QinetiQ and Natural Power Consultants agree exploitation license for ZephIR

NPC to market QinetiQ wind speed measurement system to the wind energy industry

Natural Power, a renewable energy consultancy based in south west Scotland has purchased an exclusive license to market QinetiQ's ZephIRâ„¢ wind speed measurement system to the wind energy industry.

The arrangements cover the rights to exploit QinetiQ's LiDAR technology, on which ZephIRâ„¢ is based, primarily in the wind energy market. QinetiQ retains exploitation rights in other markets particularly defence, security and aerospace.

ZephIRâ„¢ is based on LiDAR technology (Light Detection and Ranging) and works by measuring the Doppler shift of laser radiation back scattered from moving objects in the air. The majority of systems currently deployed are used for wind resource assessment, generating accurate measurements which play a vital role in the investment decision required before a new wind farm site can be developed.

Mark Palethorpe, Finance Director for QinetiQ's commercial business said: "QinetiQ has a strong pipeline of environmental technologies, many emanating from our core defence business. LiDAR technology has been used for many years in the aerospace industry, but until recently it has been too expensive and cumbersome for use in the renewable energy sector."

"The licensing of exploitation rights is a well established route through which QinetiQ takes its technology to market. Natural Power is an ideal exploitation partner for ZephIRâ„¢ as it is involved in wind farm projects from an early stage, from selection, planning and construction to operating projects over their lifetime."

Stuart Hall, a Director of Natural Power said: "ZephIRâ„¢ has already established a foothold in a wide range of wind energy markets across the world and is an excellent addition to our portfolio of renewable energy technologies."

"Appropriate wind resource assessment is an absolute must in realising an efficient and profitable wind power project. The project risk is often determined by the quality of initial wind measurements and ZephIRâ„¢ provides the opportunity to reduce that risk."