CTW launches trial program with the Nebraska Public Power District
Program will demonstrate wind sensing technology and the benefits of optimal turbine alignment
Catch the Wind Ltd. (TSX-V: CTW.S) announced today that its Vindicator® laser wind sensor will be used by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) as part of a trial program designed to evaluate how using forward measurement of wind speed and direction to optimally align wind turbines with the approaching wind can reduce the off-axis stress loads on turbines. Catch the Wind believes that this reduction in off-axis loading will result in reduced maintenance costs and extended component lifetime.
“This field trial represents a pivotal step in our path towards the commercialization of the Vindicator,” said Phil Rogers, President and CEO, Catch the Wind. “Testing the Vindicator in an operating wind field will allow us to showcase its full capabilities and demonstrate how the proper alignment of a wind turbine can deliver significant benefits to wind farm operators as well as to original equipment manufacturers responsible for a turbine’s warranty and related repair costs.”
Catch the Wind is focused on making wind energy more
profitable. The company is commercializing new technology that is designed to improve the performance of a turbine through the effective forward measurement of the wind, resulting in more energy production and reduced maintenance costs.
The trial program will take place at the NPPD’s Ainsworth Wind Energy Facility. The facility has 36 large wind turbines, each capable of generating up to 1.65 megawatts of energy, for a combined total of 59.4 megawatts. Based on average annual consumption, a 60-megawatt wind facility can generate enough electricity to serve approximately 19,000 homes.
About the Nebraska Public Power District
NPPD’s mission is to safely generate and deliver
low-cost reliable energy and provide outstanding customer service. Working in partnership with the state’s rural public power districts, cooperatives and municipalities, NPPD helps serve an estimated 1 million Nebraskans with retail or wholesale electric power and energy-related products and services. For more information about NPPD visit www.nppd.com.
Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release, include, but are not limited to, economic performance and future plans and objectives of Catch the Wind. Any number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although Catch the Wind believes that the assumptions and factors used in making the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Catch the Wind disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information, please contact:
Catch the Wind Ltd.
Claudia Jaques
Vice President and General Counsel
703 393 0754
cjaques@catchthewindinc.com
The Equicom Group
Joe Racanelli
416 815 0700 ext. 243
jracanelli@equicomgroup.com