Denmark wind farm receives $1.4m

The federal government will contribute $1.4 million towards a small wind farm in Denmark that will generate some 5800 megawatt hours of electricity each year.

Below is an announcement from Peter Garrett:

Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, today announced funding of $1.4 million for a small wind farm in the Western Australian community of Denmark.

The Denmark wind farm will be funded under the Australian Government's Renewable Remote Power Generation Program.

Minister Garrett said that the two wind turbines will generate around 5800 megawatt hours of electricity each year, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5700 tonnes annually.

"The power generated by this renewable energy facility will replace the electricity that would otherwise be supplied from gas and coal fired power stations. It has the capacity to provide around half of Denmark's annual electricity needs," Mr Garrett said.

"It's the Government's aim to produce 20 per cent of Australia's electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020 and this project, while small, will make a real contribution to the achievement of that target.

"As well as providing economic benefits to the local business, the Denmark community will benefit through improvements to the power quality in the area."

The Denmark Community Windfarm Inc, is a not-for-profit community organisation that is raising the additional $1.45 million needed for the completion of the project from other Australian businesses and private shareholders.

The two 900 kilowatt wind turbines will be located at Wilson Head Reserve.