Windflow Technology scores American licensing deal for its turbines

Tuesday 6th March 2012

Windflow Technologies, the Christchurch-based wind turbine designer and manufacturer, has signed a deal with Texas-based General Dynamics Satcom Technologies to supply the Americas.

The 12-year-old two-bladed turbine maker will jointly develop, manufacture and sell the Windflow 500kW turbine with the worldwide supplier of satellite and wireless communication equipment, a subsidiary of New York Stock Exchange- listed General Dynamics.

Ninety-seven Windflow 500s are in commercial operation at the Te Rere Hau wind farm near Palmerston North.

Their design will be optimised to provide backup electricity supplies to General Dynamics’ customers in North and South America, Africa and military bases worldwide. The optimisation will be for the lower wind speeds typically found in many other world locations, and the 10-year agreement will allow co-funding to also develop a 60Hz version of the turbine.

Windflow’s new licensed partner “has world-leading knowhow in designing, manufacturing and servicing large, automated satellite dishes which operate reliably in all of the world’s harsh climates,” chief executive Geoff Henderson said in a statement.

The New Zealand company retains manufacturing and sales rights for Europe, Asia and Australia, and the American company will support the resumption of turbine construction in Christchurch.

The turbines will serve customers who require an alternative energy source in addition to a connection to a power grid for users such as manufacturing facilities, government complexes, colleges and universities.

General Dynamics will provide engineering, field service and maintenance support for wind turbines that will be manufactured at its Texas’ Longview and Kilgore facilities.

Henderson said Windflow is working towards further partnerships and licensing opportunities for its two-bladed turbine.

The NZAX-listed shares last traded at 28 cents yesterday, valuing the company at $5.5 million by market capitalisation.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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