Powering into the Future With Wind Energy

1 April 2001

New Zealand has immense potential for significant development of wind power using a new, world leading wind turbine design that could help position this country firmly among global users of sustainable energy production.

Geoff Henderson is director of Windflow Technology Limited, a Christchurch-based company. As well as contributing towards the Government's National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, he says this venture will add to the knowledge economy by establishing New Zealand-based manufacturing of this state-of-the-art design. In addition, the venture has the backing of the Christchurch City Council as part of their overall sustainable city programme.

"Harnessing New Zealand's abundance of wind and converting it to a sustainable source of energy makes complete sense when we look at the benefits: it's cheap, clean, doesn't contribute to climate change and easily adapts to increasing demands for energy," Mr Henderson said.

New Zealand's existing hydro electricity system would be complemented by investment in wind power.

"While the wind is blowing, lake-water can be saved and stored, taking the pressure off our lake systems. Consequently, investment in wind energy will increase the overall security of New Zealand's electricity supply, assisting the nation through periods of low rainfall such as those that resulted in the electricity shortage of 1992", Mr Henderson said.

Wind power is not new to this country. Having an abundance of wind makes it one of the most favourable sites in the world for wind energy production. What makes Mr Henderson's venture so significant is his innovative wind turbine design that combines two proven technologies to reduce fatigue loads. This minimises weight, resulting in cost-effectiveness, simplicity and reliability. A trial of the first turbine is planned to begin near Christchurch, next year.

"New Zealanders are ready for wind power," Mr Henderson said, "As the 1994 Morgan Research opinion survey demonstrated, an overwhelming majority of New Zealanders are convinced of the benefits of wind power and want to see its development."

The public are invited to learn more about Windflow Technology and wind power both as a financial and environmental investment: Airport Plaza Hotel, cnr Memorial Ave and Orchard Road, 10th April at 7.30pm. Our web-site is http://www.windflow.co.nz.