Month: April 2021

Cable innovation is critical for the future of wind energy

Utility-scale wind turbine energy technology has developed rapidly over the past 20 years, from a few hundred kilowatts to multi-megawatt installations capable of producing enough electricity to power thousands of households. As windfarms increase both in physical size and generation capacity, with turbines growing from 2-3 megawatt (MW) today to typically 5 MW onshore and… Read more »

Modern technology supports classic methods in engineering development

For over 30 years MAATS Tech have been recognised for providing quality, considerately designed equipment arrays for a plethora of vessels across a variety of capabilities. Core competencies are centred on dynamically positioned special purpose vessels for diverse operations in subsea construction, diving, cable laying and flexible pipe laying, for both new build and conversion… Read more »

Combating ‘light pollution’ with grit and innovation

One of the most pressing issues when it comes to making wind energy fit for the future is the aspect of acceptance: acceptance among the broader public, but especially among those directly affected by it, the residents and the environment. Transponder-based aircraft detection lighting systems (ADLS) offer a sustainable solution putting non-stop blinking obstruction lights… Read more »

Powertrain technology for enhanced wind drivetrains

With the Geislinger Compowind® coupling the Austrian-based company sets new standards for the wind drivetrain technology. Lightweight, fatigue-resistant, and maintenance-free composite membranes virtually absorb all bending moments and allow the gearbox to be rigidly attached to the main frame. Therefore, not only is the gearbox relieved from unnecessary loads, but the dynamic system behaviour of… Read more »

Old layout, new layout – the same geotechnical campaign?

‘Measure twice, cut once’ as the old proverb goes. And it is true. A thorough geological site investigation campaign is one of the most important sources of data when it comes to designing foundations. Especially in the case of high-risk offshore constructions such as wind turbines. However, what should we do if the style changes… Read more »

Renting instead of buying: flexibility on demand

PES spoke with Hans Gatzemeier, CEO of ELA Container Offshore Gmbh, about how to increase flexibility by renting their offshore mobile room solutions. This solution is proving more and more popular, as it means that once finished with, the containers can be collected. The pandemic has meant working in different ways, and Hans admits he… Read more »

A real and virtual show: a true hybrid

Wind Energy Asia took place in real and virtual format: a true hybrid unfolded in only months! Another great event in a difficult environment. Robert Campbell, Executive Vice President at Wind Energy Asia, reviews the show for PES. After a great show in March 2020, with the pandemic taking off worldwide, but well under control… Read more »

Lifetime extension: making full use of installed capacity

Decision-makers in the wind-energy industry are faced with a choice of three options when their wind energy converters (WECs) approach the end of their design life: they can either dismantle, repower or continue the operation of their WECs. In many cases, available lifetime reserves allow cost-effective continued operation. TÜV SÜD explains how to prepare the… Read more »

Saving birds and protecting investors

Rapid increase of onshore wind energy requires more and more land. Sometimes the new wind farms are located in bird sensitive areas. This is also true for some projects prepared for repowering. On the other hand, many wind farms face restrictions in operation due to bird mortality e.g. extended turbine shutdowns in migratory periods. Wind… Read more »

Eliminate the risk, use smart bolting solutions

Calum Urquhart, Global Business Manager, Energy at Atlas Copco spoke enthusiastically to PES about smart bolting. For sure everyone has been hit by the pandemic but this innovative company, with a strong emphasis on R&D, supporting the customer and sustainability have found new ways of working, which will carry on after the pandemic. PES: Hi… Read more »

How utilities can combat diverse threats to decentralised grids

Energy generation and storage is rapidly being moved from the centre to the edges of the network, with far-reaching consequences for grid management and oversight. Across the world, the policy direction is increasingly towards distributed generation with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the EU Framework 2030, European Green Deal, and an EU Directive… Read more »

A client-centric approach to meet the offshore access needs of the global renewables market

There is a lot going on in the offshore wind market and not only in specific regions; companies around the world are increasingly moving towards generating and harvesting renewable energy. From 2023 onwards, the majority of new offshore wind turbines will be installed outside of Europe. After Europe, Taiwan has become the new hotspot for… Read more »

How can we make the most of the UK’s green industrial revolution?

As the UK accelerates its journey towards net zero, the offshore wind industry has emerged as a key driver of the green industrial revolution. Associated British Ports (ABP) is investing to meet the industry’s requirements by providing state-of-the-art port infrastructure and creating favourable conditions for energy clusters, which will benefit the wider economy. Why is… Read more »

Orbital Marine Power launches the world’s most powerful tidal turbine

Orbital Marine Power Ltd has today (April 22) launched its 2MW tidal turbine, the Orbital O2, which will become the world’s most powerful operational tidal turbine once it has undergone commissioning and been connected to the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. Responding, Ben Miller, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “The launch of the O2 turbine today in… Read more »

Ecoppia’ s advanced robotic technology now powers automated solar panel cleaning at AES California site

Ecoppia’s water-free robotic cleaning technology performs fully automated nightly cleaning of solar modules to ensure peak performance year round Tel Aviv, ISRAEL– April 21, 2021 – Ecoppia, the world-leader in robotic cleaning technology for photovoltaic solar sites, announced today that it has completed the installation of its robots at a solar site in California, USA,… Read more »

Global talent search for digital startups to ‘speed up sustainability’

ABB Electrification’s Startup Challenge in collaboration with Microsoft and SynerLeap is scouting for startups. Applications are now being accepted with three winners set to each receive $30,000 for project development. With renewed global focus on emission reduction and energy efficiency, the competition theme for ABB Electrification’s 2021 Startup Challenge – Speeding up Sustainability – is… Read more »

Solar thermal software expanded in new version T*SOL 2021

With the new version T*SOL 2021, the design software for solar thermal systems from Valentin Software has been adapted to the latest guidelines and expanded to reflect market changes. Each component (collectors, pipes, storage tanks, heat generators, etc.) can be parameterized individually from pre-configured solar thermal system variants. Several simulations, both to optimize the system… Read more »

Solar thermal software expanded in new version T*SOL 2021

With the new version T*SOL 2021, the design software for solar thermal systems from Valentin Software has been adapted to the latest guidelines and expanded to reflect market changes. Each component (collectors, pipes, storage tanks, heat generators, etc.) can be parameterized individually from pre-configured solar thermal system variants. Several simulations, both to optimize the system… Read more »

Don’t miss RenewableUK’s Wind & Aviation 2021 webinar series, starting this month! 

This is a crucial time for the wind and aviation sector as it strives to accelerate its goal of decarbonisation. The transition to renewable energy can be challenging, but success is massively rewarding for individuals, for companies, for the environment and for national or global net zero targets.   In order to encourage change and support businesses as they explore opportunities… Read more »

The role of investment in restoring our planet

The arrival of Earth Day today coincides with disturbing news from the UN’s World Meteorological Organisation that the effects of climate change are relentlessly intensifying. In 2020, the global temperature was 1.28C higher than pre-industrial conditions and the effects are de-stabilising the world as we know it. In the face of this, how can we… Read more »

WINAICO expands GEMINI module series by 370 Watt Full Black

New WST-MGL GEMINI series with modified module dimensions Creglingen, 21.04.2021 – WINAICO Deutschland GmbH, a subsidiary of Taiwan’s largest solar module manufacturer Win Win Precision Technology Co., Ltd., announces a new 370 Watt Full Black module and changes the module dimensions at the same time. The new WST-MGL GEMINI series consists of 120 monocrystalline half-cells… Read more »

Europe solar technology tenders activity rises 28% in Q1 2021

Europe solar technology tenders in Q1 2021 saw 60 tenders announced, marking a rise of 28% over the last four-quarter average of 47, according to GlobalData’s power industry tenders database. The proportion of solar technology tenders by category tracked by GlobalData in the quarter was as follows: Project Implementation with 43 tenders and a 71.7%… Read more »

Meyer Burger secures sustainable supply chain for production of highly efficient “clean” solar modules

Before the start of the production, Meyer Burger concludes contracts with several wafer suppliers as planned All suppliers confirm sustainable production of solar wafers made of polysilicon “Made in Europe” Meyer Burger Technology Ltd concludes contracts with several suppliers for the supply of sustainably produced wafers, thus securing its new production of high-efficiency solar cells… Read more »

Meyer Burger secures sustainable supply chain for production of highly efficient “clean” solar modules

Before the start of the production, Meyer Burger concludes contracts with several wafer suppliers as planned All suppliers confirm sustainable production of solar wafers made of polysilicon “Made in Europe” Meyer Burger Technology Ltd concludes contracts with several suppliers for the supply of sustainably produced wafers, thus securing its new production of high-efficiency solar cells… Read more »

Niobium-based battery start-up, Nyobolt, launches US office, strengthening its position as a global leader in ultra-fast charging

With backers including an early Microsoft investor and the ex-CEO of DuPont, the move follows a successful £7.5M series A funding round for the Cambridge University spinout The new Boston office will serve as the global hub for Nyobolt’s battery cell development, with the first product prototypes expected later this year 22nd April 2021, London,… Read more »

How electric vehicles can breathe new life into our cities

Climate change and accompanying environmental degradations have had tremendous impact on our natural systems and led to new and fatal diseases, as well as decimating our global economy. But as we begin to overcome one of our generation’s greatest challenges, the coronavirus, Earth Day and this year’s theme of Restore our Earth reminds us of… Read more »

Energy Networks Innovation Conference 2021 confirmed for 12th – 15th October

There has never been a more exciting time for innovation in the electricity and gas networks as we look to a Net Zero future for the UK. This makes this year’s free, virtual Energy Networks Innovation Conference a ‘must attend’ event for anyone involved in energy sector innovation. This year’s conference is a free, interactive… Read more »

Sandvik’s Super-Austenitic Grade, Sanicro® 35, Wins Prestigious Award

New Material Receives Industry Recognition SANDVIKEN, April 20, 2021 – Sandvik, a developer and producer of advanced stainless steels, special alloys, titanium and other high-performance materials, has received a major industry award for its new alloy Sanicro® 35, a unique grade that bridges the performance gap between stainless steels and costly nickel alloys. The company… Read more »

Hydrogen plants in South Australia could be profitable

Research from Cornwall Insight Australia shows that if a hydrogen plant had been in operation in South Australia this summer, it could have made a profit of ~$2.3mn. This is based on a 20% utilisation and includes the expected quarterly repayment on the $593 million of government debt with interest, operating costs, and the net… Read more »

European market value for connected climate control tech tops 718M€ last year, new report reveals

20 April 2021, Edinburgh, UK: Delta-EE, the specialist new energy market research consultancy, today releases its Connected Homes; State of the Market 2021 report that reveals connected climate control expenditure reached €718 million – up 10% versus 2019. Approximately 4.4m devices were sold in 2020, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Though COVID-19 negatively affected the first months… Read more »

r Vacuum presents extension to DigiLine series: Total pressure vacuum gauges with digital signal output

Modular concept, suitable for harsh environments Profinet and EtherCAT interfaces Capacitance gauges, CCT  Asslar, Germany, April 20, 2021. For more than 20 years now, Pfeiffer Vacuum’s portfolio has included its comprehensive DigiLine range of digital total vacuum pressure gauges, which can be modularly adapted to suit any industrial vacuum application. These gauges allow reliable measurement… Read more »