Capturing the wind

Herald Sun
Thursday 7/6/2007 Page: 73

ONE of only a handful of Australian listed renewable energy companies has managed to put its foot on some interesting technology. CBD Energy yesterday announced an equity swap deal with German giant I-Sol to buy out a system of renewable energy storage.

Using graphite blocks, the technology claims to overcome two of the biggest barriers to connecting wind farms to electricity grids. The storage units smooth out the big peaks and troughs that come from windmills and provide more of a baseload capacity that doesn't destabilise the electricity network.

Traditionally fickle wind energy needs to be backed up by alternative generators. German solar power company and technology partner Solon is spending about $5 million to buy a 19 per cent stake in CBD. CBD shares closed stable on 14.50.