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Small scale wind generation takes another step forward

Thursday, August 07, 2008
The arrival in New Zealand of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of small scale wind turbines is good news for those looking towards a cleaner, greener, more secure energy future.

“I congratulate Proven Energy for showing confidence in the potential for New Zealand to embrace this exciting technology,” said SEANZ CEO Charmaine Watts.
“There is much to be achieved, but it does need a government fully committed to a sustainable energy future if we are to make the most of this country’s considerable wind resource.”

Proven Energy is a British company with a 28 year track record of developing robust, small scale turbines which have been used in the most demanding conditions from Antarctica to Saudi Arabian deserts.

Proven New Zealand’s office in Seaview, Lower Hutt, was formally opened by Environment Trevor Mallard today ( www.provenenergy.co.nz ).

“There is no doubt that New Zealand has one of the best and still largely undeveloped wind resources in the world,” said Ms Watts. “And Proven’s range of small scale wind turbines is ideally suited for anyone from rural to urban domestic and commercial users who want to take greater control of their energy supply.
“It is especially relevant as it provides communities with an alternative to large scale wind farms.

“However, without a specific Renewable Energy Policy (REP) to encourage the uptake of such renewables technology New Zealand risks lagging behind the rest of the world.
“Unlike many countries, including several states in Australia, New Zealand has yet to develop a REP such as a feed-in tariff. Such a tariff allows those who wish to invest in renewable energy - wind power, PV solar, and smaller scale hydro – to be rewarded for their green energy.

“SEANZ is committed to helping the government develop a Renewable Energy Policy within the New Zealand Energy Strategy around such initiatives as a well designed renewable incentive,” Ms Watts said.
NOTE

Small scale renewable electricity or distributed generation refers to compact technologies that generate electricity within or close to the domestic or commercial property where it is used or a commercial installation servicing a community through local lines.
• Photovoltaic solar power – special solar cells convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity.
• Small scale wind power – small turbines convert wind energy directly into electricity.
• Small scale hydro power – compact micro and mini hydro units convert the potential energy of water into electricity.