New 20 kW off grid turbine featured

The wind energy group at the University of Quebec at Rimouski and an eastern Quebec plastics company have joined forces to design a new 20 kW wind turbine for agricultural, industrial and remote, off-grid applications. Plastiques Gagnon, based in St. Jean-Port-Joli, became interested in producing a small, moderately priced, low-maintenance turbine when president Francois Gagnon couldn't find one on the market that met all his needs. The machine uses composite fibreglass and carbon blades designed by the French blade manufacturer Atout-Vent and manufactured in Quebec under a technology transfer agreement. The rest of the turbine components are manufactured by Plastiques Gagnon's regional partners. The new machine was featured during the conference's trade show, as part of an exhibit promoting the Gaspe Peninsula's regional wind expertise.