An excellent wind resource, powerful coastlines and a wealth of woodland give Scotland an undeniable advantage in the renewable energy race. And Scotland’s politicians appear keen on using this clean energy potential as a major tool to drive economic development. Derry Alldritt and David Hopwood report. 23 August 2010
The offshore wind turbines that will fulfil the UK’s Round 3 needs require a sophisticated supply chain of service and installation vessels, not to mention highly-developed port facilities. The industry has some way to go to reach Government targets but, as George Marsh explains, marine infrastructure will develop on the right track – as long as companies can keep up with demand. 29 July 2010
The United Kingdom’s windswept coastline makes it the ideal location for exploiting the vast quantities of offshore wind energy available, and the UK Government sees this resource as vital to achieving its 2020 renewable energy targets. In addition, the UK has a unique opportunity to establish itself as a global centre of excellence for marine renewable technologies and infrastructure for wave and tidal power. 27 July 2010
Dr Rob Banerjee, Vice President, Business Development at WebCore Technologies, discusses how a new core material can help manufacturers of large wind turbine blades optimise their designs. 20 July 2010
Lightning safety is a key concern for maintenance crews at wind farms, as most farms are located in wide open, lightning-prone areas and include turbine structures hundreds of feet high. And while tall structures are especially prone to lightning because they provide a conductive channel to the ground, some experts suspect that wind turbines may even have a higher risk of a lightning strike than most tall structures. 14 July 2010
Accurate measurements and assessments of wind farm sites are becoming increasing important. NRG Systems' Brendan Taylor and Steven Clark look at recent developments in wind resource assessment. 13 July 2010
The explosive global growth of the wind turbine industry has created several unique challenges for suppliers of the hydraulic components and systems used to control blade pitch. These challenges include an often hostile operating environment, difficult access for maintenance, and combinations of force, vibration, and motion seldom, if ever, experienced in more traditional applications. 07 July 2010
Performance standards for wind turbine components, particularly those operating offshore, confront manufacturers with tough challenges. In this case study we look at how one organisation - the Linde Group - is offering help to wind turbine tower manufacturers. 07 July 2010
Wind power firms need a wide array of specialised knowledge to measure the environmental impact of their turbines. Richard Foote finds out how companies are working with ornithologists to plan wind farms around bird flight patterns and migratory routes. 07 July 2010
With its 2020 targets of 20% of energy from renewable sources, the challenge for the UK Government and the energy industry is to deliver almost a seven-fold increase in the share of renewable energy in little over a decade. The marine renewable energy potential is enormous, with an estimated, technically exploitable potential of some 15 TWh, however, little of this potential has been realised. 21 June 2010
The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in the UK is set to become a national hub for renewable energy testing, and perhaps even training. 03 June 2010
GE's enthusiasm for the offshore wind turbine sector has been rekindled with the acquisition of ScanWind, and a new offshore model is planned. David Hopwood travelled to GE Wind's European wind turbine headquarters in Salzbergen, Germany, and spoke to Stephan Ritter, general manager of Europe & offshore wind for GE Energy's renewable energy business. 02 June 2010
Onshore wind is set to be the star technology in helping the EU’s 27 Member States to meet their mandatory targets for 20% of the EU’s energy to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. Gail Rajgor speaks to Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive Officer of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), about where the biggest markets will be and which other countries are worth watching for some potential surprises. 14 May 2010
Norfolk’s energy and engineering companies are determined to reap the benefits of Round 3 of offshore wind licensing in the UK, according to regional energy chiefs. 10 May 2010
EU Member States are currently preparing National Action Plans to detail how they will meet their renewable energy targets. 13 April 2010
According to analyst Emerging Energy Research (EER), the global installed offshore wind base is expected to grow to nearly 45 GW in 2020. But how far are we away from the technology and supply chain to reach that goal? Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates. 22 March 2010
“We didn’t understand why it shouldn’t be possible to mount a wind turbine on a floating construction,” Sjur Bratland, Asset Manager for Hywind at Statoil. 22 March 2010
If anyone was in any doubt that the UAE’s Abu Dhabi is serious about its alternative energy credentials, think again. The richest Emirate's vision to look past its vast fossil fuel heritage and be seen as purveyors and thought leaders of a brave new world of sustainable living and renewable energy development is gaining momentum rapidly. David Hopwood visited Abu Dhabi and the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to see for himself. 18 March 2010
A remote school in Australia has recently celebrated the commissioning of a wind turbine bringing 24-hour electricity to their community for the first time. 26 February 2010
There is good news in the wind for proponents of wind power. Wind turbine capacity has been increasing dramatically, and the unit cost of power generated by wind energy is expected to drop further. Much of this will continue to be credited to China’s efforts, according to a new report from the Global Intelligence Alliance. 15 February 2010
France has introduced new feed-in tariffs for 2010 with higher geothermal, biomass, and building integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) tariffs than in 2009. 11 February 2010
The small wind industry is going through interesting times, in a new series of articles for Renewable Energy Focus, leading wind energy expert David Sharman addresses the “myths” and the real challenges faced – as well as the progress that has been made to date. 08 February 2010
The demand for bigger wind turbines, powered by longer blades, has placed many challenges on the blade manufacturers and their suppliers. Paul Langemeier, Director, Global Market Development, and Christoph Scheuer, Market Development Manager, of Hexion Speciality Chemicals, review the history of blade manufacture and the challenges facing resin manufacturers today. 01 February 2010
The offshore wind industry has already garnered government support and is increasingly piquing the interest of the private sector thanks to its ability to contribute significantly to the European renewable energy targets of 2020. As installed capacity continues to grow, and market share increases, the banking sector will continue to become progressively more involved in this industry. 25 January 2010
Technicians dealing with operation and maintenance (O&M) at wind farms often feel that the ‘high voltage’ distribution system within the wind farm is outside their area of expertise. But, says Jack Wallace Jr., high voltage brings with it important safety considerations. So what are the current HV safety concerns inherent in wind farms today and how can they be addressed? 15 January 2010
There are many potential challenges for utilities that look to integrate a larger share of renewable power into their generation mix. But none is more significant than whether a utility has the strategic will. Don C. Smith spoke with Roger Duncan, General Manager of Austin Energy about why it is undertaking an aggressive increase in the percentage of renewable energy in its generating portfolio. 12 January 2010
Robin Priestley looks at whether the UK is finally getting its act together and adopting a feed-in tariff to rival that of countries like Germany... 23 December 2009
Safety, hazard management, risk management: it’s all the same. Whether we act as component manufacturers, general managers, meteorological tower installers or wind turbine technicians, it is our responsibility to make ‘safe’ decisions each and every day. Jack Wallace Jr. provides a very personal technician’s perspective on safety awareness, techniques, and innovations that he would like to see in wind farm O&M. 21 December 2009
This is it. 2009 is the year to get serious about climate change, the greatest challenge of our age. World leaders meeting in Copenhagen need to reach an ambitious progressive post-2012 climate agreement. But vague promises and finger pointing will not cut it this time, cautions Steve Sawyer of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). 14 December 2009
Misalignment in the drive trains of wind turbines can cause vibrations that reduce the service life and availability of gears and generators. These errors can be identified by means of vibration measurements or using condition monitoring systems. 04 December 2009
The renewable energy industry suffers from intermittent wind but the conditions can be cured. That, at least is the tenor of a number of recent studies and reports. Even transmission operators who previously had serious reservations about wind energy are now thinking hard about dealing with the variable nature of wind power. As George Marsh discovers, most believe that the problem can be managed. 30 November 2009
In the final article in a series of three on the use and development of small urban wind turbines, Bill Holdworth draws on his project work with one large UK retailer to explain what is needed if such micro wind generation technology is to have any chance of success - outside of the pr department that is. 20 November 2009
In 2008, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) reported that the US could generate 20% of its electricity from wind energy by 2030, though noting that transmission issues represented a key challenge in meeting this target. One year on, some political steps have been taken – but what happens next? Don C. Smith examines the current status of the transmission issue and forecasts the possible road ahead. 19 November 2009
The Australian renewable energy industry faces a colossal threat of sudden extinction. Last week, the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) price dived to AU$23 after spending recent months hovering at AU$38. This is well below the AU$50/REC enjoyed only four months ago, and poses severe problems for the renewable energy industry, writes Warwick Johnston of SunWiz consulting. 30 October 2009
If you are a foreign investor contemplating investment in the burgeoning wind energy generation business in the United States, beware of CFIUS!! No, this is not a disease, but a regulatory provision of US law that has a direct impact on any foreign investment involving national security. 29 October 2009
As an early convert to renewable energy as a business, the founder of Ernst & Young’s renewable energy, waste and cleantech unit - and originator of the Ernst & Young Country Attractiveness Indices - Jonathan Johns, looks at what the recession really means for renewables, and where we go from here. 13 October 2009
A House committee has started the legislative ball rolling to develop a more coordinated, substantial US wind energy research program, reports Steve Barlas. 03 September 2009
An all British consortium has been given the green light to develop a unique vertical axis winged aero-generator turbine, with substantial funding from the Energy Technologies Institute (ETi). 27 August 2009
At every meeting I attend the wind advocates complain that the utilities do not understand the importance of wind to the economy and climate change. They focus on the fact that they are the most commercially viable clean energy source available today. That the industry needs them and that the wind machines are very reliable. In all cases they are right, but it is time for them to cool it. 10 August 2009
A number of factors are making Romania emerge as an attractive and alternative location for renewable energy investors who are increasingly concerned about lower returns from more established markets in the Western European countries. Loredana Mihailescu explores. 01 August 2009
José Luis Briceño, director of Industry and Technology at the Trade Commission of Spain gives us some facts and figures from Spain’s renewables sector 24 July 2009
Predicting real-time energy yields is critical to ensuring that urban wind turbines are designed, constructed and installed in the most viable manner. In the second of a series of three articles on urban wind energy, Bill Holdsworth looks at predicting the energy yield, and architectural solutions. 07 July 2009
Steve Sawyer reports back from some notable events, including the second (of 6) negotiating sessions leading up to the UNFCCC cop 15 in Copenhagen, where the world is supposed to agree a new comprehensive global agreement to combat climate change … 01 July 2009
How important is a landscape architect to wind energy development? Richard Foote accompanies RSK Environment on a confidential project in the UK to find out. 01 July 2009
Could superconductors transform the economics of wind power? 01 July 2009
The energy scene in Southern Africa is dominated by South Africa. While its coal-based electricity used to be cheap and reliable by world standards, the South African state utility recently ran out of reserve capacity – with blackouts resulting. In the second part of an article for Renewable Energy Focus, Dieter Holm, long-serving member of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), reports on renewed awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy in South Africa. 16 June 2009
Although many different processes are used to build wind turbine blades, they all share the same maintenance challenges. Understanding how and why a blade is made a certain way will improve the chances of making good decisions on blade maintenance, say Jack Wallace Jr. and Mark Dawson of Frontier Pro Services. 01 June 2009
With increasing use of renewables in the electricity sector, overcoming the intermittency of for example wind and solar is key. James Tipping and Duncan Sinclair at UK energy consultancy Redpoint Energy investigate the use of marine energy to combat intermittency. 22 May 2009
At present, installed wind capacity greatly exceeds that of solar.Can solar give wind a run for its money? Solar PV expert Paula Mints steps out into solar thermal territory to make the case for concentrating solar power (CSP) 01 May 2009
Despite the continuing distressing news on the economy, the renewable energy sector has had some cheer of late, particularly in wind. At the New Energy Finance Summit on 5 March 2009, NEF's CEO Michael Liebrich discussed 7 positives. Most important for the wind industry: new financing sources, rising oil prices as the economy recovers and US $10 billion in stimulus packages from governments in the next 3 years, with a substantial part for renewable energy deployment. 01 May 2009
With the recent and continued increase in wind power, the challenge is clear: how can the energy industry integrate this intermittent power source into the electricity grid? Jeff Lerner, Michael Grundmeyer and Matt Garvert of 3TIER make the case for better forecasting. 18 April 2009
Understanding the fundamentals of the wind energy industry, and its past successes and failures, is key to investing in wind power and making profits in the sector. Nick Hodge, co-author of a new book that helps investors invest in the renewable energy sector, takes a look at the risks and opportunities associated with investing in wind power. 03 April 2009
How much wind power was installed, and where, in 2008? In total, global wind energy capacity surged by 28.8% - another record year for new installations. The United States passed Germany to become the number one market in wind power, and China’s total capacity doubled for the fourth year in a row. 03 April 2009
The UK's forthcoming transition to a low-carbon future has been much touted as a financial and environmental solution. However, it remains uncertain whether the UK has the appropriate skills to underpin a renewable energy revolution. Professor Peter Crossley, Director of the Joule Centre, examines the situation. 25 March 2009
If a wind turbine can last three years at a wind farm in the US, Southern California's San Gorgonio pass without major servicing, then it should last longer in areas of the world with less turbulent winds. Why then is that sometimes not the case? And what can be done about it? 01 March 2009
The western third of the USA offers abundant sources of wind and solar energy, given the appropriate transmission infrastructure. As the development of this infrastructure has not been vigorously pursued, the ‘bi-partisan’ Western Governors' Association (WGA) has stepped up to the plate. 01 March 2009
At the first World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, early 2008, the agenda was dominated by fossil fuel companies seeking to paint themselves green – while maintaining the status quo with a few tweaks and some carbon capture and storage (CCS). Steve Sawyer returned for the second WFES in January 2009, and found the oil companies still there, but now competing with renewables for the spotlight. 01 March 2009
Contrary to negative opinion, micro-wind generation in urban areas could meet local energy demand in certain circumstances. In the first of a 3-part article looking at the findings of one UK supermarket's analysis into using urban wind, Bill Holdsworth cautions that city wind does not behave like rural wind. 01 March 2009
Dieter Holm, long-serving member of the international solar energy society (ISES) looks at the role renewable energies can play in combating climate change in Africa, and argues that the EEG (feed-in-tariff) legislation pioneered in Germany would be the perfect place to start. 28 February 2009
Renewable energy in China has a promising future, but more incentives are needed, write Geoffrey D. Mullen and Weidong Wang at Grandall Legal Group. 23 February 2009
With a booming wind energy industry, the question is now arising of how to deal with end-of-life turbines, and particularly the blades made of hard-to-recycle composites. Kari Larsen investigates possible routes for the recycling of wind turbine blades. 31 January 2009
Could extended periods of wind turbine downtime be not just a problem of faulty turbines, rather on occasion also be down to the lack of expertise – and poor attitude – of wind turbine Operation and Maintenance (O&M) teams themselves? 01 January 2009
One of the most vexing challenges facing US utilities in integrating more renewable energy sources into their energy portfolios can be summed up in two words: improving transmission... 01 January 2009
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)'s Steve Sawyer takes stock of the achievements and failures of COP 14 in Poznan, and looks at what needs to be done before COP 15 in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. 01 January 2009
Looking to reduce dependence on imported energy and diversify the sources feeding the main power grid, Chile’s interest in harnessing renewable energies has grown significantly over the last year. A major conference in Santiago tackled the barriers to energy independence, reports Colin Bennett. 01 January 2009
Working in the offshore wind industry presents many challenges for companies, especially in dealing with operation and maintenance (O&M) challenges in harsh ocean conditions. So what approaches should be taken, asks Matthew Jackson? 01 January 2009
What's the best place for a wind farm? Not just any old hillside or "somewhere offshore". Deciding where to site a wind farm involves a range of criteria that can be termed “location intelligence”. This concept is playing a growing role in the planning, design and siting of European wind farms, says Justin Saunders. 01 January 2009
The Siemens wind power business is a force to be reckoned with. Active in the wind industry for 25 years, it has 5600 employees (within an energy division employing 73,500) and 7800 of its wind turbines have been installed worldwide. CEO Andreas Nauen talks about the company's plans for the future. 01 January 2009
Technical innovation in wind energy is alive and well, as evidenced at the British Wind Energy Association's 30th anniversary show in London, late last year. It seems that the prevailing three-blade "propeller on a stick" wind turbine model may not still be dominant 2 or 3 decades from now. So, if you're interested in which innovators are challenging the prevailing model, read on.. 01 January 2009
It's been another busy period for GWEC's Steve Sawyer, who has attended an eye-watering number of international events on the circuit. Here, he brings us up to date with a view from the front line of the climate change debate… 31 December 2008
96 entities have set their sights on the UK's latest round of offshore wind project development. 31 December 2008
With rising demand for wind power, wind turbine manufacturers are searching for solutions to make their turbines more efficient, at the same time increasing reliability and reducing maintenance. Renewable Energy Focus' Kari Larsen investigates two routes for achieving this: integrated drivetrains and direct drive technology. 01 December 2008
As one of the largest wind events on the global stage approaches, the big wind companies continue to flex their muscles on the offshore wind stage. 01 October 2008
Just as one Texan gets ready to leave office - unlikely to be missed by many in the wind and solar community - another is emerging as unlikely hero of the wind movement, despite a long history in oil. Who'd have thought it, asks Steve Sawyer. 01 October 2008
Small wind turbines have been hyped in the recent past, leaving a string of disappointed consumers and the perception that small wind technology is not as feasible for the householder as PV or solar thermal. Despite this, there are signs that given certain measures it can pay dividends, as George Marsh discovers. 01 October 2008
The wind industry's race to increase the power generated by each wind turbine is leading to a vast increase in the size and scale of blades being built. This creates major manufacturing challenges for the companies charged with building them. George Marsh gives an overview of some of the tooling required to produce today's increasingly enormous wind turbine blades. 01 October 2008
Making sense of UK renewable energy policy has been tricky in recent times. There remains a contradiction between the challenging target the Government has signed up to, and the sluggishness with which policies are put into place. But as David Hopwood found out on a recent trip to the north east UK, regional development in renewable energy technologies is still taking place, something which is vital to the UK's chance of catching up with countries like Spain and Germany. 01 October 2008
US, Washington State utility Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is combining solar PV and wind power at its grid-connected Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Kittitas County. Steven St. Clair, Manager, Renewable Assets at PSE, talks to renewable energy focus’ Kari Larsen about the project. 15 September 2008
Denmark is proud of its heritage when it comes to pushing forward the use of alternative energy solutions, and is all set to host the make or break un climate change conference (COP 15) in 2009. renewable energy focus assistant editor Kari Larsen saw some of the Danish projects for herself. 19 July 2008
Major political developments in the UK could have a significant impact on the success of future project development of wind, wave and tidal energy in the country; the Crown Estate has released details of the Round 3 scheme, and parliament turned its attention to planning… 01 July 2008
GWEC's intrepid secretary general heads back to China for two high profile events, and peers into the muddy waters obscuring China's long term energy vision. 01 July 2008
What's new on the offshore wind and marine project front? Adam Westwood brings us up to date with the latest developments including the news that Marine Current Turbines has successfully completed the first installation phase of the 1.2 MW SeaGen tidal system in Strangford Narrows, Northern Ireland. 01 June 2008
The global market for offshore wind energy has reached a critical juncture in its path towards large-scale deployment. but what will the next steps be? A new report from Emerging Energy Research (EER) offers some perspective and Renewable Energy Focus gets a sneak preview. 01 June 2008
Despite having renewable resources that some countries can only dream of, Australia's antipathy towards the Kyoto Protocol- not to mention its vast sources of coal- have contrived to give it something of an image problem amongst clean energy investors. This has made it difficult for the country to be seen as financially viable when it comes to renewables investment. But with the new administration that has addressed the Kyoto question, could times be changing? Invest Victoria's Ben Foskett gives a perspective from the State of Victoria and ISES President Monica Oliphant reports back from Adelaide's Solar Cities 2008 Congress. 01 June 2008
Given the increased size of modern turbine blades and their growing fabrication sophistication and cost, blade monitoring is becoming important to operators and insurers alike. 01 May 2008
E.ON Sverige has pulled out of the Rodsand II offshore wind farm off Nysted in Denmark. What comes next for the project? Adam Westwood reports on this, and other breaking developments in the wave and tidal sector. 01 April 2008
In the first installment of a new column for renewable energy focus, Bill Eggertson introduces the issues surrounding carbon trading. 01 April 2008
Suzlon needs little introduction. The wind turbine manufacturer embodies the rise of renewable energy, perhaps more than any other company in the world. Founded in India in 1995, the wind group now ranks fifth worldwide and had a 7.7% share of the global turbine manufacturing market in 2006. It is the market leader in India, where it has installed more than 2GW of wind capacity and owns over 30 wind farms. David Hopwood speaks to Group CEO Andre Horbach. 21 March 2008
As the number of renewable energy projects increases, driven by the growing targets at national and EU level, NIMBYism – community-level opposition to schemes, especially in the wind power sector – is a potential showstopper that won't go away fast. Can this opposition be managed in a sensible way to the benefit of developers and community alike? 01 February 2008
Structural health monitoring (SHM) of wind turbine drive trains is now regarded as an essential part of any MW class of wind turbine and has a dual pay-off for wind energy, as George Marsh found out when he examined an innovative solution from Insensys. 01 February 2008
George Marsh reports back from the Renewable Energy Association's Wind & Tidal Symposium (WATTS) 2007 at Cowes, Isle if Wight, and Adam Westwood brings Renewable Energy Focus the latest project developments from the offshore wind and marine sector. 01 November 2007
Steve Sawyer continues his tour of high-level meetings around the world in his role as ambassador for GWEC, and remains frustrated by the intransigence of many who should by now know better. 01 November 2007
Finding efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways of transmitting electricity generated can be almost as important as generating the electricity in the first place. Peter Jones and Bo Westman look at HVDC Light. 01 November 2007
It isn't just transmission that needs to be looked at carefully when delivering renewables in challenging environments and special applications. Chris Plant and Mike Foster introduce a project investigating sub-sea electrical and fibre-optic connector technology. 01 November 2007
A company on the Isle of Wight, geographical focus for some of the UK's leading expertise in both composites and renewable energies, has provided Reinforced Plastics with an overview on tooling used to produce today's increasingly enormous wind turbine blades. 01 October 2007
Low weight but high strength and rigidity – these properties make composites useful as construction materials in various industries, including the wind power sector. Marcus Reichl talked to composites companies supplying the wind turbine manufacturers. 09 April 2007
Advanced composite materials and technologies, particularly direct manufacturing processes such as resin infusion are becoming the preferred manufacturing choice across the wind turbine industry. Philippe Christou, Technology Manager, EMEA, at Huntsman Advanced Materials looks at the latest developments. 05 April 2007
Wind power, as the fastest growing segment of the energy sector, has become big business and how it thrives has a profound influence on the reinforced plastics industry. It continues to draw in large volumes of material, used for the rotor blades that drive the turbines, but there are questions over whether the graph can rise smoothly from now on. The major question is how quickly offshore development can take off. 02 April 2006
Blade technology is key to the effective harnessing of wind energy. Current efforts are focussing on developing blades that have higher wind energy capture and which are smarter and more durable than their predecessors. 01 April 2005
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