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March 2018

Siemens Gamesa introduces new turbine for the American market

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Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has launched the new SG 2.7-129 wind turbine designed to address the diverse wind conditions of the American market.

By optimizing turbine technology to deliver a higher capacity factor at a lower cost of energy, the powerful new turbine delivers sustainable value for the full lifecycle of the project.

Production of the SG 2.7-129 is targeted to commence in the U.S. in early 2019. The blades for this turbine will be manufactured at the company’s blade manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa, and the nacelles and hubs will be assembled at Siemens Gamesa’s nacelle facility in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The SG 2.7-129 was developed with an eye toward increasing energy production for sites with medium- to low-wind conditions in the U.S. It features modularized components for increased flexibility and reliability. It also employs advanced technology with a 129-meter rotor, boasting an increased swept area of 16 percent compared to its predecessor, the SG 2.6-120. Additionally, the SG 2.7-129 features a state-of-the-art drive train that has been optimized to deliver maximum energy capture.

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The product design also incorporates several added safety and operational benefits related to the service and maintenance of the turbines, including increased accessibility of key components and access to the weather station from inside the nacelle.

“We are very excited to introduce the new SG 2.7-129 to our portfolio — the next generation in a fleet of turbines with a proven track record and high availability,” said José Antonio Miranda, Onshore Americas CEO, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. “With an increase of more than 8 percent in annual energy production compared to its predecessor, this turbine will deliver greater returns and is another important step in reducing the levelized cost of energy. This product is also unique in that it was co-designed to include best practices from both former companies, making it a best-in-class wind turbine for the U.S.”

The SG 2.7-129 is the latest addition to the Siemens Gamesa 2.X product platform. Combined with the SG 3.4-132 and the SG 4.2-145 wind turbines, these products can address all of the diverse needs of the U.S. market.

With 73 GW of onshore installed capacity worldwide and several decades of joint experience, Siemens Gamesa combined proven design components and lessons learned from previous platforms into the development of the SG 2.7-129, taking another step toward increased competitiveness and continuously reducing the levelized cost of energy.

Source: Siemens Gamesa

For more information, go to www.siemensgamesa.com

Nestlé moves closer to 100% renewable goal

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Nestlé in the U.S., in partnership with EDP Renewables, a global leader in the renewable energy sector and one of the world’s largest wind energy producers, recently announced a 15-year power purchase agreement that will provide approximately 80 percent of the electricity load for five Nestlé facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania. The agreement is a major step forward for Nestlé’s ambition to procure 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

EDP Renewables’ Meadow Lake VI wind farm will generate and deliver 50 MW of electricity through the PJM Interconnection grid to manufacturing facilities and distribution centers operated by Nestlé Purina PetCare, Nestlé USA, and Nestlé Waters North America in Allentown and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Because the wind farm and the recipient facilities are on the same regional grid, the power purchase agreement provides traceability from the Pennsylvania facilities back to the wind farm. With the addition of the energy from the wind farm, 20 percent of the electricity Nestlé uses in the U.S. will come from renewable sources in 2019.

This power purchase agreement is in line with Nestlé’s support and advocacy for state policies to ensure companies have access to renewable energy. This renewable energy project will help Nestlé cut energy costs, avoid the volatility of fossil fuel prices, and stay competitive.

“Our partnership with EDP Renewables propels us forward in our ambition to create zero environmental impact by 2030, and is another example of our business transformation journey,” said Kevin Petrie, chief supply chain officer at Nestlé USA. “This power purchase agreement perfectly illustrates our creating shared value strategy — that we create value for our business through contributing to a healthier future for the planet.”

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Through this power purchase agreement, EDPR will expand the capacity of its Meadow Lake VI wind farm in Benton County, Indiana. The expansion will add 50 MW, enough to power approximately 17,700 homes for one year, to the existing 150 MW EDPR has already secured for the project.

Additionally, the wind farm will bring a number of economic benefits to the state of Indiana in the form of jobs, landowner and tax payments, and money spent in local communities. Construction on the expansion project will begin in the next two months, and the facility will be fully operational at the end of 2018. With the completion of the wind farm, the six-phase Meadow Lake project will total 800 MW.

“This power purchase agreement enables EDP Renewables to further expand our presence in Indiana, the state in which we are the leading producer of wind energy,” said João Manso Neto, CEO of EDP Renewables. “EDP Renewables is proud to partner with Nestlé to help in achieving its forward-looking goal of obtaining all of its energy from renewable sources.”

Nestlé Commitment

Providing climate change leadership is just one of many societal commitments against which Nestlé transparently reports its progress every year.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by becoming more efficient and switching to cleaner fuels, including renewable energy, is a core focus area for the company.

By 2020, Nestlé aims to reduce its global GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) per metric ton of product in every product category to achieve an overall global reduction of 35 percent in its manufacturing operations versus a 2010 baseline.

Nestlé has made significant progress toward its environmental sustainability goals in the U.S., as reported in its 2016 Nestlé in the U.S. Creating Shared Value Report.

Source: EDP Renewables

For more information, go to www.edpr.com/en or www.edprnorthamerica.com

ALL adds eight units from Manitowoc

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The ALL Family of Companies is expanding its fleet with the purchase of eight cranes from manufacturer Manitowoc. The package includes two each of the MLC650 crawler, Grove TMS760E truck-mounted crane, and Manitowoc 999 crawler, plus two more truck-mounted units: a Grove TMS800E and the all-new Grove TMS9000-2. The deal punctuated the final quarter of 2017. The cranes will be deployed across the company’s network of branches, targeting markets where they are in the highest demand.

When ALL initially acquired two MLC650s last fall, the large-capacity crawlers proved extremely popular with customers, providing impetus for the acquisition of additional units. The MLC650 has a 716-USt capacity and features Variable Position Counterweight™ (VPC™) technology that automatically positions the crane’s counterweight to match lifting demands. VPC helps reduce the operating footprint, minimizes ground preparation, and reduces matting, adding up to a potential savings of thousands of dollars per month on longer-term projects.

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“This capacity — 700 to 900 USt — is in high demand across all geographies and in multiple sectors,” said Rick Mikut, crawler crane division manager for the ALL Family of Companies. “The MLC650’s large capacity and site-friendly ground bearing pressure will ensure these new units will be deployed almost immediately for energy-related projects.”

Of no less importance, although at the opposite end of the capacity range for this crane package, ALL is excited to take delivery of its first Grove TMS9000-2 truck cranes. Manitowoc developed the TMS9000-2 with the input of customers and dealers to create a crane that delivers in real-world applications. It is a 115-USt capacity truck crane that is significantly lighter than similar models, making it easily configured for local roadway weight limits. It has a longer 169-foot main boom with jib options available. Strength was boosted by 5 percent across the load chart.

“Our truck cranes are an important part of our taxi rental fleet — the in-and-out work that is really important to our business — and Manitowoc is doing a great job reinventing these TMS units to keep them strong and increasingly more roadworthy,” said Michael L. Liptak, president of ALL. “And our crawler division is booming right now, perhaps seeing the highest demand in a decade. Our new ‘triple 9s’ and MLC650s are a direct response to this need. We will continue to define our response to this demand by our commitment to a modern, technologically advanced fleet.”

Source: ALL Family of Companies

For more information, go to www.allcrane.com

Summit recognizes role for wind-farm operations to support a greening grid

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Untapped opportunities for Canada’s expanding wind-energy industry to enhance grid reliability and add value for consumers in the shift to a low-carbon future were in the spotlight as more than 230 wind-energy professionals attended the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) fourth annual and largest-ever Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Summit in January.

The summit brought owners, operators, manufacturers, and service providers together to discuss operations issues in the world’s ninth largest wind-energy fleet, and explore innovative tools and techniques to increase efficiencies, drive down costs, and unlock the technical potential of modern wind power facilities.

With wind-farm operators and turbine technicians active at 295 wind farms across Canada, workforce development and a range of health and safety best practices in areas such as electrical safety, fall arrest equipment, up-tower rescues, confined spaces, and ergonomics were on the summit agenda. Data-driven maintenance strategies, emerging technologies, and service offerings, icing challenges, and repowering opportunities were also key topics discussed by the summit’s line up of expert speakers from across North America.

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A highlight of the event was the presentation of two new CanWEA awards, recognizing excellence in health and safety and innovative approaches to O&M. Cartier Énergie Éolienne took home the inaugural Health and Safety Excellence Award, while LiftWerx won CanWEA’s first O&M Outstanding Achievement Award.

This year’s summit also featured an expanded exhibition showcasing leading companies in Canada’s growing wind energy O&M market.

“Electricity markets across Canada are evolving as they adapt to rapid technology change and the increasing emphasis on clean growth, and wind-farm operations need to evolve as well,” said Phil McKay, CanWEA’s operations and maintenance program director. “The discussion at CanWEA’s O&M Summit made it clear that new challenges and opportunities are presenting themselves and our rapidly maturing industry is taking steps to meet them head on. We can contribute to the services grid operators require, in addition to the low-cost, emissions-free energy consumers want.”

“Wind energy has been the leading source of new electricity generation in Canada for more than a decade, and today wind energy is the lowest-cost source of non-emitting generation available in Canada,” said Robert Hornung, CanWEA president. “As a mainstream player in the power sector, our industry is committed to setting a strong example for effective, efficient and safe operations. CanWEA’s 2018 O&M Summit gave operators, manufacturers, and service providers a chance to work collaboratively to meet that goal, by sharing information and expertise, developing solutions to current challenges, and looking ahead to the needs of the electricity grid of the future.”

Source: Canadian Wind Energy Association

For more information, go to canwea.ca

Valley Forge & Bold Mtg. Co. hires new director

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Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. recently announced that James Brooks has joined the company as director of engineering and new business development.

Brooks is an engineering graduate from the University of London (U.K.) and brings significant experience in the field of specialty engineered fastening solutions. This includes direction of a large Swedish/U.S. specialty fastener company. In addition, he has significant experience in the development and execution of global strategies along with a long list of sales growth. Brooks will soon be moving to Phoenix, Arizona, to Valley Forge’s U.S. corporate headquarters.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at VFB,” Brooks said. “The timing is great as Valley Forge has the proven capabilities to innovate and support the next generation of fasteners. Their bolted joint monitoring solutions are being increasingly sought after in many industrial market segments.”

Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co. is an international manufacturer of hot forged industrial fasteners, bolting solutions, and load indicating technology. Its wide range of patented products are trusted for their quality, performance, and reliability. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Valley Forge & Bolt recently celebrated its 43rd Anniversary.

Source: Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co.

For more information, go to www.vfbolts.com/

Siemens Gamesa to develop offshore supply chain in Taiwan

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Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy intensifies its activities in the preparation for the offshore business in Taiwan. After a first agreement with Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) in December, the wind-turbine manufacturer has now signed a further Memorandum of Understanding with Yeong Guan Energy Technology Group to collaborate on the development of an offshore wind supply chain in Taiwan.

Under the terms of the non-binding MoU, Yeong Guan Energy Technology Group will be investigating the establishment of a foundry, machining, and painting facilities at the Taichung Harbor in Taiwan.

Siemens Gamesa, drawing on its experience as a leading turbine manufacturer, will provide advice and support with regards to compliance to offshore wind quality and HSE standards, as well as for YGG to become a competitive supplier for offshore wind in Asia Pacific (APAC).

A timeline has not been set for finalization of the cooperation agreement.

“The promising potential of the Taiwanese offshore market combined with our positive experience with the government has encouraged us to intensify our efforts,” said Andreas Nauen, CEO Offshore, Siemens Gamesa. “We are convinced that this emerging market offers interesting business opportunities. As one of the world’s leaders within the offshore wind industry, we look forward to gaining a foothold in this market.”

“The Taichung Harbor is a choice location, close to Changhua County, off of which the majority of the zones defined by the Taiwanese government for offshore wind projects are found,” said Rainer Mueller-Wallenborn, head of Offshore Procurement, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, who signed the MoU. “As we stated in December 2017, there are over 10 GW of projects under planning overall in Taiwan according to official information. We therefore believe the Taichung Harbor has the potential to become a regional hub for the industry, and we are very happy to reinforce our commitment to its development with YGG.”

In 2017, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy signed a MoU with Taiwan International Ports Corporation to investigate possibilities for a potential manufacturing site, office facilities, and staging areas.

Siemens Gamesa also installed Taiwan’s first offshore wind-power plant, the 8 MW Formosa Phase 1 demonstration project, back in 2016.

Source: Siemens Gamesa

For more information, go to www.siemensgamesa.com

Siemens Gamesa to supply 1.4 MW for world’s largest offshore wind farm

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Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has been awarded exclusivity by Danish energy group Ørsted for the supply and service of wind turbines for the Hornsea Project Two offshore wind project being developed in British waters, where it will install its SG 8.0-167 DD turbines with total capacity of 1,386 MW.

This offshore wind farm, which will be the world’s biggest offshore wind farm when operational in 2022, is also the largest offshore project in Siemens Gamesa’s history, the biggest to date being Hornsea One (1,218 MW), similarly developed by Ørsted.

Located 89 kilometers off the east coast of England, the wind farm will span 462 square kilometers.

The nacelles will be produced at the new factory in Cuxhaven, Germany, while the majority of blades will be made at the factory in Hull, U.K., where the pre-assembly work will also be carried out. Towers are expected to be partly sourced from U.K. suppliers.

“We are very pleased that Ørsted has placed its trust in Siemens Gamesa once again,” said Andreas Nauen, Offshore CEO at SGRE, who also highlighted the fact that offshore wind power is playing an increasingly important role in Europe’s energy mix. “Hornsea Project Two will be a benchmark in Europe, not only on account of its size but also its technology. Siemens Gamesa will install the newest model from its offshore platform at this facility. The SG 8.0-167 boosts annual output by 20 percent and offers higher returns.”

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A single 8-MW turbine is capable of generating enough electricity for about 8,000 European households, so that the power generated by this complex will cover the annual power consumption needs of about 1.3 million homes.

The new SG 8.0-167 DD is equipped with a rotor 167 meters in diameter.

The blades, 81.5-meters long, deliver an 18 percent wider swept area and 20 percent more annual output than its predecessor, the SWT-7.0-154.

It features the technology proven in the direct drive platform combined with a larger-scale rotor in order to offer customers higher returns while minimizing the associated costs and risks.

Siemens Gamesa and Ørsted already have worked together on several offshore projects, notably: Hornsea One, London Array, Race Bank, West of Duddon Sands, Walney Extension East, and Westermost Rough in the U.K.; Anholt in Denmark; and Borkum Riffgrund 1 and Gode Wind 1 and 2 in German waters.

Having pioneered the sector as far back as 1991 and installed more than 11GW, SGRE boasts the longest track record among offshore turbine OEMs.

The company has cemented itself as the leading player in the offshore segment with a market share of the 70 percent in Europe.

Source: Siemens Gamesa

For more information, go to www.siemensgamesa.com