Clean wind turbines…inside and outDaniel Alessandri, Strategic Marketing Manager for the power generation division of Pall Corporation, considers the effects of the weather on the wind energy sector. {pagebreak} Roneklint, Denmark. Peaceful, sunny and green…what a change of pace from the horrendous past few weeks spent between Paris and England, all this in a matter… Read more »
Wind industry ready to boom. European Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Christian Kjaer talks exclusively to PES about how the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change are paving the way for “a massive expansion in wind power”, but certain member states should be reaching to pull their socks up. {pagebreak} In January this… Read more »
A ‘Total Fab Solution’ for Thin Film Solar Modules End-to-End (E2E) Fab Solutions for Thin Film Silicon Solar Modules are the latest of Oerlikon Solar’s offerings to the solar market. This package – which has been specifically tailored to customers with a turn-key requirement – has generated a lot of interest. {pagebreak} Business growth at… Read more »
As the wind energy industry sees sturdy growth, businesses are gearing up for surging demand. Amid what is likely to be an increasingly competitive global market, manufacturers and suppliers will need to show consistently high levels of products, services and support in order to keep a strong client base. Kirsten Tschauder of Castrol Industrial Lubricants… Read more »
Thomas E. Hoffmeister, Managing Director of FPE Fischer GmbH, talks about his company’s first foray into the renewable energy industry, reinvigorating the organisation and the launch of an innovative new product… {pagebreak} PES: Can you explain a little about your company and what you offer the renewable energy industry?Thomas Hoffmeister: FPE Fischer GmbH has been… Read more »
“If you want to stay ahead of the competition you have to invest in R&D” The Komax Group, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Switzerland, is one of the top global providers of wire processing systems and assembly automation equipment. One of its primary markets is the photovoltaics industry and to this end we invited… Read more »
“It’s about best technologies, highest throughput and lowest losses” For industries that require expensive raw materials such as silicon and sapphire, production efficiency and process stability are key to operating cost-efficient production lines. Peter Pauli, CEO of Meyer Burger AG, explains how this major provider of slicing systems to solar-cell manufacturers helps its clients achieve… Read more »
Sporting a philosophy of inventing market-orientated products, combined with innovation and vision, PES discovers how the firmly-established Multi-Contact has adapted to the challenges that the global quest for renewable energy presents. We speak to CEO, Rainer Isenrich… {pagebreak} PES: Can you explain a little about your company and what you offer the renewable energy industry?Rainer… Read more »
In manufacturing, a one-stop supplier strategy can work in everyone’s favour If an industry is going to flourish, it needs a quality-controlled supply network. Renewable energy producers in particular need end products that are safe, reliable and built to last. PES asks Rolf Schäfer (Dipl.-Phys.), owner of Robeko, about the challenges and benefits of entering… Read more »
Quality should be designed into your products.The rising demand for renewable energy means a greater demand for sophisticated technology. But it’s not simply customer satisfaction that counts these days. Jukka-Pekka Mäkinen, CEO and President of The Switch, explains how his firm is responding and contributing to the environmental revolution. {pagebreak} PES: Can you explain a… Read more »
Unique system saves time and money for the wind power industry Swedish Actsafe is the company behind the world’s first power ascender, a personal elevator that climbs a standard rope. The company is now the market leader within this growing segment of rope access and is continuously developing solutions for making working at height safe,… Read more »
Dipl.-Ing. Kirsten Tschauder, Deutsche BP AG Unplanned wind turbine downtime can lead to high financial losses and wind energy market statistics indicate that the average turbine downtime due to unscheduled events is around 270 hours per year. Roughly one third of such losses can be minimised or avoided by considering the special ambient and application… Read more »
As the world entered a new millennium, Dr. Peter Volkmer discovered that condition monitoring of the rotor blades of wind turbines not only reduces risks but also pays for itself. At the time, systems monitoring the power train were already available and so the obvious question was why the most stressed parts of a wind… Read more »
Angelika Pullen, Policy & Communications Director, Global Wind Energy Council. With wind power predicted to deliver 34% of the world’s electricity by 2050, Angelika Pullen takes a look at how the future of energy is not only bright, but also decidedly green. Corporate leaders are walking a different path in their efforts to reduce carbon… Read more »
THE 21st CENTURY BATTLE FOR ENERGY Christian Kjaer, CEO of the European Wind Energy Association discusses the current state of the industry and puts forward his blueprint for the future… {pagebreak} In March this year, 27 EU Heads of State unanimously agreed that 20% of our energy consumption must come from renewable energy sources by… Read more »
Since founding in 2001, Suntech has grown rapidly to become one of the largest solar companies in the world. In fact, Suntech was the fourth largest manufacturer of PV cells in the world at the end of 2006, up from eighth position one year earlier. This startling growth and success in the solar industry is… Read more »
Silicon. Solar. Sustainability. Solar energy – is it a sound business proposition? This question has been asked for decades by business leaders. At Dow Corning, we believe the answer is a resounding “yes,” and we are committed to helping solar energy become an accessible, economically viable and self-sustaining energy alternative around the world. {pagebreak} Dow… Read more »
The advantages of vertical integration With the solar marketplace becoming increasingly competitive, some manufacturers and suppliers are reformulating their business strategies to strengthen their footing in the industry. And, for solar photovoltaic specialist Trina Solar, a vertically integrated model is now paying dividends in terms of profit and investor confidence. {pagebreak} Since its debut on… Read more »
When Size MattersHarry Kyogoku, Zephyr CorporationWhen it comes to creating renewable energy, the Zephyr Corporation has learnt that size is now more important than ever before. Founded in 1997, the Japanese firm’s success has soared with a continued growth in sales of their Micro Wind Generators and Airdolphin models. With the European market top of… Read more »
Don’t waste your energy.Soren Qvist Vestesen discusses how a Vestesen A/S Danvest Wind Diesel System can slash operational and maintenance costs, maximise output potential and cut down on waste energy, with an easily managed automatic back-up system Based in Denmark, Vestesen. {pagebreak} A/S is one of the world’s leading technology specialists for wind-diesel systems with… Read more »
Innovative technology for excellent resultsAt ENERCON GmbH in Emden, Germany, tailor-made, high-performance solutions optimise precast segment production, says Bastian Bicher, Corporate Product Engineer for Concrete at Sika Services AG’s renewable energy branch. As the threat of global warming has become a matter of urgency, so the race to lower greenhouse gas emissions has gained momentum…. Read more »
Smart meters are key to cutting domestic energy consumption. Dr Thomas Dittrich of Tadiran Batteries explains how his production line plays a vital role in the value chain, offering durability and cost efficiency through sophisticated technology. {pagebreak} Smart meters make it possible to cut energy consumption by as much as 10-15%, making a huge contribution… Read more »