First Responder Products to Distribute Renewable Energy Products
First Responder Products Inc., a distributor of specialized products for public safety, homeland security and military applications, announced recently that it has entered into an agreement with Torrance-based PacWind Incorporated to distribute PacWind's patented renewable energy products to government and military markets.
One of the fastest growing segments of the power sector, wind generation capacity is expected to more than double between 2006 and 2011 worldwide. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the total value of power-generating equipment installed globally last year was more than $14 billion. Domestically, wind power capacity has grown 32 percent annually for the past five years. The industry had a record breaking year in 2005, installing over 2,400 megawatts or $3 billion worth of generating equipment in 22 states. First Responder Products expects significant growth in sales of its environmentally friendly product line, part of the company's "green" products initiative.
PacWind's revolutionary product line features wind turbines which efficiently and quietly generate electricity, even at low wind speeds, by using a patented permanent magnet generator, built with the most powerful rare earth magnets in the industry. The product line includes proprietary Delta series vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) and also PacWind's innovative PowerTower, a self-sustaining lighting and security system. The compact design allows installation nearly anywhere, and the products are built to withstand the most extreme weather conditions. The Delta turbines are omni-directional, bird friendly, and modular, so they can be stacked or mounted in arrays.
"PacWind turbines are an exciting addition to our growing line of environmentally friendly products," said First Responder Products' Vice President Michael Coskun. "The Delta series is ideal for remote power, hybrid emergency power, and temporary power applications, and the PowerTower has obvious military and border security applications." First Responder Products has placed an initial order for five PowerTowers which the company plans to place for field testing with key government agencies.
DHS recently announced that Customs and Border Protection, which secures the nation's borders, is going to receive the largest single increase in discretionary money during the next fiscal year, providing $1 billion to install technology and tactical infrastructure along the nation's borders. First Responder Products believes the PowerTower could be an integral part of a border protection solution, and could also provide a self-sustaining security system for embassies worldwide.
At present, the United States ranks third in the world, behind Germany and Spain for wind power generation. President Bush has recognized the importance of wind power in his Advance Energy Initiative, noting its potential to supply up to 20 percent of domestic energy needs. The American Wind Energy Association, together with the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, announced they would develop a plan of action for reaching this 20 percent goal. Wind power currently accounts for less than 1 percent of the nation's electric supply.