News Archive November 2015

UK: Ecotricity pushing hybrid energy park concept

Ecotricity, Britain’s leading green energy company, recently announced plans to build three new hybrid renewable energy parks.

Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) and collaborators announce the results of a three-year, multi-state project that fills significant ecological data gaps on bird, marine mammal, and sea turtle distributions and movements.

56 wind turbines of the six-megawatt class for the Galloper project / Siemens Financial Services to hold 25 percent of the total equity in Galloper Wind Farm Ltd. / Output of 336 megawatts to supply up to 336,000 British households / Long-term maintenance contract

ELA Container Offshore GmbH will participate at ADIPEC 2015 – the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference- from November 9th – 12th, 2015. The exhibition will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi.

Chile: South American move for SgurrEnergy

Leading renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy, has announced the opening of a new office in Santiago, Chile, signalling a strategic move to further develop its South American base.

GEV Group has announced a £5.4 million investment by Maven Capital Partners, one of the UK’s leading private equity houses.

The Board of the World Wind Energy Association has decided on the occasion of the 14th World Wind Energy Conference 2015 in Jerusalem to give the World Wind Energy Award 2015 to the Mali Folkecenter Nyetaa.

Prysmian, new award worth more than $ 140 M for a submarine power cable project in China This is the first submarine cable project in People’s Republic of China for the Group / The new contract paves routes to new business opportunities for the Group in

First turbine starts operation / Twelve of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines (7.5MW) replace 50 older models / 90MW of installed capacity along the shore of the IJsselmeer / Total investment of over €150 million

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. announced that it will expand its clean energy target to $150 billion in financings and investments by 2025 as part of its updated Environmental Policy Framework.

Germany: New generation at softEnergy

The managing director of 11 years Elke Stahl has handed over management to her successor Thomas Niestaedt on 01.10.2015.

As states look for the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants, new analysis from the Texas grid operator points to a leading role for wind energy.

Global: IRENA and DTU Launch World’s Most Detailed Wind Resource Data 

Global Wind Atlas provides accurate wind resource data down to the kilometre, boosting support for global wind energy development

Vaisala is pleased to announce the release of its Weather Transmitter WXT530 Series, a unique set of sensors that allows the customer to choose the weather parameters that best fit their measurement needs and application.

VBMS has been awarded two contracts with a total value of approximately EUR 200 million by Galloper Wind Farm Ltd., a joint venture between RWE Innogy UK, Siemens Finance and Green Investment Bank, for the Galloper Offshore Wind Farm.

China: Vestas wins its largest order in China in 2015

Vestas has received a firm and unconditional order for two projects for a combined 200 MW from China’s Hanas Group.

GE announced that with the completion of its Alstom acquisition, GE Power & Water and Alstom Power have combined to form GE Power.

Statoil has made the final investment decision to build the world’s first floating wind farm: The Hywind pilot park offshore Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

nkt cables has been awarded the order for delivery and installation of the export cable system for the Galloper offshore wind farm in a consortium with VBMS, a Dutch marine contractor.

Denmark: Vestas’ Marika Fredriksson named CFO of the year

Berlingske Business names Vestas Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marika Fredriksson as CFO of the year.

Global: Siemens and Bolivia sign energy cooperation

Volume of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over one billion euros

Global: Worldwide Wind Statistics - Special Edition of WWEA Bulletin 2-2015 now available as e-version

The special edition of the WWEA Bulletin focuses on the worldwide wind statistics

CWind, a leading provider of services to the offshore wind industry, has completed a week of cable team demonstrations at its training facility in Barrow-in-Furness.

Trade fair motto: “Siemens wind power solutions every step of the way” Presentation covers the whole value-chain of wind projects / Innovation regarding wind turbines, grid access, operation and service / New logistics concept will reduce costs for offshore wind parks

For the first time, maximum number of points in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) / CDP praises Siemens for high transparency of its environmental reporting / Signal for COP 21: Business must take the lead in climate protection

ACCIONA Windpower, the ACCIONA Group subsidiary dedicated to the design, manufacture and commercialization of wind turbines, has now installed more than 1,000 MW (1 GW) of wind power capacity using concrete tower technology.

Prysmian, supplies cables for the Niagara Wind Farm Project, one of the largest wind farms in North America / The contract includes a wide range of power transmission and distribution cables as well as optical cables

Vestas has received a firm and unconditional order from GS Power, part of the South Korean conglomerate GS Group, for six V112-3.3 MW turbines for the Yaksoo wind park.

US: 46 businesses & organizations urge Sen. Kirk, Reps. Dold, Roskam to extend energy tax credits

Letter stresses growth, job creation with Production & Investment Tax Credit extensions

With wind energy increasingly getting established as a mainstream option for electricity generation in many countries, its integration with the conventional grid has emerged as a technological challenge.

The company will install 100 of its G97-2.0 MW class S turbines, purpose-designed for the Indian market / Gamesa's order intake in India, where it is the top OEM, amounted to close to 450 MW during the third quarter.

Brazil: Enel Green Power starts production at Dois Riachos wind farm

The new plant has an installed capacity of 30 MW and is the first part of the 118 MW Serra Azul wind power complex to start operations

63% increase in EBIT to EUR 97.6 million / Order intake up 57% to just under EUR 2.0 billion / Sales target for 2015 raised to EUR 2.3 - 2.4 billion / Sales up 41% to almost EUR 1.8 billion

The first of 43 turbines at ALLETE Clean Energy’s Thunder Spirit wind farm has begun generating renewable energy at the installation being constructed about 100 miles southwest of Bismarck, N.D.

Strategic partnership with strong commitment to offshore wind in the Netherlands / Objective to participate at tender process for Borssele I and II with a total capacity of 700 MW

Laulagun Bearings and IK4-IKERLAN have developed components which assess their own condition / They will make it possible to anticipate possible failures, which will contribute to a reduction in offshore energy exploitation costs

Germany: Nordex aims for profitable growth with Acciona Windpower

Clearance by competition authorities expected in Q1/2016 / Joint sales target of EUR 4.2 – 4.5 billion by 2018 / EBITDA margin of over 10% targeted for 2018

Germany: RWE confirms earnings forecast for 2015

Net debt down to €25.8 billion / Marked improvement in result from renewable energy / Operating result for first three quarters down 9% year on year as expected

Germany: First GICON®-SOF offshore foundation granted feed-in of generated electricity

Allocation of connection capacity issued by the German Federal Network Agency

Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, majority owned by Lekela Power, has announced that its wind turbine foundations are utilising one of the world’s lowest quantities of Portland cement in the concrete formulation.

The latest report from the International Energy Agency shows the global transition to renewable energy and wind power is in motion, says Giles Dickson, chief executive officer of the European Wind Energy Association.

RenewableUK is highlighting new official Government statistics which show that more than three-quarters of the British public support using renewable energy.

US: Europeans come to aid the US Offshore Wind Market

Windfair reports regularly on the progress in the US offshore wind industry. Recently new ambitious plans involving well-known European companies surfaced.

Boralex inc. is pleased to announce the commercial commissioning of the Témiscouata II wind power project, located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region in Canada, with an installed capacity of 51.7 MW.

The Taiwanese Government has announced ambitious plans to build offshore wind farms with several projects at various stages of development.

Scotland: Scotland falling short of 100% renewable electricity target

A new report has shown that Scotland will miss its 100% renewable electricity target without further investment in onshore and offshore wind.

EDF Energies Nouvelles announces the acquisition of the Dorenell wind farm project in Scotland by its UK subsidiary, EDF Energy Renewables, which will ensure its construction.

MAKE issues a 3.7GW upgrade to its US outlook for 2015 to 2017 driven by strong demand from utilities and C&I power purchasers.

China: Vestas receives another order

Following last week’s 200 MW order, Hanas Group has placed a 50 MW order for 25 V110-2.0 MW turbines.

Building on proven performance and responding to evolving customer requirements, the upgraded 3 MW platform will increase energy production and lower the cost of energy.

Ireland: Carbon Content of Irish Electricity Generation Hits Record Low in 2014

Power generation CO2 emissions would have been 23% higher without renewables

Global: Q4/2015 Global Wind Power Market Outlook Update

Stronger growth in the U.S. and Germany elevate global wind power outlook through 2018; upgrade tempered by long-term policy uncertainty

Global: EWEA 2015 will take place as planned

Email from the CEO, Giles Dickson, that went out tonight.

Siemens will deliver, install and commission 12 direct driven SWT-3.2-113 for the Les Gourlous wind farm in the Champagne-Ardennes region / Contract includes 20 year full service and maintenance agreement

Germany: SeaPlanner New Features Launched on Nordsee One Offshore Wind Farm

SeaPlanner has been selected by Nordsee One GmbH as their marine coordination and management tool for the Nordsee One far shore wind farm development.

In a major industry announcement, Global Marine Systems Limited, the UK headquartered world leader in subsea cable route design, installation and maintenance, is re-entering the power market after a brief absence.

Facility to produce rotor blade sets, nacelles and hubs, and towers / Will Double Inox Wind’s Manufacturing Capacity to 1,600 MW / One of Asia’s Largest Manufacturing Facilities

Offshore Windforce has contracted Seajacks Zaratan to install 67 transition pieces at the Veja Mate offshore wind farm. The 400MW wind farm will be based 95km north-west of Borkum in the German exclusive economic zone.

The WindFloat Atlantic project envisages the construction of an offshore wind farm comprised of 3 or 4 wind turbines and a total capacity of 25 MW

New Turbine.Architect Software tool has the ability to assess the impact of technology and design on wind farm level, calculating costs and energy production based on realistic project and site specifications

US: Invenergy to Provide Clean Power to Equinix

Leading Renewable Energy Producer Partners with Equinix to Reduce Emissions Through Wind Power / Agreement Brings Invenergy’s Corporate Customer Wind Portfolio to 225 MW

Senvion, one of the world's biggest wind turbine manufacturers, has supplied the first kilowatt hours (kWh) with its first Senvion 3.4M114 NES (Next Electrical System), which is installed in the German region of North Friesland.

Wind energy will be the largest source of power supply in the EU by 2030 if governments apply the right level of ambition in their climate and energy policies, according to EWEA’s latest report.

France: Reliability – Made by Schaeffler: higher reliability for wind turbines

Schaeffler at EWEA 2015 in Hall P02-3

Logistics contract concluded with deugro Danmark A/S / Two special transport vessels for rotor blades and nacelles to be built / Heavy components to be moved in tailor-made “Roll-on/Roll-off” process

Germany: AMBAU starts fabrication of Nordergründe towers

On behalf of Senvion AMBAU produces 18 offshore towers. The installation of the turbines type 6.2M126 is scheduled for summer 2016.

PNE WIND AG was informed today that planning permission was not granted by the Scottish Ministers for the Sallachy wind farm project (66MW) developed by WKN AG.

Global: GE Renewable Energy Unveils New 3 MW Wind Turbine Platform at EWEA

New 3.4-130 and 3.4-137 models join recently announced 3.2-130 to form GE’s most powerful family of onshore wind turbines to date

Global: MAKE celebrates 10-year milestone advising the wind power industry

A trusted team of leading analysts well positioned to advise the wind industry into the next decade of growth

Germany: Senvion acquires RodPack technology for more efficient blades

Senvion, one of the world’s biggest wind turbine manufacturers, acquired RodPack technology from Chase Corporation in November 2015.

Britain’s leading green energy supplier, Ecotricity, will launch a groundbreaking new windmill at the European Wind Energy Association conference in Paris this week.

Prysmian to present latest innovations in cable connections for offshore wind farms at EWEA 2015 in Paris / Successful completion of electrical type tests on 66 kV cable systems are paving the way to step offshore wind farms intra-array system voltage way up

This turbine guarantees maximum power at medium wind speed sites. Serial production is scheduled to begin in 2017 / The new platform rounds out Gamesa's product portfolio, enabling it to meet 100% of global demand

Acquisition of Alstom’s renewable energy unit expands GE’s global wind footprint to more than 30,000 turbines worldwide and grows European presence by 50 percent / Company welcomes new offshore wind business and Haliade technology into portfolio

US: Equinix Signs Power Purchase Agreements that Bring its North American Data Centers to 100% Renewable Energy

Agreements to purchase wind energy in Oklahoma and Texas nearly double its overall global renewable energy

UK: Country racing ahead with locally sourced offshore wind industry

The UK’s offshore wind industry came together and committed to annual reporting on UK content, during the UK’s first Offshore Wind Week.

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has named Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa “Preferred Developer 2015” at its annual awards ceremony in Cape Town.

Scotland: Skylark application for 65MW Upper Sonachan Wind Park

Skylark Energy has submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government for Upper Sonachan Wind Park near Portsonachan in Argyll and Bute.

Dr. Lars Landberg, a meteorologist at DNV GL, has written a book that will help non-meteorologists understand the critical concepts that underpin wind energy technology and project success.

The Chilean wind power market has moved a step further towards the diversification and specialization of the Operation & Maintenance services.

US: MidAmerican Energy installing first concrete wind turbine tower

MidAmerican Energy Company’s new wind farm in Adams County, Iowa will include a first for the company – a concrete wind turbine tower.

Global: GCube Tackles Turbine Fires

Specialist renewable energy underwriter, GCube Underwriting Ltd. (GCube) has launched a unique report into wind turbine fires, drawing from its extensive claims data and experience.

Germany: Lufft wins innovation award of Baden-Württemberg

The measurement and control technology company Lufft was selected as one winner of the “Dr. Rudolf Eberle Prize” at “Haus der Wirtschaft” in Stuttgart.

Global: Facts and figures show the environmental and social impact of coal production

The Heinrich Böll Foundation and Friends of the Earth International have published the first English edition of the Coal Atlas 2015 in Brussels.

Turbine manufacturers are currently coming together at the major European wind exhibition EWEA 2015. They have brought with them their new evolved turbines that are specifically suitable for sites with low and medium wind speeds.

EU: Energy Union address shows Commission ready to step in on EU renewables target

The European Commission must take the necessary measures to ensure that EU member states meet the "at least" 27% renewable energy target by 2030.

Spain: Gamesa secures type certification for its G114-2.5 MW turbine

The company has already closed orders for the supply of 280 MW of this model.

UK: Crown Estate launches interactive offshore wind electricity map

"We have launched a unique interactive map that shows the estimated percentage of UK electricity demand being met by offshore wind on an hourly basis"

ASM extends its portfolio for displacement and position measurement for mobile working machines. The new POSIWIRE® sensor WS21 has been designed for measuring ranges up to 20 000mm.

With these awards, the cement company recognises the most outstanding works in different countries / ACCIONA has installed 94% of the wind turbines of the Ventika and Ventika II parks totalling 252 MW, and is already generating 40% of that power during testing

EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) has announced that the 175 megawatt (MW) Pilot Hill Wind Project in Illinois reached commercial operation on September 26, 2015.

Force 9 Energy are delighted with the decision taken by the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) to approve the proposed 7 turbine (21MW) Craigton and Spittalhill wind farm, located in the Fintry Hills, Stirlingshire.

Global: DNV GL awards component certificate to eologix for pioneering ice sensor system

Innovative new system detects ice formation directly on turbine blades and enables automated turbine operations

The East Anglia THREE development will require up to 172 wind turbines, and covers an area of 305km2 in the southern North Sea.

UK: ScottishPower Renewables Agrees Thirty-Year Deal with Port of Lowestoft

ScottishPower Renewables has announced a second boost for the renewable energy industry in East Anglia.

US: Finalization of the development of the first phase of Sterling Wind Farm

The construction of this 30 MW phase 1 could be launched from end-2016 / Sterling could have an overall capacity of 300 MW

Texas homeowners and business owners can keep more money in their pockets, and rural Texas ranchers and family farmers can receive millions of dollars more a year in land lease payments, by building new wind farms tapping into more of the state’s low-cost wind energy resources.

Germany: BASF and partners work together on smart energy solutions

Creator SpaceTM tour concludes in Ludwigshafen, Germany / Ten-day event includes creative marathon, interactive conference and cultural program

Germany: ELA Container Offshore GmbH builds first mobile MEDICbox for WINDEAcare

Mobile 10 ft Rescue Container for medical treatment on offshore sites

Wind farms larger and further from shore have created the need for a new approach to operations and maintenance (O&M) and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier has developed what their UK General Manager believes will be a “game-changer” for the industry.

Wind turbines with total capacity of 130 MW to be erected by the end of 2016 / Auction system promotes high-performance technology / 42 direct-drive turbines, with 3 and 3.2 megawatt capacities for 3 wind farms

EDF Renewable Energy has closed on the transaction to sell a 50 percent interest in the 194 megawatt (MW) Spinning Spur 3 Wind Project in Texas to a fund managed by BlackRock’s Infrastructure Investment Group.

Germany: EMO awarded for Guarding Veja Mate Offshore Windfarm

EMS Maritime Offshore GmbH (EMO) and Veja Mate Offshore Project GmbH signed a contract for guarding the Veja Mate Offshore Wind Farm with its fleet of guard vessel.

Global: Renewables Poised to Deliver Climate Solution

IRENA report presents actions to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C by accelerating transition to renewable energy

UK: VolkerInfra awarded its first contract with Siemens Energy

VolkerInfra has been awarded its first contract with Siemens Energy which will see the company work on the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm.

US: Vestas secures first U.S. order for the V126-3.3 MW

Vestas will deliver 61 V126-3.3 MW turbines for a 200 MW project in Oklahoma, strengthening the 3 MW platform’s presence in the U.S. market.

U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced $125 million across 41 cutting-edge energy technologies awarded by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

Ahead of important round of climate talks, new study shows majority of 2014 clean energy investment, activity occurred in 55 developing nations

Four research groups each receive prize money of €100,000 for innovative battery concepts / Competition is an important part of the co-creation program in BASF’s anniversary year

UK: Watford Lodge wind farm commences operation

Broadview Energy is pleased to announce that the construction of Watford Lodge wind farm is now complete and the site is fully operational and generating electricity.

UK Green Investment Bank has now backed projects with a total value of more than £10bn / It has partnered with almost 100 co-investors / Its projected portfolio return is now over 10%

DONG Energy has signed a partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to make a major contribution to the lifeboat running costs of six RNLI stations across the UK.

US: Interior Department Launches First Step to Develop Wind Energy Offshore South Carolina

Renewable energy milestone continues to advance Administration’s clean energy goals in push toward Paris climate discussions

Mojo Maritime are pleased to announce that Mermaid®, their innovative marine operations planning and weather risk analysis tool, now addresses technical breakdown on marine operations.

Germany: Bernhard Zangerl new chairman of the WG wind industry

“The wind industry has to optimize its potentials for cost savings, especially at the interfaces in the value chain.”

SaskPower’s commitment to expand wind energy production is part of a broader plan to grow the contribution of renewable energy sources to Saskatchewan’s electricity supply.

Statoil have awarded Isleburn with a contract, for the provision of the suction anchors to the world’s first floating wind farm: The Hywind pilot park offshore Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.

ACCIONA co-leads the Renewables program as part of World Business Council for Sustainable Development´s Low Carbon Technology Partnerships initiative (LCTPi).

Offshore Marine Management (OMM) has completed a contract with Aggreko, a global leader in the supply of temporary power and temperature control solutions, to support temporary power supply during construction of Amrumbank West Offshore Wind Farm in Germany.

An interesting research project in the offshore wind industry comes to a temporary end these days: About a year ago, a consortium of various offshore companies had teamed up to test an alternative installation method for monopile offshore turbines. A series of tests investigated whether the introduction of vibratory piling works as an alternative to installing the foundations with an hydraulic hammer.

Portfolio diversification and reliable long-term cash flows are the main drivers / 91% expect to increase or maintain their exposure / Solar has delivered the best results in the past three years say investors

The company will install 45 G97-2.1 MW and four G90-2.0 MW wind turbines at a wind farm being developed in the state of West Virginia

Leading renewable energy consultancy, SgurrEnergy, a Wood Group company, is providing technical support to one of the UK’s largest onshore wind projects under development this year.

Senvion, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines, is marking the commercial operation of the Rivière-du-Moulin wind project in Quebec, Canada.

Subsea connector specialist, First Subsea, has been awarded a contract to supply a cable connector for the third phase of the Fukushima Floating Offshore Wind Farm Demonstration, offshore Japan.

EDP Renewables, a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the world’s fourth-largest wind energy producer has confirmed its collaboration with Formula E, the world’s first fully-electric racing series.

The Government should continue on the lowest-cost path towards the legal requirement to reduce UK emissions by at least 80% in 2050 on 1990 levels. It should commit to an emissions reduction of 57% by 2028-2032, the Committee on Climate Change said.

Germany: ELA Offshore Special Containers for individual needs of the Offshore Industry

Several ELA Offshore Special Units in use on the high seas

Brazil: ACCIONA Windpower is awarded a new 66 MW contract

The Company has sold a total of 1,185 MW in the country.

Scotland: Siemens to supply 126 megawatts to onshore wind power plants

57 direct drive wind turbines for three wind farms / Long-term service contracts included / Clean energy for roughly 50,000 households

EU member states must show more political will in their plans for renewable energy after 2020, according to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won an order for substructure connection mooring systems for the world's first floating offshore wind farm: Statoil's Hywind pilot park in Scotland.

Enel Green Power has sold 642 MW of wind farms to First State Wind Energy Investments for a total consideration of 900 million euros / The transaction was finalized following the completion of ENEOP split

Wind farm owners representing 12 % of global turbine assets have founded a new peer-to-peer online platform called o2o Wind, dedicated to the exchange of knowledge and experience on operation and maintenance issues.

Global: Accelerating the Clean Energy Revolution

Joint Launch Statement