More than $300,000 of taxpayer funds will be spent on a mini wind turbine trial at the West Beach Trust.
Commissioned by the Premier’s Department, the four new mini wind turbines will be connected to the grid for a one-year trial at the Shores complex and will cost $315,000.
A previous trial of building-mounted mini turbines in the city was abandoned last year after it was criticised for being economically unviable, at a cost to taxpayers of $80,000.
The Premier’s office has distanced itself from the project, but said the department had agreed to support it after being approached by the West Beach Trust.
Commissioner for Renewable Energy Tim O’Loughlin, who answered questions on behalf of the Premier’s office, said the Government had a role to play in testing renewable energy technology for commercial application.
“We provide a bit of a test bed for new renewable energy technologies,” he said.
“It is seen as a short, sharp injection of funding … we think these things might have significant potential for roll-out.” He said the turbines were different to those used in city trials.
