A contract between the Christchurch City Council and a local company that intends to supply electricity from a wind turbine is to be signed next week.

Windflow Technology Ltd, a Christchurch company run by Geoff Henderson, an engineer who has been involved in wind power for 20 years, will provide the energy from a wind turbine to be erected on the Port Hills.

Mr. Henderson expects to have the turbine operating by 2002. The City Council is signing a 10-year hedging contract for the purchase of electricity at a fixed price. This is in keeping with the Council's policy of following "energy strategies which minimise energy consumption, select sustainable energy supplies and minimise impacts on the environment."

The use of a clean and renewable energy source will demonstrate the Council's ongoing commitment to lead the Christchurch community by example towards a sustainable future.

The Council approved the contract last year and will buy the output of the first 500 kW wind turbine.

The wind turbine's annual output will represent about 3.3 per cent of the electricity that the Council buys for its own operations.

Windflow Technology is planning, after setting up its first generator in mid-2002, to build another six to 10 generators. Over five years it plans to build up to 60 units a year.

The City Council-Windflow signing will be held at 10 on Tuesday 29 May at the City Council Offices in Tuam Street.

It will be held in the office of the Corporate Services Manager, Merv Altments. Media representatives should report to the ground-floor reception area for directions to his office.

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