ZF Services, LLC announced the completed installation of the 2.5MW test bench at its Vernon Hills, Ill. Wind Service Center. The project, which began with construction in September 2012, is the result of a $1.6 million grant.

The recently completed test bench will be able to test over 200 gearboxes annually. ZF Services, LLC launched this new project with an open house on May 8th—coinciding with WINDPOWER 2013—while hosting their customers and local vendors at the Vernon Hills facility to showcase the test bench, redesigned facility and extensive portfolio of technical possibilities. The recently completed test bench and redesigned facility now allows the company to offer an even wider range of services, providing a tailor-made one-stop shopping approach for multi-brand gearbox and mechanical drive train repair.

ZF has been present in the region for over the past 35 years, and customers can continue to anticipate great customer service. The centrally located facility has a 20-man wind service team dedicated to servicing customer needs, including field technicians for on-site up-tower repairs. Through a close link to the ZF Wind Power research and development team in Lommel, Belgium, ZF Services, LLC has access to continuous ongoing developments to support customer requirements in repairs and gearbox enhancements. The regional wind service center at ZF Services, LLC will be stocking genuine spare parts and exchange gearboxes covering the full product range of ZF Wind Power.

With more than 7,000 ZF gearboxes installed in North American, ZF designed the wind service facility with the intent to service this large installed base of ZF gearboxes as well as other multi-brand products. The ZF Services, LLC Vernon Hills facility is now one of ZF’s 8 wind service locations worldwide; with 6 having load testing capabilities. For further questions please contact your ZF representative.

“The ZF Services Vernon Hills service organization continues to grow as evidenced by our recent investments in the facility, equipment, and personnel over the past three years.  Our North American wind industry customers will have the same great service experience that our other industry customers received in this region over the past 35 years,” said Scott Gardiner, director of wind services for North America.

For more information, visit www.zf.com/na.

Siemens Energy has been awarded an onshore wind power order for the Sere wind power plant on the west coast of South Africa. This is already the second wind power order for Siemens from South Africa. The Sere project is a flagship project for the customer ESKOM, which is one of the world’s largest utilities. The scope of supply includes the delivery and installation of 46 wind turbines of the type SWT-2.3-108, with an output of 2.3MW, a rotor diameter of 108 meters on 115 meter towers each. The deal also includes a five-year-service agreement. Installation of the wind turbines is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year, with the start of operations expected during first half of 2014.

“South Africa has outstanding conditions for the utilization of wind energy and has set up a remarkable renewable energy program with the Independent Power Producer Procurement Program. We are proud to contribute to the development of wind power in South Africa with our technology, and especially proud that ESKOM has chosen to rely on us for their first large project,” said Felix Ferlemann, CEO of the Wind Power Division in Siemens Energy.

 The first wind power order from South Africa was awarded to Siemens by Mainstream Renewable Power Limited, Globeleq, and local B-BBEE investors Thebe Investments, Enzani and Usizo for the Jeffrey’s Bay onshore wind power plant with a total capacity of 138MW.

For more information, visit www.siemens.com.

The Nordex Group posted a 30.6 percent increase in sales to EUR 259.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 (previous year: EUR 198.3 million). This performance was underpinned by strong business in the core European region, which contributed 94 percent of sales. On the other hand, business in America contracted by a substantial 57.6 percent, accounting for only 5 percent of consolidated sales, while Asian business remained persistently weak.

The greater volume of business was also reflected in production and installation activity. Thus, Nordex produced 60 percent more turbines in the first quarter, completing more than twice the capacity of the same period of the previous year.

This performance together with reduced structural costs in the United States and China, which had previously operated below capacity, resulted in a substantial improvement in operating earnings. As a result, the loss at EBIT level came to EUR 0.6 million as of March 31 (previous year: loss of EUR 9.0 million) and was therefore fully in line with budget. The consolidated net loss was reduced by 40 percent to EUR 8.4 million (previous year: loss of EUR 14.0 million).

Due to increased purchasing and production activity, the working capital ratio widened to 11.8 percent (December 31 2012: 8.7 percent), with cash and cash equivalents declining by 29.3 percent to EUR 194.2 million (December 31 2012: EUR 224.3 million). Net cash outflow from operating activities amounted to EUR 60.0 million (Q1/2012: inflow of EUR 34.8 million).

Order intake continued to climb in the first three months of 2013. At EUR 327.9 million, new business rose by 5 percent, compared with the high level of the same period last year (Q1/2012: EUR 312.3 million). This performance was driven by sales successes in Northern Europe, particularly in the domestic German market, as well as successful marketing of the N117/2400 low-wind turbine. Thanks to the best first quarter since 2008, firmly financed orders grew to EUR 1,141 million (previous year: EUR 837 million), thus creating a solid basis for the company to achieve its full-year sales target.

The Management Board of Nordex SE confirms its forecast for 2013 and expects a further increase in sales to EUR 1.2 – 1.3 billion (2013: EUR 1,075 million). Given slightly weaker capacity utilisation in the first half of the year compared with the second half, management expects operating earnings to improve in the final quarters, resulting in a full-year EBIT margin of 2 – 3 percent.

For more information, visit www.nordex-online.com/en.

Siemens has signed 15-year contract extensions with RES Americas to continue providing service and maintenance at two wind projects in North America. Siemens will provide long-term service f.or the 26 SWT-2.3-93 wind turbines operating at RES Americas’ Whirlwind Energy Center. Long-term service will also be provided by Siemens for the 72 SWT-2.3-93 units in operation at RES Americas’ Hackberry Wind Farm. Both projects are located in Texas. This is Siemens’ first wind service contract signed with a duration of 15 years in North America.

Siemens currently has an existing five-year agreement with RES Americas for both sites. Under the new agreements, Siemens will provide 15 additional years of service, maintenance, and warranty along with an availability guarantee. The extensions will help both projects perform at high levels of efficiency and availability for years to come, and most notably, over the entire estimated 20-year lifecycle of the units. Siemens’ advanced remote monitoring and diagnostics are included along with the company’s Advanced Grid Performance (AGP) upgrade at both sites.

With a combined output of approximately 226MW, the Whirlwind and Hackberry wind projects, located in West Texas, produce enough electricity to power an estimated 68,000 Texas households annually.

For more information, visit www.siemens.com.

Renewable energy consultant AWS Truepower LLC has announced it is further strengthening its position in the global renewable market by establishing a partner consultancy in Istanbul, Turkey. This office will provide the Turkish renewable energy market with access to AWS Truepower’s 30 years of experience in technical consulting, advisory services, software and data for wind and solar technologies.

The new consultancy will be led by Ahmet Gurel and employs several staff with experience in renewable energy technology and has a well-established network of customers and partners.

“We look forward to working with Mr. Gurel and his team to expand our global footprint with their local presence,” said Joan Aymamí, vice president of international business. “Having a local office in Turkey will help the company build and grow relationships, and address and respond to the unique needs of the market.”

Demand for renewable energy is growing rapidly in Turkey as growth in energy demand outpaces economic expansion. Projections show that by the end of 2023 the country could have 18GW of new wind capacity. Turkey has the potential to install 40 GW of onshore windpower capacity, with 11GW megawatts of wind projects already licensed.

AWS Truepower will offer services such as renewable resource and energy assessments, infrastructure support services, independent engineering and due diligence studies, energy forecasting, grid integration studies, operational assessments and other services to support successful renewable energy projects. These services will help the Turkish market maximize system performance and better plan renewable energy delivery.

For more information, visit www.awstruepower.com.

DEUS Rescue has announced that it has become ISO 9001 certified for the manufacture, assembly and supply of fall protection equipment. The company has been registered to the ISO 9001:2008 standard signifying that it has developed a quality management system (QMS) that focuses on continual improvement of customer satisfaction by delivering quality products.

DEUS Rescue’s QMS processes include areas such as purchasing, shipping and receiving, production, employee training, records control and more.

In addition, the company has direct control over third-party testing and certification of its products to industry standards such as NFPA, ANSI, CSA, EN and others.  More than a one-time achievement, a significant ongoing component of the DEUS Rescue QMS is to regularly monitor supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction by measuring a number of key objectives such as on-time deliveries and, most important, product conformance. Consistent with that is the company’s continuous commitment to maintaining and improving its quality standards.

“This is really about DEUS Rescue making a full-court commitment to readiness and quality for our customers,” said Shain Rae, president of DEUS Rescue. “Receiving our ISO certification is not only a statement about our having achieved the highest level of quality manufacturing today, but also our commitment to continuously raising our standards in every aspect of our business. This boldly states to our customers that when they deal with DEUS Rescue, they receive the highest assurance that we will do whatever it takes to deliver a quality experience—across the board—now and in the future.”

For more information, visit www.DEUSrescue.com or call 866-405-3461.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), building on a pioneering wind energy forecasting system that saved millions of dollars for Xcel Energy customers in eight states, has entered into a new agreement with the utility for even more sophisticated weather forecasts.

In the next two years, NCAR scientists and engineers will develop custom forecasting systems to predict sudden changes in wind, shut down turbines ahead of potentially damaging icing events, and even predict the amount of energy generated by private solar panels. The systems will be used by Xcel Energy control centers in Denver; Minneapolis; and Amarillo, Texas.

The cutting-edge forecasts will help Xcel Energy, and potentially other utilities, to provide reliable power to their customers and reduce costs while moving to greater use of wind and solar.

“This is pushing the state-of-the-art still further, using the latest science to enable Xcel Energy to generate energy from the atmosphere more effectively,” said NCAR program director Sue Ellen Haupt, who is overseeing the new project.

Xcel Energy officials say the more accurate forecasts are critical as they increase their use of renewable energy.

“The importance and value of accurate renewable energy generation forecasts increases with the size of our renewable energy generation portfolio,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “Xcel Energy has been the largest utility provider of wind energy for the last nine years and we are continuing to grow our renewable energy portfolio.”

The new project represents the latest venture by NCAR into renewable energy. In addition to the lab’s earlier work with Xcel Energy, NCAR is also spearheading a three-year, nationwide project to create unprecedented, 36-hour forecasts of incoming energy from the Sun for solar energy power plants.

“By creating more detailed and accurate forecasts of wind and sun, we can produce a major return on investment for utilities,” said Thomas Bogdan, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which manages NCAR on behalf of the National Science Foundation. “This type of cutting-edge research helps make renewable energy more cost competitive.”

Xcel Energy has been utilizing increasing amounts of energy from renewable sources, especially wind. But this shift means relying on resources that are challenging to predict and manage.

Energy generated by a wind turbine, solar panel, or any other source must be promptly consumed because large amounts of electricity cannot be stored in a cost-effective manner.

If an electric utility powers down a coal or natural gas facility in anticipation of wind-driven energy, those plants may not be able to power up fast enough should the winds fail to blow. The only option in such a scenario is to buy energy on the spot market, which can be very costly.

In order to help utility managers anticipate wind energy more reliably, NCAR began designing a wind energy prediction system for Xcel Energy in 2009 that saved the utility’s customers more than $6 million in 2010 alone. The specialized system relies on a suite of tools, including highly detailed observations of atmospheric conditions, an ensemble of powerful computer models, and artificial intelligence techniques to issue high-resolution forecasts.

For more information, visit ncar.ucar.edu or xcelenergy.com. 

Over the last 50 years, HYTORC has become the most trusted name for industrial bolting. Leading the industry with groundbreaking innovations, HYTORC has set new standards in the field. HYTORC’s stretch-to-load bolting system is in use by major manufacturers in the windpower industry in areas all over the world. This patented technology gives users the highest level of safety, speed, and accuracy available today. It is the only bolting system in the world that can achieve consistent bolt load accuracy within 5 percent, without time-consuming bolt measurement.

The HYTORC Avanti, shown here, can be used for standard torque or upgraded for Stretch-to-Load with additional drivers. This system eliminates the need for reaction arms and backup wrenches, which makes the job faster, by eliminating arm placement and the need for extra personnel, and safer, by eliminating dangerous pinch points. Furthermore, the HYTORC Nut, a Stretch-to-Load fastener, completely eliminates bolt damage, preventing the need for replacement bolts during maintenance.

Aside from the increased safety and speed, the major advantage of the Stretch-to-Load system is the tremendous accuracy that is attainable on a consistent basis. On pressurized vessels, the system has been so successful that it is backed by a zero leakage guarantee—something that many maintenance workers and contractors previously thought to be impossible. On jobs subject to vibration and movement, the system outperforms all others in accuracy and endurance. The system uses a counter-nut effect to prevent unintentional loosening, even on equipment with extreme vibrations such as railroad tracks and gyratory rock crushers.

A free on-site survey is available by request to help determine your needs. Stretch-to-Load fasteners are available in a number of different materials to cover all application needs. Please contact info@hytorc.com or call 1-800-FOR-HYTORC for a quick answer to your questions.

Drawing on the success of prior generations of the ExoFit Harness lines, DBI-SALA/Capital Safety offers what they claim to be the most advanced harnesses available in the industry—the ExoFit NEX.
Marketed as “The Ultimate Full-Body Comfort Harness,” the “NEX” implies that this is the next generation in harnesses. The ExoFit NEX expands on the features and benefits that the at-height workforce has come to rely on in the ExoFit and ExoFit XP products by incorporating ongoing research, new materials, and innovative features into the design and manufacturing processes.

At the heart of the ExoFit NEX are the company’s three-pronged commitment to comfort, function, and durability.

Among the features and benefits are:

• 420 lb. Capacity—Large capacity adds to tool carrying options and jobsite flexibility.
• Revolver Vertical Torso Adjusters—Simple and fast adjustments that eliminate loose ends and lock into place, preventing slippage.
• Hybrid Comfort Padding—Lightweight, moisture wicking and breathable padding won’t move or slip, always keeping the wearer comfortable.
• Tech-Lite™ Aluminum D-Rings—Extremely lightweight alloy commonly used in military and aerospace offers a higher level of security and comfort.
• Integrated Trauma Straps—Provide an adjustable, continuous loop for post fall, minimizing suspension trauma.

Duo-Lok™ Quick Connect Buckles—Lightweight one-handed use with memory-fit web-lock ensures fast, non-slipping connections.

• Protective Shoulder Caps—Provide protection and comfort when carrying heavy materials.
• Molded Lanyard Keepers—Easy holstered snap hooks break away to avoid trip hazard.
• Reflective Material—For greater visibility in dark and dangerous environments, reflective material is integrated on legs, chest, shoulders, and back.
• Built-In Carrying Pocket—Conveniently holds and protects a cell phone, camera, or other items.
• Removable Tool Loops—Allows various tool carrying options.
• Repel Technology Webbing—Water repellent to reduce attraction of mold and dirt—also has up to 5 times more abrasion resistance.
• Stand-Up Dorsal D-Ring—Patented spring-loaded design automatically stands-up, ensuring fast, easy, and safe connections to your fall arrest system.
• Superior X-Design—A single piece of material in the shape of an X wraps around the wearer for the ultimate in comfort, security, and no-tangle donning.
• Radio Holster—Conveniently holds and protects a radio, cell phone, or other item like a Lad-Saf™ sleeve.
• Ultra-Soft Edging—Moves with you. Doesn’t rub or chafe.

ExoFit NEX Wind Energy harnesses, lanyards, and accessories meet OSHA/ANSI/CSA/CE requirements for global compliance.

For more information, visit www.capitalsafety.com.

Gearbox Express, is introducing its Revolution gearbox upgrade. Revolution is a set of upgrades and a new thought process for wind energy gearboxes from 1.5MW up to 2.3MW. Developed by the team at GBX, Revolution addresses the most common premature failure modes of gearboxes.

“The Gearbox Express team has seen many gearbox failures, and a majority of them have the same premature failure characteristics,” said Bruce Neumiller, CEO of Gearbox Express. “We saw a huge opportunity to address these common reasons by integrating upgrades that will provide significantly longer gearbox life.  Revolution is a technical product unlike anything else in the industry and it creates a paradigm shift in the wind industry with a direct, commercial impact on our customers’ business.”

Revolution features:
• 5-year, no-risk warranty
• Case-carburized ring gear
• Timken® case carburized and coated cylindrical roller bearings in the HSS, IMS, and planet positions
• Water-Lok maintains low water concentration
• GBXtreme Filter to six micron while maintaining high flow at 1,000 beta
• Non-desiccant, GBX Water Blocker Breather System
• Factory filled with Amsoil EP55®, ISO 320 oil

Revolution gearboxes are built in Gearbox Express’s 43,000 square-foot, climate-controlled facility in Mukwonago, Wisc., which also offers a highly-flexible, technologically-advanced 3.1MW test stand. In addition to Revolution, Gearbox Express technicians also remanufacture gearboxes to the latest revision level.

“When we started operations in 2012, we had a vision on how to help wind farm owners protect and manage their assets,” said Neumiller. “Our growth has exceeded expectations and Revolution is another vital component to our business model that is based on keeping investments running.”

Three wind industry veterans founded GBX, and succeeded in attracting millions of dollars of investment capital along with a $3.4 million low interest, revolving loan from the Wisconsin State Energy Program. Additional investments are forthcoming as GBX pursues its next growth phase.

“We are a company built by gearbox guys,” said Neumiller. “We saw an absolute hole in the wind industry for an advanced company providing dedicated gearing, bearing and gearbox expertise. We have the best people, equipment, and parts. I’m looking forward to what we announce in the future.”

For more information, visit gearboxexpress.com.

Awareness is growing in the wind industry about the severe impact that erosion on the leading edge of wind blades can have on turbine output. Erosion can lead to a significant loss in annual energy production, costing owners and operators thousands of dollars. Blade repair and protection can help provide significant annual energy production improvements, reduce costly downtime, and protect the integrity of the blade.

3M™ Renewable Energy Division introduced an innovative solution for wind turbine blade protection at WINDPOWER 2013 on May 6. 3M Wind Blade Protection Coating W4600 is a two-component polyurethane coating that provides excellent erosion protection properties to help prevent and repair leading edge erosion on wind blades.

3M has a proven history of providing highly durable solutions in the industry with its 3M Wind Blade Protection Tape. This product has provided significant reductions in leading edge erosion, and has also helped extend maintenance and service intervals. Designed to offer game-changing performance and protection, 3M Wind Blade Protection Coating W4600 further expands 3M’s portfolio of erosion protection solutions. The coating is designed for application in OEM facilities and can be easily applied via brush or casting.

“3M has performed extensive testing on this product, and customers will see that it provides superior performance for a critical industry need,” said Christian Claus, business development manager, 3M Renewable Energy Division. “We are proud to expand our product offering to the wind industry.”

For more information, visit www.3M.com.

Vestas has secured a firm and unconditional order for the delivery of 166 V100-1.8MW wind turbines along with a 20-year service and maintenance agreement for the 299MW Blackspring Ridge Wind Project, a joint venture of EDF EN Canada, Inc. and Enbridge. It marks the largest order for Vestas wind turbines in Canada.

Deliveries for Blackspring Ridge, located near Lethbridge, Alberta, are scheduled for the second half of this year and commissioning is expected to occur by mid-2014.

“We appreciate these two global energy companies making a long-term commitment to Vestas. Our partnership with EDF EN Canada and Enbridge shows their confidence in our ability to deliver turbines safely and on time,” said Chris Brown, president of Vestas’ sales and service division in Canada and the U.S. “This project also will increase our market leadership position in Canada and further builds on our strong service business in Alberta.”

The 20-year service agreement—the longest in Vestas’ history in the U.S. and Canada—features the Active Output Management (AOM) 5000 service option. AOM 5000 features an energy-based availability guarantee to ensure the turbines are operational when the wind is blowing. This service option includes the VestasOnline® surveillance system that remotely controls and monitors the turbines and predicts potential maintenance issues. This allows Vestas to plan maintenance so the turbines are operational for the maximum amount of time.

“Blackspring Ridge is an important addition to Enbridge’s fleet of renewable projects as it significantly expands our wind energy portfolio in the Alberta market, which we first entered nearly a decade ago with our Magrath and Chin Chute wind farms,” said Don Thompson, Vice President, Green Energy, Enbridge Inc. “Alberta is an attractive environment for wind investments due to its high wind capacity factor and access to transmission. We welcome this opportunity to continue expanding our renewable energy assets into Western Canada and are pleased to continue our relationship with EDF EN Canada and Vestas.”

Vestas’ U.S. factories in Colorado will be involved in manufacturing components for Blackspring Ridge, which will become Canada’s sixth wind power plant to use V100-1.8 MW turbines. Overall, more than 600 V100-1.8 MW turbines are producing energy at 13 sites across Canada and the United States.

EDF EN Canada and Enbridge will develop and own Blackspring Ridge. Once commissioned, it will be the largest wind power plant in Western Canada with the capacity to provide electricity to nearly 140,000 households.

“EDF EN Canada looks forward to our first opportunity to install Vestas turbines in Canada as part of the Blackspring Ridge project,” said Al Kurzenhauser, COO for EDF EN Canada.  “Alberta is a promising market that allows us to expand our wind development success into Western Canada. The project further builds on our relationship with both Vestas and Enbridge, demonstrating our business model to optimize assets throughout North America.”

Vestas installed its first wind turbines in the Canadian market in 1997 and since has become the leading wind-turbine supplier in the country and in Alberta.

For more information, visit www.vestas.com or www.edf-en.ca.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman on April 10, detailed President Barack Obama’s $28.4 billion Fiscal Year 2014 budget request for the Energy Department. Poneman emphasized the President’s continued commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes investments in innovation, clean energy technologies, and national security. The Department’s budget request is part of the administration-wide effort to strengthen the American economy with energy that is cleaner, cheaper and creates sustainable jobs. The FY 2014 budget request represents tough choices aimed at focusing taxpayer resources on areas that will yield the greatest benefit over time.

“The United States faces one of the greatest challenges ahead, the opportunity to lead the global clean energy race.  We must continue to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world to meet this challenge,” said Deputy Secretary Poneman.  “This budget reflects strong commitments to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice, while embracing the President’s all-of-the-above energy strategy which expands both oil and gas production and investments in new clean energy technologies, while advancing our national security.” Specifically, the President’s FY 2014 budget request for the Department of Energy:

• Invests in innovative research to lead in research, development, deployment, and production of clean energy technologies;
• Establishes a new goal of doubling American energy productivity by 2030;
• Calls for Congress to establish an $2 billion Energy Security Trust;
• Creates a new Race to the Top for Energy Efficiency and Grid Modernization;
• Helps consumers and businesses save money and improve their energy efficiency through the President’s Better Buildings Initiative;
• Supports groundbreaking basic science research and innovation to solve our energy challenges and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of science and technology

For more information, visit www.energy.gov or www.whitehouse.gov.

Wind energy grew 28 percent in the United States in 2012, setting a new installation record and confirming its status as a mainstream energy source, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report for 2012, released in April.

In its best year ever, the U.S. industry topped all energy sources with 42 percent of all new U.S. electric generating capacity. Over 6,700 new wind turbines were erected, which produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 3.5 million homes. Overall, America finished the year with 45,100 wind turbines that can power 15.2 million homes.

The bumper crop of wind energy benefited the U.S. economy across all 50 states, through $25 billion in private investment in new U.S. wind farms, tens of millions of dollars paid to landowners and local communities in lease payments and property taxes, and billions in projected savings for electricity consumers.

“We had an incredibly productive year in 2012,” said AWEA interim CEO Rob Gramlich. “It really showed what this industry can do and the impact we can have with a continued national commitment to renewable energy. We’re doing what Americans overwhelmingly say they want: making more clean, renewable energy, and creating good jobs in U.S. factories.” The report found that more than 550 factories across the nation provide parts and services for the wind energy industry, which accounted for more than 80,000 American jobs in 2012.

While jobs numbers were hampered as the year went on by Congress’s delay in renewing the primary incentives for American wind power—the production and investment tax credits—their extension on Jan. 1, 2013, for projects that start this year has sent the industry back to work.

Among project developers, NextEra Energy Resources installed the most new U.S. wind energy capacity in 2012, amassing 1,505MW. Iberdrola Renewables came in a distant second with 716MW of new installed capacity. EDF Renewable Energy, Caithness, and Duke Energy rounded out the top five, with 658MW, 640MW, and 620MW, respectively.

Geographically, Texas extended its lead among states generating wind energy. It also led all the other states in new wind energy installations. The Lone Star State realized the addition of 1,826MW of wind energy, and exceeded 12,000MW of capacity—accounting for more than a fifth of the nation’s wind energy installations. California eclipsed Iowa for second in total installed capacity with the addition of 1,656MW of wind energy capacity. Kansas (1,441MW), Oklahoma (1,127MW), and Illinois (823MW) followed in new 2012 capacity.

On the global scale, the record year for new U.S. wind energy installation narrowly edged the new installations in China (13,000MW), but accounted for just less than 30 percent of global wind energy installations in 2012. New wind energy installations globally in 2012 amounted to 41,236MW.

General Electric maintained its top position as the world’s leading turbine manufacturer, installing 3,003 turbines (5,014MW), amounting to a 44.5 percent market share in number of turbines (38.2 percent share of capacity). Siemens, Vestas, Gamesa, and REpower (Suzlon) rounded out the top five.

In addition to the industry’s record growth last year, a growing trend augured well for its future: new purchases of wind power by 74 electric utilities, along with at least 18 major industrial consumers and 11 school and universities—all taking advantage of the chance to diversify their energy portfolio and stabilize and lower energy costs, typically on long-term, fixed-rate contracts. Rising utility interest has been seen again this year since the PTC extension, with at least seven utilities issuing new requests for proposals to purchase over 1,000MW of wind power.

Top 2012 wind energy industry facts, by the numbers:

• 13,131 – The amount of installed capacity, in megawatts, installed during 2012 in the U.S.
• 60,007 – The amount of total installed capacity to date, in megawatts, in the U.S.
• 25 – The total investment, in billions of dollars, in U.S. wind energy projects during 2012
• 890 – The number of utility-scale wind projects currently operating in the U.S., consisting of more than 45,000 turbines

AWEA Business Members can download their copy of the complete U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report by logging onto the Member Center at www.awea.org.

*Source: American Wind Energy Association; American Wind Energy Association U.S.
Wind Industry Annual Market Report Year Ending 2012.

The U.S. Department of Energy and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are announced the teams selected to take part in the inaugural DOE Collegiate Wind Competition.

The following 10 student teams were selected through a competitive process to compete in the inaugural competition:

• Boise State University
• California Maritime Academy
• Colorado School of Mines
• James Madison University (VA)
• Kansas State University
• Northern Arizona University
• Pennsylvania State University
• University of Alaska – Fairbanks
• University of Kansas
• University of Massachusetts – Lowell

The elite educational programs have committed to formulating an interdisciplinary team, integrating the three principal competition contests into students’ coursework and senior design projects. The competition contests are designed to reach students from various engineering and business programs to provide them with engaging, real-world project experience as they prepare to enter the workforce. The selected programs garnered organizational support from their institutions as well as private-sector and community support.

The Collegiate Wind Competition is a forum for undergraduate college students of multiple disciplines to investigate innovative wind energy concepts; gain experience designing, building, and testing a wind turbine to perform according to a customized market data-derived business plan; and increase their knowledge of wind industry barriers. NREL is facilitating the inaugural competition, which will take place in spring 2014.

“Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing electrical energy options in the United States, and the industry requires a skilled workforce with talented people from engineering, business, and communications backgrounds, This competition will help attract students from a wide range of disciplines into this exciting industry,” DOE Wind Powering America initiative National Director Jonathan Bartlett said.

The theme of the inaugural competition is to design and construct a lightweight, transportable wind turbine that can be used to power small electronic devices. A principal contest involves testing each team’s prototype wind turbine in a wind tunnel under specific conditions. Each team’s business plan and turbine will also be evaluated against other pre-weighted criteria. The third event of the competition will be a team-to-team debate relating to current wind market drivers and issues. Teams will be judged on the members’ understanding of the issues posed to them, their communication of potential solutions, and their ability to promote constructive dialogue.

This competition is an opportunity for collegiate institutions to showcase student ingenuity and the programs that the students represent. In addition to this national recognition, the turbine from the college or university with the best overall score will be placed on temporary display at the DOE headquarters building in Washington, D.C. The competition enables NREL and DOE to support innovative and forward-thinking educational institutions that incorporate renewable energy technologies, helping to foster the growth of the future wind energy industry and workforce.

For more information, visit www.nrel.gov or www.energy.gov.

Full capacity has now been reached at the 630MW first phase of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the London Array. The commissioning of the 175th and final turbine happened at 4:09 pm local time on Saturday, April 6.

With all turbines now exporting power to the national grid, London Array is expected to produce enough green electricity to power nearly half a million homes a year. Turbine installation was completed in December 2012; since then the project has focused on fully commissioning and putting into operation all 175 of the 3.6MW Siemens turbines by this spring.

“This is the final major milestone of the construction phase and the culmination of more than two years’ offshore construction work which began in March 2011 with the installation of the first foundation,” said Project Director Richard Rigg. “It has been a complex operation but I am delighted that the commissioning of the wind farm has now been completed on schedule, despite the worst of the winter weather.”

The project has started handing over to the Operations and Maintenance Team. This will be completed in the summer when the last shallow array cable has been buried.

Benj Sykes, Country Manager for DONG Energy’s UK Wind business, said: “Building London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, is a great achievement. As we now look to our pipeline of future projects, DONG Energy is determined to drive down the costs of our offshore wind farms to €100 per megawatt hour for projects we’ll be sanctioning in 2020. What we have learnt at London Array, together with our continuing focus on innovation in technologies and techniques, will help us achieve that.” “London Array is a significant achievement in renewable energy,” said Tony Cocker, Chief Executive Officer of E.ON UK. “The world’s largest operational offshore wind farm will be capable of generating enough energy to power nearly half a million homes and reduce harmful CO2 emissions by over 900,000 tonnes a year. It’s been a tough time for the team working on site. The recent bad weather and north easterly winds have whipped up the waves preventing access to the site so this milestone is true reward for their hard work.”

London Array is being built around 20km off the coasts of Kent and Essex on a 245km2 site. Phase One covers an area of 90km2 and includes 175 turbines with a combined capacity of 630MW. A possible second phase could add enough capacity to bring the total to 870MW. The project consortium partners have the following shareholdings: DONG Energy owns 50 percent, E.ON has 30 percent and Masdar has a 20 percent stake.

 For more information, visit www.londonarray.com.

General Electric has announced that a prototype of the world’s most efficient high-output wind turbine, the new 2.5-120, is operational at a test site in Wieringermeer, Netherlands. The 2.5-120 is the company’s first brilliant wind turbine, driving higher power output, improving service productivity and creating new revenue streams for customers.

The 2.5-120, announced in January, harnesses the power of the Industrial Internet to analyze tens of thousands of data points every second allowing for management of variable wind sources to provide smooth, predictable power. The turbine integrates energy storage and advanced forecasting algorithms while communicating seamlessly with neighboring turbines, service technicians and operators.

As the first wind turbine to bring together world-class efficiency and power output at low-wind-speed sites, the 2.5-120 captures a 25 percent increase in efficiency and a 15 percent increase in power output compared to GE’s current model.

The turbine’s high efficiency and high output unlock higher returns for wind farm operators at low-wind-speed sites. The turbine’s advanced controls and 120-meter rotor enable increased energy capture and greater power output in low-wind areas. The taller tower, which has a maximum hub height of 139 meters, makes it ideal for heavily forested regions in places like Europe and Canada.

GE has worked with ECN, a Dutch independent research institute for renewable energy, for the past decade to validate its newest technologies. The 2.5-120 prototype will be tested and validated in accordance with the highest GE and industry standards through fall 2013.

For more information, visit www.ge-energy.com.

Australia’s 420MW Macarthur Wind Farm, largest in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring Vestas V112-3.0MW turbines has officially opened. Vestas CEO Ditlev Engel participated in the event, which included leading Australian state and federal government officials.

Owned by Australian-based AGL Energy and New Zealand-based Meridian Energy, the Macarthur Wind Farm is a genuinely global construction, engineering, and technology project, with equipment and personnel coming together from four continents. Vestas and Leighton Contractors combined to deliver the logistically complex, AUD $1 billion Macarthur Wind Farm three months ahead of schedule. 

With the Macarthur project, Vestas has installed more than 50 percent of the cumulative wind energy capacity in Australia. When the 168MW Musselroe project comes online later this year, that number will rise to almost 60 percent.

“Vestas is strongly committed to the Australian market and very pleased to have such good working relations with our key customers here,” Engel said. “Australia is now enjoying the benefits of large-scale clean energy investment and jobs, thanks to its Renewable Energy Target. Bipartisan support for this policy is a crucial element in creating the long-term business certainty to make billion dollar investments like the Macarthur project a reality.”

The Macarthur project was the first to purchase the Vestas V112-3.0MW wind turbine. AGL Managing Director & CEO Michael Fraser says, “The V112-3.0MW is the perfect solution to meet our need for a highly-productive and cost-effective turbine for the medium wind speeds on the project site.”

 For more information, visit www.agl.com.au or www.vestas.com. 

3Floorsup, developer of WTGservice.com, has today announced that First Wind is to adopt its industry-leading maintenance management system. First Wind has selected WTGservice maintenance management system for its in-house service operations. The wind industry-specific software will be used by First Wind technicians to track, manage and analyze asset history on First Wind’s turbines across the continental USA and Hawaii.

“We are looking forward to using the WTGservice system as we grow our operations at First Wind,” said First Wind’s Vice President of Operations, E.J. Martin. “WTGservice has a strong track record in the wind industry and we’re pleased to be working with them.”

WTGservice.com is the most widely used wind-industry specific product of its kind; used with thousands of utility-grade turbines worldwide in multiple languages. It is used to plan, track and manage turbine maintenance and to analyze and report asset history.

“We’re extremely excited and pleased to be working closely with First Wind as they expand their service division,” said Steven Quayle, 3Floorsup Director of Business Development. “Working with First Wind demonstrates the suitability of WTGservice.com to industry stakeholders of all kinds, from OEM’s to independent service providers to, as in this case, owner operators.”

“The beauty of WTGservice is the front end; technicians just get it. It’s in no way daunting for them. As a result we’re able to meet our client’s greater ambitions for the collection and analysis of a complete service history of their fleet,” Quayle said. The First Wind deal extends WTGservice’s continued growth in the USA market, having achieved 50 percent plus year-on-year growth over the past three years. “It’s another sign that service providers and owners are getting smarter about the effective planning, management and analysis of both scheduled and reactive maintenance.”

With training and implementation already underway, First Wind is expected to be fully operational with WTGservice during April.

For more information, visit www.WTGservice.com or www.firstwind.com.

SAMPE 2013 offers innovative approaches in the materials and processes industry. Four days of high-level content draw on the expertise of the leading M&P producers in the research, government, and academic sectors.

At SAMPE 2013, top M&P industry professionals will lead sessions and provide attendees the tools they need to take their projects to the next level. Dr. John Tracy, Chief Technology officer and The Boeing Company Senior Vice President, Engineering, Operation & Technology will give an opening keynote presentation on developing the future of materials and processes that shape aerospace.

SAMPE 2013 delivers access to industry leading suppliers, education, and networking opportunities. Conference attendees are free to mix and match sessions from a series of composites and manufacturing topics. The organizing committee has also put together eight immersive short course tutorials to provide an overview of M&P hot topics.

Panels will include:

• Global Composites
• Integrated Computational Methods for Composite Materials (ICM2)
• Life Cycle Considerations for Engineered Nanomaterials
• Aviation and Eco-Innovative Materials
• How Can an Educated Workforce Reduce Risk in Composites Design, Manufacturing and In-Service Support?
• Manufacturing Challenges Facing the DoD (ITAR)

The 2013 SAMPE Fellows will be honored at a special Fellow Banquet on Monday evening, May 6 at the Renaissance Hotel. This event will take place during the SAMPE 2013 Conference and Exhibition in Long Beach, California, May 6-9.

For more information, visit www.sampe.org.