Milestone for Windflow Technology as Windflow 500 opens

3 July 2003

Sustainable wind energy will become a reality for Christchurch with the official opening of the Windflow 500 windmill next week.

Hon. Pete Hodgson, Minister for Energy, is to open the windmill at a ceremony on 9 July at the Gebbies Pass site, when about 200 shareholders and other interested parties are expected to attend.

“The project has successfully completed its commissioning period and the machine is performing as expected,” said Geoff Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Windflow Technology, “This is a significant milestone for Windflow Technology, placing us firmly on the map as a serious contender in the field of sustainable energy.”

The opening marks the end of commissioning tests on the pre-production machine that will culminate in the windmill being brought to its full output capacity of 500 kW. On average it will produce 200 kW which is enough to power 200 average households.

“The high performance of the Windflow 500 design is due to the torque-limiting gearbox and the rotor teetering mechanism that allow more energy to be produced from a lighter machine compared with conventional structures. It leads the way globally on energy generation efficiency and structural excellence,” said Mr Henderson.

Support for Windflow Technology’s work has been widespread across government departments, investors, environmental groups and the general public and, according to Mr Henderson, has been integral in the successful completion of the pre-production machine. “In particular,” he said “we must acknowledge the strong support of the Christchurch City Council, Orion and our many shareholders whose faith is being vindicated by the performance of our first windmill.”

The Christchurch City Council signed a contract with Windflow Technology in 2001, to purchase power from the Windflow 500 over a period of 10 years. This is consistent with the Council’s policy regarding sustainable energy supply for the city. Similarly, Orion signed a 10 year agreement to provide connection to the national grid.

“Wind powered generation provides a sustainable and economic energy source, that is so easily accessible to New Zealanders” Mr Henderson said, “We can now start on the next stage of the development of Windflow Technology and wind powered generation. And to this end we will be announcing a Rights Issue soon.”