The new DEUS® Industrial Escape Kit from DEUS Rescue is a turnkey, individual evacuation solution for anyone who works in elevated industrial environments up to 500 feet such as platforms, tower cranes, communications, oil and gas, utility and wind towers. The lightweight and compact kit is a complete escape system which provides workers a safe and simple way down with nothing to hold, operate or worry about from top to bottom.

The central component of the kit is the DEUS 3700 controlled descent device. The 3700 has been third-party tested and certified to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z359.4-2007 fall protection rescue standard.

Complete, pre-rigged and ready to use, the simple-to-operate 3700 is an automatic, compact, speed-limited, descent system. When the DEUS 3700 is connected to a harness and anchor, the worker can experience a smooth and safe descent at a maximum speed of two meters per second. Ideal for rescue situations, the device even works if the person descending is unconscious.

Workers who fall while wearing fall protection gear may still risk suspension trauma waiting to be rescued. The kit eliminates wait times by enabling workers to lower themselves safely and quickly. By reducing the risk of suspension trauma, the DEUS Industrial Escape Kit may help employers meet OSHA requirements for prompt rescue.

Pocket-sized and weighing just 2.5 pounds, the DEUS 3700 features four integrated brakes for redundant safety including a patented centrifugal direct-drive brake with no gears to break or fail. There is also a large control knob that enables the worker to variably control the descent speed — from complete stop to full descent.

In addition to the DEUS 3700, the kit includes DEUS fire- and cut-resistant rope; four DEUS approved, auto-lock, ANSI-rated steel carabiners; and the DEUS ROW (rope over wire) anchor sling. The entire kit comes packaged in the durable and compact DEUS Tower Haul Bag. The lightweight DEUS rope has been certified to NFPA standards and features a flexible, polyester sheath over a Technora core that is fire resistant to 932 degrees Fahrenheit. The rope is available in a variety of lengths – all with UL-certified sewn eyes on both ends which eliminate the time-consuming need to tie knots.

The DEUS ROW (rope over wire) Anchor Choker is an innovative anchor connector that combines the benefits of synthetic rope with the strength, durability and cut-resistance of steel cable. Quick and easy to secure, the braided rope over steel cable protects hands, eliminates the need for edge protection and is fire-resistant and strong. It meets ANSI and NFPA requirements including the NFPA’s “G” rating — the highest available.

Like all life-safety equipment, DEUS escape kits require training for their safe and effective use. To make it easy and practical, DEUS has partnered with top instructors who are certified to train workers at full industrial heights offering the best real-world experience possible. DEUS Rescue also can train and certify in-house trainers who, in turn, can train entire company staffs including new hires.

DEUS Rescue training programs feature the DEUS Back-Up Belay Kit that includes the DEUS 7300 controlled descent device. The 7300 gently engages only in over-speed situations to instantly and automatically lower the trainee safely to the ground.

For more information about the DEUS Industrial Escape Kit, or DEUS Rescue’s full line of controlled descent devices, kits and accessories, or to schedule a demonstration at your own facility, call DEUS Rescue at 866.405.3461 or email sales@DEUSrescue.com.

Larson Electronics has announced today the addition of the EPL-MB-161M-100 explosion proof LED light to its line of industrial grade explosion proof lighting. Producing 10,000 lumens and designed to provide the versatility of magnetic mounting, this light can also be used as pedestal light, allowing operators to place the unit in almost any position desired. With a frame constructed of non-sparking aluminum and a Class 1 Division 1 approved 150 watt LED lamp head, this unit is a light weight and powerful addition to Larson Electronics’ comprehensive inventory of explosion proof lighting solutions.

The EPL-MB-161M-100 magnetic mount explosion proof LED light from Larson Electronics provides operators with a powerful hazardous location suitable lighting solution that can be mounted to almost any metallic surface, or utilized as a standalone pedestal light. The main lamp assembly consists of a round 150 watt LED lamp head which produces 10,000 lumens mounted within a square frame aluminum pedestal base. An additional aluminum mounting bracket equipped with four 200 lbs grip magnetic feet allows operators to mount the bracket to almost any ferrous metallic surface and then hang the light fixture. This two piece mounting system provides excellent versatility and allows the operators to run this light as a standard pedestal light, or as a temporary mounted light for illuminating larger areas.

This is also an ideal method of deploying the light at high levels in areas where the lamp must be elevated, either to avoid water or debris on the ground, or simply to gain better coverage of the work area. The 16 inch LED lamp is adjustable and can be moved through vertical adjustment within its bracket by loosening two thumbscrews on either side of the lamp head and positioning it as needed. The LED lamp produces 10,000 lumens of white light in a wide flood pattern for full coverage of large work areas, and has a 60,000 hour operational life rating, providing more output and over 50 times the operational life of a typical halogen work area light.  Approvals for this work area light include Class 1 Division 1 & 2 Groups C and D, Class 2 Division 1 & 2 Groups A, B, C, and D, and Class 2, Division 1 – 2, Groups E,F,G. Included with this explosion proof LED light is 100 feet of SOOW cord ending in a 1523 explosion proof straight blade plug, providing ample length for connecting to outlets outside the work area and safe and secure connections. These magnetic mount explosion proof lights are well suited to industrial work areas where portability and easy transport is required and provide high output capable of illuminating larger spaces from a small system.

For more information about all of Larson Electronics’ lighting products, call 1-800-369-6671 or visit www.larsonelectronics.com.

Monthly or quarterly servicing of nitrogen at extreme heights can provide both safety and productivity challenges to service technicians. Traditional methods of servicing include utilizing a 200-foot hose connected to a ground-based cylinder or hauling a 140- to 200-pound cylinder up the turbine into the nacelle. Each of these methods creates the potential for injuries to workers who must deal with the heavy cylinders and hoses, the potential for damage to the turbine and a loss of productivity due to extensive set up time and extra manpower to handle the overweight equipment.

In response to these challenges, Cv International has released the WINDPACK and WINDKIT products, portable nitrogen servicing solutions that can be easily maneuvered by a one technician. Demonstrated at the recent AWEA Wind Environmental Health and Safety Seminar, the high pressure WINDKIT, consisting of a regulator control box, service hoses and a 88 SCF/4500 PSIG tank, can be mounted within the nacelle and the service hoses used to reach service points, such as accumulators. The WINDPACK allows technicians to carry a WINDKIT on their back to effectively service transformers or other isolated equipment. A complete compliment of valves and gauging protects components from dangerous over-pressure, allowing technicians to set target pressures during fill and monitor system pressures during bleeding. The kit’s pressure regulator is adjustable from 0-5000 psig/0-350 bar.

Currently in use by Siemens Energy and Vestas American Wind Technology, WINDKIT users report the products “light weight, very safe and highly portable” design as improving their on site safety and performance.

For more information please visit cvintl.com or call the CVI Wind Sales Group at 310-328-8550.

The new LSI-Robway GS025 Wireless Anemometer and GS320 Wind Speed Display are designed for a diverse range of applications. This system is capable of monitoring wind speed at a range of 4,600 ft (1,400 m). This range is crucial when working in and around wind turbines. Wind turbines output a very strong RF signal, creating a difficult environment for wireless signal to operate effectively in. LSI-Robway’s innovative wireless technology has been perfected to work within these environments, as well as in many other situations where other wireless technology falls flat.

The GS025 has been designed as a cost effective solution for monitoring wind speed. It is ideal in a variety of applications, ranging from cranes and lifting, marine, commercial and recreational boating, industrial plant applications, residential applications and more.

The new GS025 Wind Speed Sensor features a user replaceable wind cup head assembly. All parts, including the wind speed body housing and the wind speed cup head assembly, have been plastic molded by LSI-Robway using a rugged nylon composite. The new design will stand up to the rigors of heat, UV rays and mechanical effects. The GS025 features a “D” cell lithium battery. Users will appreciate the ease of battery change; a simple 90-degree turn of the battery cap cover exposes the battery chamber, providing for a quick battery change. Under normal operating conditions the GS025 offers up to 4 years of battery life. If the sensor is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, users can expect up to 20 months of battery life from the lithium battery. A 1.5 volt alkaline D cell battery can be substituted should a lithium battery not be immediately available.

The GS025 wind speed sensor uses a reed switch that reads the pulses from two magnets as they pass by the reed switch to read the wind value. This eliminates static issues with coil designed sensors. It is also what allows the wind speed head to be replaced by users without the need for sensor recalibration.

The LSI-Robway GS025 Anemometer and GS320 Wind Speed Display communicate through Direct-Sequence-Spread-Spectrum technology, creating a more stable line of wireless communication than that of other systems on the market. With a user settable wind speed limit, audible and visual alarms, wind gust alarms and a 2-year warranty, the LSI-Robway Wind Speed System is a more effective way to monitor wind speed.

For more information please contact sales@loadsystems.com or visit www.lsirobway.com.

In an effort to increase encoder compatibility with Siemens controls, Heidenhain has developed the EIB 2391S interface box. Ideal for applications with SINAMICS drive components, the EIB 2391S enhances the serial interface offering for many of Heidenhain’s absolute encoders. Heidenhain’s interface electronics have been noted as the best in the industry for safely transmitting and converting analog and digital encoder output signals.

The EIB 2391S makes it possible to convert a Heidenhain encoder’s output signal from EnDat 2.2 to DRIVE CLiQ. With IP 65 and its compact size, the EIB 2391S is suitable for any industrial environment. Heidenhain’s EIB 2391S 8-pin M12 connection allows the user to pull the cable needed to connect to the interface electronics box through even the smallest locations. Due to the benefits of EnDat 2.2, the EIB 2391S is capable of transmitting diagnostic information into a format recognized by the SINAMICS drive components. Increasing demand for safer machine tool operation, Heidenhain’s EIB 2391S was developed to be used in safety-oriented applications.

For more information, visit www.heidenhain.us.

Ark-Plas Products, Inc. manufactures a complete line of flexible tubing for glue delivery and air delivery applications for wind industry manufacturing.

Polyurethane, Vinyl (PVC), and Vyplas tubing is manufactured in an ISO 9001 registered facility using digital monitoring equipment to ensure our strict tolerances are maintained.  Standard packaging options include bulk spools, ranging from 200 feet up to 2500 feet, and 100-foot spools.

Ark-Plas tubing is available in virtually every increment from 1/16” ID to 1/2” ID. Coiled tubing, with working lengths from 5 feet to 20 feet, is fabricated from Polyurethane, in all standard colors. 

Metric sized tubing is also available from 2.5 MM ID to 6.5 MM ID. 

Ark-Plas tubing is available in Natural-Clear, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, White, and Transparent Blue, Transparent Red, Transparent Green, and Transparent Yellow.

Ark-Plas tubing, with a wide range of chemical and physical characteristics, can fit most any application, dependably and economically.  We manufacture a full line of semi-rigid tubing as well. Custom lengths and sizes are also available.

Ark-Plas Products, Inc. manufactures a complete line of Semi-Rigid Tubing for pneumatic and fluid applications that includes Nylon 11, Polypropylene, and Polyethylene.

Nylon 11 Tubing resists crushing and abrasion. Nylon 11 is more flexible than Nylon 6/6 and much less affected by moisture absorption. Nylon 11 Tubing will not become brittle or swell because of water and does not exhibit extreme variations in mechanical characteristics. Nylon 11 Tubing is available in Natural and UV Stabilized Black. Colors can be produced, for volume applications. 

Polypropylene Tubing is a copolymer tubing with superior high impact resistant, low temperature performance, and excellent moisture resistance.  Ark-Plas 80 Durometer Shore D Polypropylene Tubing is FDA and USP Class VI rated, making it safe for all food contact and food rated applications. Polypropylene tubing is stocked in natural and has a flammability rating of UL94 HB. Colors can be produced, for volume applications. 

Polyethylene Tubing is extruded from Linear Low Density Polyethylene resin and is available in Natural or UV Resistant Black. Ark-Plas Polyethylene Tubing is 55 Durometer Shore D.  Polyethylene tubing is economical, displays good resistance to chemicals, and is nonconductive.  Black UV Resistant Polyethylene tubing is well suited for use in environments where UV degradation is to be avoided.

For more information, visit www.ark-plas.com.

The Timken Company today announced its acquisition of the assets of Wazee Companies, LLC, a regional leader providing motor, generator, wind and industrial crane services to diverse end markets including oil and gas, wind, agriculture, material handling and construction.  The addition of Wazee to The Timken Company’s process industries segment further expands the footprint of the Timken industrial services business.

Based in Denver, Colo., Wazee had trailing 12-month sales through December 2012 of approximately $30 million. The acquisition brings Timken additional diversified services including motor rewind, generator rebuild, electric controls, industrial bridge cranes and uptower wind maintenance and repair, operating from four western U.S. locations.

“We continue to focus our strategy on further diversifying the Timken services portfolio,” said Carl Rapp, vice president of industrial services for Timken. “Wazee complements our industrial repair capabilities at existing customers and takes us into critical motor and generator services.

“Wazee has a strong reputation in the region it serves and is led by an experienced management team,” said Rapp. “They bring great technical skills and provide an excellent footprint for us to expand our bearing and gearbox repair services.” Wazee currently operates out of four locations — two in the Denver area, one in Pasco, Wash., and another in Casper, Wyo. Wazee has more than 100 employees.

The purchase includes assets from Wazee’s 2011 acquisition of H&N Electric, Inc., which also offers repair, maintenance and overhaul services for critical motors and wind generators in the Pacific Northwest region.

For more information, visit www.timken.com.

On Wednesday, November 14, Shermco Industries presented a check for $5500 to Kristen Graf, executive director of the Women of Wind Energy (WoWE) at the American Wind Energy Association Fall Symposium held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Presented by Kevin Alewine, director of Renewable Energy Services and Paul Idziak, national sales manager, the funds are used by the WoWE scholarship program to support and help develop young women in engineering and other wind energy services.

The money was raised from participants and corporate sponsorships at the annual Ride for Wind event in Sweetwater, Texas. The Ride for Wind is an all-day motorcycle tour through the vast wind farms in West Texas. The participant riders traveled through the thousands of utility scale wind turbines that surround Sweetwater, Big Spring, Roscoe, and Snyder, Texas. This charity was founded by Shermco Industries and Shermco Charities who, along with other corporate sponsors, see this as a great way to support local industry as well as the efforts of WoWE.

“We are very proud to sponsor this event and know that the monies raised have really helped women who want to be professionals in the wind energy sector,” said Scott Meador, vice president of business development of Shermco Industries.

For more information on the annual Ride For Wind event, visit www.rideforwind.org.

World Smart Energy Week, a grouping of eight renewable/smart energy exhibitions, will take place from February 27 – March 1 in Tokyo at Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. Newly added this year is WIND EXPO, an exhibition with as many as 300 participating organizations launched by Reed Expositions Japan Ltd. with the support of the Japan Wind Power Association. Program specifics were not available at the time of this writing, but offshore wind farms are expected to be a major topic of the exhibition.

Other exhibitions scheduled for the week focus on related smart energy technologies, including: fuel cells, photovoltaics, smart grids, and rechargeable batteries. This will provide wind-specific visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to connect with wind and other energy sector professionals. As many as 125,000 visitors and nearly 1,900 exhibitors are expected to participate in World Smart Energy Week. Visitors are able to enter freely into all concurrent shows. 

The WIND EXPO opening ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on February 27 at 9:30 local time. This ceremony is open to all participants. However, pre-registration is required. A technical conference will also be held during the event. The program for the conference has yet to be announced. All of the seminars are free to attend. Participants must apply for attendance at the technical conference. 

For more information, contact Reed Expositions Japan at www.reedexpo.co.jp/english/ or visit the conference websites at: www.windexpo.jp/en or www.wsew.jp/en.

Cartier Wind Energy announced the operation of its Gros-Morne Phase II wind project, powered by 74 GE 1.5-77 wind turbines and located in the Gaspésie region of Québec. The amount of energy generated by the Gros-Morne wind farm can power approximately 20,000 homes in the province of Québec. Gros-Morne I and II combined is the largest wind farm in Canada with a total output of 211.5MW.

GE is supplying 593, 1.5-77 wind turbines and associated services for wind energy projects in Québec, including Gros-Morne. The projects were awarded as part of Hydro-Québec’s 2004 request for proposals (RFP) to supply the province with 1,000MW of new wind power capacity by 2012. GE’s local supply chain manufacturing and supplier partners have been integral to the fulfillment of the province’s local content requirements.

Hydro-Québec has purchased the energy under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Cartier Wind Energy is a joint venture between TransCanada and Innergex.

“Cartier Énergie Éolienne wishes to acknowledge the exemplary work by the GE technicians in the success of the Gros-Morne-Sainte-Madeleine wind farm. You have played an important role in order to deliver the wind farm around 25 days before the date of the commissioning contract with Hydro-Québec. This result demonstrates your professionalism and your commitment,” said Robert Guillemette, CEO of Cartier Wind Energy.

The Gros-Morne project includes a four-year GE operations and maintenance service contract with Cartier. GE has more than 50 wind technicians and engineers in Canada providing expertise on parts, maintenance, upgrades and long-term service contracts for a fleet of more than 1,400 units. The company’s regional wind services parts warehouse is located in Toronto for fast and reliable distribution throughout the country.

“We have proven our ability to execute major projects with local content requirements in Québec and are positioned for the upcoming 700MW RFP expected to be launched in 2013,” said Guy Crepeau, region sales manager for GE’s renewable energy business in Canada. “We are committed to working with developers, including Cartier, as we continue to develop advanced technology to harness Canada’s abundant wind resources.”

Canada is among the world leaders in the production and use of renewable energy. The country’s installed wind base is set to nearly double by 2014, to an expected 10GW of capacity.

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

The renewable energy industry is at a tipping point as the developed markets start to close the door on generous subsidy programs and emerging markets develop cost strategies to compete with fossil fuels according to Ernst & Young’s latest quarterly global renewable energy country attractiveness indices report.

Gil Forer, Ernst & Young’s Global Cleantech Leader, comments: “Current global macro-economic drivers are reinforcing the role of emerging markets in the future global energy mix. As renewable energy technologies become more cost-competitive, the importance of government subsidies is set to decrease to create a sustainable growth platform for both developed and emerging markets, as well as manufacturers.”

The indices provide scores in 40 countries for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. During Q3 2012, China remained at the top of the All Renewables Index (ARI), but dropped a point as its solar sector continued the consolidation process in an effort to boost domestic installation and rationalize government support, which could slow growth in the more immediate term. In recent months, China has also seen a large outflow of Chinese investment in favor of markets such as Africa and South America.

The quarter also saw the United States drop 1.5 points in the ARI, resulting in Germany moving up into second place ahead of the U.S. While the German government has recently increased the country’s renewable energy target for electricity to 40 percent by 2020 and is proactively implementing policy measures to create sustainable growth, the downgraded score reflects the more immediate changes around possible subsidy caps for solar, wind, and biomass.

Within the U.S., the uncertainty about long term energy policy combined with concerns over the extension of key renewable energy incentives and the availability of low-priced natural gas are likely to continue slowing the growth in the sector in the short to medium term, particularly in the wind sector.

However when looking towards the long-term, Forer comments: “Now that the U.S. elections are behind us, we can likely expect new long-term momentum behind cleantech related regulations, such as EPA greenhouse gas regulations as well as Department of Energy and Department of Defense energy efficiency initiatives.”

Globally, total clean energy investment fell 5 percent in Q3, to $56.6 billion, with investor enthusiasm dampened by skepticism over policymakers’ renewable energy commitments and the continued decrease in solar and wind technology costs impacting on total investment values.

New investment levels have varied globally — with investment in Europe, Middle East and Africa rising 7 percent to $21 billion in Q3 — mainly driven by solar thermal and wind project financings in Morocco. However, in the same period, investment in the Americas and Asia-Pacific slipped by 25 percent and 3 percent, to $10.4 billion and $25.2 billion respectively.

Ben Warren, Ernst & Young Energy and Environmental Finance Leader comments: “Political and regulatory uncertainty, working in tandem with constrained capital markets, continue to put the brakes on investment and deal volumes. Looking forward, market restructuring and the emerging secondary infrastructure financing market are likely to provide the momentum for future investment.”

Having taken note of the lessons learnt across markets in Europe and the US, where high levels of subsidization have been the key driver of growth in the sector, governments in emerging markets are driving business models that work without direct subsidies or grants that could potentially compete head-on with conventional fossil fuel sources.

The latest indices include Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, reflecting the growing presence of the Middle East within the clean energy market, with the UAE ranked 35th in the index, two places above Saudi Arabia. The roll-out of solar initiatives places the UAE over Saudi Arabia in the Solar Index, while the reverse is true in the Wind Index based on natural resource.

When looking at the global outlook for the clean energy industry, Forer summarizes: “While the reliance on government subsidies is decreasing, it should not be forgotten that until “grid parity” is reached in more regions, financing will still depend on the timing and nature of individual countries’ incentives and support regimes, a commitment to invest in grid infrastructure and connectivity, and the ability of projects to seek multiple partnerships and investors.”

 For more information, visit www.ey.com/CAI.

On March 18 and 19, the second staging of Energy Storage — International Summit for the Storage of Renewable Energies — will take place at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf in cooperation with Solarpaxis AG, the conference and accompanying exhibition will bring together experts from science, industry, and politics to promote practical and commercially viable storage solutions for renewable energies. Topics will include political conditions, financing, cost-effectiveness, and integration of the main storage technologies. The conference language will be English.

Messe Düsseldorf is renowned as the organizer of top international trade fairs while Solarpraxis AG is one of the leading knowledge service providers in the renewable energy sector.

The event has strong international partners, including international associations such as the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA), the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA), the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) as well as the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (Eurobat). With this support, the organizers are able to expand the international orientation of Energy Storage 2013, bringing together even more countries to exchange technical ideas and establish business contacts. The conference participants will benefit from the profound market knowledge of the representatives of these international associations.

Additional partners of next year’s event include the EnergieAgentur.NRW, the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), the Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research (ZAE), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Technology (NOW), the Fraunhofer Energy Alliance, Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion.

At the accompanying trade fair, companies will showcase marketable applications and new concepts in the field of energy storage. A new addition will be the Production Technology Forum. Discussions will focus on current manufacturing technologies, application possibilities and challenges of battery production.

For more information on the Energy Storage conference and trade fair, visit www.energy-storage-online.com.

The growing proliferation of offshore wind farms will see a decreasing share of the global wind turbine rotor blade market allotted to onshore installations, says the latest report from international business analysts GlobalData.

The firm’s new research estimates that in 2020 offshore wind farms will account for 11 percent of all installed rotor blades, whereas last year this share did not reach even 1 percent.

Wind rotor blades used for onshore and offshore wind turbines are not significantly different in terms of design, structure or composition. However, larger blades are used for offshore applications due to the larger turbine size and rated power output.

Offshore wind farms are currently a small portion of total wind power capacity, but the number of planned projects across the world’s major wind markets indicates the level of confidence in this renewable energy source.

The largest wind rotor blade market in 2011 (by a substantial margin) was China, who held a massive 59 percent share with 37,385 installations. The U.S. came a relatively distant second, with an installed total of 11,085 rotor blades accounting for 18 percent of the global market, while India was third with an 11 percent share.

GlobalData predicts the global cumulative wind power installed capacity to show steady growth until the end of the decade, increasing from 238,600MW last year to 658,449MW by the end of 2020.

However, due to increases in the average turbine capacity, this increase will not be mirrored by the number of wind rotor blades installed during the same period. From a global total of 63,405 installed last year, the figure will actually drop to 45,675 come the end of the decade.

Profitability-conscious customers in refinery, power generation, distribution and transmission, mining, construction and wind turbine industries will benefit from Wright Tool Co.’s latest initiative to perfect performance. Wright Tool, manufacturer of heavy-duty, professional-grade hand tools, announced today a partnership with Morris Marketing Group (MMG), a full-service independent rep firm serving the southern states. The new partnership not only opens a southern distribution center, MMG’s capabilities will deliver value — such as enhanced profitability and marketing support — to customers throughout the south.

The 42,000 square-foot distribution facility — located in Greer, S.C. — joins Texas and California as strategic distribution centers for the Ohio-based Wright Tool. MMG, as an independent representative for Wright Tool, leverages the firm’s knowledgeable sales staff located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia.

“Wright Tool’s mantra is ‘perfecting performance’ for our customers,” said Terry Taylor, CEO and president, Wright Tool. “This partnership with MMG helps us realize that perfection. Like our other regional distribution centers in Texas and California, our southern distribution center can handle strategically stocked products based on our customer’s vertical and geographic markets. Also, with MMG’s rock-solid reputation in the southern states, we will be able to serve our clients with a well-trained sales force.”

Along with fulfilling 98 percent of all orders in 36 hours or less, the partnership will help Wright Tool achieve greater profitability for its distributor customers, since the company offers better margins per dollar than competition in the marketplace.

“We are excited to work with Wright Tool, an American manufacturer that not only provides our end-users with the highest quality tools, exceptional service and on-time delivery in the business, but also a customer-centric company that helps its distributor customers be more profitable,” said Gene Morris, president and owner, MMG. “Together, we are going to improve the lives of our customers in the South.”

For more information, go to www.wrighttool.com.

Gamesa, through its subsidiary Gamesa Wind Turbines Private Limited in India, has signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build the project and supply 47.6MW to a wind farm from SJVN Limited, in District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India. SJVN is a Mini Ratna CPSU (Central Public Sector Undertaking) and a joint venture with Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh.

The contract includes the installation of 56 Gamesa 850kW turbines and a ten-year operation and maintenance (O&M) services contract. The company is fully committed to commission the project on or before the schedule period of eight months.

With this contract, the company consolidates its Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) customer portfolio in Maharashtra, India.

“Gamesa takes immense pride to welcome SJVN in the wind energy customer base and the contract further demonstrates the credibility enjoyed by the Spanish wind energy major for being the most preferred destination for foraying into wind energy sector,” said Mr. Ramesh Kymal, Chairman and Managing Director of Gamesa India. “Gamesa-SJVN new contract comes at a time when several States in India are reeling under acute power shortage and it shows how wind energy could play a pivotal role in being an ideal alternative source of energy,” Kymal added.

SJVN, a Mini Ratna & Schedule-”A” CPSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India has emerged as a major hydro power player in the country. It is engaged in hydro power development in India and neighboring countries of Nepal & Bhutan. It is presently operating the country’s largest 1,500MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station and has about 5,186MW capacity under various stages of development.

After establishing its prominent position among the pioneers in the field of hydro power sector in the country, SJVN is determined in diversifying in other fields of power sector, too. In its endeavor to promote green power, SJVN has stepped towards diversifying in wind power sector.

For more information, to go www.gamesacorp.com/en/.

Gamesa, a global technology leader in the wind energy industry, announces the sale of a wind project in France with installed capacity of 8MW to Impax New Energy Investors II LP (NEF II), an investment fund managed by London-based Impax Asset Management Ltd, via its portfolio company, Epuron France.

The La Souterraine wind project in the Limousin region of France will be equipped with 4 Gamesa G97-2.0MW turbines. The construction of the project — which was developed and will be built by Gamesa — will start by the end of the year.

“This operation shows Gamesa’s strategy in the wind farm development and sale market: To be a technology partner of investors such as Impax, who value investments in high quality renewable energy generation assets,” said Teodoro Monzón, wind farm development and sales managing director.

Joe Berry, investment director in Impax’s private equity infrastructure team, said: “We are delighted to sign our first Gamesa wind farm acquisition, and hope to expand our co-operation in the future. La Souterraine is an excellent fit within Epuron’s fast-growing French portfolio, and another milestone for the company’s ‘buy and build’ strategy.”

Gamesa has had a presence in France since 2000. As a wind farm developer, it has since brought 126MW of capacity online in the country and has a project portfolio of more than 57MW at varying stages of development. Gamesa is a leading industrial group in this market, installing 66 MW. The company also undertakes operation and maintenance (O&M) services on turbines totaling 41MW at 30 wind farms across France.

Impax’s second private equity infrastructure fund, Impax New Energy Investors II LP, has €330 million of capital committed to the renewable energy sector and a growing portfolio of wind power projects including over 200MW in construction and operation in France, Germany, and Poland, as well as solar photovoltaic investments in Italy.

For more information, go to www.gamesacorp.com/en/.

GE celebrates its 20,000th wind turbine installation in conjunction with its 10-year anniversary in the wind industry.

Altogether, GE’s 20,000-turbine fleet has the capacity to power the cities of Hong Kong and London for an entire year.

“We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without our development partners,” said Vic Abate, vice president of renewable energy for GE. “Together, we have advanced wind to its current status as a relevant, reliable, competitive source of energy.”

 In the US and Europe, 40 percent of new power generation installations over the last four years have been wind. GE achieved its 10,000th turbine milestone in November 2008, its 15,000th in February 2011 and in 2012 celebrates its 20,000th installation.

“We congratulate GE on this impressive achievement,” said Jim Shield, Invenergy’s executive vice president and chief development officer. “Our longstanding association has resulted in the installation of more than 2,000 GE wind turbines at Invenergy projects across the United States. As America’s largest independent wind power generation company, we look forward to a continued, successful relationship with GE in the years to come.”

 “Congratulations to GE on reaching this milestone. From our vantage point, it appears to be the culmination of working with customers, driving down prices, continuously advancing technology and then backing it all up with responsive service,” said David Boyce, chief executive officer of Wind Capital Group. “I would expect that winning combination to serve them well into the future.”

 “EDF Renewable Energy has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with GE for nearly a decade. During this time we have put into service more than 1,500 wind turbine generators representing over 2GW of capacity,” said Tristan Grimbert, president and chief executive officer of EDF Renewable Energy. “Our partnership is built on a shared goal of delivering exceptional wind projects. We congratulate GE on reaching this milestone.”

Since its inception in 2002, GE’s renewables business has led the global advancement of wind energy through lowered costs and increased reliability. During the past decade, technology has driven wind’s availability from 85 percent to 98.5 percent and a 3x reduction in electricity cost.

This year, GE will install more than 3,000 wind turbines around the world. The company’s extensive manufacturing, sourcing and logistics network have proven essential to delivering to tight timelines and schedules. Projects range from single turbine installations on farms in the Midwest to multi-megawatt projects on the West Coast, each requiring special attention for successful delivery.

 “As a company who will be operating with more than 840 GE turbines as the backbone of our fleet by the end of 2012, we’re proud to be a part of this significant milestone in wind development,” said Steve Trenholm, CEO, E.ON Climate & Renewables (EC&R) North America. “Partnering with GE has allowed us to provide clean, affordable homegrown energy among our 18 wind farms from New York to West Texas.”

“Based on nearly a decade of experience, we know we can count on GE wind turbines for safe, reliable, environmentally-friendly power generation. Today, we are adding 218 megawatts of GE turbines to our fleet at projects in rural Massachusetts and California’s Tehachapi region. GE Wind is an excellent organization that provides an excellent product and customer service,” said Kevin Devlin, vice president of Commercial Operations for Iberdrola Renewables.

For more information, go to www.ge-energy.com/wind.

The Wind Coalition announced the selection of new leadership, including a new president and vice president, among five executive committee members that will help guide the coalition’s efforts in the South-Central United States.

“Wind energy is the fastest growing sector of the energy economy, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and a cleaner and more diverse fuel mix,” said Jeff Clark, executive director of The Wind Coalition. “Our new leadership is focused on the challenges posed by the recent recession, shrinking budgets and fierce competition. We believe wind energy is an important part of America’s energy portfolio, serving as a hedge against the fluctuating price of fossil fuels while creating jobs and economic development in rural communities.”

Members of The Wind Coalition chose Kevin Gresham of E.ON Climate and Renewables North America as its President, Matt Langley of Infinity Wind as its Vice President, Thresa Allen of Iberdrola Renewables as its ERCOT Chair, Tim Conboy of Acciona Energy as its Southwestern Power Pool Chair, and Vanessa Kellogg of EDP as its Treasurer and Secretary.

“Wind works for several reasons, not the least of which is it creates downward pressure on rates,” said Gresham. “Studies show wind energy contributes to controlling the cost of electricity, demonstrating the importance of a diverse fuel mix as prices change. Our goal is not to replace vast sources of electricity like natural gas, but work hand-in-hand with all fuel sources to offer clean, home grown and affordable power to Texas consumers.”

Wind power represents 8.5 percent of the market share in Texas. In states like Kansas and Oklahoma, installed capacity has grown significantly in recent years, and provides both states another commodity they can export.

For more information, go to www.windcoalition.org.

It’s been 25 years since Brent Dehlsen climbed his first wind turbine. Since that day — when his harness and work clothes seemed to be almost adversarial — Brent has been on a journey to develop a line of work clothes specifically for wind technicians. And now he’s pleased to introduce the Harness Hoodie by Purnell, the first and only harness-friendly, durable and comfortable work hoodie created expressly for wind energy professionals who work at-height. It was a long climb to creating a line of work clothes for this industry that hit all the right marks.

“There’s a lot to consider,” Dehlsen said. “On cold mornings, you’re dressed for warmth as you transition from the truck to the tower. As you approach the top of the turbine, your body temperature has risen, and if you’re lucky, you enter a nice and warm nacelle. By now you’re sweaty and have to work in a confined area in bulky gear. How can work clothes accommodate such variable conditions and keep you comfortable?”

After longer than a year of developing and testing, Dehlsen and the team at Purnell have the answer, and you’ll find it in the brand’s line of comfortable, flexible, safety-rated, wind tech-ready work clothes.

The new Harness Hoodie is a prime example of the Purnell difference. It’s designed to be worn comfortably under a harness, thanks to lowered shoulder seams that help reduce chaffing under straps. The hood does not have drawstrings (something OSHA frowns upon in climbing gear). Instead, a zipper draws the extended collar together to keep the neck warm. Positive-closure zippered pockets located at the middle front allow access while climbing, and a water-resistant, zippered pocket on the left sleeve holds a cell phone or small notebook.

All Purnell work clothes are specifically tailored for flexibility and comfort while climbing wind turbines. Additionally, every garment in their Technical Gear series meets NFPA 70E standards for electrical safety in the workplace, with the Hazard Risk Category (HRC) level clearly visible.

For more information about Purnell and its line of technical and casual workwear clothing, visit www.purnellgear.com.

After 10 years of dependable service, an updated version of the popular ADS (Advanced Diagnostic System) has now been launched by Leine & Linde. The new ADS Online is Leine & Linde’s proprietary advanced encoder diagnostic tool that is tailored to supporting condition-based maintenance. The system analyzes rotary encoder condition and warns of impending faults before they occur, especially useful in large complex machinery used in the exploration of oil & natural gas as well as wind turbines and paper-converting machines. This allows for service to be performed only when necessary and in ample time to avoid unforeseen stops in production.

The significance of a system like this is especially noteworthy in large complex machinery where the encoder constitutes a central component for speed feedback with the entire system dependent upon it. Temperature, operating speed and vibration are examples of factors that affect service life and are unique for each application. Since encoders are subject to wear (service life can vary from a couple of years to a couple of decades), an ADS Online system allows users to better predict and schedule maintenance at convenient times instead of waiting for inopportune breakdowns.

Currently available on Leine & Linde’s robust models 801 and 803 rotary encoder products, ADS Online operates by a connection from the encoder’s diagnostic system direct to a PC or to an Ethernet network which would access to important functioning or trends of the encoder anywhere worldwide. With the assistance of PC software, users can obtain detailed analyses. There are plans to offer ADS Online on other Leine & Linde encoder models in the near future.

Encoder applications for those with ADS online include the ability to set custom warnings to ensure vibration doesn’t exceed specific damaging levels, program levels for frequency and shaft speeds to indicate overspeed or standstills, ensure that the machine does not overheat, prevent voltage drops in the power supply, and choose to receive an automatic warning when the encoder reaches a certain operating time.

For more information on these encoders, visit www.heidenhain.com.