Genesis Wind eyes wind energy market opportunity

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Courtesy Genesis Wind

Genesis Wind installed a test turbine near Arlington, Ore. Click on the image to see more. 

While Lee said his turbine concept could also be applied to wind farm installations, it's the opportunity to install cost-effective small-scale turbines to provide distributed renewable power that's most interesting to Genesis adviser Michael Baker.

Baker, an engineer and startup adviser known for his work launching Home Dialysis Plus Ltd., has been working with Lee on his turbine development for eight years.

"The compelling part of (the business) for me is the diversity of where it can be implemented," Baker said.

With smart grid advances, the demand for distributed energy generation such as small-scale wind will grow, Baker said.

And as Genesis grows, Lee intends to keep as much of the manufacturing in Oregon as possible.

"The towers, blades and hubs will come from Asia," Lee said. "The value-added parts, like generators and drives will be made in Portland."

Genesis has two full-time employees and some 10 subcontractors, but Lee said if his business unfolds according to his plan, the company would create 20 jobs in the next year.