Wind is one of the cleanest sources of energy, with no toxic by-products generation. The abundance of wind in some places should make it a top power source choice, yet initial set-up costs, and the ongoing maintenance of complex equipment, often mean that wind is still not as an accessible and affordable energy source as it could be. This company is trying to change all that, through its light, easy-to-mount, and affordable mini-turbines.
Wind power is on the rise. Or better, its recognition and use is on the rise. Indeed statistics for the sector indicate a steady growth of wind power installations globally. In Europe alone, installation of wind power was higher than that of any other form of power generation in 2015, and responsible for some 44 per cent all power installations.
As positive as these trends generally are, they conceal the fact that in some places, due to lack of resources, access to technology and know-how, the potential of wind power as a clean, simple and affordable energy source remains largely untapped.
Enter Breezergy, the new kid on the block in wind power generation, and a micro-turbine designed precisely with these places in mind. Weighing a very light 30kg, and consisting of just two parts – a generator with a tail and metal blades with a hub – this micro wind turbine is very compact, easy to assemble and run. Its 1kW electricity output is considered adequate for the energy needs of a small household in Germany, or for those of an average household in developing countries.
Requiring no fuel, Breezergy can be mounted on any tall structure, such as a building, a tree, or a pole. In particular, given its robust metal rotor, resilient to sandy conditions, heat and salt, these micro-turbines are especially suited for coastal areas.
Designed by the Sky Wind Company in Germany, these micro-turbines seek to make wind energy affordable to all. At 549 USD retail price, compared with an average 2000 USD for micro-turbines, they are indeed some of the cheapest on the market, and once installed, there is no further cost. The company builds the turbines in Germany and then ships them to the local business partners it works with. Local partners in the country of use are responsible for country sales, and are trained on how to use the turbines, therefore Breezergy doesn’t just make wind power more accessible, but also the economic benefits associated with its sector.
Breezergy is one of the shortlisted solutions for the Empowering People Award, by the Siemens Stiftung. Watch this space for more info.
Here is a short clip about these micro-turbines here:
