What is Global Wind Day?
On 15 June 2011 Infigen Energy and Australia took part in the Global Wind Day for the first time. Thousands of individuals are employed in the production of electricity from wind energy, but for many people, wind energy is a mystery. Global Wind Day is the day when everyone can visit wind farms, meet experts, attend events and find out everything about wind energy.
The original Wind Day was organised by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)in 2007, and was expanded worldwide by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)in 2009. For more information about previous Global Wind Days, visit www.globalwindday.org.
How DID Infigen Energy celebrate Australia's first Global Wind Day in 2011?
Open Day at Capital Wind Farm, NSW
Infigen Energy held an Open Day for all visitors to tour the Capital Wind Farm on 15 June 2011. During the tour visitors were able to chat to the Infigen team about how the wind farm is managed, learn about the composition of turbines and how wind power is turned into electricity.
Essay Contest "Discover the Power of Wind"
Infigen Energy ran an essay contest for all visiting high school students to write on the following topics:
- Which renewable energy source will be #1 in 2020?
- How can Australia leave a sustainable planet for the next generation?
The winning essaywas submitted by Noah Little, who received an eReader.
Video EXCURSION "Infigen Energy presents - Global Wind Day 2011: Wind Farms"
On 15 June 2011, the Australian Museum and Infigen Energy held a live video broadcast* in Sydney, connecting with thousands of students from schools across New South Wales. Students had a chance to find out what happens at Australia’s wind farms and meet real wind “farmers” and scientists who help to make renewable energy with the power of the wind.
Presenters:
Frank Boland is a Development Manager whose responsibility is to develop renewable energy projects from initiation through to construction. This includes: site identification, landowner negotiations, getting permissions, grid connection, turbine supply and financing. Frank has degrees in Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science (majoring in Finance and Environmental Science), Deakin University in Melbourne. Frank graduated both degrees with distinctions.
Ketan Joshi is an Operator in the 24/7 Operations and Control Centre. Ketan is responsible for remote operations and control of the wind farms, along with project-based analysis and diagnosis. Ketan has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, University of Sydney.
* - This event was possible thanks to Vanessa Barratt from NSW Chief Scientist & Scientific Engineer.