Windflow''s 99th wind turbine (and first turbine outside New Zealand) is now
generating revenue for the Company and renewable electricity for the locals
on the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Hammer Farm on the Orkney Island of Westray has high average wind speeds
which mean that the turbine is expected to generate enough energy for 400
homes and revenue of over (GBP)350,000 (~NZ$640,000) per annum. Another two
turbines are already ordered to be installed on the Scottish islands later in
the year.
Windflow exported the blades and nacelle from New Zealand in late 2012, and
worked with local Orkney based dealer Bryan J Rendall (Electrical) Limited
for grid connection, communications and installation, and with Heddle
Construction for civil works and erection. Unattended operation commenced on
13th March, the electrical issue, which was referred to in the Company''s
Preliminary Announcement of March 6th, having been resolved.
Tracey Jackson, marketing manager for dealer Bryan J Rendall (Electrical)
Limited said, "Relative to our previous installation experiences we found
that the elegant two bladed design is lighter and easier to transport and
install. Although it is an innovative design and a first for the UK, it is
tried and tested technology. The Windflow 500 has an outstanding performance
in high winds, and the installation on Westray looks set to become the most
productive turbine on the islands with a tip-height under 50 metres."
She added, "That''s the kind of investment that our growing number of
prospective clients across the Highlands and Islands are looking for - high
returns for a low environmental impact."
The Company''s 500 kW turbine qualifies for high pricing under the UK Feed-In
Tariff, being four to ten times the electricity price in New Zealand. It has
the highest energy output for a turbine with such a low profile (tip-height
less than 50 metres).
Installing its first UK turbine on a remote and exceptionally windy site in
the middle of winter was an ambitious task but the Company is proud of the NZ
and Scottish team that persevered. Heavy snowfall, wind speeds over 100 mph
and cancelled ferries at the end of January caused some delays but only a
short lull in the wind was needed for the final lift of the fully assembled
nacelle and rotor.
Andy Strowbridge, Windflow UK''s General Manager said "It is great to have our
first operating turbine in the UK. You can have almost 100 of them running
well in New Zealand, but there is nothing quite like being able to see and
touch an operating turbine, to make it more real to prospective customers. We
look forward to it being joined by a couple more on Orkney later this year,
with a strong pipeline of projects behind those. The support we have had from
our dealer Bryan Rendall and other Orkney businesses has been tremendous."
Colin Risbridger, a renewable energy engineer and developer living on
Westray, entered into a partnership with Windflow''s development arm to
install this first Windflow 500 in the UK, at the family''s farm at Hammer. He
said "I am proud to be working with a forward thinking company such as
Windflow and contributing to the island''s target to reach 100% renewable
energy."
For further information:
Geoff Henderson,
CEO/Director,
Ph 03 365 8960.
End CA:00234290 For:WTL Type:GENERAL Time:2013-03-19 09:48:04