News
Director, Christine Griffiths, meets Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change - Rt Hon Ed Davey MP
[15.04.13]
On Wednesday 10th April 2013 Christine Griffiths, Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, attended a breakfast meeting in London with the Rt Hon Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change. During the breakfast Mr Davey detailed the government’s policy on energy and specifically the growing requirement for renewable energy in the UK and discussed with those present the challenges facing companies within the energy/renewable energy sectors.
Aeolus Power is a specialist wind energy company focusing on individual wind turbines for farmers, landowners, communities & businesses. Director, Christine Griffiths says, "The meeting gave those attending the opportunity to raise with Mr Davey a number of key issues relevant to their sectors – for Aeolus and the farmers and landowners that we represent - the specific problems are obtaining planning permission and insufficient grid capacity."
The breakfast was attended by representatives of 20 companies across the Energy spectrum including those working with off-shore wind, energy supply and renewables.
HSBC International Women’s Day
[11.03.13]
On Friday 8th March 2013, International Women’s Day, Christine Griffiths was invited to talk to 60 successful business women about her own business journey and the experiences, challenges and high points of running a thriving business in the wind energy sector. The event was held in the Bristol offices of the HSBC Commercial Department and the company had invited female entrepreneurs and customers from across the South West and South Wales to attend.
Christine delighted the audience by explaining how she had previously worked in a support role for her husband’s business but that she had ’come out of the shadows‘ to become the manager and public face of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited. She described how her determination to reduce fuel bills at the family‘s farmhouse home led to the installation of their own wind turbine and how the lack of information available whilst going through that process made her determined to help others understand precisely what is needed to install a wind turbine.
Having installed a wind turbine herself she empathises with the frustration about the time it takes to obtain planning permission, how the regulatory paper work can seem daunting and how seeing a working turbine offers the very best way to evaluate noise levels, its size and performance.
HSBC had assembled a distinguished group of speakers for the day starting with Lara Morgan who in 1991, at the age of 23, started her first business, Pacific Direct Ltd, which manufactured and sold brand licensed toiletries and amenities to the hotel industry. Seventeen years later, she sold her majority share (99%) in 2008 for the sum of £20million.
Chief Superintendent of Avon & Somerset Police, Nikki Watson, gave an illuminating talk about a career in the constabulary and provided insights into management techniques, the need to remain consistent and how a personal mentor or ’sounding board‘ is essential – a sentiment echoed by all the women speakers.
Nigel Jew of Action Coach completed the day by encouraging the business women in the room to plan for success and to continue striving to do even better.
HSBC International Women's Day from left-right - Victoria Bernard-Hayklan, HSBC Regional Commercial Sales & Service Manager; Nikki Watson, Chief Superintendent of Avon & Somerset Police; Gary Burton, HSBC SW & Wales Regional Commercial Director; Christine Griffiths, Director Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited; Sam Keane, HSBC International Commercial Manager
Renewable energy expert profile - Christine Griffiths
[26.02.13]
Like many energy experts, Christine Griffiths’ passion for renewables came from a will to cut her electricity bills and at the same time reduce her environmental footprint.
A wind turbine seemed the only viable option to provide enough green electricity to power and heat her family’s Grade II listed house in Bristol, when the obvious option – solar photovoltaics – was deemed unsuitable by planners. "The planner said we weren’t allowed to put anything on the roof because it was a listed building, so he suggested putting a wind turbine in the orchard," says Mrs Griffiths, who was recently shortlisted for the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2012. To read the article in full please look at the Farmers Guardian website.
News from BusinessGreen.com
[05.02.13]
Almost four out of five people support the UK using renewable energy to generate electricity, fuel and heat, according to a major survey published by the government today.
Of the 2,107 people polled in December and January just four per cent were opposed to using renewable energy, a number that has remained consistent across the previous three attitudes surveys conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Ltd, Christine Griffiths, adds her comments on this article.
Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Ltd, Christine Griffiths, motivates entrepreneurs in Bristol
[12.12.12]
On Thursday 22nd November 2012 Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, Christine Griffiths, addressed over 120 entrepreneurs at the Outset Bristol ‘Come Fly with Us’ conference held in the Friary Building at Cabot Circus, Bristol.
Christine Griffiths was asked to attend the Outset Bristol 2nd year celebrations as ‘inspirational speaker’ and she charmed the audience with her personal journey of starting a business, the highs and lows along the way, and why she believes the business has been so successful. “Running a business is not a steady, even, level path, there are ups and downs and to some extent it is like having a young baby to care for – wonderful when they take their first few steps and then dreadful when they dribble down the front of your great aunt’s favourite party dress!”
The audience listened attentively to a speaker whose business idea was to help people install wind turbines; that idea became a passion and 5 years later led to a successful renewable energy business. Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited is a specialist wind energy company, offering information, expertise and advice to those considering the installation of a wind turbine.
2012 has been a busy year for Christine; she was winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ Award in the Gloucestershire Women in Business Awards in association with Coutts, and award finalist for both the national ‘Business Woman of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Woman in Construction’.
Outset Bristol is a fully funded programme that launched in November 2010 with the aim of supporting people from under-represented enterprise groups in Bristol to start their own businesses. It offers flexible, high quality and practical support in a supportive environment.
Open to everyone living within Bristol City Council’s boundaries particularly women, people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, unemployed, people with disabilities, young people, the over 50s and those living in deprived wards. Outset Bristol has helped thousands of people unlock their potential and work for themselves.
Christine says, “In running Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited I am the public face of the company but it is having a team of enthusiasts, experts and energetic people with me that makes all the difference.”
 Christine Griffiths of Aeolus Power (Wind Energy) and Genevieve Drinkwater, Marketing Manager of Outset |
 Outset Bristol - Motivational speech in progress |
 Outset Bristol - Christine Griffiths of Aeolus Power (Wind Energy) giving the keynote speech |
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited would like to thank Nick Williams Photography for the images.
For further information about Outset Bristol please view their website.
Endurance Wind Power’s operational fleet hours soars to over 2 million in less than 3 years
[23.11.12]
Endurance Wind Power (EWP), a leading manufacturer of advanced distributed wind turbines 5 to 80kW in size and future manufacturer of Norwin’s mid-size wind turbines, is pleased to announce that its E-3120 80kW wind turbine has successfully attained more than two million fleet hours of operation in less than three years.
Read more in the PDF file of the press release. Click on the icon below to download your own copy.
New poll shows clear majority of people want more wind farms
[24.10.12]
[Press release from RenewableUK 22nd October 2012]
- 69% of British public want current level of wind energy increased or maintained
- Only 17% of people support more gas and coal power stations
- Less than one-third of those questioned back “fracking” for shale gas
- More people say rising fossil fuel prices are the main reason for pushing up bills than those who blame carbon emission targets for increases
An independent opinion poll published by YouGov shows that a clear majority of the British public want more wind farms to be built. 55% of those questioned say the number of UK wind farms should be higher than it is at present. 14% say it should be maintained at current levels.
The survey (commissioned by the Sunday Times) also shows that wind energy has much greater public support than nuclear power and fossil fuels. Only 40% of British people want more nuclear, just 17% of people want more gas and coal-fired power stations, and 11% support more oil.
Less than a third of those questioned (32%) supported “fracking” - fracturing rocks to extract shale gas, which, the survey notes, could risk contaminating ground water as well as causing minor earthquakes. (30% opposed fracking and 38% didn’t know).
The only source of energy more popular than wind was solar power, with 72% in favour.
Most of the figures tally broadly with those revealed by the same survey carried out a year ago, showing a consistent level of support for renewables.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said: “This is an unequivocal vote of confidence in renewable energy. A clear majority of British people support building more wind farms to meet our country’s clean energy needs. That support is consistently strong, in this and other independent polls. One stark message from this survey is the public’s evident disenchantment with fossil fuels, including the unpopularity of fracking for shale gas. The British public is telling us that we are right to be making this landmark transition from a perilous fossil fuel addiction to a low-carbon future”.
The poll also shows that only 11% of people think that government targets for reducing carbon emissions are the main cause for an increase in the cost of energy, compared to 17% (over 50% more) who say the rising prices of oil and gas are to blame for the hike in our energy bills. Only 4% think investing in new infrastructure and power plants is the main reason for bills going up.
Maf Smith commented: “The poll also shows that investing in clean energy to safeguard our environment for the future has a significantly higher level of public support than paying more and more for non-renewables like gas and oil”.
Follow these links for further information:
The YouGov survey (a weighted sample of 1734 people conducted online 18th-19th October 2012): YouGov survey
DECC survey in September 2012 showing public support for wind energy: Link on RenewableUK web site
Ipsos MORI survey April 2012 showing public support for wind energy: Link on RenewableUK web site
Finalist in the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2012 - the result
[22.10.12]
At an awards luncheon in Birmingham on Friday 5th October Christine Griffiths, Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited was delighted to have been one of the six finalists for the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2012. In its 30th year, celebrates personal achievement and success outside London in the areas of female enterprise and personal achievement.
Judy Groves, awards chair, said “To be named on the shortlist for this prestigious event is a fantastic achievement. Every single candidate was a potential winner and with each one of them ticking so many boxes it really shows the quality of this competition.” The six women shortlisted for this year's award were Christine Griffiths, director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, Andrea Miles, director of Mirrors for Training, Emma Elston, co-founder of UK Container Maintenance, Sarah Cressall, managing director of The Creation Station, Vivienne Hudson-Findlay, managing director of Hotelshop UK, and Sheree Cook, director at Cube Environmental. The eventual winner was Emma Elston.
The judges were seeking women who have made a significant contribution to the financial success and performance of an organisation either as a senior executive or as an entrepreneur setting up her own business. The judging criteria reflected the different skills, abilities and influence of these two types of businesswomen.
Previous winners include Dragons Den's Hilary Devey, Karren Brady, one of Sir Alan Sugar's trusted aides on The Apprentice and vice-chairman at West Ham United, Sarah Tremellen, founder and chief executive of Bravissimo, and Perween Warsi, founder of S&A Foods.
Guest speaker, renowned designer and entrepreneur Karen Millen, told the audience of 500 influential women about her campaign to support young cancer victims. She was joined by the 2011 Businesswoman of the Year Julie White who enthralled the audience with stories from the hectic 12 months that followed her success at last year's event.
At the event Christine Griffiths was seated next to Martine Wright, Paralympic star and London bombings survivor, who was named the Vitalise Woman of Achievement 2012. Christine Griffiths says, “It was a great pleasure to be sat next to such a charming, gifted and awe-inspiring woman.”
In 2009 Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited became the first UK approved installed of the Endurance Wind Power E-3120 wind turbine and the company has installed over 33 of these best-in-class turbines across the UK from Scotland to Cornwall and from Wales to Lincolnshire. The company has 2 full time installation teams and employs 10 people. The female members of the Aeolus team travelled by train to support Christine at the awards ceremony.
Endurance Wind Power has formed a strategic alliance with Norwin
[12.10.12]
Endurance Wind Power has formed a strategic alliance with Norwin, a Danish manufacturer of 200kW, 225kW, 500kW and 750kW wind turbines.
Norwin mid-sized wind turbines are larger and much more cost effective than residential-scale turbines, but smaller than the multi-megawatt turbines used in large, expansive wind farms.
The Norwin wind turbines are the perfect size for supplying clean electricity to farms, industrial parks, commercial complexes, shopping centres, hotels, islands and remote areas with hybrid diesel and wind power systems and smaller wind parks up to e.g. 30 MW in size.
See also the press release from Endurance Wind Power.
Endurance Wind Power forms strategic partnership with Norwin
Finalist in the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2012
[03.10.12]
Christine Griffiths, Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited is one of six finalists for the Businesswoman of the Year Award 2012. The award winner will be announced at the 2012 Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday, October 5 2012. In its 30th year, the event celebrates personal achievement and success outside London in the areas of female enterprise and personal achievement.
The six women shortlisted for this year’s award are Christine Griffiths, director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, Andrea Miles, director of Mirrors for Training, Emma Elston, co-founder of UK Container Maintenance, Sarah Cressall, managing director of The Creation Station, Vivienne Hudson-Findlay, managing director of Hotelshop UK, and Sheree Cook, director at Cube Environmental.
The judges are seeking a woman who has made a significant contribution to the financial success and performance of an organisation either as a senior executive or as an entrepreneur setting up her own business. The judging criteria will reflect the different skills, abilities and influence of these two types of businesswomen.
The Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards aims to recognise the outstanding contributions made by women to our economy by highlighting female role models in society and business. Judy Groves, awards chair, said: “Each year we have a different flavour to the type of entries we receive and this year’s candidates have an extremely entrepreneurial flavour to them. As always, the quality of the entrants is extremely high. We have a great selection of women who played crucial roles in helping businesses across a wide range of industries perform extremely well despite the tough economic climate. To be named on the shortlist for this prestigious event is a fantastic achievement in its own right, so whoever is named Businesswoman of the Year will be a worthy winner.”
From a desk in her spare room in 2007 Christine Griffiths has developed Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited into a multi million pound business and forged one of the most successful companies in the competitive wind energy market. Afraid of heights, so with her feet firmly on the ground, she has lobbied the government on sustainability policies, addressed over 150 women as a ‘keynote speaker’, trekked 120 kilometres through the foot hills of the Himalayas and on a daily basis tackles canny FedEx traders about the dollar to sterling exchange rate. She runs her business in the way she runs her home and all other aspects of her life, with integrity, openness and a huge dose of enthusiasm. Christine says, “There are only a handful of women involved with wind energy and if I could provide inspiration for the millions of women who would like to start their own business, in whatever capacity, that would be wonderful.”
Previous winners include Suzie Norton, former chief executive of Screen WM, Karren Brady, one of Sir Alan Sugar’s trusted aides on The Apprentice and vice-chairman at West Ham United, Sarah Tremellen, founder and chief executive of Bravissimo, and Perween Warsi, founder of S&A Foods.
This year’s event will see renowned designer and entrepreneur Karen Millen tell the audience of influential businesswomen about her campaign to support young cancer victims. The celebrated founder of one of Europe’s leading fashion brands will be on stage to answer questions about her business vision and successes, as well as telling an audience of more than 500 businesswomen about why she is so passionate in her support for Teens Unite Fighting Cancer, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of young people aged between 13-24 with life limiting illnesses.
She will be joined by 2011 Businesswoman of the Year Julie White, who will be on hand to tell the audience about the hectic 12 months that followed her success at last year’s event.
The luncheon will also raise money for Vitalise, a national charity providing essential services for the disabled, visually impaired and their carers. The charity runs five centres nationwide, offering short breaks with 24-hour care and personal support in relaxed surroundings.
Successful company renews contract with Canada
[13.09.12]
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited has successfully renewed its contract with Canadian wind turbine manufacturer Endurance Wind Power for a further three years. In 2009 Directors Christine and Pete Griffiths travelled to Canada to discuss supplying and installing the Endurance E-3120 wind turbine and as a result Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited became the first approved supplier and installer of the turbine in the UK. On 7th September 2012 that contract was renewed for a further 3 years and Kevin Heaney, Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Marketing, Endurance Wind Power says, “Aeolus Power was the first distributor that we appointed in the UK, way back in 2009 and our relationship continues to go from strength to strength.”
Since then the Aeolus Power has had much success with this best-in-class turbine and has installed over 33 Endurance Wind Power E-3120 turbines across the UK. Its installations can be found as far apart at Cornwall, Scotland Wales and Lincolnshire. The company now has two turbine installation teams and employs 10 people from its offices in Pilning, South Gloucestershire. Director, Christine Griffiths, says, “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Endurance Wind Power as the E-3120 turbine is ideal for many farms and community energy projects across the Country.” The company has successfully installed turbines in suitably windy sites including those for the Gorran Community Project, the Brocklesby Estate and Lanyon Holiday Cottages.
Kevin Heaney welcomes Pete & Christine Griffiths of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited to the Endurance Wind Power head office in Vancouver, Canada during their visit w/c 3 September 2012.
Successful Royal Welsh Show
[17.08.12]
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited was at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells. They spoke with farmers and landowners interested in wind energy and advised them of the financial benefits, planning requirements and wind speeds needed for installing a wind turbine.
Farmers were surprised and pleased to hear that Aeolus Power offers a range of flexible finance opportunities for wind turbine installations of 80kW or above, including total ownership, part ownership and land leasing arrangements. Tessa Cook of Aeolus Power, a native Welsh speaker, was on hand to answer questions about the company’s range of turbines.
Director Pete Griffiths says, “The Endurance Wind Power 80kW wind turbine is best-in-class and ideally suited to the needs of most farms and many of those at the Show wanted to find out more about it. We were pleased to help.”
Pete was also asked to speak in the lecture theatre and provide information about the company’s successful performance monitoring device TOPAZ (Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer).
 Aeolus Power turbine head |
 Presentation by Pete Griffiths |
 Steve-Forss with Welsh Farmers |
Charity donations reach over £2,000
[08.08.12]
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) has donated £2,250 to charity during 2012. As turbines are installed, their owners are asked to nominate one of three charities to benefit from a donation of £250. The charities supported by Aeolus Power during 2012 are Help for Heroes (donations made of £1,250), the Alzheimer’s Society (donations made of £500) and Beating Bowel Cancer (donations made of £500).
CLA Game Fair cancelled
[13.07.12]
As a result of the extremely wet conditions experienced over the past month the CLA Game Fair (20 to 22 July) at Belvoir Castle has been cancelled.
We have our fingers crossed for the Royal Welsh Show (23 to 26 July). Weather permitting we can be found in the Energy Now, Renewable Energy section, within the Countryside Care area. Please do come and visit us!
Celebration of Wind Energy at the Royal Cornwall Show
[29.06.12]
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited held a ‘celebration of wind power’ at the Royal Cornwall Show on 7th, 8th and 9th of June 2012. All those in Cornwall for whom Aeolus Power had installed a wind turbine were invited to come to the show, share a glass of champagne and discuss their turbine’s performance with that of others across the county.
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) offers its customers free installation of TOPAZ (its unique Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer) with the installation of an Endurance Wind Power E-3120 turbine. Each owner has their own, password protected page on the Aeolus Power website and they are able to check the performance of their wind turbine whenever they wish. The performance data is updated on an hourly basis and includes average wind speed over the last hour, the peak wind speed over the last 24 hours, the power being generated and cumulative power generation since installation.
An Endurance Wind Power E-3120 turbine head, nacelle or hub was available for viewing on the stand and interested farmers were able to examine the head and understand more about its performance, safety features and size.
Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited says, “We wanted to say thank you to our customers for choosing to purchase their turbine from us. Some of the turbines have been installed for well over 18 months and the owners took great delight in comparing notes on the performance of their turbine versus its neighbour!”
Family passion embraces the church
[29.06.12]
Jessica Griffiths, the younger daughter of directors Pete & Christine Griffiths is also flying the family flag for renewable energy. Combining her passion for Geography and for Theology, earlier this month Jess published her report on the use of wind energy within the Church and communities. The report focuses on the Church’s role in the environment. Jess says, “I really hope that the report will help remove some of the stigma attached to wind turbines and that Churches will become more involved in wind energy as a means of sustainable living.”
Jess has a BSc in Oceanography & Physical Geography from the University of Southampton, and a Certificate in Theology from Trinity College, Bristol.
Your chance to achieve the CBE
[07.06.12]
Friends of the Earth’s new Clean British Energy campaign aims to deliver a mighty message about the desire among people, organisations, companies and institutions for government to use Electricity Market Reform to deliver a rapid switch to renewable energy.
We already know that 70 per cent of people support the move away from coal and gas and towards Clean British Energy.
Friends of the Earth wants tens of thousands of individuals and organisations to demonstrate their commitment to a secure future for renewables. In return for coming on board and supporting Friends of the Earth’s campaign, you will be given a CBE (Clean British Energy) award, which you can then place prominently on your website and put up in your offices.
To earn your CBE:
1. Sign a joint statement to David Cameron and Ed Davey to commit to Clean British Energy for a clean and affordable electricity market (see the text below).
2. Make a public commitment to increase the proportion of clean British energy you buy in your next round of purchasing and set a goal of 50 per cent by 2020 and 100 per cent by 2030. Working with our partners, we can help you achieve your goals.
3. Promote the Clean British Energy campaign to your customers and make a song and dance about it with your competitors; challenge them to join too. Buying clean British energy will become cheaper the more companies do it.
Many organisations stand to gain from fast growth in renewable energy, creating thousands of jobs and making the UK resilient to the growing costs of fossil fuels as well as putting us on track to meet our climate change commitments. If you share the vision for Clean British Energy, contact Simon Bowens at Friends of the Earth on 0113 2428150 or email cbe@foe.co.uk.
A joint statement to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change
Dear Prime Minister and Secretary of State,
We, the undersigned, want to maximise the potential of Clean British Energy from renewable sources. We believe that renewable energy will:
- Help to ensure the UK cuts carbon emissions in line with the Climate Change Act.
- Deliver thousands of jobs and training for highly skilled workers.
- Produce an affordable, secure and sustainable source of energy.
- Open up our electricity market to new businesses and organisations.
- Enable businesses, individuals and communities to generate their own electricity.
- Allow the UK to be a world leader in renewable energy technology.
We believe that renewable energy is at the very heart of the UK’s economic future.
The Government’s proposed Electricity Market Reform must deliver a secure future for renewable energy and not burden the UK with a future of imported fossil fuels and dangerous nuclear waste.
We urge you to use this opportunity to secure a bright future for Clean British Energy.
WINNER – BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2012
[02.04.12]
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited has been selected as the Business of the Year 2012 in the Gloucestershire Echo & Citizen Women in Business Awards in association with title sponsors Coutts.
| At a sparkling evening on 29th March 2012 in Cheltenham Racecourse’s stylish Centaur Hall, Christine Griffiths, Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, accepted the award for Business of the Year. Christine Griffiths says, “I am absolutely thrilled to have won this Business of the Year award as it recognises the real effort, commitment and enthusiasm provided by the entire Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) team.” | |
To win the award the judges were looking for a profitable business that either has a female owner or a high percentage of women on the senior management team. The organisation must have had a positive impact on the economy of Gloucestershire and be able to show a passion for innovative products, services or processes as well as expansion into new markets and different areas of business activity.
Christine Griffiths was delighted that Mrs Joanne Rankin and Mr David Rankin (Vice President Business & Corporate Development at Endurance Wind Power Inc – Canada) could join her party at the award ceremony. Celebrating late into the night was on-hold however as Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited was hosting an Open Day at one of its Endurance Wind Power E-3120 installations in South Wales the following morning.
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited is a specialist wind turbine supply and installation business. The company offers experience, guidance and support to individuals and communities that want to install a wind turbine, providing advice on the minimum wind speed required to site a turbine, the best turbine for the location, things to consider when applying for planning permission and ways to finance the project. The Company also installs, commissions and maintains wind turbines. When launching the company Christine Griffiths was determined to offer the kind of service, expertise and leadership that had not been available when she went through the process of purchasing her own wind turbine in 2005.
All the winners at the Gloucestershire Echo & Citizen Women in Business Award
The Aeolus Power Wind Energy Team at Awards Dinner with Sally Gunnell
[02.04.12]
On Wednesday 14th March 2012, the Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited team enjoyed a glittering night out in Manchester with Olympic legend Sally Gunnell. Sally was guest speaker at the national ‘Women in Construction Awards 2012’ and Aeolus director Christine Griffiths had been shortlisted for the Outstanding Woman in Construction award.
The event took place at the The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Ground where more than 3500 people from across the UK attended. This was the first time that Christine Griffiths had entered the most fiercely contested of the awards, the ‘Outstanding Woman in Construction Award’ sponsored by Savills and against tough opposition from over 30 other business women across the UK, Christine was successful in making the short list. Kevin Heaney, VP UK Sales - Endurance Wind Power, Canada attended as guest of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited.
Ofgem has just released the Renewables Obligation (RO) Annual Report for 2010/11. It’s findings show that on-shore wind cost households just £4.68 last year.
[02.04.12]
Despite scaremongering from the pro gas and nuclear lobby – figures out this week show that on-shore wind added less than £5 to household energy bills last year.
Ofgem has just released the Renewables Obligation (RO) annual report for 2010/11, which is the main support mechanism for encouraging the growth of renewable energy in the UK – including both on–shore and off–shore wind, wave, tidal, biomass and landfill gas. Ofgem’s report shows that the RO added just £15.15 to the annual energy bill of the United Kingdom’s 26.3 million households - with just £4.68 of that supporting on-shore wind.
By comparison, the rising cost of imported gas added around £120 to energy bills last year. This increase in the cost of gas added more than 10% to energy bills, while support for on-shore wind added less than 0.05%.
Ignoring the real reason for rising energy bills – imported gas – 101 Conservative MPs recently wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron saying “in these financially straightened times, we think it is unwise to make consumers pay on-shore wind turbines, through taxpayer subsidy”.
Source: www.govtoday.co.uk
Endurance Wind Power commissions new Test Site in the UK for its E-3120 80kW Wind Turbine
[02.04.12]
TUV-NEL Site will Certify Turbine’s Energy Production
Endurance Wind Power (EWP), manufacturer of advanced wind turbines 80kW in size, designed specifically for distributed wind power applications, today announced it commissioned a third turbine for use on a new test site in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The primary purpose of the new site will be to authenticate the E–3120 turbine’s energy production capabilities and to certify and validate the power curve. Endurance Wind Power has two other test sites, one in Quebec, Canada, and the other in Utah, in the United States.
“It is a unique position for a company in the distributed wind sector to have three separately located, instrumented test units around the world. Our test fleets enhance the depth of our design and development capabilities and provide the opportunity for Endurance to pursue new product testing for design, safety, durability, performance, and low operational acoustics in a broad variety of wind and environmental conditions,” said Dr. Daryl Musselman, P.Eng., VP of Engineering, EWP.
The new site will be established in a third-party testing facility, at the world-class TUV-NEL test site. TUV-NEL has been a leading provider of research, testing, and technical consulting for more than 60 years. They have some of the most modern and sophisticated test, analysis, and experiment facilities, and an impressive reputation as a worldwide center for engineering excellence and mechanical design.
“As an industry, test sites like these together with the new Feed–In–Tariff’s (FIT) program rates further emphasize the demand for reliable and certified turbines for end-consumers. Our third party certification will provide additional consumer security and confidence in the E-3120. This investment will broaden our ability to provide an exceptionally well designed, tested, and certified wind turbine to the market,” said Peter Tyszewicz, Chief Operating Officer, EWP.
Our first Open Day in Wales
[05.03.12]
We are holding our first Open Day in Wales at the newly opened turbine at Rhoshill in Cardigan (see the next News items for further details). The Open Day is an opportunity for farmers and landowners to see an Endurance Wind Power E-3120 turbine in action for themselves.
The Open Day will be held near Rhoshill, Cardigan on Friday 30th March between 10 am and 2pm. Delegates will be given the opportunity to visit the turbine, understand planning requirements and learn more about joint ownership schemes.
Places are limited, so please call Jenn on 01454 633323 to book your place now!
We will be holding another Open Day in South Wales during May and attending the Royal Welsh Show in July. We run Endurance Wind Power 80kW Open Days on a regular basis, so please call 01454 633323 for more information.
Farmers in Wales love the Strong Coastal Winds
[05.03.12]
On Valentine’s Day 2012, Mr & Mrs Allison of Rhoshill in Cardigan started to benefit from the strong winds blowing across their land from the Atlantic: their Endurance Wind Power E-Series, 80kW wind turbine was commissioned and began to generate electricity for their farm.
The energy produced by the wind turbine will be used in the milking shed of their dairy farm to reduce the substantial electricity costs. The installation is eligible for the Feed in Tariff benefits, which for wind turbines of this size have been held at the current rates until October 2012.
Slightly inland, the farm benefits from the strong costal winds coming from the Atlantic and is in an ideal, windy position to site a turbine. Bill Jackson of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Ltd provided a full site survey and specifically a wind report to enable a ‘payback period’ to be assessed, and funding for the project supported. Director of the company Christine Griffiths says, “We are delighted to have partnered Mr &Mrs Allison in installing this Endurance Wind Power turbine. The strong on-shore wind meant that their farm was ideally situated for the installation of this excellent turbine.”
The best-in-class Endurance E-Series 80kW wind turbine was chosen for installation after Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited assessed the farm’s wind speed, its electricity needs and its position. An application for planning permission was submitted on 5th August 2011 and permission was granted on 29th September 2011.
The Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) unique remote monitoring service “TOPAZ” (Turbine Operation Performance AnalyZer) has been installed at the turbine so that the couple can monitor the performance of their wind turbine by accessing a personal ‘password protected’ page on the Aeolus Power website at any time.
Launch of Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer – “TOPAZ”
[02.03.12]
Wind turbine specialist supplier and installer Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited will be launching its remote, Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer service ‘TOPAZ’ at the RegenSW, Renewable Energy Marketplace event in Exeter on Thursday 8th March 2012.
TOPAZ (Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer) allows customers of Aeolus Power to monitor the performance of their wind turbines at anytime, day or night. Each owner of an Endurance Wind Power E-Series, 80kW wind turbine has their own, password protected page on the Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) website and they are able to check the performance of their wind turbine whenever they wish. The performance data is updated on an hourly basis and includes average wind speed over the last hour, the peak wind speed over the last 24 hours, the power being generated and cumulative power generation since installation.
Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited, Christine Griffiths, says, “We have been testing TOPAZ over the past months and it provides a much sought after our service to our customers. Once a wind turbine has been installed what the owner really wants to know is ‘How is it performing’? Our customers now have access to that information 24 hours a day.”
The information recorded by TOPAZ is available numerically and it can also be reproduced in graphical form to allow performance comparisons versus the previous week, prior month and the preceding year.
The monitoring system has been developed with the assistance of specialist electronic design company Xor Systems. The company has developed a device which requests information from the turbine, tracks performance and transfers it automatically to the associated page of the Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) website. A small computer fits into the control cabinet of the wind turbine and communicates with the Aeolus Power website via the mobile phone network. Developer Jeff Graham says, “I have worked closely with Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) and their customers to ensure that the technology fitted precisely the wants and needs of the turbine owners.”
The information provided by TOPAZ is accessed at least daily by the turbine owners who want to know how their turbine is performing and curiosity over which is the highest performing turbine has led to light-hearted rivalry amongst the turbine owners.
The ‘Turbine Output Performance AnalyZer’ monitoring system (TOPAZ) is being enhanced by Xor Systems to include a webcam device so that a view from the top of the turbine will be included. This new, innovative service is currently being tested and will be operational by the beginning of May.
Anyone considering the installation of an Endurance Wind Power E-Series, 80kW wind turbine who would be interested in installing TOPAZ should contact Christine Griffiths on 01454 633 323, or email her christine@apwe.co.uk.
FIT Announcement Blows Investment Doubts Away
[13.02.12]
The announcement by the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) on 9th February 2012 was good news for farmers, communities and landowners that have been considering a wind turbine. The announcement has blown away any doubts that an investment in wind energy remains a viable option.
The current FiT payments will remain unchanged until October 2012 and Bill Jackson, Business Development Manager of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited says, “We are pleased that the FiT payments for wind energy have been announced. The current rates apply until October 2012, from when the Generation Tariff Payments are expected to drop from 25.4p to 21p for all wind turbines up to 100kW in size.”
The Feed in Tariff scheme is designed to promote take up of small scale, low carbon electrical technologies by the public and communities. DECC wants to ensure that individuals and communities are able to benefit from the FiT funding ahead of investment companies which is why there is to be a further announcement made on 26th April regarding wind turbine installations which have been submitted for planning permission and for which the October 2012 deadline may be too early.
“The key thing is to move as quickly as possible into planning.” Bill adds, “The planning process will often take more than 6 months to complete and is by far the most time consuming part of the wind turbine installation process.”
Before planning permission can be sought a Site Survey is required to confirm the most suitable site for the wind turbine and to confirm that the site has sufficient wind. Both planning permission and grid connection need to be progressed as soon as the Site Survey shows that the site is windy enough for a turbine to be installed.
Please call Bill on 01454 633 323 if you wish to know more about the Site Survey or if you would like more information on how the FiT may affect your plans for installing a turbine.
You can get a copy of a PDF document, entitled "Consultation on Comprehensive Review Phase 2B: tariffs for non-PV technologies and scheme administration issues". Click on the icon below to download your own copy.
(933kb in size)
Shortlisted for National ‘Outstanding Woman in Construction Award’ 2012
[07.02.12]
Christine Griffiths, Director of Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited has been short listed for the ‘Outstanding Woman in Construction’ Award of 2012. There were over 30 nominees for the award and the winner will be announced at The Point, Lancashire’s Cricket Ground, on Wednesday 14th March 2012.
| Nominated women had to show business success, state how they had overcome challenges within the business environment and indicate how they have acted as a trailblazer for other women within their industry. | |
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited is a specialist wind turbine supplier and installer and the business was launched in 2006. Christine’s determination to ‘spread the word’ about wind power and her desire for Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited to find success as a centre of expertise for micro-wind energy has lead to the company’s expansion. It now has purpose built offices, IT and marketing expertise, administration and sales support and in December 2009 a Business Development Manager joined the team to help manage the growing number of enquiries. The company now employs 12 people from its base in Pilning, South Gloucestershire. Christine Griffiths says, “It is a surprise and a pleasure to be shortlisted for this award and I am delighted that wind energy is under the spot light.”
Canadian wind turbine producer Endurance Wind Power appointed Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited to supply and install its 80kW wind turbines in 2010 and Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited is one of the most experienced installers of its turbines in the UK.
A list of the nominees can be seen here : http://www.womeninconstructionawards.co.uk/shortlist-2012 and an explanation of the awards and the importance of the awards can be seen here : http://www.womeninconstructionawards.co.uk
Written Ministerial statement
[31.01.12]
Following the decision and brief statement by Chris Huhne on 25th January, the formal Written Ministerial Statement shown below was issued on 26th February 2012. The statement refers to DECC plans to launch a Phase 2 consultation - for all non-PV technologies - on 9th February (see the last paragraph of the Statement). We are seeking further detail from DECC and will keep you informed of any further information.
Department for Energy and Climate Change - written ministerial statement
Feed-in Tariffs
26th January 2012
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP): As the House will be aware, the Government’s proposed changes to the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme are the subject of a judicial review. Specifically, the Government has been challenged regarding its proposal to apply new tariffs for solar photovoltaics (PV) from 1 April 2012 to all new installations with an eligibility date on or after an earlier “reference date”, which we proposed should be 12 December 2012.
Yesterday, the Court of Appeal handed down a negative judgment on the Government’s appeal against an earlier decision by the High Court. We respectfully disagree with the judgment and are seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. In the light of that, we cannot rule out the possibility that lower tariffs could be applied to installations which became eligible for FITs on or after the proposed reference date. It is important that consumers are aware of this.
The reason for appealing is that we want to maximise the number of installations that are possible within the available budget for FITs, rather than use available money to pay a higher tariff to half the number of installations. Solar PV can have strong and vibrant future in UK and we want a lasting FITs scheme to support that future and jobs in the industry.
We have already put before Parliament draft licence modifications that (subject to the Parliamentary process) would bring a 21p rate into effect from April for solar PV installations which become eligible for FITs on or after 3 March, to help reduce the pressure on the budget and provide as much certainty as we can for consumers and industry.
In the meantime, we want as far as possible to minimise the uncertainty for PV and other technologies eligible for support under FITs. We are therefore still intending to publish the phase 2 consultation by 9 February. This will include proposed tariffs for other FITs technologies and a set of reform proposals for the scheme. We are also intending to publish the Government’s response to the other aspects of the phase 1 consultation that are not affected by the Judicial Review (namely the proposals on energy efficiency and for multi-installation tariff rates).
Our installation team expands
[31.01.12]
Phil Maber has become the second member of the Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited team to become an Endurance Wind Power Approved E-Series Installation Supervisor.
Approved E-Series Install Supervisors are able to install and commission Endurance E-3120 products without on-site supervision from an Endurance Field Service Technician. The Endurance Wind Power field technicians grant approval once they are confident that every step of the installation and commissioning process is being followed appropriately without assistance. The field technicians are also looking for the crew-foreman to demonstrate an ability to handle unforeseen issues during the installation and commissioning process. The approval and ‘Supervisor’ status is tied to a specific person and not the company as a whole.
How do you become an Approved E-Series Install Supervisor?
Each Approved E-Series Install Supervisor has performed a series of installs in a crew-foreman position under the on-site guidance of one of the Endurance Wind Power field service technicians. On average, it has taken five installs before a foreman is added to the approved list. Endurance Wind Power take this process very seriously because professional installations protect their brand by ensuring long-term turbine safety and reliability.
Aeolus Power (Wind-Energy) Limited Director, Pete Griffiths, was the first Endurance Wind Power Approved E-Series Installation Supervisor to be appointed in the UK.
Discounted tickets for Renewable Energy Marketplace Exhibition
[12.01.12]
We are pleased to be attending the Renewable Energy Marketplace Exhibition to be held on 8 March 2012 at The Westpoint Arena, Exeter, Devon and we are looking forward to welcoming you to our stand – number 40.
As an exhibitor we are able to offer you a discounted ticket price of £10 + VAT, rather than the normal £25 + VAT. The event website can be found at http://www.regensw.co.uk/events: click the ‘book now’ link, and when promoted please enter the discount code ‘ExhibitorGuest’ . Once payment has been made no refund is possible.
We look forward to meeting you.
