“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç

The first ten wind energy converters in the US government-World Bank "WIND" project in Indonesia were to be shipped starting early this month by Bergey “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç of Oklahoma. Bergey was selected from among several international applications for the Wind for Islands and Non-governmental Development solicitation issued a year ago by Winrock International.

The first phase of the project, five 1.5 kW units and five 10 kW units, will be installed on five islands, Timor, Sumba, Alor, Roti and Flores, says Mike Bergey. They are for water-pumping and other applications such as for a remote road-side market, icemaking for fish refrigeration, and lighting for a rural training centre for non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Six 800 watt turbines for NGO's were also included in Bergey's winning bid with Winrock, a foundation and the project contractor. But suitable non-profit groups, which would allow the adequate recouping of costs over time, have yet to be found, says Bergey. Total agency funding for the project is $3.3 million, of which $2.9 million is via the US Agency for International Development but which is part of US contributions to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) at the World Bank. The balance of the funding is from Winrock, based in Arlington, Virginia.