CTW Provides Update on Trial Program with Nebraska Public Power District
Catch the Wind Ltd. (TSX-V: CTW) announced today that it is entering the test phase of its trial program with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), following the successful development of capabilities to integrate the Vindicator® laser wind sensor (LWS) with the control system of an operating turbine.
“Developing integration capabilities for the Vindicator® LWS represents a significant milestone,” said Phil Rogers, President and CEO, Catch the Wind Inc. “By validating our belief that the Vindicator can be used to optimize a turbine’s performance, these capabilities will enable us to capitalize on significant opportunities to retrofit our technology with the existing and ever-growing installed base of turbines around the world.”
As part of the test phase, Catch the Wind is now progressing with the integration of a Vindicator® LWS unit to control a working turbine located at NPPD’s Ainsworth Wind Energy Facility located near Ainsworth, Nebraska.
The trial program, which is 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, is expected to be completed by September 30, 2009. Catch the Wind believes that this reduction in off-axis loading will result in reduced maintenance costs and extended component lifetime.
As announced previously, the trial program is taking 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.
Additional details on the trial program, including images of the Vindicator® LWS mounted on top of a turbine nacelle at the NPPD’s Ainsworth Wind Energy Facility, are available on Catch the Wind’s website.
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
