News Archive October 2016

New Headquarters for GOM in Braunschweig

The campus of the new headquarters includes research and development laboratories, administration as well as a customer center for training and presentations at an 8-hectare area.

Roxtec transits are used to seal hundreds of openings for cables and pipes onboard Dong Energy’s Burbo Bank offshore windfarm substation. Substation builders ENGIE Fabricom uses Roxtec transits to optimize protection and ensure operational reliability.

Senvion, a leading global manufacturer of wind turbines, signed six conditional contracts over a total rated output of 60 megawatt (MW) in Schleswig-Holstein at the leading trade fair Hamburg WindEnergy.

Presentation from Offshore Dialogue at SMM 2016

The presentation was held as part of the Offshore Dialogue focusing on opportunities and challenges in offshore simulation and training. Download the presentation at the bottom.

As part of its "Mobility for tomorrow" strategy, Schaeffler is digitizing its entire organization. With IBM as its strategic partner, Schaeffler is creating a digital platform for processing large amounts of data, generating valuable insight to transform its operations. From October 2016 the resulting Schaeffler Cloud will be available for the first user cases and applications.

Severe weather knocked out power for 1.7 million Australians last week, and while some have sought to blame renewables, the reality is wind power likely helped lessen the damage.

RENTEL NV reaches Financial Close for its 309 MW ­offshore wind project in the Belgian North Sea

Rentel NV has reached financial close for the construction of a new 309 MW offshore windfarm off the Belgian coast

Paris Agreement to enter into force as EU agrees ratification

The European Parliament has approved the ratification of the Paris Agreement by the European Union today.

ABB and Aibel to partner on offshore wind connections

Aibel to take turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction responsibility for offshore platforms / ABB to focus on delivering core high voltage direct current technology

GE Renewable Energy and Max Bögl Wind AG plan to install first wind plant integrated with pumped storage hydro-electric power / Base of each wind turbine to be used as a water reservoir, increasing tower height by 40 meters and extending tip height to a record-breaking 246.5 meters / Project to be installed at Gaildorf wind farm in Germany and include GE’s new 3.4-137 machine

German market and economy research company EuPD Research recently surveyed 1,000 British home owners about energy matters and photovoltaics. One of the results is that the British prefer renewables for their future energy supply. Furthermore, they also believe that renewable sources are already outcompeting fossil or nuclear sources in financial aspects.

DNV GL and Siemens Wind Power (Siemens) announced that the Siemens SWT-3.6-130 onshore wind turbine has been successfully type certified by DNV GL. This certification confirms that the new turbine complies with all the requirements of the international wind turbine standard IEC 61400-22 for conformity testing and certification.

Envision is pushing for the European wind energy market – with all force. Last week, the Chinese company exhibited for the first time at the WindEnergy fair in Hamburg and scored two records at the same time: They had booked the largest stand area for a single stand, and they brought a massive LED screen that was second to none.

Norfolk offshore wind farm reveals early plans

Vattenfall to lay 50km onshore power cable underground.

The innovative solutions by the US company will include full turbine monitoring, testing, life prediction and life extension actions for the critical failure components

EDF EN Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., a subsidiary of the EDF Energies Nouvelles Group, has announced that the Company has won 342 megawatts (MW) in Mexico’s second long-term auction for energy and clean energy certificates supply and purchase contracts with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), Mexico’s state utility. Two projects were successful in the auction: Gunaa Sicarú wind project and Bluemex Power Solar Project.

The Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm hosted a group of 38 secondary school learners, from Loeriesfontein High School, as part of an awareness and career day initiative, on 27 September 2016.

EDPR opened a new wind farm in France with an installed capacity of 12 MW. The wind farm is located in the municipality of Dammarie, in the French Department of Eure-et-Loir. The wind farm’s output will allow it to supply clean energy to the equivalent of almost 11,000 homes.

With a project capacity of 396 MW and a turbine capacity of 6 MW, Merkur is one of the biggest German wind farms. It is located 45 km from Borkum in the North Sea and is being built and operated by Merkur Offshore GmbH.

Turbine deliveries begin at SSE’s Bhalraidh wind farm

Construction of SSE’s 32 turbine Bhlaraidh wind farm near Invermoriston reached an important milestone this week as the first turbine components made their way to site.

WE CEO Giles Dickson has addressed the autumn conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association. He said Ireland was a model for the rest of Europe in how it was successfully integrating very high shares of wind energy in the electricity mix. And in how it was using corporate PPAs to reinforce long-term price signals for wind investments.

European Commission Vice President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic met with 11 chief technical officers from the wind industry last week at the WindEurope Summit 2016 in Hamburg.

21 GW of new installations in the first half of 2016, same as is the previous year / Worldwide wind capacity has reached 456 GW, expected to reach 500 GW by the end of the year / Germany, India and Brazil leading in market growth in H1 2016

ABB has announced a modular and scalable “plug and play” microgrid solution to address the globally growing demand for flexible technology in the developing market for distributed power generation. The cost-efficient, containerized solution is relevant for mature and emerging countries and will help maximize the use of renewable energy sources while reducing dependence on fossil fuels used by generator sets.

DNV GL brings wind industry leaders together in “Validation of Turbulence Models”

A new Best Practice will be developed to improve the design of modern wind turbines and wind farms that will lead to cost reductions.

Summer lull in Europe, Asia slowdown make for weak clean energy investment in third quarter

Highlights of Q3 included two $1bn early-stage financings for Chinese electric vehicle companies

With 648 MW recently won in new solar and wind energy projects to be built, EDF Energies Nouvelles is stepping up the pace of its development in Latin America. In this area, the Group has a portfolio of 1,368 MW in renewable energy projects that are either in operation or due to be commissioned in the coming years. The Group has won or acquired three solar projects in Chile, Brazil and Mexico for a total of 396 MWc, and was also awarded a 252 MW wind project in Mexico.

Siemens receives order for 44-MW Onshore wind power plant in Croatia

13 direct drive wind turbines of the type SWT-3.4-108 / 14-year service agreement

Captures more value in fast growth renewables industry / Strategic investment bolsters ability of GE Onshore and Offshore wind businesses to increase energy output and value for customers while in-sourcing production / LM Wind Power will continue to be a leading supplier to other Original Equipment Manufacturers / Accretive in 2018

Nordex is commissioning the largest wind farm in Uruguay (142 MW) to date / The manufacturer also supplied and commissioned the first turbine installed in Uruguay, back in 1999

New agreement, along with other projects & investments, expected to help Iron Mountain utilize renewable sources for two-thirds of total North American electricity load by 2018

TPI Composites, Inc., the largest U.S.-based independent manufacturer of composite wind blades, announced today that it has extended two supply agreements with General Electric International in Newton, Iowa and Juarez, Mexico through 2020.

Aquaterra Energy and Proeon Systems have developed a cost-saving, integrated structural monitoring system to improve the integrity of offshore wind structures.

Awarded Siemens Wind Power frame agreement

Head Energy Denmark A/S has signed a frame agreement with Siemens Wind Power A/S. The agreement further boosts Head Energy’s efforts in the European offshore wind market.

Should vital safety components such as cable and pipe transits be a design-based or a field-based decision? Roxtec suggests that designers and engineers take control of this issue by proposing the free, web-based tool Roxtec Transit Designer.

Offshore wind energy and environmental protection do not need to be on different plates. Two studies have now shown for the first time that noise mitigation measures for the piling of offshore wind power plants have a positive impact on the population of the porpoise.

Moventas Gears UK is pleased to announce the achievement of a significant milestone with the completion of the 3.6MW Load Test Bench and MW Final Assembly centre during August 2016.

Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (“Eurus”), a leading Japanese renewable energy company, Maas Capital Renewables (“Maas Capital Renewables”), a dedicated investor in renewable energy, 100% owned by ABN AMRO Bank N.V., and YARD ENERGY (“YARD”), a Dutch based developer of wind energy projects jointly announced today the successful completion of the acquisition of two wind farms in Finland by Eurus from a joint venture of Maas Capital Renewables and YARD.

ELA Container Offshore GmbH ordered several Drying Systems from Pronomar BV to increase stock. By doing this, ELA prepares itself for the cold season in which there is a high demand for Drying Containers.

Australian first project to harness sun, wind and batteries

A world-leading project combining solar, wind and battery storage will be built near Hughenden in North Queensland, delivering renewable energy on demand.

Nexans has developed a new medium voltage cable suitable for installation in any type of ground conditions to provide cost effective utility grid connections.

In September, Nordex was awarded six new contracts with a combined value of around EUR 64 million in its domestic market, bringing total new business in this region to over EUR 740 million in the year to date.

Demand for electricity will double by 2060

"By 2060 the demand for electricity will have doubled," declared Willi Meixner, CEO Power and Gas Division, at the World Energy Congress (WEC) 2016 in Istanbul.

New contract awarded for offshore wind farm in Belgium

Prysmian secures contract for offshore wind farm inter-array submarine cables supply in Belgium

Siemens to provide service and maintenance for an additional 13 years at the 207 megawatt (MW) Korat 1 and Korat 2 wind projects in Thailand / First long-term wind service extension for Siemens in Thailand / Includes Power Curve Upgrade for increased annual energy production, part of “Digital Services for Energy” portfolio

OX2 has placed an order for 41 V126-3.45 MW turbines with power optimised mode to 3.6 MW and Vestas’ de-icing technology for their largest wind power project to date.

Wind Power to Dominate Power Sector Growth

To supply up to 20% of global electricity by 2030

The final 6 transition pieces for the Veja Mate Offshore Wind Farm were delivered to Offshore Windforce VM V.O.F. from Bladt Industries’ production facilities in Aalborg at the end of 3rd quarter 2016.

Siemens expands cooperation with wind safety provider OffTECBase

Two SWT-3.6-130 wind turbines delivered / Safety training expanded at Enge-Sande / Training for technicians on latest systems

Senvion, a leading global manufacturer of wind turbines, has concluded its first contract in Norway for the supply of 33 Senvion 3.4M114 turbines to Egersund wind farm.

The 4000 square metre facility will include a workshop, a warehouse and state-of-the-art offices and is suppose to act as the central base for JDR’s UK and European service operations.

Envision Energy, a leading global smart energy solution provider, has announced it has been awarded the largest wind energy contract in Argentina's first renewable energy auction, RenovAR. Envision secured 4 projects, totaling 185 MW, out of the 708 MW awarded along with other international and local bidders such as Genneia, Central Puerto, Pan American Energy, EREN.

Pattern Energy Group Inc. has today announced it has completed the acquisition of a 90 MW interest in the 179 MW Armow Wind power facility in Ontario, Canada from Pattern Energy Group LP.

Enel has connected an 88 MW wind farm to the grid in Nojoli, South Africa, and launched a rural electrification project with Liter of Light, to bring sustainable light to the streets of its surrounding villages.

GE to Provide 5-Megawatt Converters Based on the MV7000 Platform to XEMC Windpower Co. Ltd / With This and Other Recent Deals in the Chinese Offshore Wind Segment, GE is on Its Way to Becoming a Key Player in the Region When It Comes to Providing Low-Voltage and Medium-Voltage Technologies

Studies, surveys and figures on the topic of energy transformation and the development of renewable energies are now reaching the market almost every day. However, the annual report of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), which presents not only the figures for the previous year, but also comprehensive scenarios for the future, has made particularly significant contributions in this sector. For the first time this year, the figures appear after the Paris Climate Agreement which is used as a starting scenario.

Final turbine up at SSE’s highest wind farm

Dunmaglass Wind Farm has reached an important milestone this week with its last turbine components fitted into position.

Large components for wind turbines or aircraft systems for example are often expensive to produce because of their uniqueness. Increasingly larger components can be achieved with additive manufacturing today, to which extra functionality can also be added. Prototyping and production are therefore getting simpler and cheaper.

A £1 billion project to lay one of the world’s largest subsea power cables, connecting Scotland and England, has led to a historic wartime discovery which could finally help solve one of WWI’s strangest naval mysteries.

Boosting Renewables in Cities is Vital to Achieve Climate and Development Goals

IRENA analysis of more than 3,500 cities charts course to increase renewable energy in urban settings

Gamesa continues to grow in China, having signed new agreements for the supply of 95 MW

These turbines are custom-designed to withstand the extreme winds typical of this coastal area which is often hit by typhoons

Granada have been awarded a third major contract to design, manufacture, deliver and commission davit cranes for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) project, this contract awarded by Burntisland Fabrications Limited.

ELA Container Offshore GmbH is the Platinum Sponsor of the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2016. The exhibition will take place at the Rai Amsterdam Convention Centre in the Netherlands from October 25 – 26, 2016. In addition to being the Platinum Sponsor of Offshore Energy 2016, ELA Offshore will again be participating during this year’s exhibition. “We are really looking forward to seeing ELA Offshore as a Platinum Sponsor all around during Offshore Energy”, states Katharina Pleus, Marketing Manager of ELA Container Offshore GmbH.

In addition, he company has renewed its operations and maintenance service agreement covering 286 turbines at several facilities in Spain and Portugal.

AMBAU GmbH strongly extends its range of services in Cuxhaven

Acquisition of Cuxhaven Steel Contraction GmbH’s (CSC) production facility

Europe can integrate a larger share of renewables into the power system provided policymakers take significant steps to overhaul electricity markets, a new report finds.

Outer Harbour works commence at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth

Construction works to enhance port infrastructure at Peel Ports Great Yarmouth for several high profile offshore wind projects have begun.

MassCEC funds installation of WINDCUBE® Lidar

Revolutionizing Offshore Wind Measurement Capabilities in Massachusetts

The EU-funded TOWERPOWER project is developing reliable new techniques to continuously monitor the structural condition of offshore wind turbines. Optimising maintenance and inspections is a key way to help the sector achieve cost efficiencies.

It is small yet still produces big results: our all-new data logger met[LOG] is an intelligent multitool for all weather data. With its 3 serial and 4 analogue interfaces, it offers versatile options for the management of your weather data.

Isolux Corsan has reached an agreement with the companies Sideli, S.A. and Sidsel, S.A. for the sale of developments of the Loma Blanca Wind Farm, located in Argentina's Chubut province. The price of the transaction, which includes the four phases of the wind farm, amounts to 25 million dollars.

Invenergy Announces Proposal for Long Island’s Largest Renewable Energy Project

Clean Energy Link to Deliver Renewable, Reliable and Affordable Energy for Long Island

Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. (part of Ulstein Group) and SeaOwls B.V. are partnering up to jointly develop the next generation self-propelled heavy lift jack-up vessel.

DONG Energy is the first company worldwide to have installed 1,000 offshore wind turbines, and its offshore wind power venture will continue unabated: From 2016 to 2020, DONG Energy is set to build more offshore wind capacity than it built altogether in the preceding 25 years. Today, every single one of the biggest wind turbines delivers almost twice as much energy as the first offshore wind farm.

Direct-drive wind turbines for the German states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein / 23 units in total with outputs ranging from 3 to 3.3 megawatts / All projects to be installed by spring 2017

France, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Norway and Finland climb ranking / UK continues to lose renewables investor appeal / Majority of renewable energy green bond activity in 2016 hails from Europe

MonoBaseWind B.V. has asked KCI for the Basic Engineering of the structural steel design of their self-installing Gravity Based Foundation (GBF) concept.

Face to Face with the Wind

Performance Optimisation Analysis by means of LiDAR Technology

In the US, the election campaign is coming to an end, in just under two weeks. A remarkable thing in the dirty fight between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is the fact that the topic of climate protection did not seem to even exist in the four public TV debates that matter. Neither show hosts nor on-site audiences asked one single question about it, like 'We really have more pressing matters...'

The merger between the two companies will create a world-leading sector player / The shareholders also approved the payment of a special cash dividend of €3.591 per share / Approval from the securities market regulator and anti-trust authorities, the next steps in the merger process

Although hundreds of thousands of people around the world peacefully live near wind farms, and despite numerous credible studies finding no adverse links between wind turbines and human health, anti-renewable energy groups continue to spread false information with the intent of scaring people into believing the contrary.

Siemens said well over 90% of employees hired so far live within a 30-mile radius of Hull and 10% of recruits were women, higher than in similar manufacturing and engineering environments where the proportion of female employees is typically below 5%. Siemens also said it hopes to increase this percentage during the remaining phases of recruitment.

Wales’ largest onshore wind farm has generated clean electricity for the first time this month, as the project moves towards full operation. The export of power to the national grid heralds one of the biggest boosts this decade to delivering Wales’ green energy targets.

Ahead of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22), and as a continuation of the commitments it made for COP 21, Societe Generale is announcing that it will stop dedicated coal financing and step up its commitment to renewable energies. By doing this, the bank is consistent with the International Energy Agency’s 2DS scenario, which aims to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

GE’s Power Services Showcases Its Expanded Total Plant Solutions with Fleet360 Services Platform / GE Highlights Enhanced Capabilities to Modernize Other Manufacturers’ Power Generation Equipment with Cross-Fleet Solutions Offering Power Plant Operators with One-Stop Services Shopping / Fleet360 Built on the Integration of Alstom’s Expertise within GE’s Portfolio over the Last Year

Alliant Energy to advance wind project in Iowa

Customers and communities to benefit from low-cost, renewable energy

Today, as part of Whirlpool Corporation's ongoing commitment to producing products in the U.S. in a cost effective and environmentally efficient manner, the company broke ground on a wind turbine project at its manufacturing plant in Ottawa, Ohio.

Duke Energy's Renewable Control Center will provide remote services for first U.S. offshore wind farm / The Renewable Control Center supports 4,500 MW of U.S. renewables

Industry’s Q3 results: American wind power on the rise, with 20 gigawatts more on the way

Iowa becomes the first state powered by over one-third wind

Six new orders for the Nordex Group in France

Manufacturer sells turbines with total capacity of 93.3 MW

Despite slightly increasing its renewables projections, the IEA still heavily underestimates the growth of wind and solar PV energy in its new report, Energy Watch Group (EWG) analysis shows.

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG is further expanding the area of renewable energies with the acquisition of four onshore wind farms in various regions of Germany. EnBW had only recently strengthened its maintenance and servicing business in the area of wind power with the acquisition of the Danish service provider Connected Wind Services A/S.

WindEurope highlights merits of auctions in reducing offshore wind costs

WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson addressed the annual conference of the Swedish Wind Energy Association (Svensk Windenergi) in Stockholm this week.

Vestas the first to receive turbine certification under new system administered by the IECRE (International Electrotechnical Committee conformity assessment system for Renewable Energy).

WindEurope hosts workshop with military and defence experts

Defence experts attended a workshop at WindEurope’s offices this week to discuss how wind farms and military aviation can coexist and operate side by side.

Tri Global Energy, the utility-scale wind energy developer with projects located in Texas and New Mexico, continues to lead Texas in wind energy development according to recently released data in the third quarter 2016 Market Report from the America Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Veja Mate Offshore Completes Foundation Installation

Veja Mate Offshore Project is pleased to announce the completion of installation of all its foundations, as last TP was installed at 01:05 AM, on 27th of October 2016.

Southern Company subsidiary Southern Power today announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in the 257-megawatt (MW) Wake Wind Energy Center, the company's first wind acquisition in Texas. Invenergy Wind LLC developed and constructed Wake Wind and owns the remaining interest in the project.