Windflow 500 – Sustainable Innovation at its Best

Media Release
For release 5 September 2007

Windflow 500 – Sustainable Innovation at its Best

Windflow Technology won the Product Design and Innovation Award in the Southern Region finals of the 2007 Sustainable Business Awards. The Award signals another success for the Christchurch based manufacturer of the Windflow 500 wind turbine which is capable of producing enough electricity for approximately 200 households a year. The company already has 28 orders for the Windflow 500 confirmed with strong national and international demand.

Almost every aspect of the Windflow 500 addresses the challenge of sustainability.

Windflow Technology will now go forward to the National Finals of the Sustainable Business Awards to be held at a black tie event in Auckland on 25 October 2007.

The Product Innovation Award recognizes such aspects as the Windflow 500 turbine being lighter and using less concrete and steel than similar sized turbines. Its height advantage also enables wind farms to be built with minimal visual disruption or environmental impact in terms of strengthening roads or building extensive foundations.

In addition, over 90% of the Windflow 500’s componentry is manufactured in New Zealand which addressed criteria relating to a sustainable local economy and reduction in transport carbon. Further the design allows for renewable pinus radiata wood for the blade structure instead of fibreglass. The turbine is designed for a 20 year life with moving components such as the gearbox able to be overhauled so that it can operate for at least another 20 years.

When at the end of its useful life the Windlfow 500 is able to be deconstructed with only a small concrete foundation footprint, that grass can grow over, remaining. Materials such as steel in the tower can be recycled.

The ability for the product to influence its sector was also considered. The Windflow 500 turbine is already a viable contender in the rapidly growing market for renewable energy sources and major growth is anticipated. Wind energy currently contributes only 2% of New Zealand’s electricity however the draft New Zealand energy strategy states its national vision is to maximize the proportion of energy that comes from the country’s abundant renewable energy sources.

The amount of carbon involved in the manufacture and installation of a Windflow 500 is paid back after five weeks of generating renewable energy on a wind farm (10 m/s site). Source MFE calculation available on request.

ENDS

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