Wind farm breathes life into ACT’s quest for renewable power

From construction methods to energy efficiency and everything in between, sustainability is becoming an increasingly hot topic for anyone buying a new home in Belconnen and the surrounding region. It's particularly important in the ACT due to the fact that in 2013 the government introduced plans to hit a 90 per cent renewable energy target by 2019/20.  

The ACT has moved a little closer to achieving this objective with the recent opening of the state's first wind farm.  

How much power does the wind farm generate?  

Situated northwest of Bendigo, Victoria, the Coonooer Bridge wind farm has a capacity of 19.4 megawatts – enough to provide electricity for 11,300 homes. The project is particularly noteworthy because it is the country's very first renewable energy venture in which local farmers are represented in the ownership structure.  

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Simon Corbell explained the impact the wind farm will have on the ACT.  

"Wind farms such as this one at Coonooer Bridge will be the main drivers in ensuring the ACT meets its legislated greenhouse gas targets of 90% renewable energy by 2020, making us the sustainable energy capital of Australia and a leading jurisdiction around the world."  

How does this affect you?  

If you're thinking of purchasing property in Belconnen, the success of the Coonooer Bridge wind farm will undoubtedly come as good news. Those with family in mind, for instance, will be satisfied knowing the state is doing all it can to minimise carbon emissions and provide a sustainable future for the next generation.  

In addition, it's possible that widespread adoption of renewable energy could one day lead to lower electricity prices, with Bloomberg noting that wind power is becoming an increasingly cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels.