In August 2008, the Federal Government announced funding for a National Small Wind Turbine Centre (NSWTC) to be operated by the Research Institute of Sustainable Energy (RISE), based at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. The aim of the NSWTC is to support the development of the small wind industry in Australia by providing services in the areas of testing, standards and labelling, training and research.

The development of small wind

Historically the market for small wind turbines in Australia has been largely focused on battery charging units for electrification in remote areas. However, in recent times there has been a significant increase in interest for small wind turbines for utility connection in urban and semi-urban areas.

This growing interest is also the case internationally, where it is reported that the number of small wind turbine manufacturers has dramatically increased in the past few years, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. The fastest growing segment of the market is that of residential-scale, grid connected units, between 1 and 10 kW.

Similarly, in Australia the number of companies developing small wind turbines has also recently risen significantly. The formation of the NSWTC is timely, offering considerable assistance in the growth of this emerging Australian industry.

Testing a key to small wind’s growth

The lack of tested products has been one of the barriers to the growth of the small wind industry.

The NSWTC will assist the development of the industry by offering manufacturers affordable, independent testing of turbines for power performance, acoustic noise and durability. Tested turbines will be awarded a quality/consumer label that will allow potential purchasers to easily compare turbine characteristics, thus enabling the consumer to choose a unit suitable for their specific requirements.

An important task for the NSWTC is to review international and national small wind turbine certification schemes in order to have a vision for how such schemes can be implemented in Australia. The Centre is involved with the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 27 – Quality Labelling of Small Wind Turbines. The outcomes of this task will lay the foundations for the testing protocol used at the NSWTC.

The NSWTC will also develop courses and training packages for professionals and trades persons in the areas of system design, installation and maintenance of small wind turbines.

Bernie Brix has been appointed as the Manager of the Centre and is supported by Dr Jonathan Whale as the Technical Director. Currently negotiations are being finalised with the landowner of the selected test site and it is expected that the testing centre will be operational by the end of 2009.

For more information or to register interest in having a wind turbine tested, please contact the NSWTC on (08) 9360 6620.