Researchers at the University of Wollongong's ICT Research Institute, led by Professor Farzad Safaei, have developed a new form of wind energy harvester that does away with the large rotating blades of traditional wind turbines.

The design uses softly rotating paneled windows that resemble venetian blinds, with the blades moving vertically to produce electricity.

The unique design means that it can be installed on the tops or sides of large buildings. It it is also quieter and cheaper to run than current wind turbines – and it does not have large rotating blades that might be dangerous for birds.

According to Professor Safaei, the design will blend better with urban environments, as the window-like forms can be painted to match the surrounding buildings.

The University of Wollongong has signed an initial two-year agreement with the engineering company, Birdon, to build a commercially viable prototype to enable more extensive testing and evaluation of the design.

Hydro Tasmania has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the Chinese energy company Shenhua Group.

The parties want to treble their wind farm operations under the $1.6 billion deal. They plan to develop and build 700 megawatts of wind farms across Australia in the next seven years.

Hydro Tasmania says that it wants to build on its current wind farm projects, such as Woolnorth and Musselroe. A subsidiary of Shenhua already owns a 75% stake in the Musselroe wind farm in Tasmania's north.