AMSC, a global solutions provider serving wind and grid leaders, announces that its Share Purchase Agreement (“the Agreement”) with the shareholders of The Switch Engineering Oy (“The Switch”) dated March 12, 2011, as amended on June 29, 2011, has been terminated due to adverse market conditions for a financing required to fund the acquisition. Per the terms of the amended Agreement, The Switch shareholders will retain the €14.2 million (US$ 20.6 million) advance payment that was made by AMSC on June 29, 2011 as the break-up fee. The break-up fee will be recorded as an expense in AMSC’s second fiscal quarter, which ended on September 30, 2011.

“While AMSC and The Switch have mutually agreed to terminate our acquisition agreement, we continue to see strong synergies between our two companies and expect to continue to work collaboratively on drivetrain solutions that increase wind turbine reliability and lower the cost of energy,” said AMSC President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. McGahn.

AMSC (formerly American Superconductor) generates the ideas, technologies and solutions that meet the world’s demand for smarter, cleaner… better energy. Through its Windtec Solutions, AMSC enables manufacturers to launch best-in-class wind turbines quickly, effectively and profitably. Through its Gridtec Solutions, AMSC provides the engineering planning services and advanced grid systems that optimize network reliability, efficiency and performance. The company’s solutions are now powering gigawatts of renewable energy globally and enhancing the performance and reliability of power networks in more than a dozen countries. Founded in 1987, AMSC is headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, with operations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. For more information, please visit www.amsc.com.

American Superconductor Corporation announces that it is now doing business as AMSC and introduced a new corporate identity in order to foster strong, sustainable growth. AMSC’s wind and grid offerings are now branded as Windtec Solutions and Gridtec Solutions to better reflect the company’s expertise across the power lifecycle. The value of AMSC’s solutions is described in the company’s new tagline: “Smarter, cleaner… better energy.”

“When we were founded nearly 25 years ago, we had operations only in the United States and our sole focus was on superconductors,” says AMSC President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel McGahn. “Today, we have operations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, our Windtec Solutions and Gridtec Solutions are powering gigawatts of renewable energy globally and enhancing the performance and reliability of power networks in more than a dozen countries. Our evolution from American Superconductor to AMSC better reflects who we are today and supports our continued diversification.”

“The new identity is just one of the changes that we are making to support a more diversified and sustainable company,” he says. “In recent months, AMSC has taken actions to streamline and strengthen its business. We have created a flatter, leaner organization that is more nimble and flexible to emerging opportunities; aligned our business to better serve the wind and grid markets; and refined our strategic priorities to capitalize on our near- and long-term opportunities.”

AMSC’s business formerly was structured around technologies. The company now has aligned its business by end market. Through its Windtec Solutions, AMSC enables manufacturers to launch best-in-class wind turbines quickly, effectively and profitably by providing designs, support services and power electronics and controls. AMSC’s Gridtec Solutions include engineering planning services and advanced grid systems that optimize network reliability, efficiency and performance from the point of generation through transmission and distribution.

“Each day at AMSC, we are driven by our vision to power the world with better energy,” McGahn says. “We have aligned our business to focus on our core competencies, and this strategic investment will help us to communicate the new AMSC more clearly and more effectively to our employees and all of our customers worldwide.” For more information visit www.amsc.com.

NAESsm Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the energy industry, announces new project services team members to the Turbine Services Division. NAES has incorporated new management, sales, proposal, and support personnel with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences into its Turbine Services Division. Russell James, Rob Broglio, and Rick Stanford have joined NAES as project services manager and business development managers, respectively. In addition, Debi Patrick has joined NAES as proposal manager.

James brings nearly 30 years of field service experience in turbine overhaul and installation to the turbine field services management team. His diverse background in gas and steam turbines adds a key element to the estimating and field service departments. With extensive experience in scheduling, planning and project management of turbine outages for major IOU owned coal and gas fired plants, he brings the knowledge and background necessary for providing the quality of service expected by NAES customers.

Broglio has over 20 years’ experience in new installations, as well as retrofit of power generation facilities, both in field and design engineering, in addition to business development and EPC project negotiations. His diverse background, industry knowledge, and customer contacts are a key element to expanding NAES presence in the power generation market.

Stanford’s 25 years’ experience in the oil and gas and power industries, with emphasis on rotating equipment and upstream markets, brings broad managerial experience to NAES rotating equipment and repair services. His background enhances NAES ability to interface with plant personnel and management to ensure timely project completion across the markets NAES services.

Debi comes to NAES with 25 years of power industry experience with an emphasis on maintenance and construction projects.  Her broad experience in estimating and managing projects for power producers, contractors and engineering firms strengthens the relationships NAES has with its customers.

Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, NAES is the world’s leading provider of comprehensive services to industries that generate or consume power. For over 30 years, NAES has specialized in providing services centered on safe, reliable, and cost-effective performance including operations and maintenance; retrofit and maintenance services; on-site turbine inspection/overhaul services; staffing solutions; and customized services designed to improve plant and personnel effectiveness. NAES is owned by ITOCHU International Inc., the U.S. affiliate of ITOCHU Corporation. With operations in over 80 countries covering a broad range of industries, ITOCHU is among the world’s largest corporations. Learn more at www.naes.com.

Attent the interactive Web conference “Underwriting Renewable Energy Transactions: 500kw – 8MW” Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern. This webinar will discuss the following specifics to underwriting renewable energy transactions.

Economic Viability / Financial Model:
Source & Use
Proforma
Tax Credits / ITC Grant

Developer:
Track record
Credibility
Credit / Risk profile

Sponsorship:
Structure/Commitments
Track record
Risk profile

Contracts:
PPA/Lease
Interconnection
EPC turnkey contract
O & M

Construction:
EPC Contractor experience
Permitting/Zoning
FAA Approval
Air Quality Permits

Renewable Energy Resources:
Data/Verification
Uncertainty
Location

Technology:
Suppliers/Track Record
Bankability
Warranty
Availability/Delivery timing

Revenue:
PPA structure (i.e., Security of revenue Stream)
Valuation: Appraisal/Cost Certification
Renewable Energy Certificate (RECs)

Loan Security Interests/Title:
Assignments
Ingress/Egress – Easements
ALTA Survey

O&M/Asset Management:
Contractor/Track Record
Spare parts
Transmission
Term

Faculty:
    * Chris Diaz, Senior Vice President, Seminole Financial Services
    * Tony Grappone, CPA, Partner, Boston Office, Novogradac & Company

Please register by midnight (Eastern) Tuesday, November 1, to receive webinar connection information in a timely manner. Go online to www.cvent.com/d/faiU2htXpk-D-NEzp-rh4g/c7xt/P1/1Q.

Clean energy continues to grow, with renewable sources playing an ever greater role. Wind power generation, having expanded offshore, is now not only looking out but up. International renewable energy consultancy GL Garrad Hassan has issued the first market report that analyzes the burgeoning new industry of High Altitude Wind Energy (HAWE). HAWE systems are designed to tap into the high velocity, stable air currents that exist at altitudes anywhere from 200m to 20km above the earth; a source for generating cheaper and more abundant electricity than current wind technology.

The report looks at the potential of high altitude winds as an energy source, the current technologies within the sector and their potential as mature systems. As well as assessing individual technologies and the companies developing them, the report addresses the technical and regulatory challenges faced by the industry and the likelihood of its success.

As this emerging industry has grown, a cottage-like mentality with small entrepreneurs and inventors has flourished with a diverse array of systems types at various stages of development. Small and real scale prototypes from many developers are currently in active development. The report identifies 22 companies that have already developed or have announced their intention to develop prototypes including kites, kytoons and aerostats, and gliders or sailplanes with turbines or airfoils attached. In Europe and America these developers are beginning to see an influx of investment from both private and governmental partners and the report looks at the potential for investor involvement at the nascent stages of this industry.

The basis for a HAWE system is relatively simple; a tethered object flying at altitude uses a mechanical system to harness the kinetic energy from the wind. The design of the object, the extraction mechanism and the tethering system, varies considerably among the many systems in development. The system might take the form of a kite, a parachute or rotating balloon, or a fixed wing, and be tethered in parallel on a floating platform offshore. GL Garrad Hassan’s report looks at the prototypes, the potential of the major players and the challenges that need to be met for the technology to flourish.

HAWE systems have the potential to take energy generation from wind into a new dimension, unlocking resources with far greater potential energy than so far realized. With investment bringing more visibility to the industry, and the first full scale systems soon on the horizon the GL Garrad Hassan report is a valuable tool for those seeking to gain an overview of this new market segment. It can be ordered online at www.gl-garradhassan.com.

Wind power can supply large amounts of clean electricity at a sensible cost, but there remains an acute need to iron out the hurdles the industry still faces. Downtime and unplanned maintenance is expensive, time-consuming, and prevents efficient wind power production. Few turbines reach the end of their life cycle without repairs, as such, operators need to anticipate problems to minimize costs. One way of preventing such problems arising is to use turbine components that are reliable, efficient, and cost effective.

Small components such as seals are often overlooked to an OEM’s detriment. Ineffective seals in wind turbines fail to adequately protect the bearing. Lubricant leakages not only cause blade staining and cleaning to be required, but leakages inside the turbine can cause components to fail. Inadequate seals allowing the ingress of particles into the bearing compromises performance and accelerates equipment failure. Above all, a compromised seal is costly to replace. Not only is there the cost of a replacement seal to consider, but the question of labor costs and how to fit the new seal, and the loss of revenue for the period when the turbine is inoperative. Seal manufacturing specialists have developed designs to provide solutions to the problem. James Walker has a number of on-site joining solutions, such as the Walkersele OSJ-2, that offer the same integrity, life and performance as the seal fitted during manufacture by an OEM. Effective on-site joined sealing technology can be used on many of the bearings on a wind turbine and timely seal replacement reduces lubricant loss whilst maintaining low friction to extend component life and improve reliability.

James Walker engineers have a wealth of experience in on-site servicing and can replace a variety of seals on-site, with the minimum of disassembly to minimize the loss of energy production. “As a global sealing supplier we aim to deliver high value to customers by providing reliable products with an extended life expectancy that remove the problems faced by the industry,” says Barry Deeley, wind industry marketing manager. “The on-site joined technologies reduce maintenance costs and downtime that in turn increases the ability to generate electricity and lower lifetime costs for customers.”

The James Walker Group is a global manufacturing group operating through two strategic business units: Sealing Products & Services, and Rail Systems & Products. It has more than 50 production, engineering, distribution, and customer support sites worldwide and operates in over 100 countries. Learn more at www.jameswalker.biz/windenergy. 

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.