimated to be AUS$650,000. The development of Ten Mile Lagoon follows the success of Esperance's first wind farm of locally made Westwind turbines, built by SECWA in 1987. It currently supplies about 3% of power supply.

"Western Australia now leads Australia with the practical application of wind energy," said Barnett.