Support for local exporter

Woy Woy engineer Peter Lynch and his engineering company Pelena, which specialises in hydroelectric and solar energy, is being helped by the NSW Government.

Minister for Regional Development and Small Business Mr David Campbell said the NSW Government's financial support will help the Woy Woy-based company target markets in the South Pacific via a new web site.

"This support will help a local company target new overseas and national markets and that's good news for the Central Coast community and for local jobs," Mr Campbell said.

"After five years of operations, the company now aims to increase production by five per cent and increase its workforce by two.

"Pelena already markets small hydroelectric turbines in the South Pacific as well as in rural areas of Australia.

"This includes the South Pacific rim areas of Melanesia and the Solomon Islands where its products produce a reliable low cost energy simply alternative."

Mr Lynch's turbines help remote communities produce energy using local rivers and streams to produce hydro electricity.

One turbine is enough to light up 80 homes and provide 450 people with electricity

"A dependable supply of 240-volt power allows rural communities to develop better hearth, education, improved food security, social benefits and income generation," Mr Campbell said.

Mr Campbell said Pelena identified a much larger market in the South Pacific than it is currently capable of servicing with its existing sales and customer services.

"With NSW Government support, the company will develop a marketing plan for the Solomon Islands and build a specially designed web site."

Support for Pelena's marketing plan and web site comes from the NSW Government's New Market Expansion Program.

The website has information for business customers on turbines, spare parts, programs for communities and products available.

The website is www.pelena.com.au

Press release, January 15