Wind powers Raglan school

Raglan Area School is getting an energy boost from a new wind turbine installed on school grounds last month. 

The school was chosen by WEL Networks to participate in a residential wind generation trial funded by the WEL Energy Trust, which looks at the practicalities of small-scale wind technology.

The 1.9 kW Skystream turbine is manufactured in the US and has been especially designed for use in coastal regions and residential areas.  It is the first installation of the technology into a school located in a residential area in NZ. 

Malcolm Cox, Principal of Raglan Area School, says being a part of the trial fits in with the school’s values.

“One of our core values is kaitiakitanga, which means respecting our environment, practicing sustainability and being green.  Working with WEL Networks to trial wind generation is a practical opportunity allowing us to contribute to the environment while also being a model for our community.

“As our school also uses solar energy, this is a great chance to compare the two generation technologies.  Both wind and solar generation will be monitored from a classroom, where we’ll be able to match generation with weather patterns.  It will be a great learning tool for our students,” says Cox.

WEL Networks CEO, Dr Julian Elder, said, “The wind generation trial is looking at innovative ways to manage and reinforce our network to improve capacity and reliability. 

“We want to understand more clearly the costs and issues involved in residential wind generation, the amount of electricity that can be generated and how we can integrate this technology into our distribution network.  

“It’s also a great opportunity for the public to have a look and learn more about the possibilities of small-scale wind generation,” says Dr Elder.