There is something about the wind turbines at Deadwood Plain – they always seem to stimulate discussion. You either hear: "The wind turbines are all working today" or "none of the turbines are going round today."

Patrick Yon, Senior Engineer Energy said that unfortunately the Energy Division is still experiencing problems with the turbines.

This was a key issue discussed with DfID’s Engineering Advisor, Nigel Kirby, during his recent visit. Mr Kirby agreed with SHG’s proposal that a formal review of this project should be undertaken and that Terms of Reference should be drawn up for an evaluation. The Project Working Group, in liaison with the Personnel Department and DfID’s Engineering Advisor, will draw up the terms of reference which will need to be discussed and agreed by the Finance Development Policy Group of the St Helena Government. The matter is being given high priority by SHG.

The Chief Development Officer Dr Corinda Essex stated that: "It is most encouraging that DfID intends to take positive action on this matter which should enable SHG to get better service from the existing wind turbines in the future."

The three 80Kw Lagerwey Wind Turbine Generators were installed at Deadwood Plain on 26 June 1999 and results for the first year were relatively good, but due to increased problems they have not been running regularly this year. For the first 21 months, they enabled substantial reductions to be made in diesel fuel costs and whilst there would have been some other costs involved- for example for labour and maintenance, savings were made.

Whilst there have been many problems with the wind turbines, in general, SHG is of the opinion that Wind Power should work for the Island. Interim Manager Donald Makini said: "The move towards harnessing renewable energy resources in general is gaining a lot of attention globally as countries become more aware of the impact fossil fuels is having on the environment. Additionally, energy from alternative sources is money saved in terms of fuel imports, which can be used for other essential services. The benefits are there and the challenge is to establish how much of that potential we can harness."