Energy Industry Celebrates Windflow Turbine Launch

Wind Energy Industry Celebrates Windflow Turbine Launch

"The commissioning of the first New Zealand built utility scale wind turbine was a very welcome development for the New Zealand wind energy industry, and we applaud the efforts by Geoff Henderson and the Windflow Technologies team" said Mr Alistair Wilson, chairman of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. Mr Wilson was speaking at the official launch of the turbine erected at Gebbies Pass near Christchurch today.

New Zealand has a world class wind resource and installation of more wind turbines will help improve the diversity of energy supply and provide a huge improvement in the energy security situation for New Zealand. Wind power could be providing substantial benefits during periods of drought and for zero climate change effects.

"The Government has announced a commitment to support mechanisms that will result in the use of more new renewable energy. What the wind industry needs now in New Zealand is Government leadership to remove barriers and implement action plans to turn that commitment into real projects. Investors need certainty that Government plans to develop one in sixty drought year 'reserve generation' solutions, do not crowd out new renewable base load generation like wind. We need to move rapidly to ensure we do not enter an electricity shortage period again and wind is in a position to respond quickly if it gets some real Government support" said Mr Wilson.

NZWEA also congratulates the Christchurch City Council, and Orion Networks for their vision and support of this wind turbine project. The City's purchase of energy from the first turbine was a milestone in the project's development. We also need that sort of vision and commitment from all government departments in their power purchase contracts.

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