When determining whether sites are suitable for wind turbines, we take into consideration a number of factors, including the following:

Wind Resource: An excellent wind farm site is characterised by consistently strong and predictable wind speeds. Open areas such as farmland, ridges, and coastal regions often provide optimal conditions for harnessing wind energy. The average wind speed is a crucial factor. Wind farms typically perform better in areas with higher average wind speeds, ensuring a steady and reliable energy output.

Wind Turbulence: Sites with minimal wind turbulence are preferable. Turbulence, caused by obstacles like buildings or hills, can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of wind turbines.

Land Use Compatibility: Identifying sites that allow for the coexistence of wind farms with other land uses, such as agriculture, is crucial. Proper spacing of turbines and consideration of existing land uses ensure harmony with the local environment.

Community Acceptance: Gaining community support is crucial for the success of a wind farm project. Engaging with local communities, addressing concerns, and providing tangible benefits, contribute to positive community relations.

Geographical Features: Coastal areas, hills, and ridges can enhance wind flow, making these locations suitable for wind farm installations. However, dense forests or complex terrain may disrupt wind patterns. Flat or gently rolling terrain is often preferred for ease of construction and maintenance. Steep slopes or challenging topography may increase operational complexity.

Environmental Impact: Conducting thorough environmental impact assessments is essential to minimise the impact on local ecosystems, wildlife, landowners, neighbours and nearby communities. Preservation of biodiversity and minimal disturbance to the natural environment are key considerations.

Infrastructure Accessibility: Proximity to existing infrastructure, including roads and power lines, simplifies the construction and operation of a wind farm. Well-developed infrastructure helps reduce costs and facilitates grid connection. Proximity to a robust transmission network is important for efficiently delivering the generated electricity to consumers.

Regulatory and Zoning Considerations: Compliance with local regulations and zoning requirements is essential. Obtaining permits and adhering to guidelines ensures a smooth and legally compliant development process.

A combination of favourable wind conditions, environmental sustainability, community support, and logistical considerations defines an ideal site for a wind farm. Comprehensive assessments and careful planning ensure the successful development and long-term viability of the project.

Most wind farm developments have occurred on land where the wind farm developer has approached the landholder. There are, however, examples of wind farms occurring where a wind farm developer has first been approached by a landholder. However, landholders should be aware that the not all “windy” sites are suitable for a wind farm development.

The land required for a wind farm is generally minimal. Land is required for the tower and access roads running between each turbine. The permanent gravel hardstand area around wind turbines is typically 0.25ha (80m x 30m) in size, with temporary laydown areas adjacent to the hardstand typically requiring a further 0.2ha (95m x 20m) per turbine during construction.  Access roads between wind turbines are typically 7.5m wide, with spacing between turbines typically 500m to 1,000m apart. Depending on the scale of the wind farm, one or more electricity substations may also need to be established, which may include a battery compound. Wind farms typically also requires a permanent operations and maintenance facility to house spares, and for the operations and maintenance personnel to be based out of.

Electrical cabling is buried underground (usually alongside access roads) at a depth of around 1m. These cables are covered with mechanical protection to ensure that they remain safe for cropping activities above them. Transmission lines from the substation to the main electricity grid require transmission towers spaced every 200m to 500m (or more) depending on the connection voltage and terrain.

Host landholders generally find that wind farm development does not significantly impact farm operations as cropping can occur between wind turbines and transmission towers, and new access roads provide additional all weather access to their farm.

Remuneration from hosting wind turbines far outweighs any loss of production. Often infrastructure can also be located to minimise farming production loss (such as by siting turbines and roads on less productive areas of the farm or adjacent to existing fences and vegetation).

Wind farms do not use water nor is there any significant risk of ground water contamination.

During the construction phase there may be short-term land access restrictions. Stock will need to be excluded from construction areas and new fencing may be required. This can, however, provide an opportunity for development of laneway systems for stock movement.

Wind farms can be constructed in a variety of locations, but their viability depends on several critical factors. Foremost among these considerations is the presence of strong and consistent wind. Areas with open landscapes such as farmland, coastal regions, and elevated terrains often offer optimal wind conditions for effective energy generation. Geographical features, such as hills and ridges, can enhance wind flow, while obstacles like dense forests or large structures can impede it. Environmental impact assessments are imperative to address potential effects on ecosystems, wildlife, landowners and local communities.

Additionally, regulatory requirements, land use compatibility, infrastructure accessibility, and community acceptance play critical roles in determining suitable locations for wind farm installations. While advancements in technology have broadened the possibilities, careful planning and consideration of these factors are essential to ensure the successful deployment of wind farms.

Each wind turbine comprises a set of three blades called a rotor which is affixed to the top of a tower. When the wind blows, it sets the rotor into motion, and a steel shaft connects it to a generator that transforms the energy from the wind into electricity. Typically standing between 100 and 150 meters tall, commercial turbine towers house the generator within a structure known as the nacelle, positioned atop the tower. Motors within the nacelle automatically adjust the rotor’s orientation to face the oncoming wind, maximising energy capture. Furthermore, each rotor blade is continuously adjusted by a motor to harness the most favourable wind conditions.

The energy yield of a wind turbine is significantly influenced by the wind speed, leading to the placement of wind farms in areas with strong and consistent winds. Generally, wind speed increases with the height above ground. Therefore, increasing the height of a wind turbine, as well as the length of its blades, can make a significant difference to a wind farm’s energy output.

A single modern wind turbine can produce enough energy to supply up to 3,500 average Western Australia households every year.

Building wind farms in Western Australia holds enormous potential for addressing both regional and global challenges. Western Australia boasts vast expanses of open farmland and coastal regions with strong and consistent winds, making it an ideal location for harnessing wind energy. Through the development of wind farms in the state, Western Australia can significantly contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and play an important role in mitigating climate change. The development of wind farms in Western Australia not only promotes environmental sustainability but also offers economic benefits, creating job opportunities, stimulating the local economy, and diversifying the energy mix. With its abundance of wind, Western Australia has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in the renewable energy sector. The construction of wind farms in Western Australia aligns with the global shift towards clean energy solutions, making a positive impact on both the local community and the planet.

Many Western Australians may not be aware that we are currently competing globally for gas resources, a competition that continues to put upwards pressure on wholesale gas and electricity prices. Although gas power stations are presently lower cost to construct than wind farms (for an equivalent capacity), the landscape is rapidly changing. Advances in technology and increased production of wind energy components are swiftly driving down the costs associated with wind power. As global demand pushes gas prices higher, the expenses related to operating gas power stations are expected to rise as well. In contrast, wind energy boasts a key advantage – its fuel, the wind, is abundant and entirely free. This underscores the long-term sustainability and economic viability of investing in wind power as a critical energy solution for the state.

A wind farm brings a multitude of benefits to a local community, extending its positive impact far beyond the generation of clean energy. Firstly, the construction phase of a wind farm creates numerous job opportunities, supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities for local people and businesses. This investment benefits locals during construction – the corner store, the local bakery, local restaurants, motels and more, which often provides an economic boost for struggling regional areas. This additional income can be instrumental in supporting local businesses and community projects.

During the operations stage, long term employment is created for operations and maintenance workers which provides an ongoing benefit to the local community.

Importantly, wind farms help farmers drought-proof their properties, make better use of marginal farming land, insuring against market downturns.

Overall, a wind farm supports local economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, fostering a more sustainable and vibrant local community.

Wind energy projects create lots of jobs during the construction period, and then ongoing jobs for the lifetime of the wind farm. For instance, a 1,000MW project is expected to create more than 500 jobs during the construction phase, and more than 50 permanent jobs overseeing the operation and maintenance of the wind farm throughout its expected 30-year life.

The cost of wind energy has been decreasing steadily over the years, making it competitive with traditional sources of energy generation. Several factors contribute to the economics of wind energy:

Technological Advances: Advances in wind turbine technology have significantly increased efficiency and reduced the costs associated with manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Larger and more efficient turbines can generate more electricity at a lower cost per unit.

Economies of Scale: As the wind energy industry has grown, there has been an increase in the scale of wind farms. Larger projects benefit from economies of scale, driving down the overall cost of electricity production.

Decreasing Capital Costs: The initial capital costs of constructing wind farms have been decreasing, making the development of wind farms more financially feasible.

Competitive Bidding: Many electricity markets, including the Western Australian electricity market, use competitive bidding processes for electricity supply, including energy supplied from wind farms. This approach encourages developers to offer the lowest possible prices to secure contracts, fostering a more cost-effective industry.

Low Operating Costs: Once a wind farm is operational, the ongoing operating and maintenance costs are relatively low compared to other forms of electricity generation. Additionally, the fuel for wind energy – the wind itself – is free, eliminating fuel costs.

While the overall trend is towards decreasing costs, it’s important to note that the specific costs can vary depending on factors such as project size, location, local wind conditions, and transmission connection.

The decreasing costs and growing community support for wind energy contribute to its attractiveness as a sustainable and economically viable option for power generation.

Modern wind turbines are highly reliable, owing to significant advancements in design, technology, and manufacturing. These turbines feature advanced aerodynamics, allowing for optimal energy capture from the wind. The use of high-quality materials and precision engineering contributes to the durability of key components such as blades, towers, generators and gearboxes. Additionally, monitoring and control systems continuously assess turbine performance, enabling early detection of potential issues.

Predictive maintenance practices anticipate and address concerns before they impact reliability. Remote monitoring and control capabilities further enhance reliability by facilitating real-time adjustments and a swift response to faults. Improved technology, warranty and service agreements, and adherence to rigorous industry standards collectively contribute to the reliability and longevity of modern wind turbines. These innovations ensure that wind energy remains a dependable and sustainable source of electricity into the future.

The energy payback period refers to the length of time required for a wind farm to generate sufficient electricity to offset the energy associated with the manufacturing, construction, operation and decommissioning of the project. A typical wind farm will generate this amount of energy within six months of operation.

Fires in or around wind farms are not a common occurrence, with the industry maintaining a strong focus on safety and preventive measures. While wind farms themselves are not known for causing fires, incidents may arise due to factors such as electrical malfunctions, mechanical failures, lightning strikes, or human activities. Modern wind turbines are equipped with advanced safety features to mitigate these risks, and routine inspections and maintenance protocols are implemented to ensure the integrity of the equipment. The wind industry adheres to stringent guidelines and works closely with local authorities to address safety concerns, emphasising the importance of minimising potential fire risks for local farms and their surrounding communities.

As all high-voltage connections for wind turbines are run underground, the risk of electricity-related fire is extremely low. The fire control methods for wind farms are the same as those used for all other high-voltage electrical assets. Each wind turbine is also fitted with a comprehensive lightning protection system that safely transfers any high voltages or currents directly to the earth without affecting turbine performance.

There is no recorded instance of lightning strikes to wind turbines or monitoring masts causing a bushfire in Australia.

The risks to bird life from wind farms are generally considered minimal due to several mitigating factors. Modern wind farm planning incorporates careful site selection to avoid placing wind turbines in known flight paths and areas where there is high avian activity, and environmental impact assessments are conducted to understand and address potential concerns. Furthermore, ongoing research contributes to a better understanding of bird behaviour and migration patterns, facilitating the development of effective mitigation strategies. While bird collisions with turbine blades do occasionally occur, the overall impact on bird populations is comparatively low when compared to other threats, such as building collisions, domestic cats, and vehicle strikes. The wind industry remains committed to sustainability and wildlife conservation, continuously refining practices to further reduce any potential risks to birdlife.

Wind turbines can generate some noise, but the level of noise is generally considered low, especially when compared to other sources of noise in our daily lives. The noise produced by a wind turbine primarily comes from the mechanical components, such as the rotor blades and the gearbox, as well as the aerodynamic interaction of the blades with the wind.

Advancements in technology and engineering have led to quieter wind turbine designs. Modern wind turbines are designed to minimise noise through various measures, including improved blade aerodynamics, reduced rotational speeds, and enhanced gear systems. Additionally, the distance between wind turbines and residential areas is carefully considered during the development phase of the project to further reduce potential noise impacts.

It’s worth noting that individual sensitivity to noise varies, and what one person finds acceptable, another may find bothersome. Some people living in close proximity to wind farms have reported hearing a faint swishing or humming sound, similar to the sound of distant traffic, the ocean or a running refrigerator. However, this noise is typically at a level that is well below the limits set by regulatory standards.

Overall, while wind turbines do produce some noise, efforts are made to minimise it, and projects are developed so that the sound that can be heard at nearby houses is within acceptable levels according to established guidelines and regulations.