Keeping the lights on more crucial than cutting emissions, says Kerry Schott

Australians may want more emissions cuts from electricity generators but we need to make sure we have enough power to keep the lights on, the head of the group tasked with reforming Australia’s electricity landscape says.

Dr Kerry Schott heads the Energy Security Board, which
has been tasked with reforming the National Electricity Market.

Energy Security Board chairman Kerry Schott conceded that a lack of emissions reduction policy had stymied investment in energy generation but said the National Energy Guarantee was an opportunity to combine emissions reductions with ensuring there is reliability and dispatchable energy.

Read Cole Latimer’story from today Age - “Keeping the lights on more crucial than cutting emissions, says Kerry Schott."

$650m windfarm - power for thousands, while caring for breeding, flocking brolgas

The $650 million wind farm, to be built
near Dundonnell, will have 96 turbines.

Victoria's most productive wind farm generating enough power for 140,000 households will be built in the south-west after the state government approved the plans.

The $650 million wind farm, to be built near Dundonnell, will have 96 turbines.

Once completed, it will produce enough power to supply the combined populations of Ballarat and Warrnambool.

The project will create an estimated 300 jobs during construction, with 16 positions once it is built.

The plans received 135 submissions, including 49 in support.

The wind farm's layout was designed to accommodate brolga breeding and flocking habits, according to the government.

Read Benjamin Preiss’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Record-breaking, brolga-friendly, $650m wind farm gets government green light.”