WindNews Compact

Summary of Key Developments in Wind Energy

• Political Opposition and Environmental Protests: The far-right party AfD in Germany is attempting to co-opt environmentalist protests against wind energy expansion, particularly in areas like Altötting, Bavaria.

• Offshore Wind Developments:

  • EnBW has completed the installation of all 64 foundations for the "He Dreiht" offshore wind farm in the North Sea, Germany.
  • In Taiwan, a worker died due to a CO2 leak at an offshore wind project, highlighting safety concerns in the industry.
  • WindEurope emphasizes that offshore wind investments may be "wasted" without adequate port infrastructure.
  • BOEM is considering offshore wind development near Guam and Hawaii.
  • Two floating offshore wind projects in South Korea have received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval.

• New Projects and Expansions:

  • SSE has completed the 443MW Viking wind farm on the Shetland Islands, boosting the UK's total wind capacity to 30GW.
  • EDF and Fred Olsen Seawind are seeking permits for the Codling wind project.
  • Shanghai is planning to co-locate offshore wind and solar installations, showing an integrated approach to renewable energy development.

• Regulatory and Community Challenges:

  • Several US counties, such as Spokane and Clinton, are beginning regulatory discussions about new wind farm developments amid rising interest from companies.
  • Newport City Council rejected a proposal for an additional forum on wind farms, stifling further debate.
  • Local resistance continues, with some communities seeking a moratorium on new wind farms and expressing concerns over transparency and decision-making processes.

• Market and Technology:

  • The wind turbine composites material market is expected to grow significantly, from USD 14.89 billion in 2023 to USD 23.11 billion by 2033, driven by advancements in wind technology.
  • Discussions are ongoing regarding alternative windmill designs to address efficiency and environmental concerns.

• Collaborations and Future Plans:

  • "K" Line Wind Service and Acteon have signed a collaboration agreement for a floating offshore wind (FLOW) demonstration in Japan.
  • WEB Windenergie AG in Austria is issuing another bond, reflecting continued financial engagement in the wind energy sector.

These points reflect the dynamic landscape of wind energy, encompassing growth, technological advances, political and regulatory challenges, and evolving market conditions.