Category: Wind

First Wind Turbines installed at Butendiek Offshore Wind Farm

wpd, the project developer and operator located in Bremen, reports that the installation of the first three wind turbines at the Butendiek Offshore Wind Farm has been successfully completed. At the end of last week the rotor blades were fixed to the nacelles immediately after the installation of all 80 foundations and transition pieces, the… Read more »

CWind launches German subsidiary with offices in Hamburg

Announces it has won licence to lease employees under German law CWind, a leading provider of services to the offshore wind industry, today announced the launch of its wholly-owned subsidiary in Germany. CWind Germany will be headquartered in Hamburg and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of CWind’s services in Germany. The company… Read more »

Lufft announces new weather sensors WS510-UMB and WS700-UMB

at the end of this year, the German measurement and control technology company Lufft launches two new smart weather sensors on the market. Thereby, Lufft enhances its portfolio and completes the WS-family with the sensors WS510-UMB and WS700-UMB. With the development of the new measurement sensors, Lufft penetrates into the solar market and responds to… Read more »

Moventas Launches New Exceedtm Series High Torque Density 3 Mw Gearbox Platform

WindEnergy Hamburg 2014, Hamburg: Moventas officially launches its new high torque density gearbox platform Exceed in Hamburg today. In addition to Acciona Windpower, another customer has also now placed orders for the Exceed. The Exceed Series is a 3 MW and up product platform for medium and high speed drivetrains, with the best ratio price/nominal… Read more »

SeaZip Offshore Service signs further contract for two Damen Twin Axe Catamarans

Today, Damen Shipyards and SeaZip Offshore Service strengthened their working relationship by signing another contract for two Damen Fast Crew Suppliers (FCS) 2610 at Wind Energy in Hamburg. The two new vessels, to be named SeaZip 3 and SeaZip 4, will be mobilised in transporting personnel and small quantities of freight to North Sea offshore… Read more »

Navigating a course to continued success

As Director of Van Oord Offshore Wind Projects b.v., Johan van Wijland is a familiar face to many in the industry. He’s also a regular contributor to PES and joins us once again to discuss the company’s latest developments. New vessels? Massive monopiles? The Eneco Luchterduinen and Gemini projects? All are covered right here… PES:… Read more »

Smooth operator

The old saying, ‘preparation prevents poor performance’ rings particularly true when it comes to A2SEA. The company has installed more than 1,000 turbines and 400 foundations and is currently smashing targets for bringing projects in on time and on budget and, naturally, in the safest manner possible. We spoke to Jens Frederik Hansen to find… Read more »

Is it time to accept wind’s shortcomings?

The scientific arguments (and counter-arguments) surrounding Wind Turbine Syndrome have been raging for years. PES is obviously and firmly pro-wind, but in the interests of balance, isn’t it time we started handling our PR a little better? After all, clean energy isn’t necessarily flawless energy… Sarah Shea didn’t find out about the wind farm until… Read more »

Pioneers of the high-seas

Offering much more than simply floating hotels, C-bed is setting new trends in safety, comfort and efficiency. We talked to Flemming Hjorth about the company’s foresight and effort in this niche industry and discover how it is able to offer tailor-made solutions to clients based on the most extensive knowledge and experience available.  PES: How… Read more »

Working together for a better future

In one of his final despatches, the outgoing British Minister of State for Energy turns the political spotlight  on offshore energy and Scotland. The country is currently one of the world’s biggest suppliers of offshore wind power, but will that change if it adopts independence  in an imminent referendum? Words: The Rt. Hon Michael Fallon… Read more »

Where international wind players come together

A strong presence of leading executives and key markets makes WindEnergy Hamburg a global meeting point for the industry. We take a closer look at the global on- & offshore expo, which will be held at the Hamburg Fair site from 23 to 26 September.  WindEnergy Hamburg, the foremost international fair for the wind industry,… Read more »

China: hidden dragon

If you thought that the wind industry in China had all but stalled (in favour of solar), think again. The nation’s market is in rude health and looking to boom in the near future. We present and up-to-date snapshot. Since 2011, the Chinese wind market has been in a consolidation phase, following nearly a decade… Read more »

Denmark sets an example

While Germany and Scotland grab most of the headlines for wind energy production, it is Denmark that sets the standard in policy terms. Copenhagen is preparing a push for stronger EU-wide 2030 climate and energy goals despite tough opposition from states such as the UK and Poland… The Danish climate and energy minister, Martin Lidegaard,… Read more »

Technical due diligence – an examination of risks should precede purchase

When wind farms change owners, detailed expertise is in high demand; the projects may involve specific risks that – although not immediately apparent – may result in higher costs, lower energy production than predicted, or liability issues that affect Returns On Investment and cash flow. It is therefore vital to identify potential risks in advance… Read more »

A service operation vessel concept to be proud of

A trusted shipping company with an enviable safety record and a far-reaching reputation for reliability, ESVAGT is a shining star in the offshore wind sector. We analysed the company in depth and found an operation that’s committed to safety and quality in equal measure… ESVAGT is a ship-owning company founded in Esbjerg, Denmark, in 1981… Read more »

Building a stable future

Every year in PES, we take a closer look at the work of the European Wind Energy Association, and in particular its Annual Report. Hot off the press, it provides an accurate snapshot of the association and signposts challenges and opportunities. We’re delighted to present a few of the highlights, including an interview with the… Read more »

Innovative blade inspection

Words: Morgan Troedsson, Product Manager, FORCE Technology A familiar commentator in the pages of PES, Morgan Troedsson of FORCE Technology is one of the world’s foremost experts when it comes to blade inspection (and a lot more besides)… Every manufacturer of rotor blades for contemporary wind turbines is concerned with efficient and safe Quality Assurance… Read more »

Year-round excellence

Offshore marine engineering specialist GeoSea has been involved in the offshore wind industry since the early days and has played a role in some 40 wind farms to date. Bart de Poorter, General Manager of GeoSea, outlines how the company has evolved to serve the offshore wind sector and where he sees its role in… Read more »

No room for failure

Project management is paramount when operating in wind transportation today. In fact, it’s the only way to ensure the high quality that all wind companies demand, says CEO Hans Ove Dahl from GIVE GOODWIND – the Denmark based transporter that is busy expanding its business in neighbouring markets. PES: Welcome to PES Magazine. Would you… Read more »

Looking two steps ahead

A world-renowned specialist for the transport of heavy-lift, project and break-bulk cargoes across all oceans of the world, Hansa Heavy Lift is a perfect fit for the wind industry. The company’s young fleet of special heavy-lift vessels and highly qualified crews ensure an exceptionally smooth service. We spoke to Managing Director Joerg Roehl. PES: Welcome… Read more »

Timber mats: wind’s working solution for load spreading

As the global specialist in pipeline mats and crawler crane mats, Ko-Mats GmbH has embraced the opportunities presented to it by the wind industry. It provides end-to-end solutions for many of the challenges that turbine logistics companies face, through a large stock of mats for sale or hire. We spoke to the company’s August Oude… Read more »

Wind comes of age

With 10MW turbines on the horizon, stable policy conditions, improved investment conditions and a dependable infrastructure, wind is about to enter its fastest ever growth period. We examine the mitigating factors and explore what is set to be a golden period for wind. Let’s kick this feature off with a look at the figures. The… Read more »

Extra mile recruiting

A relatively-recent entrant to the wind market, Mensys is a recruiter of note that is set to double its turnover in the next 12 months. We spoke to Lars Poslednik, Country General Manager, Germany.  PES: Welcome to PES. Would you like to take the opportunity to bring us up to speed with the history of… Read more »

Through quality, service and product development comes growth

When we last spoke to Henning Weisz, the CEO of Global Tarps (Group MPASIA), it was following a 12 month growth period that had also seen the company maintain its reputation for quality and service. We caught up with Henning once again to find out how the business has been performing recently.  PES: Welcome back,… Read more »

Dedicated to the wind turbine foundation business

A company that is about to celebrate half a century of innovation, Peikko Group Corporation is a family-owned company with over 1,000 staff worldwide. The organisation’s main markets are European non-residential construction, the new residential construction sector, and select industrial target groups – such as wind energy. We spoke to Andris Berzins, Product Manager at… Read more »

Wind power: powering business

While utility-scale wind projects in the US (especially onshore) are continuing apace, many corporations are cashing-in on renewables by investing in wind energy to power their operations. IKEA, Microsoft and Facebook are just a few of the leading lights. PES takes a look. Those who bemoan the relatively slow adoption of renewable energy in the… Read more »

REN21: 10 years on

In June 2004, delegates from 154 countries converged in Bonn, Germany, for the world’s first government-hosted international conference on renewable energy. REN21 emerged from that process to become the first international organisation to track renewable energy developments. We take an in-depth look at how far the organisation has come, the strides it has made in… Read more »

The big debate

As the wind sector develops and matures, ancillary industries are becoming ever-more important. From education to logistics to weather forecasting, there is seemingly no end to the skills and ‘feeder’ roles that both fuel our fortunes and help improve the quality and consistency of our output.  We’ve brought together a roster of some of the… Read more »

Taking growth to the next level

Longstanding contributors to PES, Scaldis Salvage & Marine Contractors NV (Scaldis) are known for taking a measured approach that all-but eliminates last-minute surprises. We spoke once again to Linda Vanhaelst, Business Development & Marketing, about the company’s recent acquisitions and how it is laying the foundations for greater growth. PES: Welcome back to the magazine…. Read more »

Setting the story straight

It seems that 2014 has been the year to knock wind energy, with detractors trying to take a swipe at the technology, the health issues, planning, or any one of a number of perceived ills. We take a look at the reality behind the scare stories. This year has seen yet more negativity on wind… Read more »

Welcome to ‘Camp Anywhere’

As CEO of Site Facility, Jacob HeskjÊr is in charge of a bold vision that sees the company rolling-out camp facility solutions worldwide. And if that means finding a nearby site – complete with water and power – in the Arctic Circle, so be it. PES: It’s good to see Site Facility in the magazine… Read more »

When size is strength

As one of the world’s biggest MPP (multi-purpose) shipping companies, Thorco Shipping takes a keen interest and invests heavily in the wind industry. We caught up with the organisation’s CEO, Thomas Mikkelsen, to find out more about the current operations and future plans. PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Would you like to take this opportunity… Read more »

Transforming a global energy system

PES takes a look at the current state of renewable energy rollout, considers wind energy’s increasing role, and discovers what’s in store for the next few years.   Since 2010, more than a quarter of a trillion dollars have been invested annually in renewable energy, energy efficiency and supporting technologies. Global investment in clean energy… Read more »

U.S. wind: boom before bust?

For U.S. wind power, the last 12 months was both the best of times and the worst of times. That’s the conclusion from the new Wind Technologies Market Report recently released  by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and prepared by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). We take a look at the latest trends… Read more »