Alpine Ocean Seismic Survey announces that Robert Mecarini has been promoted to president of the company, and Gino Mecarini assumed the role of chairman. This planned succession enables Robert to take on all day-to-day responsibilities of the company, and for Gino Mecarini to provide ongoing consultation while transitioning toward retirement.

“As a father and son team we have had the luxury of time to make this transition,” says Robert Mecarini. “Alpine Ocean has been a family run company for more than 20 years, and I look forward to continuing on the successful path that my father has established.”

“The time is right for this transition. For all intents and purposes Robert has been running the company, and it is time for us to make it formal,” says Gino Mecarini. “The company is profitable, has a solid financial partner, and exciting projects on the horizon. Robert is ready to take the company to the next level.”

Gino Mecarini has been with the company for 45 years, and became president when he purchased it from its original owners more than 20 years ago. In 2009, he sold a controlling interest to Gardline Marine Sciences Group, a UK-based marine services company, to enable Alpine to expand its services portfolio and have access to capital for growth. Robert Mecarini joined Alpine in 1991 as a deckhand, and has since worked for the company in every capacity, including as navigator and project manager, before most recently serving as executive vice president. The financial investment from Gardline enabled the company to launch R/V Shearwater, a 110-foot multi-use research vessel designed specifically to support the fast-growing U.S. market for offshore renewable energy projects, including tidal and wind. The partnership also enables Alpine to expand its portfolio of marine services to include environmental data acquisition and geotechnical services. To learn more call (201) 768-8000 or visit www.alpineocean.com.

Availon, Inc., has been named a distributor for Schunk Graphite Technology LLC (SGT).  Availon will now offer customers products from Schunk including brush holders, carbon brushes, slip rings, and other components critical for the reliable operation and higher availability of wind turbines.

Steve Thompson, Availon North America’s president, says that “Both Availon and Schunk have a successful history in Europe working together in the challenging wind industry market. Now we share the common goal of advancing the growth of wind energy in the United States and Canada. It is only natural that we are joining forces to offer better service and state-of-the art parts to our customers.”

John Boorman, Availon North America’s director of sales, adds that “Schunk’s brush holders and carbon brushes will play significant roles in implementing one of the money-saving upgrades offered by Availon. The brush holder upgrade decreases the time required to replace brushes and prevents small parts from being lost in the slip ring compartment during the replacement process. The innovative brush configuration reduces irregular wear and extends service life up to 50 percent.”

Availon, Inc. specializes in parts and services for GE, Vestas, and Siemens turbines and is expanding to other turbine types. In addition to being a primary supplier for SSB and Duradrive parts, Availon is also an exclusive vendor for Bachmann, Leonard+Bauer, and Convertec parts. The Availon global portfolio includes spare parts supply and management, end of warranty inspections, individual turbine optimization, turbine upgrades, field services, remote monitoring, and operations and maintenance.

Availon is a part of the Availon GmbH family. Availon has business units in the United States, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Currently Availon operates throughout North America and Europe and is expanding into other regions as well. Availon is the first independent wind turbine service provider to be both ISO 9001 certified and fully certified by Germanischer Lloyd in staff training, troubleshooting, and repair processes. Schunk Graphite Technology LLC is a globally-active technology group, comprising more than 60 companies in 28 countries in the core markets of carbon technology and ceramics, environmental simulation technology and climate technology, sintered metal technology, and ultrasonic welding technology. The Schunk Group is a technology leader in these fields. Go online to www.availon.com or www.schunkgraphite.com.

A Terex CC6800-1, owned by MAXIKraft Kran- und Schwerlastlogistik GmbH, recently removed the rotor and nacelle of a 5MW wind turbine at a height of 90 meters. The assignment, which was performed on behalf of wind farm operator BARD, was part of a series of repairs at the Hooksiel offshore wind farm where the turbine was located.

The very start the MAXIKraft team was faced with a series of unique challenges. “To start off with, an offshore lifting operation is obviously much trickier than a land-based assignment, since the wind and sea can act up at any moment and cause a great deal of instability,” says crane operator Raik Hanisch. During the project the heavy-lift pontoon Giant 4 was in charge of bringing the Terex CC6800-1 to the site, just offshore of Hooksiel in the north of Wilhelmshaven. It also became responsible for providing the stability required for a total of four lifting operations. The first operation consisted of removing and lowering the turbine’s 170-tonne rotor, which had a diameter of 127 meters, so that the 280-ton nacelle could be removed during a second lifting operation. Once the repairs were completed the components were lifted and installed back on the tower in the opposite order.

The MAXIKraft team used an LFVL boom configuration to tailor the crawler crane to the job. The combination of a 90-meter main boom and an 18-meter fly jib allowed the unit to easily reach the required working height. Meanwhile, a 250 ton counterweight on the superstructure in addition to a 80 ton central ballast on the carrier and a Superlift ballast weighing 240 tons allowed the crane to operate freely within a working radius of 22 meters, making it possible to complete all work right on schedule. “The way the project moved along smoothly showed that the Terex CC6800-1, with its capacity and its enormous flexibility in the way it can be configured, should be the first choice of anyone who is planning to lift this type of large weight,” says project manager Steffen Lehmann, “and also when working under difficult operating conditions.”

The 1,250-ton Terex CC6800-1 lattice boom crawler crane, featuring a maximum load moment of 13,952 mt, is designed for industrial operations worldwide. Its components, which have been dimensioned for a maximum transportation width of 3 to 3.5 m and feature low transportation weights ranging from 15 to 50 tons, allow for worldwide, cost-effective transportation. More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.

Vestas has announced its wind-turbine towers will be manufactured by CS Wind in Ontario for future wind-energy projects in the province. Essar Steel Algoma in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, will provide the steel for the tower sections. Meanwhile, the towers will be made at CS Wind at its new tower-fabrication facility in Windsor that celebrated its grand opening May 26. At the CS Wind facility steel plates will be rolled, formed, shaped, welded together, and then transported to wind-energy projects in Ontario. The factory is expected to deliver its first tower to Vestas in November 2011.

“The Vestas Towers business unit has created a tremendous opportunity for us to be working with such experienced and trusted manufacturers in Ontario,” says Martha Wyrsch, president of Vestas-Canadian Wind Technology, Inc. “This provides Vestas with a tremendous sense of confidence going forward in the Ontario wind-power market.”

Vestas aims to work with local manufacturers such as CS Wind and Essar Steel Algoma to meet local-content requirements and help grow the Canadian wind-energy market. As the number-one automaker in North America, and second only to California in industrial output, Ontario has a broad and rich manufacturing base from which to draw.

“This is an exciting time and opportunity for CS Wind and for Windsor,” says Sandra Pupatello, minister of economic development and trade minister, and also Windsor MPP. “These types of partnerships with both a turbine provider and a tower manufacturer show the extent that the renewable energy sector reaches into our economy.”

Vestas, which has a sales office in Toronto, had its first wind turbine installed in the Ontario market in 2001. Vestas has 232 turbines in operation in the province for a total of 390 MW, enough to power more than 100,000 homes in Ontario. Vestas also provides service and maintenance to ensure safe, reliable operations of its wind turbines throughout Canada. Vestas has supplied more than 1,000 turbines in all 10 Canadian provinces—1,683 MW of installed wind capacity—which provides enough electricity to power more than a half-million homes. More information is available at www.vestas.com.

Duke Energy will use 73 Siemens wind turbines, each capable of generating 2.3 megawatts of emission-free electricity, to build its first wind farm in Kansas. Duke Energy Renewables—a commercial business unit of Duke Energy—will build, own, and operate the 168MW Ironwood Windpower Project in Ford County, approximately 150 miles west of Wichita. Topeka-based Westar Energy will purchase all of the electricity and associated renewable energy credits produced by the site under the terms of a 20-year agreement.

Duke Energy Renewables plans to start construction of the Ironwood Windpower Project in the fall of 2011. The wind farm, which is expected to reach commercial operation by mid-2012, will be capable of generating enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes. “The Ironwood Windpower Project, which will help Westar deliver clean energy to its customers for decades to come, marks another milestone for Duke Energy,” according to Greg Wolf, president of Duke Energy Renewables. “It’s our first wind farm in Kansas, and it will put us well over 1,000 megawatts of wind power capacity in the U.S.”

Each nacelle will be supplied by Siemens’ new 300,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. The facility, which opened in December 2010, produces nacelles for Siemens’ 2.3MW and 3.0MW wind turbines.

“We are delighted that Duke Energy has once again chosen Siemens’ highly advanced wind turbines and service solutions, and we look forward to working closely with them to advance their renewable energy plans in the U.S.,” says Jan Kjaersgaard, vice president and general manager of Siemens’ Americas Wind Power business. “We are especially proud that the nacelles for these turbines are being assembled at our Hutchinson facility, marking the first time Kansas-built nacelles will be operating at a Kansas wind farm.”

Duke Energy Renewables owns nearly 1,000MW of generating capacity at nine U.S. wind farms: four in Wyoming, three in Texas, one in Colorado, and one in Pennsylvania. Since 2007 Duke Energy has invested more than $1.5 billion to grow its commercial wind and solar power businesses. More information can be obtained by visiting www.duke-energy.com and www.siemens.com/energy.

Zero-Max Torq-Tender overload safety couplings protect critical rotating power transmission components from torque overloads. Torq-Tenders serve both as a safety device and as a coupling in a power transmission system. Protecting motor and drive systems from jam-ups and excessive overloading, Torq-Tenders are extremely effective. They can be manufactured for systems requiring frequent washdowns. With the addition of an O-ring seal and simple housing modifications, the couplings resist contamination and are easily washed.

Simplicity of operation is an important Torq-Tender benefit. When a power transmission system’s load exceeds the preset precision-tempered torque spring rating, the drive mechanism pivots out of an engagement slot, disengaging the prime mover from the load providing overload protection. When the overload is removed and the speed is reduced, it resets itself automatically. The single position re-engagement point maintains equipment timing and positioning.

Available in torque ranges from 2 to 3000 in-lbs., Torq-Tenders provide tamper proof preset torque settings. The precision torque settings do not require costly and potentially risky calibration procedures. As a coupling it can handle up to 1.5 degrees of angular misalignment and a maximum parallel misalignment of 0.005 to 0.015 inch. “Torq-Tender couplings are an inexpensive way to protect expensive complex drive systems from torque overloads,” says Kevin Wells, regional sales manager. “Torq-Tender couplings provide a dual function as a coupling and an overload safety device. They provide overload protection for paper converting, packaging, printing, and PCB fabrication systems.”

Torq-Tenders are available in many standard sizes. From the smallest, TT1X (torque ranges 2 to 60 in-lbs) to the largest TT4X (torque ranges 750 to 3000 in-lbs), there are many precision preset factory torque ratings available. Additional Torq-Tender designs for a variety of mounting configurations are detailed in a new catalog. For more information call (800) 533-1731, e-mail sales@zero-max.com, or go to www.zero-max.com.

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.