Siting criteria for wind farms in Australia

The search for renewable energy sources has led to an increasing interest in the use of wind farms. With such an abundance of open space and wind, Australia seems an ideal place for the farms to boom. Whilst the proposed wind farms have the support of a majority of Australians, the developments must also protect native vegetation, endangered bird life and consider aesthetic issues. Brownouts are expected across Australia within four years. This coupled with the targets set by state and federal governments for renewable energy – post Kyoto Climate Summit - are expected to intensify the use of wind farms. The criterion set out in this paper is intended to establish a socially acceptable approach to the siting of wind farms in Australia. It is acknowledged that each proposed wind farm must be assessed on its individual merits. However, users would benefit from a series of guidelines as well as government policy and procedures, and public consultation. This paper offers a technical and social perspective for the siting of wind farms. The technical perspective encompasses issues such as blade glint, shadow flicker and noise. It is intended that this work will facilitate the growth of the Australian wind energy industry in an environmentally and socially acceptable manner.