News for June 2010

News Archive

Hydropower scheme approved in Scotland

The 3 MW RWE Npower Renewables hydropower project Cia-Aig, near Achnacarry in Scotland, has been approved by Scottish authorities.

Solar PV roofs could generate 40% of EU electricity demand

More than 1.5 TWp of solar photovoltaics (PV) could be installed on European roofs producing 1400 TWh, or 40% of EU’s electricity demand by 2020, according to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

Danfoss with solar PV design tool

The solar photovoltaic (PV) design tool from Danfoss Solar Inverters, the LynxPlanner 1.0 is based on the coming PV*Express 4.0 platform from Valentin.

AFC deploys operational alkaline fuel cell with Linc Energy in Australia

UK-based fuel cell developer AFC Energy has deployed an alkaline fuel cell system, which is now in operation at Linc Energy’s underground coal gasification (UCG) demonstration facility in Chinchilla, Australia.

Fugro measures underwater noise Fugro measures underwater noise

Fugro, a provider metocean services, has teamed up with underwater acoustics company JASCO Applied Sciences to provide measurement of underwater noise and allied consultancy.

SmartestEnergy and Vattenfall PPA for 41.4 MW Scottish wind farm

SmartestEnergy, a UK purchaser and supplier of electricity, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd for the 41.4 MW Edinbane wind farm on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Siemens becomes partner in offshore wind park installer A2SEA

Siemens will have a 49% stake in A2SEA A/S, a Danish supplier of installation services for the construction of offshore wind farms.

Offshore wind developers need to standardise contracts

The offshore wind industry is urged to move towards standardised contracts to reduce risk and save project time, say energy consultancy Xodus Group and legal advisors Shepherd and Wedderburn.

Inner Sound tidal project going to tender

The Crown Estate has invited four companies to tender for a tidal energy project at the Inner Sound, Scotland, the UK.

REpower reaches 1 GW of wind power in France REpower reaches 1 GW of wind power in France

REpower Systems AG has reached 1 GW of installed wind power capacity in France, where the wind turbine manufacturer has installed around 500 wind turbines since 2002.

Siemens connects Lincs offshore wind farm to UK grid

Siemens will implement the grid connection for the 270 MW Lincs offshore wind farm in the UK in a deal worth £101 million (~€120m).

UK Green Investment Bank Commission: £550bn in green investment needed

The Green Investment Bank Commission, an independent group set up by the UK Chancellor to advise Government, says a public financial institution to unlock green investment is urgently needed.

UK Budget positive for green jobs

The UK Budget could be positive for the development of further green collar jobs, according to recruitment company Acre, which specialises in the corporate responsibility, sustainability, climate and energy, and environmental sectors.

UK urges 30% EU emissions cut by 2020

In a recent speech, the UK Secretary of Energy and Climate Change, Chris Huhne, called for the EU to adopt a 30% emissions reduction target by 2020.

Waste-to-energy potential in Scotland

The Scottish Government has released a report showing that waste-to-energy could be used in part to heat and power Scotland.

Q-Cells hands over Ahorn Solar Park to MCG

Q-Cells SE is handing over two solar energy systems with a total capacity of 11 MWp near Berolzheim in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to the Berlin-based MCG Management Capital Group.

Trina Solar supplies PV modules to Queensland University

Trina Solar Ltd will supply solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for a 1.2 MW rooftop system at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Forecasting and operational data streamed live from offshore wind farm Forecasting and operational data streamed live from offshore wind farm

E.ON's Climate & Renewables Operations Team will stream live wind data from its Robbin Rigg offshore wind farm using Natural Power’s ZephIR lidar.

Biomass could provide electricity for 30 million rural residents of China

The People's Republic of China (PRC) needs US$60 billion over the next decade to harness its biomass energy potential in rural areas.

EIB and Intesa Sanpaolo provide EUR 200m for renewables

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Intesa Sanpaolo Group are to provide medium to long-term finance of EUR 680m for Italian SMEs, and Italian organisations undertaking projects in the energy, environment and infrastructure sectors.

European Hydrogen Association appoints new president

The General Assembly of the European Hydrogen Association (EHA) has appointed Ian Williamson as its new President.

juwi solar PV panels to Senegal juwi solar PV panels to Senegal

The juwi group has set up a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at a health centre serving particularly as a maternity ward in Senegal.

Vestas delivers 142 MW of wind turbines to Canada

Vestas will deliver 44 of its V100-1.8 MW and 35 of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbines to Capital Power Corporation for its proposed Quality Wind Project in British Columbia, Canada.

SFC secures Bundeswehr order for portable fuel cell soldier power solution

In Germany, SFC Smart Fuel Cell has received another order from the Bundeswehr armed forces, to provide autonomous fuel cell power generation systems for Bundeswehr operations abroad.

Venture capitalists shift direction on biofuel… again Venture capitalists shift direction on biofuel… again

VCs are favouring biofuel companies with new business models, new technologies and new geographies in pursuit of successful exits, says Lux Research.

Silfab sets up 120 MW solar PV module manufacturing in Canada

Silfab SpA is expecting to complete a 120 MW highly automated solar photovoltaic (PV) module production site in Ontario, Canada, by the end of 2011.

JV builds 60 wind farm crew transfer vessels JV builds 60 wind farm crew transfer vessels

Offshore Wind Power Marine Services Ltd (OWPMS) and the Brook Henderson Group have formed a joint venture (JV) to build 60 crew transfer vessels for offshore wind farm construction and operation & maintenance (O&M).

CSP hybrid plant opened in Morocco

A 470 MW integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) power plant has been opened in Morocco.

Gamesa wind turbines get GL certification

Gamesa’s G90 Class II wind turbine has been certified by GL Renewables Certification (GL).

Industry reactions to the UK Budget - updated

Industry reactions are starting to come in response to the UK June Budget 2010 announced on 22 June.

Australia can have 100% renewable energy in a decade

A combination of energy efficiency, fuel-switching and a combination of commercially-available renewable energy technologies could allow 100% of Australia’s energy needs to be met with renewable sources, according to a new report.

UK June 2010 Budget

The UK Government has announced a range of spending cuts in its revised budget for 2010, and there have been fears that this would hit the renewable energy industry. Here’s the (renewable) energy related changes.

HVDC hydropower link in China commissioned HVDC hydropower link in China commissioned

Siemens Energy and the utility China Southern Power Grid have put the second pole of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system, which transports hydropower to the Guangdong Province.

DONG builds 400 MW offshore wind farm in Denmark DONG builds 400 MW offshore wind farm in Denmark

DONG Energy has been awarded the concession to build the 400 MW Anholt offshore wind farm off the island of Anholt in the Kattegat, Denmark.

Seajacks builds wind farm installation vessel Seajacks builds wind farm installation vessel

Seajacks International will build a self-propelled jackup wind farm installation vessel for Lamprell Energy Plc.

SunPower builds 9.1 MW Spanish solar power plant

SunPower Corp is building a 9.1 MW solar power park in Alange, Badajoz, Spain, for the NaturEner Group.

APEC wants continued development of renewable energy

Renewable energy technologies are declining in cost but continued efforts are required to further reduce this, according to energy ministers from the 21-country Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Dow introduces composite products at Wind Power Asia

Dow Formulated Systems will introduce its latest composite products for the manufacture of wind turbine blades at the Wind Power Asia trade show in China this month.

Aquamarine Power gets further £6m for wave power Aquamarine Power gets further £6m for wave power

Wave energy developer Aquamarine Power has raised an additional £6 million of funding for developing its Oyster wave power device.

Sharp builds solar thin-film power plants in Germany

Sharp Energy Solution Europe is building two energy providers-commissioned thin-film solar power plants in Germany.

42 m long wind turbine blades flown to Denmark

Two prototype wind turbine blades GloBlades measuring 42 m have been flown from China to LM Wind Power’s facilities in Lunderskov, Denmark.

European 10-year R&D plan for wind power

The Spanish EU Presidency has launched the 10-year, €6 billion, ‘European Wind Initiative (EWI) – a research and development roadmap for the wind energy sector.

npower sees 80% increase in UK solar PV requests following feed-in tariff npower sees 80% increase in UK solar PV requests following feed-in tariff

Following the introduction of the UK feed-in tariffs in April, UK utility npower has seen an 80% increase in enquiries for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Isofotón connects 1 MW solar PV plant in Italy Isofotón connects 1 MW solar PV plant in Italy

Isofotón has connected a 1 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Renacati, Marche region, Italy.

Siemens to deliver 15 MWp solar PV plant to Italy

Siemens Energy will erect a 15 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant for Green Energy in the Apulia region of Italy.

GL Garrad Hassan manages offshore wind research platform

GL Garrad Hassan’s WINDTEST Kaiser Wilhelm Koog GmbH will manage the offshore wind research platform in the Baltic Sea, FINO 2.

Ownergy launches solar park developer service

Ownergy is launching as solar park developer service for managing all aspects of solar park development from design to installation and system management in the UK.

Enerkem gets US$1.8m to green biofuel production

Enerkem Inc is receiving US$1.8 million in funding for a market demonstration project for greening biofuel production from the Climate Change and Emissions Management Corporation (CCEMC).

Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm commissioned Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm commissioned

DONG Energy has inaugurated the 172 MW Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm in the Thames estuary off the coast of Essex, UK.

Q-cells and Innotech Solar enter solar PV partnership

Q-Cells SE and Innotech Solar (ITS) today have entered into a long-term strategic partnership where Q-Cells will sell all of its non-prime solar cells to ITS for conversion into solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions worldwide under the ITS brand name.

Turkish wind consultancy joins Natural Power

The Turkish wind consultant re-consult is joining Natural Power following four years of cooperation under a framework agreement.

Enerqos to construct 5 MWp solar PV farm

Enerqos SPA and HFV, a solar power investment company, have signed an agreement for the construction of a 5 MWp AutorizzazioneUnica solar photovoltaic (PV) power station in Soleto in Lecce, Italy.

Indian wind farm qualifies for incentives

Indian Energy says the first 4.5 MW of its 16.5 MW wind farm at Theni has been registered under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) scheme in India.

Ireland can accommodate 40% renewable electricity

The power system in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can accommodate the ambitious 40% target for renewable energy by 2020, according to Ecofys.

Parabolic trough solar collectors installed at Andasol 3

The installation 7296 parabolic trough solar collectors have now been installed at the 50 MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant Andasol 3 in Spain.

Horizon launches pocket-sized fuel cell charger for portable electronic devices Horizon launches pocket-sized fuel cell charger for portable electronic devices

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies has launched a pocket-sized fuel cell charger, aimed at the huge global market for portable consumer electronics. Horizon says the MiniPak® is the world’s first fuel cell product to compete on cost with both disposable and rechargeable batteries. And a single refillable cartridge supplies as much power over its life as 1000 disposable AA alkaline batteries.

Voith and RWE to test tidal current turbine in Orkney Voith and RWE to test tidal current turbine in Orkney

Voith Hydro and RWE Innogy will jointly install a 1 MW marine tidal current turbine at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney through the joint venture (JV) company Voith Hydro Ocean Current Technologies.

Australia & New Zealand solar PV market report

In Australia and New Zealand, solar photovoltaic (PV) market trends indicate burgeoning demand owing to strong governmental commitment to the promotion of solar energy and creation of sustainable cities – By Frost & Sullivan.

World Wind Energy Award 2010 to IRENA founders

The World Wind Energy Award 2010 has been awarded to the founding member states of the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA at the 9th World Wind Energy Conference 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Vestas opens office in South Africa – wind for football world cup Vestas opens office in South Africa – wind for football world cup

Wind turbine producer Vestas has established a permanent office in Johannesburg, South Africa to serve the emerging southern African wind energy market and to support the future development of wind energy in the region.

Siemens to build 6 solar PV plants in France

Siemens will do turnkey construction of 6 solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants totalling 30 MWp in Les Mées in the province Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France.

Wave Hub ‘beach pit’ construction starts Wave Hub ‘beach pit’ construction starts

The ‘beach pit’ for the Wave Hub project has started with excavation work on Hayle Beach in Cornwall, UK.

Masdar PV supplies 5 MW of solar thin-film modules to India

Masdar PV will supply of 5 MW of silicon-based thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for an industrial solar power station in the Indian desert.

Kyocera supplies solar modules to the Czech Republic Kyocera supplies solar modules to the Czech Republic

Japanese Kyocera has supplied 8960 solar modules for a 1.2 MWp outdoor solar power plant in the Czech Republic.

WinWinD delivers three wind turbines Estonia WinWinD delivers three wind turbines Estonia

WinWinD will deliver three wind turbines to Aulepa Wind Park for the Estonian energy company Eesti Energia by the summer of 2011.

Microcab to use Serenergy high temperature PEM fuel cells in UK vehicle demo Microcab to use Serenergy high temperature PEM fuel cells in UK vehicle demo

In the UK, the light urban vehicle developer Microcab Industries has ordered 10 Serenus 3 kW fuel cell systems from Serenergy in Denmark. These high-temperature PEM fuel cells will be used in Microcab’s next generation of demonstration fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Guatemala develops hydropower and solar energy grid

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is supporting Guatemala’s 7-year plan for a national power grid, using hydropower and solar power to reach the country’s poorest regions.

Romag to provide rooftop solar PV for CES

Romag Holdings Plc will provide solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and roof mount kits for Community Energy Solutions (CES) in a contract worth up to £10.2 million.

Oil & gas actor buys renewable energy consultancy TNEI

The international oil & gas facilities service provider Petrofac has purchased TNEI Services Ltd through the acquisition of its holding company New Energy Industries Ltd for £7.5 million.

It’s Global Wind Day It’s Global Wind Day

The Global Wind Day today, 15 June, takes place for the second time and aims to raise awareness for the benefits of wind energy.

Siemens to provide HVDC link for German offshore wind farms

Siemens Energy and Prysmian Powerlink will connect two North Sea offshore wind farms to the German grid using a high voltage direct current (HVDC) link for transpower.

EWEA predicts 10 GW of wind to be installed in Europe during 2010

The Brussels-based organisation estimates that this would take total installed capacity to almost 85 GW by the end of they year - an increase of 13%.

Emerging renewables to have more profile in next statistical review

The ‘Statistical Review of World Energy’ does not include wind, solar or geothermal in its primary energy forecast, but these sources will be added next year because they are reaching “sufficient weight in a number of countries.”

Intersolar: 23% increase in 2010 visitor numbers

Intersolar Europe, the exhibition for solar energy, saw a 23% increase in visitor numbers to 72,000 visitors from around 150 countries this year in Munich, Germany on 9-11 June.

Intersolar: Solar PV conversion and storage project in field testing

Saft, Voltwerk and Tenesol, industrial partners in the EU-backed Sol-ion project have created an integrated energy conversion and storage kit, capable of production on an industrial scale, for decentralised on-grid, residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Intersolar: JA Solar and ECN bring solar MWT into production

JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd and Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) have cooperated on getting metal wrap through (MWT) solar cell and module technology into production.

Intersolar: Solar modules incorporating SolarMagic

National Semiconductor Corp and Green Energy Solar (GESOLAR) have developed GESOLAR brand solar modules with embedded SolarMagic™ power optimisation technology from National.

Intersolar: Bosch Solar Energy combines thin-film modules with mounting systems

Bosch Solar Energy presented three products focusing on combining mounting systems and micromorphous thin-film solar modules at Intersolar in Munich, Germany, on 9-11 June.

EU commission sets up system for certifying sustainable biofuels

The European Commission is to encourage industry, governments and NGOs to set up certification schemes for all types of biofuels, including those imported into the EU.

Intersolar: Q-Cells reaches 13.0% solar thin-film efficiency

Q-Cells has reached an efficiency of 13% with its mass-produced CIGS solar thin-film modules Q.SMART UF manufactured by subsidiary Solibro GmbH.

Intersolar: Tougher times for solar thin-film

EuPD Research’s white paper International PV Thin Film Market Dynamics – From Introduction to Growth Stage, finds that the international solar thin-film market share increased from 8% in 2008 to 20% in 2009.

Intersolar: The 2010 Intersolar AWARD goes to...

This year’s Intersolar AWARD for innovation and improvements in solar power went to ABB Schweiz AG, Gehrlicher Solar AG, SMA Solar Technology AG, FSAVE Solartechnik GmbH, InvenSor GmbH, a research collaboration, Festo AG & Co. KG, GEMO-TEC Ltd, and Gebr. Schmid GmbH + Co.

Announcing a new blog from analysts GlobalData

The regular blog will provide insight and information on the biggest deals in alternative energy.

Intersolar: juwi Solar creates 500 new jobs

juwi Solar says it will create 500 new solar jobs over the next two years world wide as international business activities expand for the solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer.

Siemens to supply 80 turbines for ENBW Baltic Sea contract Siemens to supply 80 turbines for ENBW Baltic Sea contract

Siemens will supply German utility Erneuerbare Energien GmbH (ENBW) 288MW of turbines for the EnBW Baltic 2 offshore wind farm.

Intersolar: Sputnik unveils two central solar inverters

Swiss Sputnik Engineering launched two solar central inverters with greater outputs as part of its SolarMax TS series at Intersolar in Munich, Germany this week.

Michael Gratzel awarded 2010 millennium technology prize Michael Gratzel awarded 2010 millennium technology prize

The 2010 Millennium Prize Laureate Michael Grätzel is the father of third generation dye-sensitized solar cells. Grätzel cells, which promise electricity-generating windows and low-cost solar panels, have just made their debut in consumer products.

Wind energy industry foresees 250,000 new jobs in Europe by 2020

The belief that the European wind energy industry can make a serious contribution to green growth was backed by politicians of the left and right and trade unionists at a high-level meeting held in Brussels.

First Solar remains largest supplier in Q1

CdTE thin film module manufacturer, First Solar remained the largest supplier of PV modules with a global share of 8.4% in the first quarter of 2010 - according to the latest analysis of the PV module market from IMS Research.

Scottish small wind research advocates larger turbine blades

The University of Glasgow and Gaia-Wind Ltd have released the results of research showing that larger blades are more efficient at generating electricity in lower wind speeds.

AMSC and Hyundai Heavy Industries expand wind power strategic alliance

The partners will develop a 5 MW full conversion wind turbine primarily for use in the offshore wind industry.

Middle East to build first major solar power plant

Contracts have been let for a 100 MW solar power facility that will be built near the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ClearEdge Power deal with LSIS to distribute ClearEdge5 fuel cell CHP systems in Korea

US-based ClearEdge Power, a developer of micro CHP (combined heat and power) fuel cell systems, has announced an exclusive, three-year distribution agreement for the 5 kW ClearEdge5 PEM fuel cell system with LS Industrial Systems in Korea.

World's largest ‘fast pyrolysis’ facility to convert biomass into oil

Canada’s Ensyn Technologies and forestry producer Tolko Industries will build a plant to convert 400 dry tonnes of biomass a day into 85 million litres of pyrolysis oil a year.

US remains most attractive country for renewables

The United States remains the most attractive country in the world for renewable energy, although it now ties the top spot with China.

Solar water heating project in Scotland

The ScottishPower Energy People Trust has donated £90,000 to Lister Housing Co-operative in Scotland for the installation of solar water heating.

Solar powered boat sets sail in Shanghai Solar powered boat sets sail in Shanghai

Suntech Power Holdings Co has launched the Suntech-Guosheng solar sailor passenger vessel on the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China.

AREVA finalises sale of Transmission and Distribution

The AREVA group has finalised the sale of its Transmission and Distribution activities to Alstom and Schneider Electric.

First Solar expands German thin-film solar module manufacturing

First Solar Inc intends to expand its German thin-film solar module manufacturing plant in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, doubling local production capacity.

Biological waste-to-energy demand growing

Demand for biological waste-to-energy plants is growing and the market is becoming more competitive driven by government regulation and support according to analyst Frost & Sullivan.

Renewable energy could support 8.5 million jobs by 2030

Stronger government support for green power could boost employment in the sector, according to the latest forecast from Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC).

NKE bearings for planetary wind turbine gears

Austrian bearing specialist NKE has developed a modular bearing systems for planetary gears in wind turbine gearboxes.

Vestas looks into offshore wind turbine foundations and energy management

Vestas is about to launch two R&D projects: cost-effective deep water foundations for large offshore wind turbines and an intelligent energy management system introducing energy storage into a wind power plant.

Moog supplies pitch control for offshore wind turbines

Moog Industrial Group will supply REpower Systems AG with electric blade pitch control systems for the RWE Innogy Nordsee Ost 1 offshore wind farm.

Trina Solar and SERIS develop solar cells

Trina Solar Ltd and the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) will cooperate on an all-back-contact high-efficiency silicon wafer solar cell using Trina Solar's monocrystalline wafers.

Biomass overtakes wind as champion in renewable energy

Biomass facilities have become a more attractive investment than wind and solar technologies, according to the renewable energy sector.

Bioenergy threatens forests, warn environment groups Bioenergy threatens forests, warn environment groups

Forest advocacy groups from three continents are warning that bioenergy poses a threat to forests and forest-dependent peoples, and that IS plans for wood-based bioenergy will worsen a dangerous situation.

European solar thermal market contracted 10% in 2009

The European solar thermal market decreased by 10% in 2009, according to the report ‘Solar Thermal Markets in Europe – Trends and Market Statistics 2009’ from the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF).

RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München and Siemens build offshore wind farm Gwynt y Môr

RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München (SWM - Munich Municipal Utility) and Siemens have entered into a joint venture to build the offshore wind farm Gwynt y Môr in the UK.

Onshore wind tops private equity renewable energy target – KPMG

Mainstream Renewable Power, has completed Private equity is getting ready for investment in renewable energy over the next year, according to a recent KPMG poll.

Supercharged grass for bioenergy Supercharged grass for bioenergy

A bioenergy technology developed by Australian scientists uses supercharged photosynthesis – the natural process of plants converting sunlight and CO2 into biomass and usable energy – increasing its potential for bioenergy generation.

Dubai’s first solar cooling plant in operation

Dubai’s first solar cooling plant is in operation at the new offices of welding products supplier ESAB.

Statkraft hydropower to Turkey

Statkraft is delivering hydropower to the Cakit power plant in Turkey

Draka provides subsea power cable for wave and tidal at EMEC

Draka Offshore will provide subsea power cables for wave and tidal power testing the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, UK.

SCHOTT Solar CSP supplies Fresnel direct steam receivers SCHOTT Solar CSP supplies Fresnel direct steam receivers

SCHOTT Solar’s concentrating solar power (CSP) direct steam receivers will be used in Novatec Biosol’s Supernova collector system.

Scheuten Solar wins Frost & Sullivan award

Analyst Frost & Sullivan has presented Scheuten Solar with the ‘2009 Global Frost & Sullivan Industry Innovation and Advancement of the Year Award’ for its “ability to focus on a rapidly developing market, understand the needs of the customers and provide solutions that blend innovative developments, years of experience, and above-average quality and service.”

India´s New Solar Mission could accelerate CSP

India’s ‘New Solar Mission’ could open doors for fast development of concentrated solar power (CSP) worldwide, according to CSP Today.

Nordex supplies 20 MW wind turbines to Northern Ireland Nordex supplies 20 MW wind turbines to Northern Ireland

Nordex will deliver 8 of its N80/2500 wind turbines to the Screggagh wind farm in Northern Ireland for DW Consultancy Ltd.

New study to look at how power is affected by blade erosion

3M has partnered with Rope Partner to conduct an in-field study on the effects of leading edge wind turbine blade damage.

18 wind power JVs in China

China Windpower and Liaoning Energy will establish 18 new joint ventures (JVs) in Chaoyang, Liaoning Province, China, for the development of 900 MW of wind power projects.

NRG Systems and Wireless Innovation introduce wireless service for wind measurement

Touted as an industry-first, the service streamlines wireless account management for wind measurement campaigns.

Dow Corning invests in European solar PV

Dow Corning will invest up to US$13 million to expand its European innovation with silicon-based materials and technologies and for solar photovoltaics (PV).

Sharp solar PV turnover up 33% in 2009

Sharp says its solar photovoltaic (PV) turnover rose 33% in 2009 to US$2.2 billion.

Danish Xergi enters Scottish anaerobic digestion market

Danish anaerobic digestion technology provider Xergi is building an anaerobic digestion plant in Scotland.

AMEC JV to construct Canadian wind farm

AMEC and its 50:50 joint venture (JV) partner, Black & McDonald, will engineer, procure and construct the Catham Wind Power project in Catham-Kent, Ontario, Canada for Kruger Energy.

Multibrid offshore wind now fully owned by AREVA

AREVA has bought the remaining 49% of German offshore wind turbine manufacturer Multibrid, which becomes AREVA Wind.

Siemens signs deal with Russia’s Federal Grid Company (FGC)

FGC, the operator of the Russian high-voltage transmission grid, and Siemens plan to cooperate on implementing new Siemens technologies - such as low-loss high-voltage DC transmission (HVDC) and smart grids - on FGC infrastructure.

No damage to geothermal site from volcano

A 20 MW geothermal power plant in Guatemala was not harmed from a volcanic eruption.

European solar PV industry ready to co-finance €1235m of R&D

The European solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is launching the Solar Industry Initiative (SEII) this week at the European SET Plan Conference in Madrid, Spain.

JV builds 2.5 GW solar power in China

SanSca, a joint venture (JV) between Scatec Solar and Sahne group will build 2.5 GW of solar power in China.

Solar PV inverters reach 98.4% efficiency Solar PV inverters reach 98.4% efficiency

Siemens says its Sinvert PVS solar inverters for medium-sized and large solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants have achieved efficiencies of 98.4%.

Conergy builds 1.1 MW Czech solar power plant

Conergy Group is building a 1.1 MW solar power park near Louny in the Czech Republic set to be completed in July.