Archives: Exclusive Articles

A trusted partner for offshore wind logistics

Clarksons Port Services has over 50 years’ experience delivering vessel agency services and logistics management to the offshore energy sector. Since 2003, it has delivered marine integration services and coordination to over 50 wind farms. Clarkson PLC is the world’s leading provider of integrated services to the shipping and offshore markets. The Group employs over… Read more »

Charting the course

The Global Offshore Wind (GOW) conference and exhibition, organised by RenewableUK, is set to take place on June 18th and 19th at Manchester Central. This premier event brings together over 5,000 attendees, more than 260 exhibitors, and over 200 speakers from more than 50 countries, making it a focal point for the offshore wind industry…. Read more »

Navigating offshore challenges

With offshore wind projects in the US facing logistical challenges due to the Jones Act, William Cline and Nicklas Berg, Senior Fuel Suppliers and Team Leaders at Dan-Bunkering, explain how the company is addressing these hurdles, streamlining operations and enhancing cost-effectiveness. From mitigating regulatory obstacles to optimizing fuel management and reducing CO2 emissions, a comprehensive… Read more »

Build up

Being a manufacturer of components for wind turbines puts one in a perfect position to check the pulse, and temperature, of the industry. And, from this vantage point, it’s evident that there are two patterns that are shaping the way we deliver our products and services. The first trend we explore is the alarming transition… Read more »

Taking a regional approach to decarbonization

ASEAN countries have committed to long-term net zero targets, but recent trends show that they are tackling decarbonization largely in an independent manner, which is costly and inefficient. South East Asia has a wide range of renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal. Cross-border interconnection has a crucial role to play during the… Read more »

Knowing your blades at every moment

Wind energy stands as a beacon of sustainability, providing clean and renewable power to millions around the globe. At the heart of this green revolution are wind turbines, towering structures harnessing the power of the wind to generate electricity. However, ensuring the reliability and longevity of these turbines requires diligent maintenance, with blade condition monitoring… Read more »

Bolting in quality and resilience

Accurate bolting lies at the heart of the successful installation and maintenance of wind energy structures. Unlike any other working environment, wind energy, both onshore and offshore, represents a major challenge to bolting tool manufacturers. The design of the bolting tool, its resilience and accuracy are going to come under scrutiny as never before. The… Read more »

Realistically testing large roller-type blade bearings

Most blade bearings in large wind turbines are double-row four-point contact ball bearings. They connect the blades with the rotor and allow them to be pitched along their longitudinal axis. As the dimensions of wind turbines have been constantly increasing, every component has had to get bigger too, thus also increasing the loads on the… Read more »

Challenges and solutions in factory testing cable segments

In the current landscape of global energy infrastructure development, the necessity for efficient and reliable transmission systems has become increasingly pronounced, driven predominantly by the imperative of sustainable energy transition. In response to this pressing need, the deployment of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cables has emerged as a pivotal solution for transmitting electricity over… Read more »

Powering the future

If net zero targets are to be met and sustained over the long-term, offshore wind in the UK and Europe must continue to expand. Hitachi Energy is one company that is contributing to this expansion, focusing on technological innovations, infrastructure improvements, and strategic collaborations that are driving the renewable energy transition. PES wanted to hear… Read more »

Pioneering the future: the digital evolution of training

The wind energy sector faces significant workforce demands, with the Global Wind Organization (GWO) addressing safety and training needs. By leveraging digital technologies like virtual reality, companies like Kanda are transforming GWO training, offering scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. This innovation enhances safety, operational efficiency, and workforce development in the industry. As the demand for… Read more »

Navigating opportunities and challenges off the shores of America

The US offshore wind market is a burgeoning industry with immense potential and notable hurdles. Achieving ambitious renewable energy goals could foster massive job creation, significant capital investment, and substantial advancements in infrastructure. However, challenges such as rising costs, robust supply chains, and complex regulatory frameworks must be addressed to unlock the full potential of… Read more »

Unmanning inspections for enhanced results

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based inspection systems are revolutionising maintenance practices for turbine blades on wind farms. These drones, armed with high-resolution cameras, perform detailed inspections of wind turbines, capturing essential data to evaluate their condition. By operating beyond visual line of sight, UAVs can efficiently inspect numerous turbines, minimising human exposure to dangerous environments. PES… Read more »

Power in our own hands

Hand injuries can significantly affect quality of life and work performance. Despite their preventable nature, this type of injury is common in workplaces, including the renewable energy sector. Mechanix Wear offers specialized PPE solutions to address these hazards. Through programs like TRACK, the brand provides comprehensive assessments and trials to ensure optimal hand protection, reducing… Read more »

Navigating the supply chain through innovation and personalisation

Renuware is a rapidly expanding company in the energy sector. It is dedicated to tackling supply chain issues, specifically in the areas of wind turbines, subsea operations, and offshore support vessels. Its people-oriented approach distinguishes it from others, emphasising personal interaction. By capitalising on its technical knowledge, the company provides customised training and works closely… Read more »

Guardians of the deep

In the dynamic world of offshore wind energy, safeguarding subsea foundations and cables poses significant challenges. Helping to address the various complexities faced by engineers and developers in protecting these vital components, innovative solutions are changing the landscape of offshore wind farm protection. Ridgeway has been at the forefront of supplying the offshore wind sector… Read more »

How weather intelligence boosts wind farm performance and efficiency

Wind farms face weather-related challenges that impact turbine performance and profitability, such as wind variability, rain, hail, lightning, and turbulence. Accurate weather data is key to optimising energy production, reducing maintenance costs, and improving safety. Integrating wind lidars, environmental sensors, and digital tools helps wind farm managers make real-time adjustments, enhancing energy efficiency and minimising… Read more »

How to upgrade your blades against lightning

Wind turbine operators are facing a growing challenge as turbine blades increase in size: more frequent and severe lightning damage, particularly in lightning-prone regions like the US Midwest. GE Vernova’s 2.X-116 and 2.X-127 turbine blades have proven to be especially vulnerable, with their lightning protection systems (LPS) struggling to safely capture and divert lightning strikes… Read more »

Green energy from the waves

The wave turbine, a pioneering project developed by the WUPROHYD design office, promises to tap into the vast energy potential of sea and ocean waves. This innovative renewable energy system is expected to have a capacity ranging from 2.5 to 3 terawatts, equivalent to 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 megawatts. The WUPROHYD design office, the first of… Read more »

Cairn Duhie Wind Farm wins with pure lidar approach

Supported by advisory services provided by DNV, RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company has utilised wind lidar as a standalone solution for wind resource assessment and project planning at its 16-turbine scheme, Cairn Duhie. It’s a step change in safety, economy and efficiency. Advances in digital technology have yielded significant benefits to many… Read more »

Enhancing solar performance

In a conversation with Craig Plaatjes, Global Solar Product Manager at OTT HydroMet, we discuss the SMP Series from in-house brand Kipp & Zonen. The SMP Series includes the following three spectrally flat and Class A pyranometers, SMP10, SMP22 and SMP12. PES: When we’ve featured OTT HydroMet in the past the focus has primarily been… Read more »

Maximizing efficiency with solar project management

Sitetracker’s Director of Product Marketing, Energy and Utilities, Emily Obenauer, sheds light on the challenges solar developers face across project phases, from permitting complexities to construction coordination. PES wanted to ask her how Sitetracker’s platform streamlines processes, centralizes data, and integrates AI, fostering efficiency and sustainability in solar development. PES: It’s good to talk to… Read more »

Efficiency from the start: innovative value chains in module production

Over the past few years Europe has made noticeable progress in strengthening local PV production, thereby increasing resilience, sustainability, and independence along the entire value chain. Still, there are many obstacles to overcome, and without any doubt, the most severe threat is the Chinese PV industry and its economies of scale. To stay competitive, it… Read more »

Raising the roof on reducing liability risks

If planners and installers do not install PV systems correctly and cause damage as a result, they can be personally liable. Many of them are not really even aware of their responsibility. European Construction Products Regulation 305-2011 sets the guidelines for most construction products, but there’s no clear standard for PV systems on flat roofs…. Read more »

A fresh approach to efficiency and sustainability

The ground-mount solar market in EMEA has evolved, with growing demand due to renewable energy targets and supportive policies. Key trends include larger utility-scale projects, smart technology integration, and agrivoltaics, which merges agriculture with photovoltaic energy. Against this backdrop, PES wanted to find out more about Clenergy’s fixed ground-mount systems from the company’s EU Product… Read more »

From clouds to kilowatts: illuminating PV potential with diffuse irradiance insights

Accurate solar irradiance data is crucial for designing, operating, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Solar projects use various methods to gather this data, including Typical Meteorological Year datasets, satellite estimates, and ground-based measurements. The latter provide detailed insights for planning and monitoring. Instruments like pyranometers and pyrheliometers measure irradiance to optimize solar systems. Innovations… Read more »

Renewables done right

The cost of solar and renewable energy has plummeted over the past decade, with the trend looking set to continue. In many countries, the solar industry is already subsidy-free and out-competing traditional fossil fuel sources such as gas and coal. However, success is never without its challenges. Grid constraints and planning remain troublesome, and ecological… Read more »

Assessing the impact of neighborhood batteries

Smart cities are transforming urban landscapes with technology and sustainable practices, fostering economic growth and social inclusivity. As urban areas become more complex, technology plays a crucial role in optimizing these operations. The integration of battery storage technologies into urban energy systems has the potential to revolutionize the way cities manage and utilize electricity. This… Read more »

Solar tracker innovations driving customer success

GameChange Solar, the third-largest solar tracker company in the US and fourth- largest globally in 2023, attributes its success to innovation and customer- centric approaches. PES heard from President & COO Phillip Vyhanek about the company’s strategy so far, and how it’s not stopped yet on its global adventure, with plans for new factories, training,… Read more »

Overcoming complexities in controlling the world’s largest PV-diesel hybrid plant

The Al Shamal Cement Plant PV power project in Sudan, designed by Mustakbal Clean Tech, is a landmark in renewable energy. With a capacity of 54.1 MW of photovoltaic power, it’s the world’s largest PV-diesel hybrid power plant, demonstrating the transformative potential of renewable energy. Integrating diesel generators and a massive PV array posed significant… Read more »

Making a sustainable path to sustainability

Green energy development seeks to create a sustainable, clean planet but must not compromise on CO₂ emissions or ecological damage in the rush to expand capacity. Renewable energy must continuously prove its low-carbon efficacy, protect biodiversity, and harmonize with industries like agriculture. Achieving this requires committed investments in technical innovation and transparent, traceable manufacturing from… Read more »

Trends in alternative energy technologies

Justin Kolbe, Director of Marketing Strategy for Henkel’s Power Conversion and Industrial Automation Division, talks to PES about the current status of renewable energy. What are the key drivers in power conversion and energy storage that make alternative energy both economically viable and practical for widespread implementation, especially in the solar and electric vehicle sectors?… Read more »

Pyranometers with the lowest total cost of ownership

Hukseflux Thermal Sensors has grown to become the market leader in solar radiation measurement. More and more PV power plant owners and asset managers prefer using its pyranometers, not only because of their phenomenal measurement accuracy, but also because of their lowest total cost of ownership. With the recent launch of its industrial series of… Read more »