Archives: Exclusive Articles

Failure is not an option

by Morgan Troedsson, Product Manager, FORCE TechnologyThe long-term efficiency of wind power relies on periodic revisions, with recurring inspection and maintenance. Morgan Troedsson, Product Manager at FORCE Technology, talks about what they bring to this vital subject on system reliability. Offshore turbinesWind turbines erected offshore were initially not designed for the offshore environment. Tough lessons… Read more »

A stable platform for growth

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 »

China Winds New Superpower

Claims from respected bodies such as the IEA suggest that China’s wind output could overtake the combined might of the EU and the US within 20 years. What will fuel this spectacular growth, and what will it mean for the rest of the marketplace? PES investigates… In 2012 (most recent figures), 12,960 MW of new… Read more »

Is wind power putting safety first?

Wind turbines are large, complex pieces of machinery, similar to those manufactured in the car and aerospace industries. But are our employees – at every stage of the supply chain – being supported by similar and correct Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) procedures? And what are the risks they being presented with? PES investigates… OSH… Read more »

The art of delivering ROV services

With the challenges posed by developing wind farms offshore, the importance of having the right people for the right job has never been clearer. Steven Gray explains why choosing a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) provider should not be clouded by one-dimensional thinking. Unlike the hidden depths of oil and gas operations hundreds of miles out… Read more »

Why grid energy storage is long overdue

Modernising the electric system will help many nations meet the challenge of handling projected energy needs – including integrating more power from wind sources. But why are we generally dragging our feet on this issue, and where is future innovation and global growth coming from? The US Department of Energy provides some answers… Advances to… Read more »

Investing in cable protection

Jack Simpson of Tekmar talks to PES about how an innovative system for connecting and protecting subsea power cables is contributing to cost reduction across the lifespan of wind farms and beyond. As governments of the world look to cut carbon emissions and reduce society’s dependence on traditional energy sources, one of the main deciding… Read more »

Test met mast delivers promising results

Words: Peter Herbert Meier, TÜV SÜD Industrie ServiceTÜV SÜD has been operating a 140 m research wind mast in Hessenreuther Wald, a forest region near Erbendorf in Northern Bavaria, Germany, since October 2012. The mast records meteorological data for assessing the site’s viability for wind power and for research purposes and the results are intended… Read more »

KiloWattsol advises lenders on first ever structured finance PV & Li-Ion storage deal

9MWp project Bardzour is a great example of the reliability and predictability of Renewable energies An often stated argument against supporting the progression of Renewables as a source of energy, and that of PV in particular, is the fact that the energy output depends on the amount of solar irradiation instantly available. It would hence… Read more »

4JET Technologies GmbH expands Asia sales with Klaus Schiffer

Alsdorf/Germany, December 11th, 2013 – 4JET Technologies GmbH expands its sales activities for micro machining applications in Asia.4JET has appointed Mr. Klaus Schiffer as Director Sales for applications in optoelectronics and glass processing. Mr. Schiffer will especially be responsible for sales in the key markets Display Technology, Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics. He will also coordinate… Read more »

Introduction

The Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) is the key focal point of any wind farm. The blades themselves are the key operational element of the WTG, as their performance in capturing the wind enables each manufacturer to optimise the availability and yield of their turbines. DIAB is a leading manufacturer of core materials, which is one… Read more »

Synergy and quality across the offshore arena

A company that provides full-service delivery of personnel, equipment and vessels within the business areas of offshore accommodation and subsea services, SweOffshore is an increasingly-visible operator in the sector. We caught up with Commercial Manager, Anton Lymer. PES: Welcome to the magazine. Before we get on to the main issues of the day, would you… Read more »

Dedicated to quality and service

Known under the brand name: Global Tarps, Group MPASIA is a rising star in the global wind industry. The company headquartered in Denmark, is widely-known for its high quality tarpaulins and prides itself on adapting to the needs of its customers, as CEO Henning Weisz explains. PES: Welcome to the magazine. Before we get on… Read more »

Wind farm developers face increasing green challenge

Failed appeal for Argyll site highlights importance of conservation legislation It is more than ironic that in a country where the government is heavily committed to maximising production of energy from renewable sources one of the main barriers to achieving this aim is conservation legislation, much of which, increasingly, originates from the European Union. In… Read more »

A reputation built on reliability

Known globally for its commitment to innovation and reliable products, Red Lion Controls is a key player in the renewables industry. The company has been performing at the very highest level for four decades, so we asked Diane Davis, Director of Product Management Ethernet Networking, to explain the secrets of its success… PES: Welcome. Would… Read more »

The big debate

It’s back, and it’s better than ever before. Once again, we’ve asked some of the most incisive and intelligent commentators from the world of wind to contribute to our roundtable debate – the most talked-about feature in PES. Our experts are here to offer invaluable analysis from the forefront of the industry. PES: Welcome to… Read more »

Optimising key resources for effective results

Operating under the banner of ‘Lifting at a higher level’, Scaldis is a key operator in the wind industry. We asked Linda Vanhaelst, Business Development & Marketing Manager, about the company’s core services and its ambitious plans for 2014… PES: Welcome to PES. Would you like 
to begin by explaining a little about 
your company… Read more »

Strength in numbers

A critical strategic gateway to Europe – and beyond – the ports operated by Seaports of Niedersachsen GmbH handle a considerable amount of onshore and offshore freight. But what challenges do the turbines present, and how is the industry evolving? We spoke to new Managing Director, Inke Onnen-Lübben. PES: Welcome back to the magazine. How… Read more »

Making all the difference to your bottom line

Accommodating your employees on-site means greater flexibility, less time travelling and increased security – coupled with a positive effect on your bottom line. Danish company Site Facility is an expert in the camp concept… It has to be convenient for the wind turbine manufacturer. And it has to be good for the employees. This was… Read more »

Unlocking the potential

It is undoubtedly an exciting time to be involved in offshore wind in Europe. Offshore wind will probably make the alternative energy sector’s largest contribution to meeting Europe’s ambitious target of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent by 2050. ‘Probably’. A new report based on the feedback of 200 executives within the… Read more »

Powering into clear, blue water

According to Johan van Wijland, the offshore wind industry has certainly faced tough times, but there are many reasons to be positive about the future. We pressed the Director of Van Oord Offshore Wind Projects b.v. for more details and asked him about the scope of his company’s involvement in the sector. PES: Welcome back… Read more »

Accurate cable assessment in challenging conditions

PES recently caught-up with the affable Vidar Bergli, VP Sales for Wirescan AS. He explained about the company’s innovative technology, its plans for future growth and the benefits of having major financial backers… PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Would you like to introduce the company to our readers and explain how you serve the wind… Read more »

Time to act

Strategically located in the heart of Europe’s offshore wind territories, Zeeland Seaports is a key contributor to the success of many of the sector’s biggest companies. And while there will be many more opportunities to reap rewards in the region, Commercial Manager Peter Geertse of Zeeland Seaports believes that time is of the essence… PES:… Read more »

Committed to offshore

An integrated provider of safe, high quality, innovative services and technologies for the subsea industry, DeepOcean has ramped-up its activities in the offshore wind sector in recent years. We spoke to Pierre Boyde, Commercial & Business Development Director. PES: Welcome to the magazine. Would you like to begin by explaining a little about the background… Read more »

Understanding the certification process and the importance of training

Going through the certification process for a wind turbine, support structure or substation related to the wind farm ensures that your asset adheres to required industry standards and best practice, and hereby reduces the total risk during the life cycle of the project. However, in a market with tight time schedules and scarce resources, it… Read more »

Critical analysis for a vital industry

EWC Weather Consult’s high-speed computing graphic cards reduce uncertainty in long-term performance reference and the prediction of wind power production. Today, meteorologists need high-performance computing architectures in order to create high-quality weather forecasts and analyses. These results play a key role in the evaluation, production, provision and trade of wind power. It is now time… Read more »

Staying safe at blade height

There’s perhaps never been a more apposite time to consider Health & Safety at work – especially in our industry, with ever-growing turbines. We caught up with the latest thinking, and opportunities for training. Working high up in a wind turbine nacelle offers a spectacular view no matter if you are onshore or offshore, but… Read more »

Providing the wind energy sector with a flexible accommodation solution

As the number of offshore renewables projects continues to increase, so does the requirement for flexible offshore accommodation solutions. In response to the growth, the Ferguson Group’s product offering provides flexible living and working solutions to accommodate the number of workers needed to undertake these projects. The Ferguson Group is one of the world’s leading… Read more »

Top of the world

Morgan Troedsson, Product Manager for FORCE Technology, writes exclusively on the topic of blade maintenance offshore, and offers an expert industry perspective, coupled with an organisational overview. FORCE Technology is a leading technological consulting and service provider internationally. Our target is to sell highly specialised engineering know-how that delivers useful and efficient testing solutions to… Read more »

Theres Only One Way To Go Offshore

A company with a reputation for peerless customer service and the ability to locate craft that will fulfill the most demanding situations, German Renewables Shipbrokers GmbH is a shining light in the offshore industry. We put the questions to the company’s Matthias Mroß. PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Would you like to introduce the company… Read more »

Offshore goes global

With the US finally open for business, and China and Japan looking to expand into their vast coastal resources, is it finally time for Europe’s wind sector to spread its wings into untapped territories? Is Eastern Europe ripe for further development? We take a look at the conditions and deliver our assessment… Europe is the… Read more »

The Art Of Performance

A company that deserves to be publically applauded for its part in the recent rescue operation where more than 300 Syrian refugees were found floating in fishing boats off the Italian-Sicilian coast, BBC Chartering is one of this magazine’s most regular contributors. We caught up, once again, with Senior Vice President Raymond Fisch… PES: We’re… Read more »

Analysis: Orange Blue Terminal in a strong upswing

PES introduces an excellent logistics base for offshore wind parks in the North Sea, courtesy of Buss Group GmbH & Co. KG The offshore wind market offers enormous potential for logistics. The two Buss offshore terminals in Eemshaven and Sassnitz are ideally located – their close proximity to the wind parks in the North and… Read more »

Radical Innovation The Challenges Facing The Energy Industry

David Dumeresque of Tyzack Partners discusses how to stand out from the crowd in an ever-changing sector. With the global population growing by an estimated 80 million people every year, including a significant increase in middle-class consumers, it is forecast that by 2030, the nine billion people living on this planet will need 40% more… Read more »