CRI听力:Wind Turbine Installed on Roof

Hobart has become the first city in Australia to embrace rooftop wind energy as a major power source. Four huge turbines have been installed on one of the city's tallest buildings, and the designers believe it's an important step in providing renewable energy for Tasmania.

Our reporter Li Dong has the details.



Australia's island state has traditionally relied on coal imports from the mainland to fuel its power needs.
But a new wind turbine installation in the capital, Hobart, is paving the way for a future focused on renewable energy.

Four large turbines have been fitted on the roof of the multi-storey Marine Board building overlooking the city's windy harbour.

Each is able to generate twelve kilowatts of electricity.

Together, the turbines will supply up to 14 percent of the building's energy needs.

Designer Bruce Lipscombe says the project is unique.

"No other building in the world has the generation capacity and certainly no other building in the world has vertical turbines of this type installed anywhere, so it's certainly a world first."

Ironically, the installation was delayed by strong winds, but the turbines were finally put in place with the help of cranes and some careful positioning.

The aluminum parts of these turbines are manufactured in China from recycled materials, but they could soon be produced locally.

Alternative Energy Minister Nick McKim says the project is about creating jobs and awareness, as well as clean energy.

"What this installation says in terms of visual image is that we are open for business in Tassie for renewable energy and that we have the expertise. We can create jobs in Tasmania with projects like this."

But Tasmania's traditional reliance on coal for its power supply attracted protest even as the turbines were being installed.

Rohan Church, who demonstrated alongside fellow members of the Doctors for the Environment group, says Tasmania should be focusing on producing clean energy for all its needs.

"Through investment from government, and most importantly a price on carbon, we would start to see renewable energy providing enough energy for Tasmanians, even in the peak season."

While the activists welcomed the rooftop turbines, they realise they are not yet on a large enough scale to replace coal-fuelled power.

But the wind energy project is only just beginning.

August will see more turbines erected in Hobart, and the interest in urban wind power is stretching beyond Tasmania, with the designers receiving enquiries from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.