Exclusive Articles
UK wind red tape planning headache
Words: Gerry Lalonde, CEO, Orenda Energy Solutions. Planning consent is still grey area for the small/medium wind turbine market and it is about time we had consistency and predictability rather than disparate decision making that often blights and inhibits progress across the UK. It has been known for years that planning authorities decision making varies… Read more »
TORQUEING AND RECORDING IT
What is torqueing and why is it important to be able to record it? PES finds out from Norbar, the torque tool specialists. In this context, torqueing is principally the measured application of rotational force to a threaded fastener. When the torque is either under or over the manufacturer’s specification, it can cause considerable damage… Read more »
Gearbox full Load testing – full speed, full load, fully proven
During October 2015 Moventas Gears, the wind turbine gearbox specialist headquartered in Finland, made an investment decision, which now supports customers all around the UK and central Europe. The 3.6MW Full Load Test Bench & Final Assembly workshop was commissioned in Huddersfield, in August 2016. Supported by the UK government, the Huddersfield upgrade was part… Read more »
A new bottleneck to come?
Words: Kurt E. Thomsen I know what you are thinking, right now you may be considering installing an offshore windfarm and here I am telling you about the problems of getting rid of the thing again. But! The topic is relevant whether you are installing a windfarm, nearing an end to the operational life, or… Read more »
Keeping the wind blowing in the right direction
The number of wind turbines used globally has grown exponentially over the last few years and with it so has the need for efficient and safer inspection methods. Ray Faulkner from iRed, an industry-leading thermographic consultancy and training centre, explains how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones) are establishing a strong case for involvement. Renewable energy has… Read more »
Clean energy on India’s horizon
In February 2015, the Indian government announced its plans to almost quadruple its renewable power capacity to 175 GW by 2022 as part of the plan to supply electricity to every household in the country. This includes 60 GW from wind energy. Further, India made a commitment at COP21 to raise the share of non-fossil-fuel… Read more »
Offshore wind turbines and the technology that powers them
Ever wonder how wind turbines operate autonomously, with such little human intervention, in the middle of the sea? Rico Shoeni, Market Manager for Industry at HUBER+SUHNER, gives PES an inside look at the latest developments and the type of technology currently in development to power offshore wind farms. With the ever-increasing effects of global warming,… Read more »
Hydraulics go Dutch offshore
The world of high-pressure hydraulics is constantly in motion. Within this dynamic the Dutch hydraulics specialist Holmatro is continuously developing high-quality solutions for industrial applications. After more than 50 years’ experience as a supplier to the shipbuilding and oil & gas industries, Holmatro developed the first TP levelling set in 2009, used in the construction… Read more »
Good forecast ahead
At the beginning of March 2017 PES asked Steve Sawyer, secretary general GWEC, for his informed perspective on current wind production worldwide and his short term predictions. Overall, the wind industry globally started the year in good shape, with solid prospects for 2017 and beyond. Although we didn’t reach the 60 GW mark in 2016,… Read more »
Weather risk cover: all you need to know as a clean energy asset owner
Words: Geoffrey Taunton-Collins, Weather Risk Analyst, GCube Underwriting Ltd. As with any asset type, consistently ensuring reliable returns from renewable energy assets requires charting a course through a series of financial risks. For the wind industry in particular, given the fickle nature of the elemental force underpinning it, resource underperformance is becoming the principal concern… Read more »
