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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
With over 5 GW of products shipped and having generated around 5 TWh of clean electricity in more than 130 countries to date, APsystems has continued to lead MLPE innovation for over a decade and this mission requires managing quality on a grand scale. This article looks at the vision of quality shared by its… Read more »
Solar photovoltaic energy is poised to play a leading role in the transition to clean energy. According to the latest World Energy Outlook (WEO) report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar energy will account for more than half of the growth in renewable energy by 2030. Axial, a Spanish company specialising in the design,… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
If you’re looking for a way to save money on energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, just look up. The sunshine could be your most powerful ally. Let’s take a look at the six simple rules you can follow to get your solar system performing at its best. Rule 1: Place your solar system… Read more »
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 »
L:TEC means unmatched stability and safety for solar trackers, even in 400 kph winds or severe hail. The ever-evolving renewable energy landscape demands solar tracking systems to meet new regulatory requirements and engineering challenges. Increasingly frequent extreme weather and terrain flexibility are the most complex and pressing design concerns. Over the last 15 years, IDEEMATEC’s… Read more »
In a conversation with Dirk Tegtmeyer, co-founder of Ingenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer GmbH, we discuss the exciting developments of the company amidst a rebranding to IMT Technology GmbH. Aside from a new name, what are the latest advancements in Si sensors and what are the plans for seamless transition and global market penetration? PES: Welcome… Read more »
The European solar market is developing dynamically. For the third year in a row, the market grew by 40% or more, to around 56 gigawatts (GW) in 2023. According to a market survey by the European solar association SolarPower Europe, 2023 was the best year for solar power in 20 of the 27 EU member… Read more »
PES joins Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch of LuxChemtech, Dr. Charly Lemoine from CEA, and Dr. Ana Maria Martinez of SINTEF for a discussion about the latest groundbreaking advancements in solar panel recycling, and how the PHOTORAMA project is pioneering robust technological solutions to recover and recycle valuable materials from end-of-life PV panels. PES: We are looking… Read more »
Our roofs are our solar power plants of the future. To ensure that photovoltaic systems are equipped for the weather events caused by climate change, they need a reliable base. Premium Mounting Technologies (PMT) combines robust construction and easy installation with its innovative PMT X118. Fifty-two percent of electricity consumption in Germany is already covered… Read more »
In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency have become undisputed priorities, the photovoltaic self-consumption market faces both challenges and exciting opportunities. In this context, tracking consumption and production plays a crucial role, and this is where Pylon Data emerges with its photovoltaic monitoring software for self-consumption. The global emphasis on renewable energy usage is… Read more »
In an era where major players are vying for supremacy with ever-new technological solutions, one company is beginning to stand out with a new module that boasts 29% efficiency. We are talking about Tenka Solar. With European headquarters nestled in the innovation hub of Munich, Germany, this company is not just participating in the renewable… Read more »
The solar industry, after a decade of rapid growth, is transitioning to a slower expansion phase, with a greater focus on operational efficiency and performance. As demand stabilises, industry experts recommend optimising existing installations through precise weather and environmental monitoring. Critical factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, wind, and humidity significantly impact solar photovoltaic (PV)… Read more »
PES was excited to catch up with Agnieszka Schulze, ESG Chairperson at REC Group, to hear about its experience and expectations on sustainability in the solar industry. We’ll look at the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the solar industry and ask how the Group is navigating this transformative landscape. REC… Read more »