Christchurch-based wind turbine manufacturer Windflow Technology has signed a deal with Dutch Energy Corporation (DEC) to produce electricity in California.Windflow and DEC have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow the installation of two
Christchurch-based wind turbine manufacturer Windflow Technology has signed a deal with Dutch Energy Corporation (DEC) to produce electricity in California.
Windflow and DEC have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow the installation of two Windflow 500 wind turbines on sites at Palm Springs.
DEC has power purchase agreements and consents to operate 33 500kW 2-bladed turbines and so far has 31 installed.
Windflow chief technology officer John Arimond said the company saw United States market entry opportunities in repowering older wind farms in southern California.
“Twenty years ago, Californians were already operating nearly 1200MW of small and midsized wind turbines, 60% of the world’s capacity at the time,” he said.
“Many of California’s older turbines are reaching the end of their serviceable lives.”
Chief executive Geoff Henderson said the DEC site was ideally located to support the company’s 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 dn to the attractive and accessible city of Palm Springs.”
