Following the launch of Austal’s Wind Express series in mid 2010, the company is pleased to announce the award of a contract for the design and construction of three purpose-built 21 meter offshore support vessels (OSVs) for Turbine Transfers Limited, based in Holyhead, United Kingdom.

The Austal-built OSV catamarans will be used to transport service crews and equipment to the many offshore wind farms that are located off the coastlines of several European countries. Turbine Transfers is a well established fleet owner that has been supporting wind farm owners and operators for a number of years. The company currently owns and operates a fleet of 18 vessels. The Austal-built OSVs will be the first that Turbine Transfers has commissioned outside the United Kingdom.

Managing Director of Turbine Transfers Captain Mark Meade says that Austal was selected based on the Western Australian company’s extensive experience in the design and construction of innovative aluminum vessels. “We have no doubt that Austal will successfully apply their extensive design and construction experience to the wind farm industry with their first Wind Express contract,” he says. “We look forward to taking delivery of these three vessels, which were designed to provide comfortable transits and safe turbine step-offs, whilst capably servicing Europe’s growing wind farm industry.”

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy notes that the contract award is an important first step for Austal in becoming a supplier to the growing European renewable energy market. “Supporting the currently installed offshore generating capacity is today an attractive market opportunity, but the projected growth in new wind farms and wave generator capacity over coming years makes this market sector a strategic component of the Austal Group’s commercial vessel business,” he says, adding that Austal brings a wealth of intellectual property to the needs of this new market and has already demonstrated this to Turbine Transfers by designing highly efficient vessels that will achieve greater speeds with a level of fuel efficiency that is superior to that of similar sized vessels in the Turbine Transfers fleet.

Austal has adopted an advanced fine entry chine hull form that, in association with a high tunnel height, will enable the vessels to operate at speeds of up to 30 knots with targeted seakeeping ability in up to 2 meters significant wave height. Due for delivery in May 2012, the vessels will be built at Austal’s Henderson shipyard. To learn more visit www.austal.com.

The Vaisala WTS wind measurement system is specifically engineered for wind resource assessment, power curve measurement, and monitoring operational wind farms. It allows customers to accurately understand and manage the impact that weather has on their operations and business, and as a result make better decisions.

Vaisala has over 70 years experience in weather measurement, supplying leading technologies for critical applications used in aviation, energy, and climate reference sites, for example. In the United States Vaisala’s wind sensors can be found at the National Weather Service’s Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) sites and most airport Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) sites.

Vaisala’s wind measurement system combines this expertise with clear industry feedback. “With alternate energy sources being the need of the hour, the wind energy industry is receiving billions of dollars worth of investments globally,” according to Richard Pyle, segment director of weather critical energy. “For its success, it requires economical investment grade equipment that provides accurate and reliable measurements. Combining several decades of experience in weather observation, and working closely with the wind energy industry, Vaisala has designed affordable world class systems that maximize certainty and minimize risk and long term costs for investors, developers, and operators.”

The measurement system includes five configurations that offer customers a choice of specialized features. These include a cold climate option, which ensures performance in the harshest weather conditions, and an option that employs sensors designed to last more than 20 years and is largely maintenance free. Each wind measurement wystem includes a combination of sensors, which provide superior accuracy and quality with low life cycle costs, a world-class data logging system, power supply, and a tower. Vaisala also offers a full suite of installation and support services, which coupled with partner offerings create a turn-key observation system that maximizes data availability, and supports financial analysis and reporting, including energy yield analysis.

Customers can choose from a number of ownership options. They can own or lease the equipment, or use it as a complete service with Vaisala managing the equipment, collecting and reporting the data as per customer needs. The products are now available globally, with the leasing option available to customers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Finland, Sweden, the U.K., and France. Learn more at www.vaisala.com.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) welcomes the announcement by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and Ontario Government to offer contracts to 19 new wind energy projects that would add 1,018 MW of new wind energy capacity to the Ontario grid.  Located in the Bruce region and in the area west of London, these new wind projects mean that Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program is now facilitating development of more than 3,175 MW of new wind energy projects to provide clean electricity to power Ontario families and businesses.

“These new wind energy facilities will deliver well-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing and operations & maintenance, drive much-needed economic investment to rural communities, and provide new, clean and affordable electricity for all Ontarians,” said Robert Hornung, President, CanWEA. “The Green Energy Act and its groundbreaking Feed-in Tariff program have made Ontario one of the most attractive markets for renewable energy in North America and around the world. The announcement today means that well over a billion dollars in new private sector investment will flow directly into Ontario at a time when we are competing globally for new investment.”

Each 100 MW of new wind energy capacity in Ontario represents over 250 jobs per year during the development phase and 18 permanent operations & maintenance jobs, many in rural areas of the province. Nearly $270 million in total private sector investment, including over $41 million in payments to landowners and municipalities will be made over the life of each 100 MW of wind energy capacity.

Canada currently has 4,611 MW of installed wind energy capacity. Ontario is Canada’s wind energy leader with 1,656 MW in place. A landmark study ‘The Economic Impacts of the Wind Energy Sector in Ontario 2011 – 2018’ by ClearSky Advisors demonstrates that meeting the wind energy targets identified under the province’s Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) would result in:

–  The creation of more than 80,000 person-years of employment. [PYE represent one year of employment for one individual (i.e. 40 hours per week for 52 weeks)].
–  More than $16 billion in total private sector investment, with over $8.5 billion invested directly in Ontario’s manufacturing, construction and service sectors.
–  More than $1.1 billion in revenues to local municipalities and landowners in the form of taxes and lease payments over the 20-year lifespan of the projects.
–  CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 470 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada’s leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits.

The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada’s Future is available at www.canwea.ca.

Register now and take advantage of the early-bird rate at this year’s exciting Renewable Energy Markets 2011 conference in San Francisco, CA from November 15–18, 2011. Topics include:

Market Growth Opportunities: Electric Vehicles, Green Buildings, and more
Green Marketing: Customer Trends, Social Media, and Going Mainstream
Utilities: Maintaining and Growing Utility Green Power Programs
Policy Updates: Regulation, GHG Accounting, and Financial Reform
Purchasers: Purchaser Spotlights, Green Marketing, and Recognition Programs
Markets and Trading: Voluntary, Compliance, and International Markets
Fundamentals: Renewable Energy 101 and the Basics of Trading

2011 Green Power Leadership Awards. Join us for the 2011 Green Power Leadership Awards, presented annually to leaders in the renewable energy industry at a banquet held during lunch on November 16, 2011.

The exhibition floor will be packed with booths and exhibits showing off the companies that will lead the future of the renewable energy market, from purchasers and marketers, to offset sellers, to developers, traders, brokers, investors, and certifiers. Don’t miss out on this once a year opportunity to make an impact on the industry’s leaders and catch the eye of the media by exhibiting and sponsoring.

Reserve Your Hotel Room at a Discounted Rate. Renewable Energy Markets 2011 will be held at the Parc 55 Wyndham Union Square Hotel, near Union Square and downtown. Coontact Beatriz Gómez at (415) 561-2103 or beatriz@resource-solutions.org with questions about the conference or sponsorship information. Conference details are online at www.renewableenergymarkets.com

Advanced Renewable Energy Project Finance & Analysis 2011
Register now for Infocast’s Advanced Renewable Energy Project Finance & Analysis 2011 taking place from September 26-27, 2011 at the Digital Sandbox in New York. In the post-financial crisis world renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass continue to provide one of the few growth areas for energy developers, investors and creditors. However, the process of renewable energy project finance has become more complex and demanding. This event will provide the practical tools and analytic techniques to see your project successfully and profitably financed. Register by this Friday, August 26, 2011 to receive the Early Bird Special.

“Great conference…love the hands-on learning and top industry expertise!”
—Bob Jalalpour, Commercial Transactions Manager, Clipper Windpower

Our past attendees at this event have included major market players such as Johnson Controls, BP Solar International, Trina Solar US, Inc., Clipper Windpower, California Public Utilities Commission, and REC Solar, Inc. Register at the event Web site: www.informationforecastnet.com/apfny11 or call (818) 888-4444. Reference registration code AF1E11.

Pentair Technical Products announces the McLean Thermoelectric Cooler for cooling electronic components in small indoor or outdoor electronic enclosures. Operating on Peltier effect technology, McLean Thermoelectric Coolers deliver 60, 100, or 200 watts of cooling for applications including telecommunications, battery cabinets, industrial enclosures, security systems and more. The compact coolers feature no refrigerant, compressors or filters, providing an ideal solution for demanding or low-maintenance environments. The 24 VDC and 48 VDC Coolers are CE- and UL-recognized and available in 13 versatile models.

The McLean Thermoelectric Cooler minimizes downtime and component loss by removing heat around critical components within an enclosure. The compact coolers can be mounted vertically or horizontally and multiple units may be used on an enclosure to increase the cooling capacity. The thermoelectric coolers only have fans with moving parts, requiring minimal maintenance, and they do not require replenishment of fluids as do refrigerant-based coolers. A filterless design further reduces maintenance intervals.

“Pentair Technical Products has the resources, test lab capabilities and the depth of engineering knowledge to provide thermal management solutions that reduce costs and increase system performance and reliability in all types of environments and situations,” says Heidi Hung, product manager. “The McLean Thermoelectric Cooler is an exceptionally easy to use and reliable cooler, backed by Pentair Technical Products’ exceptional before- and after-market customer service.”

Features of the Thermoelectric Cooler that make it particularly effective and easy to use include:

• Operates on the Peltier effect for efficient cooling from 60 to 200 watts
• Includes 13 standard models with and without sheet metal shroud
• Provides DC-powered operation with 24-volt and 48-volt models to suit varying application needs
• Prewired with simple terminal block for easy wiring connection
• Meets tough industrial and outdoor requirements
• CE and UL recognized; UL Type 3R/Type 4
• Features filterless design to reduce maintenance requirements
• Includes no refrigerant or compressors, reducing the risk of leaks or added maintenance

Pentair Technical Products offers Thermal Management Sizing and Selection Software to help customers select the right thermal management products for their application. Pentair Technical Products, a Pentair global business unit, is the leading provider of worldwide product and service solutions for enclosing, protecting and cooling electrical and electronic systems. Its industry-leading brands—Hoffman, Schroff, and McLean Cooling Technology—provide a broad variety of standard, modified and engineered solutions to the commercial, communications, energy, general electronics, industrial, infrastructure, medical, and security and defense markets. For more information go to [www.mcleancoolingtech.com].

Despite the reports of continued high unemployment, the energy efficiency sector of the energy industry is seeking workers for both existing and newly created positions. And, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), nearly 60 percent believe there is a lack of talented workers for this field; and 82 percent believe that today’s graduates do not understand the career opportunities present in energy efficiency.

The energy efficiency field refers to the entities and/or departments within utilities, consulting firms and non-profit organizations that are dedicated to creating an energy resource through efficiency programs. “Energy efficiency is a rapidly growing segment of the overall energy industry and we believe there is a clear lack of talent that is necessary to fill the positions that are open,” says Meg Matt, president and CEO. “The public and private sectors are spending record amounts on energy efficiency programs that reduce the pressure on supply; and, as the current workforce in the energy field ages, many will be retiring. In fact, every eight seconds a Baby Boomer turns 65. These dynamics are creating widespread hiring. We anticipate that the number of jobs in this field will double over the next 10 years.”

In the informal survey, more than half of the respondents reported that they are seeking workers for newly created positions, and/or existing open positions that need to be filled. Open positions at a salary range of between $50,000 and $100,000 were cited by more than 80 percent of the respondents, and positions with compensation of between $100,000 and $150,000 were cited by 28 percent of the respondents. The specific job functions that present opportunities, according the respondents, are sales, program management, engineering, management and marketing/communications.

The Association of Energy Services Professionals provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience. Our members work in the energy services industry and represent electric and natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms. Founded in 1989, AESP is a member-based association dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources. AESP provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience. Learn more at www.aesp.org.

For the second time in a month, Duke Energy announced plans today to build a large-scale wind farm in Kansas. Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, will build, own and operate the 131-megawatt (MW) Cimarron II Windpower Project in Gray County, approximately 200 miles west of Wichita. The company purchased the fully developed and contracted wind power project from Silver Spring, Maryland-based CPV Renewable Energy Company. Project acquisition terms were not disclosed. CPV will continue to own the first phase of the wind project – Cimarron I. Kansas City Power & Light will purchase all of the electricity and associated renewable energy credits produced by Cimarron II under the terms of a 20-year agreement (originally announced by CPV and KCP&L in May).

Duke Energy Renewables plans to start construction of the Cimarron II Windpower Project in the fall of 2011 and achieve commercial operation by June 2012. The wind farm, which will be sited on 16,000 acres of leased farmland, will be capable of generating enough electricity to power nearly 40,000 homes. “Duke Energy Renewables is pleased to acquire this high-quality wind power project from CPV Renewable Energy and looks forward to helping Kansas City Power & Light deliver zero-emission electricity to its customers,” says Duke Energy Renewables Senior Vice President Tony Dorazio.

“CPV Renewable Energy Company has teamed up with Duke Energy Renewables to ensure Cimarron II meets the needs of Kansas City Power & Light’s customers,” said CPV Renewable Energy Co. Senior Vice President Sean Finnerty. “The project will bring significant benefits locally and to the citizens of Kansas.”

Duke Energy Renewables owns nearly 1,000 MW of generating capacity at nine U.S. wind farms: four in Wyoming, three in Texas, one in Colorado and one in Pennsylvania. The company announced plans to build the 168-MW Ironwood Windpower Project in Ford County, Kansas, on May 24, and an agreement to purchase the 20-MW Shirley Windpower Project in Glenmore, Wisconsin, on May 26. Since 2007, Duke Energy has invested more than $1.5 billion to grow its commercial wind and solar power businesses.

“In just the last month, Duke Energy has announced plans to add three more wind farms to its commercial portfolio of renewable energy assets,” said Duke Energy Renewables President Greg Wolf. “These projects will bring Duke Energy’s wind-generated capacity to approximately 1,300 megawatts – enough to power nearly 400,000 homes.”

Duke Energy Renewables, part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative wind and solar energy solutions for customers throughout the United States. The company’s growing portfolio of commercial renewable assets includes nine wind farms and four solar farms in operation in five states, totaling approximately 1,000 megawatts in electric-generating capacity. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.

The Clean Energy Entrepreneurs’ Network expanded from the Solar Energy Entrepreneurs’ Network is one of the largest clean energy networking events in Central Texas attracting over 300 attendees every quarter. The CleanTX Foundation brings this event to the Long Center to recognize the broader aspects of clean energy generation, storage, smart grid, and application technologies and other renewable resources. This venue allows Austin to shine in both technology and arts. Who should attend?

• Entrepreneurs who are starting, or looking to start  a clean energy business
• Investors looking to invest in the fast growing clean energy industry
• Technologists looking to share ideas for new products or services
• Employers in the clean energy field looking to hire  people
• People looking to join start-ups
• Attorneys, bankers and service providers interested in growing with the clean industry.

When: Wednesday August 17, 2011
6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
  
Where: Long Center, Kodosky Lounge
701 West Riverside Dr.
Austin, Texas  

To learn more contact Melissa Rabeaux, executive director of the CleanTX Foundation, at mrabeaux@cleantx.org. Go online to www.cleantx.org.

WHAT: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) will join Center for American Progress President and CEO John Podesta on Wednesday, August 10, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT for a news teleconference to preview the upcoming “National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy.” They will address the theme of this year’s summit and the impact past summits have had on shaping today’s clean energy policy, as well as efforts to boost clean tech jobs.

The summit will occur on Tuesday, August 30, at Aria Resort and Casino at CityCenter. Co-sponsored by the Center for American Progress, the Clean Energy Project, MGM Resorts International, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), and UNLV, this year’s National Clean Energy Summit will once again convene veteran business executives, energy policy innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and senior public officials from both parties, along with citizens, and students, to discuss the future of our nation’s energy in an effort to adopt more advanced energy policies, create jobs, and make our nation more competitive in the global clean energy economy.

Notable speakers at this year’s summit include Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, California Governor Jerry Brown, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and MGM Resorts International Chairman and CEO Jim Murren.

WHO:    Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)
WHO:    John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 10, 2011
WHEN:  1:00 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT

RSVP:     Please contact Wendy Zamaripa at (702) 737-3100 or wzamaripa@kirvindoak.com to request the teleconference information.

With a growth strategy that moves beyond technology and materials for wire and cable jacketing, insulation, semiconductive, and specialty compounds for the power and telecommunications markets, Dow Wire & Cable has made the decision to change its business name to Dow Electrical & Telecommunications.

This is an important step for a business already focused on power and telecommunications cable technology to further fortify its commitment to bring material science solutions to these industries and markets that no other business or company can do in the world. Recent advances in bio-based chemistry have enabled the business unit to play a larger role in personal electronics, appliance, transportation, and building and construction markets.

“Electricity and electrical components are a common denominator across all power and telecommunications resources. After six decades serving these important markets, the time is right to leverage the Dow portfolio in an even wider capacity to bring new technology and products to market,” says Tim Laughlin, general manager, Dow Electrical & Telecommunications. “Beyond this organic growth, we also are exploring several potential alliances with companies whose products and experience enhance or complement our own.”

The Dow Chemical Company has an R&D and materials science heritage that is rich in solutions enabled by plastics, composites, additives and fluids. Combining these assets with Dow Electrical & Telecommunications knowledge and expertise, along with those of other strategic partners, creates a significant opportunity to bring even more value to the growing and dynamic power and telecommunications markets.

Dow Electrical & Telecommunications, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, is a leading global provider of products, technology, solutions, and expertise that sets standards for reliability, longevity, efficiency, ease of installation, and protection that the power and telecommunications industries can count on in the transmission, distribution, and consumption of power, voice, and data. Understanding that collaboration is essential to success, Dow Electrical & Telecommunications works together with cable makers, other industry suppliers, utilities, municipalities, testing institutes, and other organizations around the world to develop solutions and create mutual value that will sustain these industries for years to come. For more information visit www.dow.com/electrical.

Nordex has won the largest order awarded for an onshore wind project in Sweden to date: as of summer 2012 the turbine manufacturer will be building “Blaiken,” a 150MW wind farm. The customers are Skellefteå Kraft, a leading energy supplier in Sweden and Fortum, one of the largest power utilities in Europe, based in Finland. Skellefteå Kraft and Fortum have placed a firm order for 60 turbines for Blaiken, thus accelerating the originally intended call-off schedule of the master agreement entered into last year. The N100/2500 machines will be fitted with Nordex’ new anti-icing system for rotor blades.

The successful development of the anti-icing system was a key criterion for the order. Nordex designed this system especially for sites where there is a risk of ice forming on the rotor blade. This can result in substantial production losses. An integrated heating system now prevents icing, thereby maximising the yield.

In autumn 2010 Nordex installed the first N100/2500 turbines with anti-icing in Jokkmokksliden, the forerunner project to Blaiken. The wind turbine manufacturer tested and optimized the system on the basis of three prototypes and one reference machine. “The cost-benefit ratio of anti-icing persuaded us to have all the turbines equipped with this innovative system,” says Risto Andsten, vice president of renewable energy at Fortum.

“Our new anti-icing system is the result of collaboration between different functions within our company, and we are pleased to now see the system put into commercial operation on one of the largest projects in Europe,” according to Lars Bondo Krogsgaard, chief sales officer at Nordex SE. “We are now able to offer an attractive option for all customers planning projects at locations with ice and frost.”

As a technological leader among suppliers of megawatt turbines, Nordex benefits particularly from the global trend towards large-scale wind turbines. The product range includes one of the largest series wind power systems in the world (N80/N90/N100, 2,500 kW) with more 1,500 of these turbines having been produced to date. This means that Nordex has a crucial edge in terms of experience in operating large turbines compared to most of its competitors in the sector. Overall, Nordex has installed a more than 4,400 turbines with a capacity in excess of 6,600 MW around the world. With exports accounting for over 95 percent of its business, Nordex also has a strong position in international high-growth regions. The company has offices and subsidiaries in 19 countries. In total, the group employs more than 2,500 people worldwide. Learn more at www.nordex-online.com.

VISTAGY announces that Nordex has purchased FiberSIM® software to streamline its entire design-to-manufacturing process for composite wind turbine blades. Nordex is using FiberSIM to develop detailed ply designs, accurate flat patterns and manufacturing output, and complete documentation for the engineering release.

FiberSIM will enable Nordex to enhance the automation of its product development process and optimize assembly glue gaps. Nordex also notes that FiberSIM is a powerful tool for composite design and manufacturing when used within its Creo Elements/Pro (previously Pro/ENGINEER) CAD system. FiberSIM is fully integrated into the PTC Creo Elements/Pro, Dassault Systèmes CATIA, and Siemens NX CAD systems.

“Transferring data between design and analysis can be extremely time consuming,” says Hendrik Klein, chief designer in the Nordex Rotor Blade Division. “But during the testing phase we recognized that if we had a design tool that had a seamless interface to our CAE analysis tools, it would enable us to significantly reduce the product development cycle. FiberSIM also enhances the automation of our development processes, helps us improve blade quality, and alleviates time-consuming reworks in the factory.”

“We’re very pleased that Nordex, one of the premier names in wind energy, has recognized the value of FiberSIM,” says Dr. Olivier Guillermin, director of product and market strategy for VISTAGY (see his article “Composite Blades of the Future” in this issue). “As the wind industry moves toward bigger and more complex blade designs, we’re seeing a maturation of the wind blade engineering process worldwide, and VISTAGY’s products and services are playing a key role in that development.”

VISTAGY, Inc., is a leading global provider of industry-specific engineering software and services that create rich product descriptions for better-informed decision making early in the design cycle. Learn more at www.vistagy.com.

Ontario’s 2,125MW of signed contracts for new wind energy developments represent a multibillion-dollar economic opportunity for the province and a chance to create thousands of much-needed jobs. A landmark study of the economic benefits of the wind energy sector in Ontario demonstrates that meeting the wind energy targets identified under the province’s Long Term Energy Plan (LTEP) would result in billions of dollars of private sector investment in the province and the creation of more than 80,000 person-years of employment between 2011 and 2018. Commissioned by the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) and performed by ClearSky Advisors, a leading independent research and advisory firm, the study is the most comprehensive examination to date of the economic benefits of the wind energy sector in the province.

“There is no question the Green Energy Act and its Feed-in-Tariff program have made Ontario a leading destination for wind energy investment in North America and around the world,” says Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. “An ambitious vision for wind energy development and a stable policy environment is critical to ensure we fully capture Ontario’s wind energy opportunity. This industry is right now driving much-needed job creation in places like Windsor and Niagara while reinvigorating this province’s proud manufacturing tradition. We must continue to build on successes to date. Any failure to proceed with and respect signed contracts would cause investors to lose faith in the Ontario market, ultimately putting jobs and investment at risk at a time when this province needs both.”

In addition to 2,125MW of signed contracts in place today, applications have already been made for an additional 6,672MW of wind energy development in Ontario. Ontario is Canada’s wind energy leader with 1,636MW of current installed capacity. Each 100MW of wind energy development represents a minimum of 100 jobs, $2.5 million in private investment, and $300,000 in revenue to municipal governments in the form of taxes and an equal amount to rural landowners in the form of lease payments. Each 100MW of wind energy also provides Ontarians with enough clean, affordable electricity to power about 30,000 homes.

“Wind energy investors around the world are looking to jurisdictions that have clear and well defined targets for wind energy development and a comprehensive and competitive policy framework to support such investment going forward,” says Hornung. “These conditions exist today in Ontario and the wind energy industry is poised to invest significantly more in Ontario if these conditions remain in place. The wind energy industry is keen to invest, create green jobs, and build a cleaner electricity system in Ontario.”

CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 450 members. Learn more at www.canwea.ca.

3TIER, a global leader in renewable energy risk analysis, announces the release of new 90 Meter Wind Prospecting Tools. The Web-based service gives wind project developers and financiers immediate access to 90 meter resolution wind resource data across the continental U.S.—the highest resolution data currently available on demand. Such finely detailed data reveal how even small terrain features will affect wind power generation, enabling anyone with a financial stake in a project to better manage spatial risk during the earliest stages of project development.

“This low cost offering provides wind project developers and financiers with an unrivaled ability to pinpoint promising sites and begin the process of assessing their long-term potential,” says Scott Eichelberger, director of resource assessment. “It lets them more quickly and accurately evaluate sites before deciding whether to invest in more costly on-site observational campaigns and in-depth resource assessments that are required to generate ‘bankable’ production estimates.”

3TIER developed the 90 Meter Wind Prospecting Tools as a direct result of client interest in affordable access to high-resolution wind resource data. Clients can now purchase instant, online access to the entire continental U.S. or just a specific region of interest. The tools provide high-resolution wind resource data at multiple hub heights via an online interface that allows clients to view annual and monthly mean wind speed data, Weibull distribution parameters, and wind direction data. In addition to viewing the data online, clients will be able to download data in GIS format for a small incremental cost.

To produce an accurate and cost-effective 90-meter resolution dataset, 3TIER used a combination of mesoscale numerical weather prediction modeling and its own proprietary downscaling technology. Blending the two approaches achieves a commercially desirable balance between cost and accuracy, giving clients an affordable tool to effectively manage their wind resource risk during the preliminary stages of project development.

“We have created a very affordable point of entry into a suite of services that help our clients manage the risk of wind resource variability,” Eichelberger says. “At each step, we balance the accuracy we can achieve with the cost of achieving it, providing a laddered approach that ultimately yields the level of certainty each client requires to effectively manage their wind resource risk.” To learn more go to www.3tier.com.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will hold its 2011 customer support seminar September 26-28, 2011 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Presentations will follow the theme of “Tapping Into Your Potential” and include manufacturer case studies, a dealer panel discussion, technology-use sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.

This AEM seminar will help attendees offer a full “customer support experience” to their product buyers, and it reinforces the bottom-line importance of superior product support in customer satisfaction. The seminar is targeted to equipment manufacturing professionals in areas including product support, service and parts sales and marketing, customer support training, technical publications, warranty administration, parts distribution and parts inventory management. During the seminar, AEM will reveal results of its biennial surveys on parts policies and practices of whole goods manufacturers as well as companies involved in attachments, components and supplies.

“The History of Harley” is the opening keynote presentation, emphasizing the important connection between sales and its iconic customer experience, and the seminar includes a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum. Noted regional author and historian John Gurda will provide insights into the role Milwaukee played in the growth of AEM’s industry sectors and the people and products that “made Milwaukee famous.” Topics in the AEM 2011 customer support seminar include:

• Marketing and the customer experience (AGCO case study)
• Offshore or reshore – an objective look (Harry Moser, U.S. manufacturing advocate and  
   chairman emeritus, Agie Charmillles)
• Dealer panel on key issues, needs
• Customer value-loyalty models (Dressta)
• Contact centers/call support and customer service (Manitowoc case study)
• Telematics and interactive surveys shaping the customer experience (JCB case study)
• Tier 4 impact on training, safety, maintenance (Caterpillar)
• Parts and service – understanding and meeting customer expectations (CNH case study)
• Social media in product support (Miller Electric case study)
• Technical training – Internet advances (Stihl case study)
• Animation and e-learning in the future of interactive training (Almon, Deere & Company)

AEM education programs offer CEUs (Continuing Education Unit credits). Complete seminar information and registration details are posted online in the “education” section of www.aem.org.

In the quest for more efficient supply-chain operations, wind energy manufacturers are devoting more and more time to managing their relationships with suppliers. So what is the key to maintaining a long-term supplier relationship, and how can suppliers ensure they live up to their clients expectations?

With the increasingly trans-national nature of manufacturing and supply chain activities, many suppliers must now also prove that they possess the infrastructure capability to roll out components, modules or products on a global scale, while also providing assurances over its on-going financial stability. “OEMs look for short and flexible reaction times. Suppliers must also support improvements in the yield of customers products,” says John Kop, Commercial Director at Netherlands-based Advanced Tower Systems. Jaime Anso, from Acciona Windpower, says that “We consider that supplier relationships must bring value to both companies, as we understand that that is the only way to build long lasting relationships.”

Reflecting the importance of forging industry relationships, leading manufacturers and suppliers have committed to meeting this September to address the most crucial issues of key selection criteria and inter-company requirements.

With 14 turbine manufacturers, more than 10 suppliers in addition to offshore owner/operators, the Global Wind Turbine Supply Chain Conference—to be held September 7-8, 2011, at the Hotel Kempinski in Hamburg, Germany—is set to be the premier forum for suppliers to connect with their customers and determine how to move forward in establishing key relationships and securing long term contracts. Learn more at www.windenergyupdate.com/supply-chain. Also contact Will Broad, director of Wind Energy Update, at +44 (0)207 375 7516 or will@windenergyupdate.com.

Capital Safety announces that Joe Reimer has joined the company as president of the Americas region. He has more than 25 years of experience in the global personal protection equipment industry. For the past 15 he has been president of the fall protection division of Dalloz and senior vice president of the height safety group within Sperian Protection and Honeywell. Reimer will be based at the company’s Red Wing, Minnesota, facility and have responsibility over the business in North and South America.

Reimer has a long history as a strong advocate for height safety and the expansion of fall protection standards, including serving as a board member on the International Safety Equipment Association. “Joe’s background in fall protection and drive toward true globalization makes him an ideal leader for the growth of the industry and our company,” says Anders Pettersson, Capital Safety CEO. “He joins Capital Safety on the heels of a record year, with some phenomenal opportunities ahead of us in 2011 and beyond. With Joe on our team we will continue to strengthen our leadership position in the U.S. and Canada and increase our aggressive expansion within Latin America.”

Capital Safety is the world’s leading manufacturer of fall protection, confined space, and rescue equipment, with 20 operating sites worldwide and a passionate commitment to quality, innovation, and safety. Capital Safety is home of the DBI-SALA, UNILINE and PROTECTA brands. All of Capital Safety’s fall protection and rescue systems are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance, and professional customer service. For more information call (800) 328-6146 or visit www.capitalsafety.com.

To further boost the productivity of the wind farm design process, GL Garrad Hassan presented an updated version of its WindFarmer software at AWEA Windpower 2011. The software facilitates the layout of wind farms to maximize the power produced while minimizing the environmental impact. The new release of the software offers project planners and developers an even more powerful tool for wind farm design and energy yield calculations.

Users of Geographic Information System (GIS) systems benefit from WindFarmer 4.2 now supporting a wider range of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Shape files, giving more options for importing object locations (turbines, houses, viewpoints, etc.), boundaries, and terrain contours. The new version provides developers with new tools for the design and optimization of regular turbine layouts, and improved modeling of array effects between large wind farms. The environmental engineer will find an updated shadow flicker analysis that uses map projection information to automatically detect longitude and latitude and True North-Grid North deviation. Met data analysts will benefit from its expanded MCP+ Module that provides more versatile data displays and analysis, for example allowing a choice of the number of direction sectors and the scaling of TAB files.

WindFarmer previously supported 10 languages—Chinese, English, German, Greek, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Turkish, and Portuguese—to which the 4.2 release adds Arabic and Polish language versions. GL Garrad Hassan provides not only the software but training and technical support in all 12 languages.

Professionals around the world work with WindFarmer to design both onshore and offshore wind farms of all sizes. This software tool integrates wind farm energy and environmental assessments with wind farm layout design and data handling. It is acknowledged not only for its user-friendly interface and the speed and accuracy of its calculations, but also for the transparency of its data models. For more information visit www.gl-garradhassan.com/windfarmer.

Winergy Drive Systems exhibited its latest innovation in products, including its new 3MW HybridDrive and a new 2.75MW gearbox, at this year’s American Wind Energy Association WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition. The 3MW HybridDrive combines a gearbox and a permanent magnet generator into one product. The direct linkage of the two-stage gearbox and the permanent magnet driven generator shortens the drive train by approximately 35 percent. This design allows for a significant reduction of the nacelle size and minimization of the overall weight, both important factors for on and offshore applications. This solution makes for an easy fit into any nacelle configuration.

The new HybridDrive complements the company’s existing portfolio of gearboxes, couplings, generators, and converters for the wind industry. “For 30 years, Winergy has been developing innovative products and solutions for our wind industry customers,” says Stefan Tenbrock, CEO. “With our new HybridDrive we have developed a compact product that offers exceptional power efficiency and great serviceability.”

The HybridDrive has a modular design, featuring single elements for assembly/disassembly, and can therefore be serviced through the nacelle internal service crane. “This represents an essential advantage compared to other existing integrated solutions which require removal of the complete nacelle in service cases,” Tenbrock says.

The new 2.75MW gearbox will be installed in more than 300 wind turbines as part of a wind farm being developed in Oregon, according to Terry Royer, CEO of Winergy’s American operations. The project is considered to be the world’s largest land-based wind farm, covering 30 miles and generating an estimated 845 megawatts of electricity, or an estimated 2 billion kWh annually—enough to provide electricity to 235,000 homes.

“We take much pride in all of our products, and our 2.75 MW gearbox, assembled in our Elgin, Illinois, production facility, presents a new benchmark for our team,” accoreding to Royer. “We anticipate a strong interest from companies looking for the next generation of wind energy solutions.” To learn more visit www.winergy-group.com.