The weather factor in portfolio diversification and asset management – a Vaisala study. The year of 2015 has undoubtedly been one of challenge for many U.S. wind project operators. In terms of performance, the first quarter was one of the lowest on record for large portions of the country with some areas seeing wind speeds… Read more »
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 Luchterduinen and Gemini projects? All are covered right here… PES: Welcome… Read more »
We have welcomed Vroon Offshore Services B.V. to PES before, as a leading provider of support vessels for the wind industry (and others). But as Niek Spiljard explains in this illuminating interview, the company is committed to taking its offerings to the next level and asserting its place in the market. PES: There is a… Read more »
While there is a lot of talk about the growth of decentralised power generation, another trend is being largely overlooked: that of regional electricity integration. Remarkably, all over the world countries are connecting up their power systems, to make the best use of their (energy) resources, while at the same time boosting economic growth and… Read more »
A young company with a fresh, can-do attitude, Zensor offers a ‘one-stop shop for monitoring solutions’ in the wind market. It’s currently creating waves with a raft of new clients, and is also attracting the attention of leading institutions with a major award. We found out what makes the company tick, thanks to a conversation… Read more »
A company that is firmly focussed on the “many challenges out there to make construction and maintenance in the offshore industry more safe and efficient,” Ztechnologies is an acknowledged, and celebrated, innovator. We spoke to the organisation’s Reinout Prins. PES: Welcome to PES. Would you like to introduce the company and tell us a little… Read more »
Automatic systems for fire detection and suppression in wind turbines are becoming increasingly commonplace. And with good reason – they offer round the clock reliability and comprehensive unsupervised protection. Firetrace is a leader in this burgeoning sector, delivering a modular solution that is trusted worldwide. We spoke with the company’s respected Business Development Manager, Angela… Read more »
This month, Dr Stephen Breslin, CEO of Glasgow Science Centre, announced the UK’s first ever coalition of industry and policy-makers to create an exhibition that aims to raise public awareness of the energy challenges that we face and engage in the debate on how to solve them. When it launches in December, Powering the Future… Read more »
We take a closer look at an award-winning innovation that could revolutionise the design of floating turbines. This year, the UK’s longest running and most prestigious prize for engineering innovation was awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to Artemis Intelligent Power. Known for spotting the ‘next big thing’ in the technology sector, the MacRobert… Read more »
With the acquisition of the offshore jack-up crane vessel, Vidar, the respected Jan De Nul Group’s services for the installation of offshore wind farms will be considerably extended. We examine the group’s recent acquisition and wider wind offering. Services for the renewable energy industry are a key part of the services provided by Jan De… Read more »
Founded more than 50 years ago as a sub-division of Wavin-Labko Oy, Labkotec Oy is a leading Finnish manufacturer and supplier of electronic measuring technology. The company’s expertise is regularly relied upon by both industrial enterprises and municipal utility companies. And increasingly, the wind industry has been relying on its services. We consider the company’s… Read more »
With a $2bn Kenyan wind farm the testing ground for a deal between US & China firms, the recently-launched SEASTAR Alliance and Mitsubishi’s recent link-up with Vestas, we take a closer look at wind’s new power partnerships. Is collaboration a winning model for future growth? In September this year, China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach)… Read more »
Bigger, taller, faster – all clear trends, when looking at the evolution of wind turbine technology over the past ten years. Reducing the cost of energy is the constant target, and engineers are pushing the boundaries of blade length and tip speeds to increase annual energy production (AEP). PES presents an exclusive despatch, courtesy of… Read more »
Investors in European renewable energy projects face the greatest regulatory risk in Spain, followed by Italy, say the respected financial analysts, Moody’s Investors Service. We present an exclusive extract from their latest report. BackgroundWhile Spain and Italy are presented with the toughest challenges, in contrast, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have strong regulatory frameworks,… Read more »
At Clemson University, an old shipyard has been turned into the world’s largest wind energy testing centre. Renk Test System (RTS), a German company, has provided a facility containing the world’s most powerful wind-turbine tests rigs, which permit simulation of any type of wind force. As wind energy rapidly develops worldwide, the US government plans… Read more »
While fresh-out-of-the-box wind turbines have their place in the wind power mix, there’s also (a growing) demand for reinvigorated assets of a certain age. We explore the re-engineering market. As the wind energy market has matured, assets are ageing and many turbines are passing the end of their warranty period. At the same time, operators… Read more »
Experts in ecology survey innovation, marine consultancy and a host of other specialist legislative disciplines, Baker Consultants are becoming increasingly visible – and respected – in the wind energy arena. Here, they examine the growing influence of underwater noise. In recent years, following publication of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), which requires EU… Read more »
Slated to be ready for her first offshore wind project in the North Sea by Q1 2016, Wind Innovation is set to be a game changer for C-bed. We take a look at the specs and grab five minutes with the company’s Flemming Hjorth. Presenting Wind Innovation100% tailor-made for optimising the installation and commissioning stages… Read more »
In most parts of the world, renewable energy is flourishing – with wind power leading the charge into untapped markets and booming territories. We asked GE’s Peter Oram to provide us with an overview of the current situation in a number of key technologies… After a record year of installations in 2014, renewables accounted for… Read more »
EWEA Annual Event, the world’s premier wind energy conference and exhibition, comes to the French capital this year. We examine what delegates can expect from the hotly-anticipated show, which is taking place just two weeks ahead of the UN Climate negotiations, guaranteeing strong international media exposure and attracting over 9,000 high-profile business and political leaders…. Read more »
Reed Exhibitions Japan will be holding the fourth instalment of Japan’s largest wind energy show WIND EXPO next March in Tokyo. We take a look at what to expect. “WIND EXPO 2016 will be a great edition,” says Show Director Takeshi Tanaka. He adds: “With the Japanese wind energy market expecting growth, WIND EXPO will… Read more »
“The use of alternative energy in Kuwait is important for three reasons: the growing demand for electricity, the high price of oil and the optimal environment for investing in alternative energy as Kuwait is abundant with bright sun and wind,” says Dr. Bader Al Taweel, Chairman of Renewable Energy at Kuwait Engineers Society. And who… Read more »
EckPack Service is a company that’s build on innovation. It has developed an ingenious range of packaging solutions for the solar industry, built around a plastic corner that is unlike anything else available. But has it been successful? Definitely, says Technical Sales Manager, Marin Maras. PES: Welcome to PES. Would you care to introduce yourself… Read more »
Solar panels have proven to be a wise, future-proof investment in terms of economy and ecology. But just like any other technology, failures may occur. Thermal imaging cameras are an ideal for quick detection of those failures. Heinz Simmler, owner of Swiss photovoltaic inspection company Energie Netzwerk, is an avid supporter of this technology. Thermal… Read more »
With almost 100 megawatt of storage installations worldwide and more than four gigawatts of qualified orders in the pipeline over the next four years, James P. McDougall, CEO of Younicos, is at the helm of a phenomenally successful organisation. We asked the inspirational American to tell us more about the company, its proven technologies and… Read more »
In order to increase the profitability of wind turbines, components also have to come down in price – and that includes the sensors. But quality must not suffer as a result. Kübler’s Markus Brunner, Global Industry Manager Wind, explains how smart design is maintaining high standards and maximising profit. Cost pressures during the construction of… Read more »
If you thought Denmark had already won wind power’s world title, it’s time to think again. A host of pretenders are snatching at the crown, in what will become perhaps a more democratic industry with opportunities stretching far and wide. We consider the other nations waiting in the wings… Our globe-trotting journey has to begin… Read more »
Since being founded in 1881, G. Lufft GmbH has been the leader in the production of climatological measuring equipment – always with the motto “tradition meets innovation”. Now, they bring their wealth of experience to the offshore market with a new range of weather sensors. PES investigates… All of the digital Lufft sensors of today… Read more »
A multi-sector recruitment specialist, Mane is a rising star in the offshore arena, and has enjoyed a particularly buoyant year thus far – driven chiefly by a reinvigorated European market. We found out a little more about the organisation’s wind energy credentials and took a look at its plans for future growth… BackgroundMane provides Technical… Read more »
An industry is only as good as its people. With wind energy growing and developing at a pace, finding skilled employees is just one of industry’s big challenges. PES speaks to Lars Poslednik of Mensys Group about putting the right people in the right positions. PES: Welcome back to PES. Would you like to acquaint… Read more »
Although just over a year old, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind is already a major player in the wind industry. The company’s parent companies are two of the global leaders in wind power and offshore ventures, while its 8MW turbine is a potential game-changer. We spoke to the company’s Matt Whitby… PES: Welcome to PES. Would… Read more »
As well as offering an enormous benefit to the global environment, the offshore wind industry faces huge challenges from the local environment in the shape of extremely tough operating conditions. Olaf Borgwardt of novatic talks to us about how his company is helping protect the future of wind power. PES: Welcome to PES. Would you… Read more »
As wind farm installations get larger and more remote, the issue of housing and sustaining site workers becomes an increased burden, both in cost and logistics. PES speaks to the CEO of Site Facility, Jakob Heskjær, about how they are overcoming the issue, by bringing the workforce to the work. PES: Welcome back to the… Read more »
For many years, Denmark has been at the forefront of wind technology, with manufacturers maintaining an edge on competitors through their long history in the industry. However, Danish wind power knows it has to constantly evolve and improve to keep its place at the top of the table. Denmark is home to many small and… Read more »
While changes to the timing and swiftness of the UK Government’s announcement of its early withdrawal of the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) is surprising, that it was coming is not. Alan Shanks, Partner at HBJ Gateley gives PES his views on the future of wind farm subsidies. The UK government’s manifesto warned before the election… Read more »
The theme of this year’s Offshore WIND Conference is “Building an industry without borders”. PES looks at how this year’s annual event will focus attention on how thinking and cooperating beyond international borders can help to break down mental and legislative barriers, and help promote the growth of the industry. According to the International Energy… Read more »