The Alice Springs Future Grid project is underway in the Northern Territory, with a wind power assessment investigating whether or not it could be used as a potential form of renewable energy. Two wind monitoring units have been deployed to determine the feasibility of use as a second renewable energy resource for the region, according to PACE Today.
“The [wind power assessment] using Sonic Detection and Ranging units will see whether a new renewable resource, available at scale, can contribute to powering the Alice Springs electricity grid, while also using solar,” NT minister for Renewables and Energy Eva Lawler said.
“We are building a strong and diverse economy and there are significant opportunities for clean energy production and use.”
Solar is currently the only renewable energy source with big enough scale to power the Alice Springs electricity grid. Wind energy would be a valuable addition given it can provide power throughout the night.
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“The local wind resource is being measured with Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) units, located at the Desert Knowledge Precinct and on Territory Generation’s land at the Owen Springs power station,” PACE Today reported.
Alice Springs technical consultancy Ekistica is leading the wind monitoring study, collecting data over the course of a year to be shared publicly at its conclusion.
“Future Grid’s Wind Monitoring Study is focused on data collection which may or may not lead to a business case for wind turbines in Alice Springs,” Alice Springs Future Grid project director Lyndon Frearson said.
“Alice Springs has one of the highest levels of solar irradiance in the world. However, we have a strong history of renewable energy innovation and are always looking to see how we might be able to harness new renewable energy options in Central Australia.”
