Melbourne, Australia--July 4 2009

Australia's first rooftop wind generator could become a reality as soon as the proposed turbine installation atop a Melbourne office tower gets the nod of approval from the City of Melbourne.

The $5-6 million project could generate as much as 30 percent of the energy requirements for the 42-storey building. Owners propose using either 36 PacWind turbines or 12 Quiet Revolution turbines.

The site has been chosen both for its prominence in the Melbourne skyline as well as its uncluttered roof. The turbines would extend about 30 metres above the parapet and are expected to generate nearly 2 million kilowatt hours a year.

Wind speeds on the site reached about 64 km/h which was much more than adequate. Some rsidents were concerned about increased noise-levels but tests have shown that turbine noise would not be any louder than ambient noise in the area. Once approved, it is hoped that the project will be up and running in twelve months or so.

Fortunately there are no orange-bellied parrots in the area to block the plan, as occurred at Bald Hills. There is some concern about a pair of peregrine falcons whose nest is only a block away from the site. At this stage it seems unlikely the falcon pair will stop the project going ahead because they are not as endangered as the parrots.

Project manager, Peter Clack, said funding had been applied for under the federal Green Building Fund and the system was expected to pay for itself in between five and seven years.

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