Windflow site work to commence

27 January 2003

A Consent Order regarding Windflow's proposed wind turbine at Gebbies Pass was registered by the Environment Court last Friday 24 January. This was the last formality clearing the way for the erection and commissioning of the company's first "Windflow 500" on Gebbies Pass in the near future.

Executive Director Geoff Henderson said that now the Resource Consent has been granted, site works at Gebbies Pass will commence this week.

Mr Henderson also advised that all of the components (hub, gearbox, generator etc) for the first turbine are now in Christchurch and are presently being assembled and tested. The blades are complete and will be delivered to Christchurch later this week. The 30 metre tower upon which the turbine sits is being fabricated and the sound-absorbent cladding that sits over the mechanical workings is nearing completion. Erection on site and commissioning of the full turbine is planned for March. This is about three months later than planned but considering all things, this is acceptable and has allowed extra preparatory work to be undertaken.

The Directors announced to their shareholders late last year that there would be a rights issue at the same time as the successful commissioning of the turbine. This to raise sufficient money to fund the next stage of the company's development, which is the construction of 10 turbines during 2003. Work is now proceeding on the documentation associated with this fund raising.