Can you tell us more about WES’ background?
Following an initial boom period, the Dutch wind energy industry has had to fight for survival in a very difficult market for the last 10 years. In other countries, and initially in Germany and Denmark as well, wind energy was seen as a promising new industry and received significant government support. While there is still a great deal of engineering know-how in the Netherlands, the major wind turbine manufacturers are now primarily based in Denmark, Germany, Spain, the USA and India.

Teamwork Technology is an R&D organization that has focused on various different ways of generating energy since 1993. WES was founded in 2003 following the bankruptcy of Lagerweij The Windmaster, one of the initial pioneers of the wind energy market. With the aid of Teamwork Technology, WES has concentrated on the further development of smaller scale wind turbines. We felt that this segment of the market offered profit opportunities, now that the major manufacturers have concentrated their activities on the Megawatt segment. We supplied reconditioned wind turbines initially, but currently manufacture brand-new units.

In view of the trend towards ever increasing power outputs, is there still a market for smaller turbines?
It may seem strange, but there is definitely a market. Obviously, kW turbines cannot compete with their larger siblings in terms of output. But we do provide an attractive solution in situations where companies want to reduce their energy bills or produce enough electricity to satisfy their internal requirements. Our turnover has grown from 200,000 euro in 2003 to 2,000,000 Euros in 2006. We expect sales of 5,000,000 euro in 2007. We deliver quality products and our turbines are fully certified. In addition, the cost price of one kWh is about 0.08 euro. And that is a powerful argument in remote areas or areas where electricity is very expensive. Moreover, many businesses want to be independent of the government and energy companies.

What products do you supply?
The Tulipo is the smallest of the three models we offer. This is the unit that has gained international exposure in the Dutch pavilion in the world exhibition in Hannover. The Tulipo is a 2.5 kW model for small-scale consumers who want to contribute to the development of sustainable energy sources. We also offer an 80kW unit (WES18) and a 250kW system (WES30). These two models have been conceived for large organizations that consume significant amounts of electricity. Canada, for example, is a buoyant market for the two larger models. We also have developed an additional solution for remote areas. These are the wind/diesel hybrid systems, which are capable of independently generating electricity, making a connection to the electricity grid unnecessary.

What kind of outputs can your systems generate?
While WES wind turbines will start to generate electricity at a wind speed of 3 m/s, they become economically viable at an average wind speed of 5 m/s. The greater the wind speed, the greater the amount of electricity generated. For example:

How do you intend to defend your strong market position?
Obviously by continuing to deliver good products. We have an excellent R&D partner in Teamwork Technology and also collaborate with other well-known research institutes. WES is closely working together with world class Dutch technological institutes; ECN (Dutch Energy Research Foundation), WMC (Blade Materials Test Laboratories) and TUD (Delft Technical University). WES also has a very strong technical network in North America and Asia. The products are good and we put the required resource into our marketing and sales effort. The creation of a worldwide dealer and distribution network is the most important factor. That is crucial as you need local partners to manage local administrative requirements and install the wind turbines. Building the foundations for the turbines, for example.