Innovation Awards to Windflow Technology
2 November 2007
Windflow Technology, the Christchurch-based
manufacturer of the Windflow 500 wind turbine, sees its success in winning the
Product Innovation award at the 2007 Energywise Awards in Auckland last night
as “wonderfully good timing”, the chief executive Mr Geoff Henderson said
today.
“The company has just expanded its manufacturing capability in new enlarged facilities and is increasing staff numbers,” said Mr Henderson. “This award for the design and manufacture of our Windflow 500 wind turbine is a strong endorsement that our business is headed in the right direction.”
The judges of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Energywise Awards described the Windflow 500 as “price competitive on the international market and offering environmental benefits such as lower embedded energy in manufacturing.”
“We regard the Windflow 500 as being at the forefront of New Zealand’s design and manufacture for renewable energy innovations,” said Mr Henderson.
“It’s a 500 kilowatt two-bladed wind turbine developed to suit our country’s conditions and wind farm sites,” he said.
“At a site with an annual average wind speed of 8.5 metres per second, it generates enough electricity to power 200 households,” said Mr Henderson
The first five turbines installed at the Te Rere Rere Hau windfarm near Palmerston North achieved 97% availability in their first eight months.
The Windflow 500 produces more electricity for the amount of materials used in making it than other turbines of the same design class and has a cost-effective design with two blades made from New Zealand sourced pinus radiata and a robust gearbox.”
Windflow Technology was also one of nine companies who took away an award at the national Sustainable Business Awards in Auckland on October 25th. Windflow received a Judges’ Commendation in the Sustainable Design and Innovation category, one of only two Judges’ Commendations presented that evening.
Ends.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Mr Geoff Henderson
Chief Executive
Windflow Technology Ltd
Tel (03) 365 8960