Bay’s Kestrel turbines to help power UK initiative

PORT Elizabeth renewable energy company Kestrel, a subsidiary of Eveready, is making waves overseas with its power generating turbines set to be used by companies and individuals in the UK.

This follows Kestrel’s small wind turbines being endorsed by the UK government for its national energy saving initiative, the Feed-In Tariffs (FITs), where they aim to have 20% of their energy produced from renewable sources by 2020.

Tested in howling Scottish gales, the turbines are made to withstand winds of 252.2km/h and are small enough for use by homes and small business premises.

In Nelson Mandela Bay the turbines can be seen outside the Boardwalk entertainment centre and at the Walmer Park shopping mall.

Kestrel director Leon Gouws said the UK small wind turbine market was the fastest growing in the world and the availability of these turbines would make it easier for UK citizens to support their government’s drive. “Solid returns from re- newable energy, new technology and improved government incentives are making it easier to become less reliant on fossil fuels,” he said.

“The UK government’s certification process means people can support this vision with the knowledge their turbine is robust enough to withstand the toughest of winds, and is reliable to ensure consistent energy production.”

The FIT initiative will see consumers paid 28 pence (R3.67) per kilowatt produced, meaning they could earn up to £1 098 (R14 362) annually for generating their own energy. Kestrel’s turbines have also been certified as the only category one turbines – less than 5kW – and can produce 3 922kWh (kilowatt hours) a year.

Electricity produced by the turbine is processed by an electronic inverter and fed into an electricity grid, with the home or business supplied by wind power.

Should the property need more power during peak demand, electricity will be sourced from the grid, seeing the electricity bill significantly reduced.