50MW wind farm can cut emissions by 115,000 tonnes a year: A typical wind turbine could meet the energy needs of up to 1000 homes. A typical 50 megawatt (MW) wind farm in Australia could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 65,000 and
115,000 tonnes a year.
Capacity around 640MW, with 250MW under construction: Wind energy capacity in Australia had increased from 2.7MW in 1996, to 10MW in 2000 and to around 640MW in early 2006, with another 250MW under construction.
Capacity likely to plateau around 1000-1600MW: This capacity represented about 1 per cent of all electricity produced in Australia each year. With no additional incentives, installed capacity was expected to plateau between 1000MW and 1600MW.
1.2 per cent of generation in 2015: At an installed capacity of 1200MW, wind generation was projected to account for 1.2 per cent of electricity production in 2015 and around 1 per cent in 2025.
Estimated generation share on State basis:The discussion paper produced the following table, using Electricity Supply Association of Australia (ESAA) figures, on the estimated percentage share of wind in the electricity generation mix on a State basis in 2005, 2010 and 2015:
| Region | 2005 (%) | 2010 (%) | 2015(%) |
| South Australia | 9.2 | 12.0 | 9.7 |
| Victoria | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| NSW | less than 0.1 | less than 0.1 | less than 0.1 |
| Queensland | less than 0.1 | less than 0.1 | less than 0.1 |
| Tasmania | 2.0 | 2.9 | 2.3 |
| Western Australia | 3.9 | 3.1 | 2.5 |
| National | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
Reference: Discussion paper on “National Code for Wind Farms” by Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) of the Department of the Environment and Heritage released on 3 May 2006. Address: John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes. ACT. 2600. GPO Box 787, Canberra. ACT. 2601. Phone: (02) 6274 1888.
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au
Erisk Net, 3/5/2006