Recycled plastic barrels create cheap wind power for developing countries

After a long struggle, an important step forward has been made with the development of a 250W turbine, designed to charge batteries at remote locations.

The 250W model is a much cheaper version of our previous prototype, which successfully powered a larger light on a farm for more than 4 1/2 years. The prototype, pictured, should cost under £500 and has been especially designed to bring power to rural areas in developing countries. The turbine works by charging a deep cycle battery. From there we have two LED floodlights, with the lumen of each as bright as a 500W halogen light. Both Lights are switched on for 15 hours a day and so far we haven't deflated the battery. The design of the 250W turbine has now been registered and we are waiting to hear whether it has been successfully patented.