Nordex wins King Island contract

Three Nordex 250 kW wind turbines are to be erected at Huxley Hill on King Island, north of Tasmania. The selection of machines from Nordex, announced by Tasmania energy minister John Cleary last month, follows a call for tenders made by Tasmania's Hydro Electric Commission last year (Windpower Monthly, October 1996). The order was secured by Nordex's agent in Australia, Sterling Wind Pty. Power from the wind turbines will replace about 20% of the diesel generation on the island, which costs A$0.20/kWh. Average wind speeds are 9.5 m/s, according to Nordex, and savings in fuel costs will amount to A$500,000 a year.