Archives: Exclusive Articles

Powering forward

In a conversation with PES, Marcus Davies Bateman, Director, and Kaveh Etemadi, Managing Director of comanos UK discuss the company’s strides in renewable energy. Despite being a relatively new brand in the market, it boasts a seasoned team and innovative staffing solutions. It’s tailored strategies and a partnership with Cobalt giving it the competitive edge… Read more »

The future of growth and investment in Europe’s wind energy sector

In the quest for sustainability, the EU faces mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions and embrace clean energy solutions. Despite challenges like the pandemic, wind energy stands out as a reliable and expanding sector. With a projected 4% increase in usage and over 129 GW of new turbines by 2027, wind energy is a key… Read more »

Breaking new ground

 In a conversation with Aaron Dupuis, Director of Marketing at Phazebreak Coatings, we delve into the innovative solutions the company is offering to revolutionize renewable energy. With a focus on both cold and warm climate challenges, Phazebreak’s products are not only enhancing the performance of wind turbines in icy conditions but also venturing into the… Read more »

Thinking outside the box, what’s next?

To help the wind industry excel in the current energy market, we need to provide the proper protection to these vital systems, ensuring they have the longevity to make renewable energy truly sustainable.We can use new materials, build taller turbines, increase blade lengths and enhance the generators for greater outputs, but longevity of assets still… Read more »

Embracing the winds of change: five future scenarios

As we leapfrog into the 21st century’s roaring twenties, the riddle of renewable energy solutions looms larger than ever. At 4cast, we see the future through a lens of innovation, progress, and sustainable transformation. Today, we invite you to embark on an exploration through five distinct future scenarios, each depicting a world reshaped by machine… Read more »

New methods of grid integration testing

Offshore wind energy’s expansion demands high-voltage transmission systems, creating together with the offshore wind farms converter-driven grids. The electrical challenges require validated electrical models in a higher frequency range and advanced validation methods for the stability studies in a converter-driven grid. Offshore grids face complexity and new requirements, necessitating innovative testing approaches. Fraunhofer IWES is… Read more »

Effects of wind veer on turbine performance

As rotor diameters and hub heights of wind turbines continue to increase, it is common for turbines to experience significant changes in wind direction with height across the rotor plane. With more remote sensing devices being deployed, it is becoming easier to directly observe and quantify these high veer conditions. However, the direct impact of… Read more »

Achieving efficiency and control in wind operations

Maintaining consistent and effective power production continues to be a significant hurdle for those managing wind assets. The combination of older equipment, a lack of qualified personnel across the industry, supply chain pressures, rising costs due to inflation, and expanding wind energy projects puts a heavy burden on even the most seasoned operators to stay… Read more »

Energy security: a modern imperative

In the constantly changing world of energy, the idea of energy security has emerged as a critical foundation for both national and international stability. At PES Wind, we explore the complex aspects of energy security, looking into its importance, the obstacles it faces, and how renewable resources, especially wind energy, play a pivotal role in… Read more »

Capitalising on under-the-radar investment opportunities

As the global energy landscape continues to transition from fossil fuels towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector are set to open a myriad of new and promising avenues for investments. And there are many long-term opportunities to take advantage of if you know where to… Read more »

The next step for offshore wind and what it will take to get there

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the demand for clean, renewable energy sources continues to grow. Wind power, in particular, is playing a pivotal role in this transition. Floating offshore wind is a promising technology that holds significant importance in the renewable energy sector.

Optical sensing boosts the reliability of wind gearboxes and drivelines

Gearbox integrated optical sensing is redefining the way gearboxes and drivelines are monitored and measured, leading to a new era of unprecedented reliability. By precisely measuring real-time torque, and planet load sharing, optical sensing provides a complete overview of the gearbox’s health and performance. Strengthen asset management with the remaining useable life predictions of all… Read more »

Revolutionising coatings for wind turbines

Nestled in northern Germany, Bergolin GmbH & Co. KG boasts a rich legacy dating back to 1909, making it one of the oldest coating factories in the country. Initially renowned for its expertise in classical corrosion protection systems and wood coatings, the company has evolved significantly over the years. Today, under the leadership of Managing… Read more »

Empowering the future

From its humble beginnings to its current position at the forefront of technological innovation, we unravel the threads of the Dellner brand story, illuminating the path forward in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial braking and hydraulic systems. PES caught up with the new division’s Global Sales Director, Joel Cox, ahead of WindEurope in Bilbao, Spain.

Risk, cost and innovation in onshore foundation design

As innovations drive down costs in wind turbine components, foundation expenses rise. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts Balance of System costs to soar, posing a challenge. The solution lies in reimagining foundation design. Current methods fall short, risking structural integrity. Advanced modelling offers insight, with micropiles emerging as a cost-effective, efficient alternative, slashing both… Read more »

High-performance helicopters take off as a more efficient way of working

As the offshore sector continues to experience consistent expansion, the significance of establishing and fostering a readily available network of highly skilled maintenance crews has never been greater. This is crucial for addressing failures, emergencies, and maintenance services promptly. While Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) have traditionally served as the primary mode of transportation to offshore… Read more »

Unlocking the winds of change: navigating a dynamic landscape

In the world of renewable energy, the wind sector uniquely embodies both swift innovation and expansive growth. Technological breakthroughs elevate turbines to new heights and capacities, while billions in investment circulate through numerous transactions, establishing this field as a vibrant catalyst for transforming the global energy framework. In this constantly changing segment, how do 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 »

Managing growth: new industry-wide guidelines for accurate Wind Resource Assessment with dual scanning lidar

Winds of change are gusting in the field of wind energy. Driven by advancing technologies and unprecedented policy momentum globally, wind is poised for significant growth in 2024. As wind energy development accelerates, the need for accurate and reliable wind resource data is greater than ever. Since the turn of the century, the average hub… Read more »

Offshore wildlife protection: acoustic monitoring and AI detection

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology has been used by offshore wind farms for more than a decade to monitor underwater noise. Underwater environments, despite their apparent inaccessibility, are territories of life, and exceptional scientific wealth. They are full of acoustic events that offer a window on crucial phenomena, such as seismic movements, behaviour of marine… Read more »

Switching to dry-mounted wave radars: why and when?

From enhancing safety and reliability to streamlining operations and optimizing maintenance, the advantages of dry-mounted wave radars in wind energy are poised to revolutionize the industry. Miros explores the intricacies of this transition and the impact it could make on the future of offshore wind operations.

Aligning for success: the high-stakes mission facing turbine installers

As the world races to meet the urgent demands of climate change, wind energy stands at the forefront, poised to provide a significant portion of global power by 2030. Yet, behind the scenes, a battle against physics is being waged to ensure these giants not only stand tall but also align perfectly with the winds… Read more »

Our wind, our value

Thought leaders, environmental impact groups, innovative investors, and those with a deep interest in the future of the EU energy sector will gather for WindEurope’s annual conference in Bilbao, Spain. Based on previous attendance, participants can mingle with some of the greatest minds in modern energy, as at least 12,000 attendees are expected from across… Read more »

Harnessing the wind

The Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, managed by SSE Renewables, stands as an epitome of innovation in the offshore wind energy sector. Since its initiation, the 504 MW facility has been powering over 400,000 UK homes, marking its significance in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. In 2020, SSE collaborated with XOCEAN, leading to an ongoing… Read more »

Clarity through comprehensive wind turbine audits

In the realm of wind energy, downtime is the nemesis of productivity. Maintenance audits act as the first line of defense against unexpected breakdowns, minimizing downtime and averting the need for unplanned repairs. By addressing issues preemptively, audits keep turbines spinning steadily, maximizing their uptime and energy output. PES spoke to Garrett Calaway, CEO of… Read more »

Redefining rugged: next generation mooring connectors for challenges offshore

Mooring hook up and tensioning are critical factors for the success of all Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) projects. For commercial-scale projects to meet delivery goals, developers will need to install floating foundations offshore as quickly, and as safely, as possible. In some instances, the aim is to install one wind turbine every week, or even… Read more »

Unlocking the potential of training for an empowered future

As wind energy continues to gain traction as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, the importance of training within the industry cannot be overstated. From ensuring safety standards to optimizing efficiency and fostering innovation, training plays a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of wind power. Here, Wind-ON takes a closer look… Read more »

Changing the game for lifting systems on and offshore

PES Wind had the opportunity to speak with Kent A. Johnson, CEO of CLS Wind, as the company unveils its innovative wind turbine automated assembly solution, suitable for onshore and offshore installations. Kent discusses the company’s journey, emphasizing reduced costs, faster installation times, and environmental benefits. Its patented elevating platform system promises to reshape offshore… Read more »

Harness the sun

Henkel is committed to innovating materials that provide solar system developers with formulations that support sustainable practices. Why? Because it believes that power conversion and energy storage reliability hold the key to solar power’s advantage. Human flourishing depends on three things: water, food, and energy, and their affordable access. The last element of this nexus,… Read more »

Image quality matters

Crystal clear inspection images. That is what blade experts need to consistently deliver accurate rotor blade damage analysis and effective blade O&M. Our clients wanted it. We got it done. Blade experts know that image quality matters more than anything else. Inspection providers are only as good as the images they provide, some even say…. Read more »

In deep water 
with tension leg platform design

The installation procedure of the ECO TLP® system for floating foundations, which is designed for extra-large (XXL) wind turbine generators in deep water, is a patented innovation capable of operating in water depths of up to 2000 meters. PES was keen to gain insight into the technology and the benefits it brings to the offshore… Read more »

Corrosion prevention is better than cure

2023 has been a remarkably productive year for Easy-Qote in the renewable energy sector. The company has participated in numerous events as both exhibitors and attendees, witnessing the undeniable enthusiasm for wind power development. Ensuring the longevity of these assets is crucial for the sustainability of this energy form. Implementing protective measures from the beginning… Read more »

Real-time data on the crest of a wave

Offshore wind farm operations are hugely affected by weather conditions. Finding the right weather windows and suitable sea states is a challenge and often it’s a race against time to finish the operations within safe conditions. Radac explains how real-time wave data can help.  The weather has a huge role to play in offshore wind… Read more »

Taking up position with heavy load handling

PES sat down with Darren McQuillan, Vice President, Global Business Development, at Bardex Corporation, to find out more about the company’s positioning as an engineering solution provider and how it brings together all aspects of project management, execution, contract management, and everything else associated with floating offshore wind. PES: Thanks for taking the time to… Read more »