Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (Nationals) has made a clumsy entry into the wind energy debate by claiming wind turbines are a fire risk.
Mr Chester Tweeted the bizarre claims in response to a question posed by veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno (who was recenty awarded an Order of Australia medal):
Here’s a sample of the responses Darren Chester received:
So, what is known about wind turbines and fire?
According close observer of wind energy in Australia and Yes 2 Renewables contributor, David Clarke:
There have been three fires in wind turbines in Australia that I know of: Lake Bonney, Jan. 2006; Cathedral Rocks, Feb. 2009 and Starfish Hill, Oct. 2010; all of them were in SA. The first was due to an electrical fault during maintenance work. I do not know the cause of the Starfish Hill fire; the other happened during ‘normal’ operation. While I believe there were spot fires around the Cathedral Rocks turbine, none of these caused a bushfire, but the possibility is there.
Contrary to Darren Chester’s insinuation, the presence of wind turbines in the landscape may actually reduce fire risk. As the structures are fitted out with lightning protection devices they allow nature’s electrical currents a safe path to the ground. Lightning striking a turbine tower is much safer than striking a bone-dry field or tree, both of which may ignite.
Wind farm minimise fire risk in another way. As Clarke points out, “…turbine access roads would help emergency services access any fire.” This reasonable claim that was put to the test at The Bluff wind farm in Hallett, South Australia. Turbine access roads helped South Australian country fire fighters combat a grass fire caused by lightning. The photograph below says it all:
Further Information:
According to the Victorian Government, lightning strike is responsible for 26 percent of wildfires and 46 percent of the area burned. 25 percent of bush fires are deliberately lit. Other causes of fire are burning off, campfires, matches and cigarettes, machinery, and escaped back burning. Wind farms are not listed among the sources of ignition.
yes2renewables.org 
Chester’s comments are typical of the ill informed anti-renewable verbiage received from fossil fuel apologists. I’m only surprised that it has taken so long for him to declare his hand so openly.
He must have fossil fuel connections. He must be in denial. AH if he questions anything about wind farms he is anti- renewables . Normal rubbish. The end is coming Blair. And I don’t mean end of the world either.
Parliament should have a fibbing box. Every outright lie and they cough up for a worthy cause like, I don’t know, how about the greatest moral and responcivness challenge of our time?
Reblogged this on The Kettle Press and commented:
Right wing politicians open their mouths and words fall out. Then, when called, they do one of three things: some dig deeper; some claim that’s not what they said or it was taken out of context; some disappear for as long as possible. Wonder which one Darren Chester will do.