Windflow Technology
| Company type | Public (formerly) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wind power, Renewable energy technology |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Defunct | November 2018 |
| Fate | Voluntary liquidation commenced December 2019 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch , New Zealand |
Area served | New Zealand, United Kingdom, Americas, Africa, U.S. territories, worldwide military installations (licensed) |
| Products | Two-bladed wind turbines (Windflow 500 model) |
Windflow Technology was a company headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, known for its innovative two-bladed wind turbines that incorporated a distinctive gearbox mechanism.
Established in 2000, Windflow became publicly traded on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in 2003. In October 2008, Mighty River Power acquired nearly 20% ownership with a 19.95% shareholding. However, the firm was removed from the exchange in November 2018 amid uncertain prospects.
History
A Windflow turbine installed at Gebbies Pass raised concerns among locals due to noise in the otherwise tranquil valley setting. To address this, Windflow voluntarily adopted a more stringent noise limit of 30 dBA, which was below the council’s official threshold of 40 dBA. Following gearbox modifications that successfully lowered sound emissions to meet this stricter requirement, the turbine remained operational until it was taken down in 2016.
Windflow created New Zealand Windfarms to own and manage the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm near Palmerston North. Initially fully owned by Windflow, the company later sold its stake. For this project, Windflow supplied a total of 97 turbines and had secured a contract to provide equipment for Mighty River Power’s Long Gully Wind Farm; however, Mighty River eventually withdrew from that development.
In 2008, Windflow achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification for both the design and manufacturing processes of its Windflow 500 turbine model. By September 2010, the Windflow 500 had attained IEC Class 1A certification according to IEC 61400-1 (third edition), as verified by Lloyd’s Register.
The company broadened its global footprint by signing a contract in the United Kingdom in 2011 and exporting its first turbine to Westray, Orkney, in 2012. This UK expansion was facilitated by government feed-in tariff incentives. A total of eight turbines were installed across Scotland, including locations on Orkney and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where their two-bladed turbines proved effective in managing turbulent wind conditions.
Since March 2020, maintenance of UK-based turbines has been overseen by Constantine Wind Energy.
In March 2012, Windflow licensed its 500 kW turbine technology to GD Satcom, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, granting manufacturing and sales rights across the Americas, Africa, U.S. territories, and military installations worldwide.
A prototype 45-500 turbine was installed by Windflow in May 2015 in Mitchell County, Texas. This installation powered a desalination facility providing water to underserved communities.
Confronted with financial difficulties, Windflow Technology commenced voluntary liquidation proceedings in December 2019.
See also
Further reading
- Daniels, Chris. "Wind finally blows in right direction" New Zealand Herald, 28 May 2005, p.C6
External links
- Windflow Technology Ltd (Wayback Machine)
- Companies based in Christchurch
- Companies listed on the New Zealand Exchange
- Manufacturing companies of New Zealand
- Wind power in New Zealand
- Wind turbine manufacturers
- Renewable energy technology companies
- New Zealand brands
- Defunct energy companies of New Zealand
- Renewable energy companies of New Zealand
- Renewable resource companies established in 2000
- Renewable resource companies disestablished in 2018
- New Zealand companies established in 2000