Today, new processes and work methods are being developed along with being improved at an accelerating pace. Tradespeople along with technicians use an expanding range of techniques and they need special tools to use them efficiently. These special tools are used in a wide variety of industries, especially the wind power industry where they are used in production, assembly and repair/maintenance.  To be useful, a tool needs to enable precise, ergonomic, safe and damage-free work. The special tools simplify work with new materials, shapes and sizes, bringing users and companies tangible benefits.  They save time and costs, while at the same time helping maximize work safety—an important part of trouble-free production and maintenance work.

In close cooperation with users, Rennsteig engineers develop tailor-made, high quality tools for a wide variety of applications and industries that meet and often exceed all quality parameters.
As a German producer of these high quality hand tools, Rennsteig Tools, Inc. designs and manufactures state-of-the-art tooling “Made in Germany.”  The company follows a long tradition of specialty hand tool development and manufacturing which enables it to craft exceptionally dynamic hand tools.

The SRW 1000 tool is no different in this aspect.  It has been designed for applications where large shafts and bearings transmit very high forces and torques.  For example, wind power turbines, hydroelectric power facilities, press construction, ship building and aerospace.  It is easily operated with an Allen key (which is included), ratchet wrench or cordless screw driver with an adapter (also included) and is designed for installing along with removing retaining rings in one operation.  The tool is usable with retaining rings ranging from a diameter of 400–1000mm (15”–40”).  Opening to a width of 250mm (10”), the tool securely holds the ring open using a self-locking precision spindle action.  The interchangeable paired tips that are supplied with the tool come in a 6mm and a 9mm size (custom designs are also available) to cover the different diameter holes in these large retaining rings.  The tips hold the ring securely due to short, direct contact sockets.  These tips are made of high strength, hardened and tempered steel.

For more information about the SRW 1000 along with Rennsteig Tools, Inc. and its other line of tools, please visit www.rennsteig.us.  Also, check out this link to a video on the use of the SRW 1000, http://youtu.be/6KOpH3_dz5Q.

Transhield, Inc. is a global supplier of custom fit covers for shipping and storage protection for a variety of industries, including wind power applications. These wind power application covers are a patented alternative for heavy, expensive custom tarps or conventional hand wrapping with the added ability to shrink the cover for a tight fit, resulting in quality protection for wind power products including root end sections, tower sections, blades and other products. These custom fit covers offer protection against dirt and water during shipping and storage for a smoother transition from factory to field. Various openings can be designed into the covers allowing zipper or Velcro openings for access or different trailer configurations with wind tower section covers. Covers are easy to apply, can be removed quickly and easily and in many cases are reusable.

Made from Shrinkable Fabric™, Transhield covers consist of three layers: an outer layer that is UV-resistant and anti-condensation, the middle layer is a hot melt adhesive containing no solvents and a soft, cloth-like polyester inner layer. These covers feature the patented Adhesive Additive Delivery—Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (AAD-VCI) system which provides 100% protection from corrosion during transportation and storage. This unique non-abrasive composition protects against the elements during transportation and storage without causing damage to paint, gel coats or decals of products.

For more information about Transhield, Inc.’s line of custom fit covers, visit www.transhield-usa.com/transhield_windpower_covers.html. 

Deal includes 20-year service agreement for 299MW Blackspring Ridge Wind Project

TORONTO — 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 299 MW 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; 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 United States. “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 V100-1.8MW turbines. Overall, more than 600 V100-1.8MW 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.

With renewable and green energy sources making global headway in recent years, surging interest has spawned an increasing number of renewable energy conferences and exhibitions. While everyday consumers can make small changes to reduce their carbon footprint, the most marked impact can be seen when the industry starts implementing green technology. In order to stay current on technological  innovations, as well as perform routine business functions such as networking,  the industry relies on expositions and conferences.

Throughout Asia, industry leaders have, for a number of years now, turned to World Smart Energy Week, hosted by Reed Exhibitions.

 The 2013 event was held February 27–March 1 at Tokyo Big Sight. Due to high demand, the inaugural WIND EXPO was added to the event this year. Participation in the WIND EXPO was more than respectable considering the infancy of that portion of the conference.

“We started FC (fuel cell) EXPO in 2005 and kept launching new exhibitions—PV (photovoltaic) EXPO, BATTERY JAPAN, International Smart Grid Expo, Eco House & Eco Building Expo,” Tad Ishizumi, president of Reed Exhibitions Japan said during the opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. “And in the ninth year, WIND EXPO is newly launched. Therefore, we welcome a record number of 1,890 exhibitors as one of the world’s largest of its kind.”

Among the organized events at the WIND EXPO portion of the event were technical conferences and product and technology seminars, in addition to the exhibition and the keynote sessions. The keynote session was held at 2 p.m. local time on February 27, and was entitled “Industry Leaders’ Strategies and Outlook on Wind Power Generation.”

As a whole, more than 76,000 attendees attended World Smart Energy Week. More than 11,000 participated in seminar sessions.”

Occupying a substantial section of the east hall at the convention complex, WIND EXPO was filled with attendees. More than 100 exhibitors from across the globe eagerly promoted products, services, and technologies that ran the gamut of wind energy production and associated industries. No known segment of the industry was left unserved by the exhibition.

Innovative wind turbine design was displayed prominently, as were  energy-conservation  components. Short tutorial demonstrations of various types and brands of safety gear and its’ proper use were presented several times an hour.

A primary event focus was the development of, and the large, timely technological advances in making offshore wind farms a substantial source of energy within the Asian markets­—Japan in particular.

Varied design approaches were offered by different exhibitors, but the prevailing and most-popular topic centered around offshore floating wind turbines. Many of these platform designs combined wind and solar energy technologies as a viable, sustainable, efficient means for  green energy generation.

Of particular interest among those in attendance  was Fukushima Forward, which seeks to replace traditional energy sources with offshore wind farms located in the ocean. These turbines would collect wind and solar energy and then redirect the collected power to a central hub that could then convert the power to be used across Japan. If successfully implemented, the plan would serve as an example to future energy projects on the viability of offshore wind energy as an option when seeking to replace aging, unsustainable power supply methods.

In its inaugural event, the WIND EXPO was a resounding success at introducing new technology and providing vital networking opportunities within the field. Attendees and exhibitors alike appeared eager to make new business connections and to learn about new technologies. Foundations have been laid to make future shows larger and more successful.

For more information on WIND EXPO and World Smart Energy Week, please visit www.wsew.jp/en.

— By Meghan Hall

Wind energy industry leaders, academics, and professionals will convene in Chicago on May 5–8 at the American Wind Energy Association’s annual WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition. The 2013 event, which will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center, is expected to draw nearly 600 exhibitors, consisting of manufacturers, developers, contractors, consultants and service providers.

According to the association: AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition is the annual focal point for those who work in the wind energy industry; it’s where serious wind professionals convene to grow their companies, find real solutions to business challenges, learn from industry leaders and experts, discover the latest in industry products and services, and reconnect with colleagues and friends.

The event is built around a three-pronged approach to serving wind energy industry companies and personnel. Areas of focus are: networking; education; and exhibition/sponsorship. The association describes these areas of focus as follows:

• Networking– A unique aspect of WINDPOWER is its focus on networking, and the numerous special events that allow attendees and exhibitors to grow and maintain their personal and professional contacts in fun, casual, and entertaining settings. Each networking event is an excellent networking opportunity, and a great way to spend quality time with staff, colleagues, and industry peers. From receptions in the exhibit hall, to dinners in Chicago’s favorite venues, to golf tournaments… there’s no shortage of ways to connect with your fellow attendees.

• Education– Each year, AWEA collaborates with wind industry leaders to ensure the WINDPOWER Conference Program is relevant and illuminating. And this year, AWEA is making a concerted effort to build a WINDPOWER program that provides attendees with real solutions to today’s serious business challenges. The Conference Program will prepare attendees for facing a changing wind energy future, strengthening our economy, and developing a sound, profitable energy market. As a venue to discuss perspectives, methods, and strategies for maintaining and increasing profitability in an environment of technical, economic, and political change, WINDPOWER is the best place to obtain this knowledge.

• Exhibition and sponsorship– The Exhibition Hall at WINDPOWER 2013 Conference & Exhibition will be the one place to see the industry’s leading products and services, learn industry brand names, network with top-level industry decision makers, and generate numerous high-quality business leads. WINDPOWER sponsorship generates unmatched exposure that helps establish your company as a market leader. Sponsorship provides a clear platform for company and product promotions, leaving a lasting impression on event attendees.

Regular registration for the WINDPOWER 2013 event is currently open, and will remain open through the conference. Attendees who register prior to the event will not be charged additional fees for on-site registration.

For more information on WINDPOWER 2013 Conference & Exhibition, including registration information, exhibition, conference schedule, lodging, and special events, visit the event website at www.windpowerexpo.org. For more information about the American Wind Energy Association, please visit www.awea.org.

Editor’s note: Wind Systems magazine is a media sponsor for WINDPOWER 2013 Conference & Exhibition.

With more than 40,000 active wind turbines across the country and new construction in 29 states, the Iron Workers, IMPACT, and the Apprenticeship and Training Department are exhibiting their commitment to Wind Turbine Training in a bid to fill the needs of the constantly expanding green energy sector.

Currently, six Iron Worker Local Unions across the United States offer Wind Turbine Training classes, and the program continues to grow.

In November 2012, Iron Workers Local 22, Indianapolis, announced the addition of hands-on wind turbine training at its apprenticeship and training facility as part of an ongoing effort to better serve the construction industry’s demands for green energy projects in the region.

Iron Worker wind turbine training courses date from 2010, when the Department of Labor (DOL) awarded the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) and the Iron Workers Apprenticeship and Training Department a grant under the green energy training partnership.  IMPACT used the grant to set up the first five training programs, under which 629 Iron workers received training.

According to Lee Worley, Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training, more locals are stepping up to fill the wind turbine erection needs of communities and construction companies. “The DOL grant ran through January 2012, but locals—like Local 22—have indicated that they are more than willing to make the investment in setting up their own training.”  At $45,000, the price tag for all the required training equipment isn’t cheap, Worley explained.

“All of our locals are serious about safety and training to meet the needs of the wind energy industry,” said Iron Workers General President Walter Wise.

Iron Workers remain committed to fulfilling the needs of green energy partners, Wise said. “With the expansion of our wind turbine training capability, the Iron Workers will be able to meet the demands for safe, qualified wind turbine erectors throughout our country.”

Under an agreement with the National Training Fund, each Local offering Wind Turbine Training must train a minimum of 30 Ironworkers per year.

The following Iron Worker Locals have Wind Turbine Training programs in place:

• Local 6, Buffalo, N.Y.
• Local 27, Salt Lake City
• Local 263, Dallas/Fort Worth
• Local 433, Los Angeles
• Local 444, Joliet, Ill.

For more information about Iron Workers Wind Turbine Training, visit www.impact-net.org.

Siemens Energy has opened two major Research & Development test facilities for wind turbine technology in Denmark. The new test center in Brande features test stands for major components of Siemens wind turbines, including generators, main bearings and complete nacelles. In Aalborg, seven blade test stands are capable to perform full scale tests of rotor blades, including the world’s largest blade in operation with a length of 75 meters. In combination, the two facilities form the world’s largest R&D test center for wind turbine technology.

“Our investments in testing today will result in savings for our customers tomorrow”; says Felix Ferlemann, CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Division in Siemens Energy. “With our extensive tests of all major components of a wind turbine we can significantly reduce the risk of technical issues in the field. Our continued commitment to R&D and testing enables us to deliver wind turbines that are both the most innovative and the most reliable at the same time.”

The two test centers in Denmark feature indoor testing facilities of more than 27,000 square meters. The nacelle test stands in Brande are among the most advanced in the industry. They are capable of testing Siemens’ D6 direct drive platform, the company’s largest current wind turbines with a six megawatt rated capacity, and are prepared to test even larger turbines. 

The seven blade test stands in Aalborg and three blade tests stands in Brande together form the largest blade test facility in the world both in size and in scope. The Aalborg facilities are able not only to fully test Siemens’ 75-meter long B75 blade, the largest wind turbine blade in operation, but also even larger blades. Wind turbine blades are now bigger than any other composite structure in the world. For example, the wing of an Airbus 380 is less than half as long as the B75 blade.

In its new test facilities, Siemens can perform Highly Accelerated Lifetime Tests (HALT) on all major components of its direct drive and geared wind turbine platforms. In HALT testing programs, which can last to up to six months, Siemens exposes prototypes to much higher loads than they would normally experience over the course their full life-time in the field. 

“In HALT tests, we compress the biggest loads over a short time, as they affect the turbine the most”, says Siemens Wind Power CEO Ferlemann. During the HALT test of blades, for example, full-scale prototypes are oscillated at larger deflections than they would ever experience on site for 2 million cycles vertically and then for another 2 million cycles horizontally.

How do we explain the function and technical aspects of a wind turbine to an inquisitive young child? If you’ve ever wondered, help is at hand in the shape of Spinner the Winner, a new picture book for children.

British author Mike Ormsby is based in Azerbaijan. Ormsby said he got the idea for the talking turbine while working on assignment as a journalist.

“I was with BBC Wales in the early ‘90s and reported on a row about a wind farm. I’d never seen a turbine up close; their elegance and personality impressed me. The nacelle is like a face. I noticed some confused kids, too…

Spoiler alert! Here’s the plot…
Spinner is a young turbine, separated from his family on installation day. He develops a squeak and is vandalized by villagers. He’s alone, unloved and unhappy. But when a windy storm causes a blackout, Spinner triumphs over prejudice and adversity to save the day, winning hearts and minds.

“It’s about how turbines generate power AND controversy,” Ormsby said. “I stashed the story for 20 years, until my wife spotted its potential for self-publishing. She found an illustrator from Transylvania, Sorin Sorasan. We spent 10 months preparing to publish in two editions­­—full color, plus black and white for younger kids to color-in. Corporate sales took off, from day one.”

Four big players in European wind energy—CEZ, GDF Suez, ENEL and RWEA—have sponsored a branded Romanian translation. The book will soon be translated into French and Serbian. The English version is doing well on Amazon, downloaded free almost 3,000 times recently and recommended by the online educational resource, Kid Wind Project. Ormsby said he hasn’t profited from the book yet, but remains optimistic. “The main thing is, kids love it. That’s crucial,” the author said. “One lad asked if Spinner would ever be a cartoon on DVD. They’re always one step ahead!”

For more information about “Spinner the Winner,” visit www.spinnerthewinner.wordpress.com. Also, log on now to the Wind Systems Facebook page (www.facebook.com/windsystemsmag) for a chance to win one of two free copies of the book.

International Tower Lighting, LLC’s integrated wind turbine obstruction lighting system, model IFH-1710, utilizes the latest in LED technology and advanced polymer optics to achieve a compact, low-power solution for marking wind turbines. The integrated design of the IFH-1710 requires virtually no space inside the nacelle.

Certified to meet FAA requirements for wind turbine farms, the IFH-1710 features wireless GPS flash synchronization without the need for external components. The universal input power supply is capable of operating from line voltages world-wide and utilizes metal oxide varistor (MOV) and gas discharge tube (GDT) surge suppression for harsh electrical environments.

For ease of installation the IFH-1710 is delivered pre-wired with a single shielded cable, rated TC-ER  (tray cable, exposed run) to meet NEC requirements for exposed runs.

The IFH-1710 is designed for long-term maintainability. The hinged cover allows access for testing and maintenance yet is securely fastened using stainless steel draw latches.

Unique for wind turbine obstruction lighting systems, the IFH-1710’s modular design allows for field replacement of circuit boards, photocell and GPS. A push-button-operated self-test requires no communication devices or computers to operate. A novel fail-safe feature turns the light on solid in the event of a flasher failure.

Capable of matching the flash rate of competitors, the IFH-1710 can be integrated into your existing portfolio of lighting systems.

For more information, visit www.itl-llc.com, or call 866-624-8309. Visit International Tower Lighting at WINDPOWER 2013 at Booth 2401.

Tornadoes and wind turbines all too frequently compete for the same geography throughout the areas of the U.S. known as “Tornado Alley”. Whether it’s a wind turbine or a drilling rig that gets in the way of the average tornado, the outcome is certain. With green energy efforts growing so will be the frequency of wind-farms being struck by tornadoes. 

As bad as the loss of multiple turbines is to a producer, the personal, legal and economic loss from injury to crews erecting and servicing these structures is potentially far greater. But installation of permanently anchored industrial quality tornado protective “safe rooms” near each tower is not feasible. Addressing this safety problem, Red Dog Mobile Shelters LLC designed and patented the only mobile safe room certified to meet every known tornado shelter standard issued by FEMA, the International Code Council (ICC-500), the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Unlike conventional designs that require massive foundations to anchor shelters against wind forces, Red Dog’s new technology uses aerodynamics to eliminate the need for anchoring by turning the destructive winds of a tornado into a stabilizing force even in EF-5 storms exceeding 300 mph. The faster the wind the more stable the shelter. Unique structural configurations and materials of construction enable the units to support over 1,000,000 pounds of dead load while fending off full force impacts by rotor blades falling from 150-foot heights.

The massive 250-pound doors are ADA compliant with internally activated, self-releasing hinges to prevent residual storm debris from trapping occupants inside and have passed impact tests conducted by Texas Tech Wind Science and Engineering Research Center. Electronic site alarm packages convert NOAA weather warnings into both visual strobes and 140-decibel audible warnings alerting distracted workers, contractors and visitors of approaching tornadoes. 

Relocation of the 32-person-rated shelters only takes minutes and requires no DOT permits. Rapid deployment makes possible having a safe refuge immediately available for workers regardless of the short duration nature of servicing multiple work sites. Optional features allow the multi-functional safe rooms to replace other on-site structures such as office space, cooling rooms, heat stress recovery spaces, safety meeting rooms and break rooms thereby decreasing a site’s footprint needed for crew support accommodations.

For rental information, visit www.lighttowerrentals.com or call 432-530-3330.

Hughey & Phillips announces the new HORIZON™ line of medium-intensity strobe LED based obstruction lighting solutions for daytime and nighttime lighting on tall structures such as communication, television and radio towers, wind turbines, smokestacks and other obstructions to aerial navigation.

Intertek (ETL) certified and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, the L-864/865 provides both daytime white and nighttime red lights within a single unit, and is part of the newest addition to H&P’s obstruction lighting portfolio, the HORIZON™ line. The series is available in L864 (Red), L865 (White) and L864/L865 (Red/White). Daytime white strobe eliminates the need to paint the structure with aviation orange and white stripes, and nighttime red flashing beacon lights are community friendly. The HORIZON™ L-864/865 is best suited for structures between 150’ (45 m) and 500’ (150 m) above ground level and operates at a range of 95-277VAC, 50/60Hz.

The new microprocessor controlled LED strobe system boasts a self-contained power supply that simplifies wiring but also accepts external signals if necessary. Its compact design, built-in testing, GPS sync, automatic day/night sensor and wiring compatibility make the product easy to use and install. Like other products in the HORIZON™ line, the units are compatible with existing cable systems in most cases, allowing users to retrofit to LED without purchasing entire new systems.

H&P HORIZON™ system uses 90 percent less power than incandescent medium intensity models, and is designed, built, and sourced in the U.S., using domestic suppliers. There are more than 20 patents pending on components and features of the HORIZON series. The system comes with a five-year warranty and has an expected life of more than 15 years. It is the only unit in the market to be completely serviceable, ensuring a longer life than any competitor models.

For more information, visit www.hugheyandphillips.com, or call 937-652-3500. Visit Hughey & Phillips at WINDPOWER 2013 at Booth 4107. 

Siemens Energy has opened two major Research & Development test facilities for wind turbine technology in Denmark. The new test center in Brande features test stands for major components of Siemens wind turbines, including generators, main bearings and complete nacelles. In Aalborg, seven blade test stands are capable to perform full-scale tests of rotor blades, including the world’s largest blade in operation with a length of 75 meters. In combination, the two facilities form the world’s largest R&D test center for wind turbine technology.

“Our investments in testing today will result in savings for our customers tomorrow,” says Felix Ferlemann, CEO of the Siemens Wind Power Division in Siemens Energy. “With our extensive tests of all major components of a wind turbine we can significantly reduce the risk of technical issues in the field. Our continued commitment to R&D and testing enables us to deliver wind turbines that are both the most innovative and the most reliable at the same time.”

The two test centers in Denmark feature indoor testing facilities of more than 27,000 square meters. The nacelle test stands in Brande are among the most advanced in the industry. They are capable of testing Siemens’ D6 direct drive platform, the company’s largest current wind turbines with a six megawatt rated capacity, and are prepared to test even larger turbines.

The seven blade test stands in Aalborg and three blade tests stands in Brande together form the largest blade test facility in the world both in size and in scope. The Aalborg facilities are able not only to fully test Siemens’ 75-meter long B75 blade, the largest wind turbine blade in operation, but also even larger blades. Wind turbine blades are now bigger than any other composite structure in the world. For example, the wing of an Airbus 380 is less than half as long as the B75 blade.

In its new test facilities, Siemens can perform Highly Accelerated Lifetime Tests (HALT) on all major components of its direct drive and geared wind turbine platforms. In HALT testing programs, which can last to up to six months, Siemens exposes prototypes to much higher loads than they would normally experience over the course their full lifetime in the field.

“In HALT tests, we compress the biggest loads over a short time, as they affect the turbine the most,” says Siemens Wind Power CEO Ferlemann. During the HALT test of blades, for example, full-scale prototypes are oscillated at larger deflections than they would ever experience on site for 2 million cycles vertically and then for another 2 million cycles horizontally.  

The EU wind energy sector installed 11.6GW of capacity in 2012, bringing the total wind power capacity to 105.6GW, according to the 2012 annual statistics launched by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

The 11.6 GW installed in 2012 is higher than the 9.4 GW installed in 2011.

Wind energy represented 26 percent of all new EU power capacity installed last year, and investments of between EUR 12.8 billion and EUR 17.2 billion. It is now meeting 7 percent of Europe’s electricity demand — up from 6.3 percent at the end of 2011.

Overall, the EU is almost 2GW (1.7 percent) under its National Renewable Energy Action Plan forecasts. 18 Member States are falling behind, including Slovakia, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, and Portugal.

Renewable energy represented 69 percent of all new power capacity in 2012, while in a continuing trend, fuel oil, coal, and nuclear capacity saw negative growth due to decommissioning.

Last year, wind energy installations were led by Germany (2.4GW, 21 percent of all new wind power capacity), the UK (1.9GW, 16 percent), Italy (1.3GW, 11 percent), Romania (0.9GW, 8 percent), and Poland (0.9GW, 8 percent). In terms of total installed capacity, Germany is also the leader with 31.3GW (30 percent), followed by Spain (22.8GW, 22 percent), the UK (8.4GW, 8 percent), Italy (8.1GW, 8 percent) and France (7.2GW, 7 percent).

In other news from the EWEA Annual Event, held February 4-7 in Vienna, Austria:

EU wind industry faces tough challenge —
The wind industry is being hit by the economic crisis and austerity across Europe, and a difficult situation should not be made worse by politicians undermining investor confidence, warned top industry figures in Vienna.

At the opening of EWEA 2013, politicians and high level industry representatives also spoke of the need to secure the further growth of wind energy in Europe after the current 2020 renewable energy target runs out, and of the disparity between fossil fuel and renewable energy subsidies.

EWEA President Arthouros Zervos criticized “sudden or retroactive changes to support schemes” and warned “the wind industry can be a driver for growth, for jobs and exports but not if government policies drive away investors.”

He told the assembled industry leaders and Ministers that “The wind industry is suffering serious job losses, and will suffer more difficulties this year,” and called for “binding renewable energy targets for 2030,” as a way to create investor confidence.

EU wind industry skills shortage: over 5,000 more workers needed per year —
The European wind industry faces a severe skills shortage of around 5,500 appropriately qualified staff per year. This shortfall could climb to 18,000 by 2030 — nearly 5 percent of the entire wind industry workforce — if numbers of suitable workers don’t increase.

The warning comes in a report to be published by the EU’s Wind Energy Technology Platform (TPWind), based on research by renewable energy consultancy GL Garrad Hassan.

“There is a real risk of a shortage of suitably skilled workers. Well over half of the shortfall in new workers in 2030 could be in operations and maintenance. Engineers are in desperately short supply and the problem will get far worse unless action is taken,” said Andrew Garrad, Chairman of GL Garrad Hassan.

Wind energy’s most prestigious prize goes to Professor Arthouros Zervos —
The Poul La Cour prize for outstanding contribution to wind energy has been awarded this year to Professor Arthouros Zervos. The award was presented to Professor Zervos by Klaus Rave, Vice President of EWEA. Speaking at the presentation of the award at the conference dinner of the EWEA 2013 Annual Event in Vienna, CEO of EWEA, Christian Kjaer said “It is hard to know where to begin to describe this year’s winner’s achievements. They are not limited to one area of work, or one organization. They span education, science, R&D, policy making, representation of the industry, and lobbying.”

Professor Zervos has taught wind energy at the National Technical University of Athens since 1982 and was responsible for Wind Energy in EUREC’s European Renewable Energy Master’s Degree taught at Universities across Europe.

For more information, visit www.ewea.org.

The U.S. wind energy industry had its strongest year ever in 2012, the American Wind Energy Association announced, installing a record 13,124MW of electric generating capacity, leveraging $25 billion in private investment, and achieving over 60,000MW of cumulative wind capacity.

The milestone of 60,000MW was reached just five months after AWEA announced last August that the U.S. industry had 50,000MW installed. Today’s 60,007MW is enough clean, affordable, American wind power to power the equivalent of almost 15 million homes, or the number in Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, and Ohio combined.

In this historic year of achievement, wind energy for the first time became the number one source of new U.S. electric generating capacity, providing some 42 percent of all new generating capacity; the final tally will be released in April in AWEA’s annual report. In fact, 2012 was a strong year for all renewables, as together they accounted for over 55 percent of all new U.S. generating capacity.

Resulting from 190 projects across 32 states plus Puerto Rico, this new record for annual installations of over 13,000MW by the U.S. industry far surpasses the previous record of 10,000MW installed in 2010.

In last year’s fourth quarter alone, 8,380MW were installed, making it the strongest quarter in U.S. wind power history. This was due in large part to impending expiration of the successful federal Production Tax Credit (PTC). It was slated to end on December 31, 2012, but was extended by Congress on January 1, 2013, as part of the “fiscal cliff package,” the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

The global wind energy industry will gather in Chicago May 5-8 for the world’s largest annual wind power event, WINDPOWER 2013. Thousands of workers and leaders from all sectors will attend to show their wares, attend conference sessions, and seek further solutions for success.

For more information, visit www.awea.org or www.windpowerexpo.org.

GE has announced the 2.5-120, the world’s most efficient high-output and the first brilliant wind turbine. The 2.5-120 is the first wind turbine to bring together world-class efficiency and power output at low wind speed sites, capturing 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 enable its 120-meter rotor, resulting in 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.

This advanced technology drives higher wind farm output than GE’s current offerings, improves services productivity and, creates new revenue streams for customers.

Over the past year, GE has successfully demonstrated the integration of wind power and energy storage at its facility in California, delivering predictable power to the grid. The first prototype of the 2.5-120 will be installed in the Netherlands this month.

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

The global offshore wind power market, fuelled by the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the declining cost of wind power generation and impressive investment from the UK, is expected to explode over the next decade, states research and consulting firm GlobalData.

The company’s new report forecasts the global offshore wind power market to rocket from a 2012 cumulative installed capacity of 5.1GW in 2012 to a far greater 54.9GW by the end of the decade, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 34.5 percent.

The UK is a major player in the offshore wind power market thanks to its substantial financial commitment and ideal location, contributing more than half of the global installed capacity last year, with 2.7GW.

Offshore wind is expected to make a large impact upon the UK’s 2020 renewable energy targets and a major expansion is planned. Correspondingly, GlobalData expects the country’s offshore wind power installed capacity to hit 21GW by the end of 2020, increasing almost 800 percent from 2012.

Nordex USA, Inc. concluded an agreement with Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas (UTE), Uruguay’s state power company, for the sale of 28 of its N117/2400 wind turbines for the Juan Pablo Terra wind farm. Nordex, a leading global manufacturer of utility scale wind turbines, will be responsible for delivery, installation and commissioning and for ongoing maintenance for a minimum of 10 years under a Premium Service Contract.

The site, on the border with Brazil, is located a few miles from the city of Artigas, in the north of Uruguay, about 370 miles (600 kilometers) from Montevideo, the capital city. This will be largest wind farm owned by UTE and represents the country’s commitment to the growth of renewable energy. Delivery of turbines is slated to begin in February 2014 with project completion in June 2014.

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

Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. (RES Americas) is pleased to announce the completion of the 139.4MW Twin Ridges Wind Farm located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  The project was completed in December of 2012 and is now operational.

RES Americas served as the Balance of Plant Contractor for the project, which was developed and is owned by EverPower. The Twin Ridges Wind Farm consists of 68 2.05MW REpower MM 92 turbines that will interconnect to PJM through the Potomac Edison affiliate of FirstEnergy Corporation. The project employed hundreds of workers during the construction phase and up to twelve operations and maintenance staff will be employed during operations.

For more information on RES Americas, please visit www.res-americas.com.

SGS is proud to announce the acquisition of Herguth Laboratories, Inc.  Herguth Labs is the premier, high end, commercial, oil, grease, fuel and failure analysis laboratory in North America.

The acquisition of Herguth Labs with major testing laboratories located in San Francisco and Chicago introduces the SGS global network of 27 condition monitoring laboratories to the North American market with two more state of the art, 10,000 sq ft facilities, making SGS the world’s largest independent testing company in the field of Oil Condition Monitoring.

The alliance between Herguth Labs and SGS will create synergies that will make it the leading Oil Condition Monitoring company in North America, offering both routine, highly automated analysis and equipment condition’s diagnostics as well as non-routine consulting services such as lubrication programs audits, root cause and failure analysis. Their high level of service as well as high quality standards make it a good addition for the SGS Group, global leader in the area of quality, health, safety and environmental business practices.

For more information, visit www.herguth.com.