Windflow turbine impresses

23 November 2005

Windflow's turbine has impressed visitors to the company's open days at Gebbies Pass this month. Despite cold, windy and wet weather on two days there has been an excellent turnout according to Windflow's CEO Geoff Henderson.

"People were very interested in the machine and took the opportunity to ask questions about its design and about the Te Rere Hau wind farm. Most comments related to the quiet running of the machine."

"We are now achieving weekly availability figures of 96 to 100%," said Mr Henderson. "This compares very well with the industry norms. And we've had some high winds, which have seen the turbine running at maximum power in 65 km/h winds while our visitors have been struggling a little to keep on their feet!"

In the company's latest newsletter attention was drawn to the findings of an Industry Capability Network report - Manufacturing Opportunities from the NZ Wind Farm Industry; which quantifies the effect that "Buying NZ Made" has on the economy.

To give a contemporary example, if Windflow were to supply the turbines for Meridian's proposed 1000 MW Rocklands wind farm the effect would be to reduce the amount of money flowing offshore from $1,300 million to $160 million. It would generate the equivalent of about 4,000 jobs (assuming the project is installed over four years), and decrease government spending on unemployment by $190 million.
The final public opportunity to view the Windflow turbine this year is on Sunday 27th November at Gebbies Pass (near Christchurch) from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.