The new centre will test small wind turbines up to 50 kilowatt (kW) in accordance with recommended testing practices being developed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and implement wind turbine labelling similar to the energy rating labels of household electrical appliances.

This will ensure wind turbines satisfy the needs of the customer in terms of safety, performance and noise.

Murdoch’s small wind turbine expert Dr Jonathan Whale, who initiated the idea for the centre, said the funding meant the university could lead the way in national standards development, training and accreditation for small wind turbine systems.

“Murdoch, through RISE, is ideally positioned to lead the way in this area given its ten-year experience in testing wind turbines and links with international standards and testing agencies,” Dr Whale said.

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“As RISE has the only National Association of Testing Authorities accredited laboratory for renewable energy power converters inverters in Australia, the new centre will be the only one of its kind in Australia and will be a one-stop-shop for wind turbine and inverter combinations in terms of certification, standards and training.”

He added that the timing of the new centre is important considering the rapidly increasing interest in small wind turbines for domestic use.

“Unlike the large wind turbine industry, small wind turbines do not currently have to undergo the same stringent certification procedures – with no safety or performance standards, product failure could severely damage the reputation of the small wind turbine industry and prevent future uptake,“ Dr Whale said.

“By working together with the IEA the centre will test small wind turbines to standard and provide both manufacturers and end users with a design review of the turbine and credible performance data.”

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the test centre would develop a stronger small wind turbine industry in Australia.

“There is increasing interest in small wind turbines for homes and farms, particularly in remote areas. This testing facility will provide consumer confidence in wind technology as well as enhancing our understanding of the potential for this type of technology, not only in remote areas but more broadly as a means of reducing energy consumption and carbon pollution,” Mr Garrett said.

The centre will be funded under the Australian Government’s Renewable Remote Power Generation Program.