Wind Monitoring Study Underway in Alice Springs 

26 October 2021

The Territory Labor Government knows that investing in renewables delivers clean, affordable and reliable energy for Territorians, attracts new private investment and creates more local jobs.

A new study is underway in Alice Springs, with wind being assessed as a potential form of renewable energy.

The Alice Springs Future Grid project has deployed two wind monitoring units as part of a study into whether there could be a second renewable energy resource available to Alice Springs.

Currently solar is the only renewable resource available at a scale that can contribute to powering the Alice Springs electricity grid. Wind energy would be complementary to solar because it is available day and night.

The local wind resource is being measured with Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) units, located at the Desert Knowledge Precinct and on Territory Generation’s land at the Owen Springs power station.

Alice Springs technical consultancy and Future Grid Consortium Member, Ekistica, is leading the Wind Monitoring Study. Data will be collected over the course of one year and shared publicly at its conclusion.

The Territory Labor Government is investing in a number of renewable projects such as the procurement of the Darwin to Katherine 35MW Big Battery, the Sun Cable project in the Barkly and our Home and Business Battery Scheme.

Quotes from Minister for Renewables and Energy, Eva Lawler:

“Territorians should have access to emerging and innovative technologies.

“The Wind Monitoring Study underway in Alice Springs, using Sonic Detection and Ranging units, will see whether a new renewable resource, available at scale, can contribute to powering the Alice Springs electricity grid, while also using solar.

“We are building a strong and diverse economy and there are significant opportunities for clean energy production and use.”

Quotes from the Project Director of Alice Springs Future Grid, Lyndon Frearson:

“Future Grid’s Wind Monitoring Study is focused on data collection which may or may not lead to a business case for wind turbines in Alice Springs.

“Alice Springs has one of the highest levels of solar irradiance in the world. However, we have a strong history of renewable energy innovation and are always looking to see how we might be able to harness new renewable energy options in Central Australia.”

Quotes from Territory Generation Chief Executive Officer, Gerhard Laubscher:

“Territory Generation is pleased to collaborate in the study of technologies which may further support the Alice Springs power system.

“Continuing to investigate the potential of renewables is critical to achieving the Territory Government’s emissions target.”

Northern Territory Government