Starfish Hill Wind Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Starfish Hill Wind Farm |
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| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 35°35′03″S 138°08′25″E / 35.5843°S 138.1402°E |
| Commission date | September 2003 |
| Construction cost | $65 million |
| Owner(s) | RATCH-Australia |
The Starfish Hill Wind Farm is a special place where wind power is used to make electricity. It is located on two hills near Cape Jervis in South Australia. This wind farm has 22 large wind turbines. Eight of these turbines are on Starfish Hill, and the other 14 are on Salt Creek Hill. Together, they can produce 33 MW of electricity.
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What is a Wind Farm?
A wind farm is a group of wind turbines in one place. These turbines work together to create electricity from the wind. Wind power is a type of renewable energy. This means it uses natural resources that can be replaced, like wind. It does not use up resources like coal or gas.
How Wind Turbines Work
Wind turbines are like giant pinwheels. When the wind blows, it pushes the blades of the turbine. This makes the blades spin around. The spinning blades turn a shaft inside the turbine. This shaft is connected to a generator. The generator then turns the movement into electricity.
Benefits of Wind Energy
Using wind to make electricity has many good points. It does not create pollution or greenhouse gases. This helps to keep our air clean. It also helps fight climate change. Wind is a free and natural resource. This means we will not run out of it.
History of Starfish Hill Wind Farm
The Starfish Hill Wind Farm started making electricity in September 2003. This made it the first big wind farm in South Australia. It was an important step for the state. It showed how South Australia was starting to use more clean energy.
Changes Over Time
When it first opened, the wind farm had 23 turbines. However, on October 30, 2010, one of the turbines had a problem. It caught fire and was completely destroyed. This turbine was not replaced. So, the wind farm now has 22 turbines working.
Who Owns the Wind Farm?
The Starfish Hill Wind Farm was built by a company called Tarong Energy. It cost about $65 million to build. In December 2007, a new company bought the wind farm. This company is called RATCH-Australia. They now own and manage the wind farm.
Location and Importance
The wind farm is located in a windy area near the coast. This is a good spot for catching strong winds. The electricity made here helps power homes and businesses. It is an important part of South Australia's energy supply. It shows how we can use nature to create power.
