Windflow Secures US Demonstration Site

Windflow Technology and Dutch Energy Corporation (DEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the installation of two Windflow 500 wind turbines into a pair of sites on DEC’s wind farm in Palm Springs, California once formal agreements between the two companies have been completed. DEC have power purchase agreements and consents to operate 33 500 kW 2-bladed turbines, and currently operate turbines on 31 of the 33 consented sites.

According to Windflow CTO John Arimond, a US emigrant who joined the Company in 2006, “We see a US market entry opportunity in repowering the older wind farms in southern California. 20 years ago, Californians were already operating nearly 1200 MW of small and midsized wind turbines, 60% of the world’s capacity at the time. Many of California’s older turbines are reaching the end of their serviceable lives. The logistics of repowering favour our midsized turbine, as the location of each new turbine needs to respect the required setbacks from existing turbines, roads, transmission lines and other obstacles.”

Windflow CEO Geoff Henderson, who operated 25 MW of California wind turbines from 1984 to 1986 and is a California-registered Professional Engineer, adds, “The Dutch Energy site is ideally located to support our planned early adopter sales effort in the US. It is close to the majority of repowering sales prospects, to the rapidly developing Tehachapi wind resource area, and to the attractive and accessible city of Palm Springs.”

Dutch Energy Vice President Herman Drees adds “Since 1994, we have owned and operated 500 kW 2-bladed turbines in Palm Springs from the Dutch manufacturer NedWind, who ceased manufacturing in 1997. I am impressed by Windflow’s more modern and innovative 2-bladed design and their growing track record in New Zealand, and I look forward to seeing their turbines perform on US soil.”

Windflow currently has an IEC Class 1A (Edition 3) certified 50 Hz model of the Windflow 500. The Company plans to develop and introduce a 60 Hz model for the North American market, and to install the first 60 Hz turbines on the DEC site during the first half of 2012.

ENDS

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