NZ start-up launches first wind turbine for rural

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New Zealand start-up EREC Ltd launches its first wind turbine for rural customers

This week, New Zealand start up Energy Recovery Engineering and Construction Limited (EREC) launched its first prototype wind turbine designed to bring affordable and renewable energy to rural New Zealand. The new 11 kilowatt wind turbine was erected in Hukerenui, Northland. It is designed specifically for farmers and people in remote locations to offset or ultimately eliminate the effects of rising rural electricity prices.

EREC's 12 metre high turbine can be erected without a crane and easily maintained by its owner. The 12 meter height also enables the turbine to be easily shipped and is not subject to certain planning consents. The mast pivots in the middle to enable raising and lowering of the unit for installation and maintenance. The turbine can generate enough electricity to power three houses and any excess power may be sold back to the national grid.

Company director for EREC John Post said, "a good deal of New Zealand is well suited to wind farming, and there seems to be a lot of interest in clean, independent energy that protects people from rising prices and blackouts. We're talking to some private investors to help take us through to sales. There are some good people behind us including the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology which just this week committed to back us for the development of a 22 kilowatt wind turbine."

The EREC wind turbine was developed along side New Zealand's Industrial Research, Solwind, ATV of France and Van der Graaf International. A second 11 kilowatt wind turbine will be installed later this year at a South Island farm in Rangiora.

erec.co.nz

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