Premier of South Australia

Mini wind turbines are being installed on prominent buildings in Adelaide’s CBD as part of a Rann Government’s commitment to renewable energy.

Premier Mike Rann announced the initiative at the 2006 Global Wind Power conference today.

“The first of five turbines was installed on the roof of my office-building in the State Administration Centre in Victoria Square and a second has been commissioned on Wakefield House,” Mr Rann said.

“This is the first installation outside of the United Kingdom of the two-metre rooftop wind turbines which can provide a cost-effective renewable energy source for homes, community and industrial buildings.

“The mini-wind turbines installation, as part of the Capital City project, is another example of our commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

“If the year-long trial proves successful, I will approve a further 20 mini-turbines on government buildings.

“South Australia already leads the nation in wind power.

“With just 7.5 per cent of the national population, South Australia is currently home to 51 per cent of the nation’s installed wind-power capacity.

“We also have 45 percent of Australia’s grid-connected solar power.

“Our target is to have 20 per cent of electricity to come from renewable energy sources by 2014 – the highest in Australia – and we’re backing it in law.”

“Just in the past week, former US Vice-President Al Gore and renowned Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki have praised South Australia for our world leading policies on sustainability and climate change, and I’m committed to continuing that work.”

Another three turbines will be installed over the coming weeks at the Adelaide TAFE in Light Square, in Grote Street at the Central Market, and at Mawson Lakes in the new ‘Boat Shed’ complex, which is being developed to showcase environmental initiatives.

The turbines will be monitored over the next 12 months to determine the power output in local weather conditions and in different built environments.