Haiko Energy is a South African frontline company which produces wind turbines that generate electricity. Wind turbines are nothing new, but Haiko has developed small-scale turbines that can be erected on any structure such as houses, bigger buildings, trees, or fences.
Haiko Energy is a South African frontline company which produces wind turbines that generate electricity. Wind turbines are nothing new, but Haiko has developed small-scale turbines that can be erected on any structure such as houses, bigger buildings, trees, or fences.
They are silent and are made of 100% recyclable materials. These materials are also durable – recent tests performed upon the turbine blades included driving over them with a car, throwing hard objects at them while spinning, and allowing an elephant to rest all of its weight on the blades.
This business venture is the brainchild of James Lech, a former Rhodes student who is only 26 years old. Through studying Geography and Business Management he has devised a plan to achieve optimal results regarding the expense and the environmental benefits of his product.
The company employs over 37 people in South Africa and almost 100 more across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
Considering escalating power costs, pollution, the depletion of fossil fuels, and inconsistent delivery of electricity, there is currently a dire need for environmentally friendly energy sources in South Africa.
Windy countries in Europe such as Holland already generate one fifth of their total energy requirements via wind turbines.
Haiko only produces smaller-scale wind turbines, but these are ideal for powering homes and businesses. The electricity they generate can only be used on the site where the turbines have been installed and requires a minimum wind speed of 7.2 km/h.
Compared to large scale wind turbines, they can operate at fairly low wind speeds, and can be installed almost anywhere due to their flexible structure.
The electricity can only be stored for a few hours or be used immediately. It is not required to get approval from Eskom to use Motorwind, and with the use of electrical cables you can share the generated electricity with your neighbours.
However, the main disadvantage is the initial cost. To buy and install the system yourself for a medium-sized home will set you back around R50 000 which can generate up to 14kWh per day about the average electricity consumption of a typical American household.
According to Lech it would cost just under a million rand to install a solar powered equivalent. He has created a model where private individuals can invest their full tax bracket earnings into shares in a wind farm project, instead of simply paying taxes.
He was recently flown to Nigeria to meet and discuss wind power solutions with the Nigerian president and his ministers.
As the world is looking for alternative and eco-friendly power sources, Motorwind seems like a viable solution to small-scale electricity needs.
Not only is wind power an unlimited resource, but it proactively reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and of course it’s free.
For more information, or if you would like to install the Haiko Energy Motorwind product in your home or business, visit to their website at www.haikoenergy.com.
