The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announces that Vest-Fiber—a supplier of fiberglass products and services primarily to the wind turbine industry headquartered in Denmark—has chosen Moberly to be the location of a new manufacturing facility. The company’s capital investment of $2 million will create 50 new local jobs.

“The decision by an international company like Vest-Fiber to invest $2 million and create 50 new jobs is excellent news for the economy of Moberly and Randolph County,” says Governor Jay Nixon. “From day one as governor my administration has been focused on creating jobs and moving our economy forward, and I am pleased that we were able to provide the economic tools to help make this project possible. This significant investment by a European company is more clear evidence that Missouri’s economy is on the move.”

The state of Missouri’s incentive package consisted of $128,318 in Missouri Quality Jobs program incentives, which provides tax credits to companies that create a predetermined number of jobs, among other qualifications, as well as recruitment and referral assistance.

“Having Vest-Fiber select Moberly as the site for its newest fiberglass manufacturing facility is exciting news for the state,” says David Kerr, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “This project that involves bringing a company from overseas to north-central Missouri further demonstrates Missouri’s commitment to being one of the top states in the nation in which to do business.”

Founded in 2000, Vest-Fiber produces fiberglass and materials to the composite industry mainly to applications as wind turbine blades. The company specializes in cutting and kitting multi-axial reinforcement fabrics in glass and carbon fiber; structural foams/core material used in sandwich constructions; non-woven, plastic materials and vacuum bagging consumables; and “ready-to-use” resin infusion net-set kits. The company operates state-of-the art cutting units that process more than 7,000 tons of fabrics and convert more than 600,000 square meters of core material on a yearly basis.

“In our search for the ideal location, we found Missouri to be the strategic center of all wind-related production facilities in the United States,” says Hans Leerskov Hansen, business development manager of Vest-Fiber, adding that the company plans to have the new facility operational by February 2011. “We were also pleased to find the right skills and work ethic available.”

Since 2007, the nonprofit The Missouri Partnership has worked in concert with state, regional, and local economic development groups, as well as private industry, to attract new companies to Missouri by marketing the state’s business advantages. Through effective branding, advertising, earned media, trade show attendance, and targeted relationship-building, the partnership’s team of seasoned economic development and marketing professionals seek to promote Missouri as a top destination for new capital investment and job creation. For more information visit www.missouripartnership.com.

MAG’s new FTR 3500 floor-type horizontal boring mill (HBM) is a versatile, mid-sized job-shop machine, capable of a full 2 m reach inside parts with a ram-supported spindle. The workhorse machine tool is ideal for “heavy metal” milling, as well as precision multi-axis contouring, boring, drilling, and tapping on large parts for the construction, oil field, and wind energy industries.

The machine’s collinear ram, made from ductile iron, adds a 1-meter W-axis reach to the spindle’s existing 1-meter extension. It provides maximum rigidity for full-power cuts by minimizing spindle extension. The ram’s 400 x 500 mm cross section is ideally sized for extended reach with rigid support to enable the machine to perform additional operations, helping to reduce time-consuming large-part setups for faster cycle times and less work-in-process. The machine’s ram displacement compensation system uses a hydraulically actuated tension rod system to counteract the static loads of attachments, and control ram displacement caused by variations in ram extension and attachment weight. Like all MAG boring mills, the FTR 3500 includes W and Z-axis thermal compensation software to dynamically offset spindle growth.

The FTR 3500 is available in column heights of 2 to 5 meters (6.6 to 16.4 ft) in half-meter increments. Traveling-column design allows virtually unlimited X-axis travel for processing of large and long workpieces or multiple batch parts, while 20 m/min (787 ipm) rapid traverse rates reduce cycle times. The choice of spindle power trains includes two four-speed versions available with spindle diameters of 130 and 155 mm (5 and 6 in). Available horsepower is 56 kW (75hp). Modular design allows economical customization of the FTR 3500, along with industry’s fastest machine build and delivery. The machine can be fitted with choice of travels, headstocks, spindle diameters and spindle power, controls, coolant systems, workholding and tool magazines. Front-end options include a range of indexing and rotary tables, auxiliary slides and floor plates. An optional attachment rack enables storage and quick change of contouring heads, programmable boring bars, right angle heads and more to speed production. Optional cartridge-style ram allows for a fixed attachment or attachment changing operations.

MAG is a leading machine tool and systems company serving the durable goods industry worldwide with complete manufacturing solutions. Key markets served include aerospace, automotive and truck, heavy equipment, oil and gas, rail, solar energy, wind turbine production and general machining. With manufacturing and support operations strategically located worldwide, MAG offers comprehensive lines of equipment and technologies including process development, automated assembly, turning, milling, automotive powertrain production, composites processing, maintenance, automation, and software, and core components. Go online to www.mag-ias.com.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announces the formation of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), which will focus on advocacy and education to promote the on-site generation and consumption of distributed wind energy. The new coalition will have a national scope and will be lead by Jennifer Jenkins as executive director.

DWEA will expand the efforts of AWEA, which include producing an annual statistical report and advocating on the state and federal levels for distributed wind—small and mid-sized turbines that generate enough electricity for a home or business. DWEA also joined AWEA as an event partner in the second annual AWEA Small and Community Wind Conference and Exposition last December.

Distributed wind systems create local jobs, reduce operating expenses, protect against electric rate hikes, save fuel, and reduce pollution and energy imports. The 2009 market data showed the industry reached 100MW of installed capacity, more than $80 million in sales, and more than $250 million in private equity investment. The industry is growing at a healthy rate and business prospects are improving. This is in large part due to the industry’s successful pursuit of the 30-percent federal tax credit introduced in 2009. “This group can bring additional focus to a promising sector of the wind industry that is many peoples’ first encounter with wind energy,” says AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “As homeowners, landowners, and small businesses look for ways to diversify their energy choices, distributed wind can be a very appealing way to obtain clean, American-made electricity.”

AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers. Learn more by visiting www.awea.org or www.smallandcommunitywindexpo.org.

Gurit, a leading global supplier of composite materials and technical solutions, has secured approval from one the world’s leading certification bodies for its new blade repair system, RENUVOTM. Launched at Husum Wind Energy 2010, it has secured Germanischer Lloyd Certification (GL). Rudolf Gerber, general manager wind energy, says that “Achieving GL certification is an important milestone in the market acceptance of this new technology, which is a key component in our strategy to reduce the cost of wind energy.”

The RENUVO blade repair system offers a fresh and novel approach to the many of the practical issues that have prevented more effective and expedient maintenance programs. Addressing damage arising from production, transportation and in-field use, the RENUVO system provides the solution.A wider weather window for repair has been achieved by the working temperature range starting at +5˚C. Traditional wet laminating materials must normally be used above +15˚C as they can suffer from bi-product and handling issues. Summer- and winter-grade versions of the RENUVO MPS (Multi-Purpose System) and RENUVO PP (Prepreg) are available to cope with most conditions.

The RENUVO product range has transformed the conditions for repair by using UV light from the RENUVO lamp technology to cure materials in minutes. A spot lamp is available for simple maintenance repairs with a higher intensity product available for deeper structural repairs using RENUVO PP. Both lamps are available exclusively from Gurit. Benefits include: over 50 percent reduction in structural repair time; low odor, zero VOC resin; styrene and amine-free; extended weather window for repair from +5˚C; zero post-cure for repair; and compatibility with all types of blade construction including prepreg, epoxy infusion, and polyester infusion. The Certificate is published on the Germanischer Lloyd Web site. Also visit www.gurit.com.

SSB Service, Inc., is now Availon, Inc., following changes in the parent company, Availon GmbH. The new name derives itself from “availability” and “on,” reflecting the company’s commitment to being available for its customers and keeping their turbines available.

“As a global market leader, our promise of availability demands that we are always poised for response,” according to CEO Ulrich Schomakers. “That means faster turnaround times, more maintenance services, greater availability of spare parts and components, more secure investments, and new turbine upgrades. Our goal as a global service provider is to be more available to our clients in every way which, in turn, improves their wind turbine productivity.”

Availon remains a primary supplier of SSB Wind Systems and SSB Duradrive parts. However, the renaming denotes a clear separation from these companies. SSB Wind Systems provides electrical systems for wind turbines, and SSB Duradrive manufactures specific drive solutions. “Our new name provides better emphasis on our core offering, which is independent wind turbine maintenance services for the international market,” says Schomakers.

Availon specializes in parts and services for GE and Vestas turbines, but can often service 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 Convertech 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.

“Broadening the types of turbines we’re able to service is one more way we can help customers,” Schomakers says. “With a more expansive network, we can continue to reduce response and traveling time. We can use worldwide synergies and resources for further rapid development, while maintaining a high level of customer service. Since our formation in 2007 we have grown rapidly, but thoughtfully. Our customers appreciate our commitment, our competence and, just as importantly, our independence.”

Availon, Inc., is a part of the Availon GmbH family, which has more than 170 employees worldwide with business units in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. Currently Availon operates throughout North America and Europe, but is expanding into other regions as well. Visit online at www.availon.com.

During the Canadian Wind Energy Association’s (CanWEA) annual conference in Montreal recently, Brent Bergland—construction executive with Mortenson Canada Corporation—was elected as a member of the 2011-2013 board of directors. Chosen by industry peers, he was one of five newly elected directors to the 12-member board. Mortenson is the sole engineering and construction representative on the board.

“Being elected to the CanWEA board of directors amongst a group of established peers in the Canadian wind industry is great step for Mortenson,” Bergland says. “I believe that it provides us the assurances Mortenson is being recognized for the role we are playing in Canada and also the benefits our collective North American wind experience brings to the CanWEA board. I am truly humbled and honored with this election.”

CanWEA is the voice of Canada’s wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy on behalf of its more than 450 member companies. 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.

Bergland has gained extensive wind development exposure, design management, and technical project management experience in the wind industry. He takes a wind power developer’s concepts and turns them into detailed engineering and execution plans. Since the beginning of 2002 he has been fully dedicated to the wind power industry. To date, his wind power experience includes 35 projects totaling in excess of 3,500-megawatts. He has direct involvement with approximately 1,300 megawatts of wind projects that are located in five provinces throughout Canada.

“As a representative of one of the leading EPC contractors directly involved and 100-percent dedicated to the Canadian wind industry, I have the passion to be a key contributor to the CanWEA board,” Bergland says. “I represent not only the role of a service provider to the industry, but bring a great appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that face our developer/owners, turbine manufacturers, regulators, policy makers, and communities.”

Mortenson Canada Corporation, one of Canada’s largest construction firms dedicated to renewable energy, provides efficient, quality solutions to meet the demanding needs of its customers throughout Canada. Founded in 2004, Mortenson Canada Corporation, a sister company of M.A. Mortenson, leverages the collective experience and expertise of Mortenson’s Renewable Energy Groups, which has built nearly 100 wind power projects throughout North America since 1995. The company offers a complete range of services, including program management, preconstruction, engineering, EPC contracting, general contracting, and construction management. For more information visit www.mortenson.com/wind.

Nikon Metrology, Inc., announces the release of its new ShuttlePix P-400R digital microscope, made for inspection, observation, simple measurement, and recording of high-resolution images. For on-site analysis of samples it serves as a handheld microscope that shoots high-resolution images as quickly and easily as taking pictures with a digital camera. For stationary use, the ShuttlePix microscope interfaces seamlessly with a motorized stand. With the equipped 17-inch touchscreen monitor the user can easily control, display, measure, or print images. The microscope also connects to a standard PC or laptop running dedicated 3D image reconstruction software.

“The versatility of the ShuttlePix system means the user can bring the microscope to large samples, such as an aircraft frame, turbine casting, or pipe work that often cannot be reached with a standard microscope,” says Bob Wasilesky, senior vice president of Nikon Metrology. “The unique ShuttlePix technology supports a wide range of inspection tasks in automotive, electronics, aerospace, and other industries. In combination with its imaging capabilities, it’s a very versatile, extremely useful piece of equipment.”

The ShuttlePix addresses the market need for an easy to use device that magnifies samples and can record and save images as digital files. Nikon combined its technological excellence in optical technology with its expertise in digital image processing technology to enable the creation of the ShuttlePix. The stand is equipped with a motorized Z, which does not require a PC for control. Operation of the stand is simple, allowing extended depth of focus (EDF) image capture with the touch of a button. ShuttlePix offers a 20x zoom with a magnification range of 20x– 400x on a 17-inch monitor, which is double that of competitors’ models. For optimal lighting, the zoom head has built in four-section LED ring illumination.

Nikon Metrology offers the most complete and innovative metrology product portfolio, including state of the art vision measuring instruments complemented with optical inspection and mechanical 3D metrology solutions. These reliable and innovative products respond to the advanced inspection requirements of manufacturers active in consumer, automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and other industries. Call (810) 220-4360 or go to www.nikonmetrology.com.

Wind Systems magazine has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. Wind Systems is published by Media Solutions, Inc. BPA Worldwide will track circulation for the magazine based on business/distribution, demographics, and geographic coverage. Media Solutions will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.

“The magazine’s strong growth in the wind industry has made this a perfect time to apply for membership with BPA Worldwide,” says David C. Cooper, publisher of Wind Systems and president of Media Solutions, Inc. “Embarking on this time- and capital-intensive project stands as proof of our commitment to our recipients and advertisers alike.”

A not-for-profit organization since 1931, BPA Worldwide is governed by a tripartite board comprising media owners, advertising agencies, and advertisers. Headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, BPA has the largest membership of any media-auditing organization in the world, spanning more than 20 countries. Worldwide, BPA serves over 2,500 media properties including more than 2,000 B-to-B publications and more than 600 consumer magazines and newspapers, plus events, Web sites, e-mail newsletters, databases, wireless and other advertiser-supported media. The organization has more than 2,600 advertiser and agency members.

For more information on BPA Worldwide—including the latest audit reports, membership information, and publishing and advertising industry news—go to www.bpaww.com. To learn more about Wind Systems visit the magazine’s Web site at www.windsystemsmag.com.

Broadwind Energy, Inc., announces that Peter C. Duprey has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective December 1. He will also serve on Broadwind’s board of directors.

Duprey, 53, is a veteran of the renewable energy industry, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Acciona Energy North America. J. Cameron Drecoll, Broadwind’s chief executive officer since October, 2007, is retiring, but will provide technical advice and transition support under a consulting agreement. “Peter is the right person to lead Broadwind through the challenges and opportunities of the evolving wind energy market,” according to Broadwind Chairman David P. Reiland. “He offers the vital mix of skills and renewable energy experience needed to build upon Broadwind’s strategy to be the preferred provider of integrated solutions for global wind and energy customers.”

Since 2006 Duprey served as president and chief executive officer at Acciona Energy North America and led Acciona Energy’s dramatic growth in wind development and operations, turbine manufacturing, and solar in North America. Prior to joining Acciona he was general manager of marketing for GE Energy’s wind business, and he led GE Energy’s business development efforts in renewable energy, including the acquisition of Enron Wind. Duprey’s early career included business development and financial management positions at Eastman Kodak and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Duprey holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, and an MBA from the University of Rochester in New York.

“I’m delighted to join the Broadwind team,” Duprey says. “The long-term prospects of the global wind market remain promising, and Broadwind offers customers an unmatched and unique portfolio of products and services. I look forward to working with the company’s capable, dedicated employees to grow shareholder value as we meet the evolving demands of a global customer base.”

“We thank Cam for his leadership in bringing the Broadwind model to life and wish him the best in his retirement,” Reiland says. “Cam’s passion for wind, his gearing expertise, and his commitment to Broadwind and its customers, employees, and stockholders has steered the company through this tough market. We are pleased to be able to continue to draw on Cam’s experience in future months.”

Based in Naperville, Illinois, Broadwind Energy provides technologically advanced high-value products and services to the U.S. wind energy industry. The company’s product and service portfolio provides customers—including wind turbine manufacturers, wind farm developers and wind farm operators—with access to a broad array of wind component and service offerings. These product and service offerings include wind turbine gearing systems, wind turbine structural towers, industrial products, technical services, precision repair and engineering services, and logistics. For more information go online to www.bwen.com.

Renewable energy and energy storage group Gaelectric has announced that it has successfully raised $18 million to book 960 MW of transmission capacity for its wind energy developments in Montana. Gaelectric North America says the funds raised have been placed on deposit with transmission system operators, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and North Western Energy (NWE), to book transmission capacity on their networks with power expected to flow in the period 2014-2016.

“The funding we have announced today will enable Gaelectric to advance the development of key sites in Montana with power delivered via the Bonneville Power Administration network and NorthWestern Energy networks,” according to Éamonn McGrath, president. “States like Montana, which have high quality wind regimes and that have historically confronted sizeable transmission development barriers, will now reap that value in a shorter timeframe. A recent study undertaken by E3 (Energy and Environmental Economics), experts in planning, policy, and markets in California and the West, found that of 12 states located across the U.S. western seaboard, Montana had the lowest levelized cost of energy production from wind. Furthermore, we believe the United States’ pursuit of a clean renewable energy future will soon break the logjam, which will mean that the policy environment is going to catch up with wind energy developers’ expectations.”

Gaelectric is a group of companies founded in 2004 with assets in Europe and the U.S. Each Group company is active in different fields of renewable power generation and energy storage with experienced teams specialized in all aspects of project planning, permitting, finance, engineering, and management. Gaelectric is active in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and North America, where it operates regional development offices. In 2006, Gaelectric North America opened its offices in Great Falls, Montana, and now employees 15 people in its overall North American operations. In Montana it has secured circa 250,000 acres under options in high wind resource areas, and has a medium term objective of bringing up to 2000MW of wind generation capacity to shovel ready stage. Learn more at www.gaelectric.ie.

NAES Corporation, a broad-based provider of services to the power generation industry, announces it has hired Dale Withers to assume the role of president of NAES Power Contractors, Inc., effective January 1, 2011. NAES PC is a wholly owned subsidiary of NAES specializing in construction, maintenance, and refurbishment projects that support the energy sector in North America. NAES PC focuses its talents on several key businesses, which include fossil fuel generation; hydroelectric and renewable generation; substations, switchyards and electrical balance of plant; and spent nuclear fuel cask on-site construction. NAES PC provides services ranging from specific contracts to long-term system-wide arrangements with all field-based projects employing AFL-CIO building trade’s personnel.

Withers’ background includes 40 years of experience in construction and construction management in the petroleum, chemical, and power generation industries throughout the United States, Middle East, North Africa, and South America. He was previously employed by Alliant Energy, Brown & Root, and Foster Wheeler, holding senior management positions in each. NAES, headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, is the generation industry’s largest independent, third-party provider of operations and maintenance services, and also serves the industry with specialized support services, gas and steam turbine inspections, mechanical shop repairs, and the placement of technical personnel. Go online to www.naes.com.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.—a leading supplier of innovative machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories—has brought Imad Tsay onboard as the new general manager of its Elgin, Illinois, Technical Center. Mike Land will be joining Tsay as the new sales manager. “We are pleased to have Imad and Mike take on management of the Elgin facility,” according to Bryon Deysher, president and CEO. “Imad and Mike both bring decades of experience—Mike started out as a tool and die maker, and Imad as a service and applications engineer—and their experience and their success in machine tool sales and sales management is the reason they were chosen to lead the Elgin team.”

Methods’ Elgin Tech Center is being expanded in response to the company’s success at IMTS last September. Methods sold over 50 machines there, including almost all of the machines on display at its booth. Application engineers and service personnel are also being added to the Elgin facility to meet the increasing demand for Methods’ brands. The facility can provide complete turnkey installations and cellular automation for the full line of Methods metal cutting and EDM machine tools.

Methods Machine Tools has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories for over 50 years. For more information call (978) 443-5388, e-mail sales@methodsmachine.com, or visit www.methodsmachine.com.

A European marketing and public relations firm and two North American companies have formed the Wind Marketing Alliance to provide branding and marketing strategies and services that connect wind energy clients to new and established markets on both continents. The companies are Lorenz Kommunikation, Grevenbroich, Germany; Fredricks Communications, West Fargo, North Dakota; and Advertising Marketing in Fargo. They announced the formation of the global Wind Marketing Alliance during the HUSUM WindEnergy Trade Fair and Congress in Husum, Germany.

“The Wind Marketing Alliance brings a powerful combination of wind industry and international marketing experience to serving our clients,” says Klaus Lorenz. “With our combined expertise, we can help companies build and execute strategies that are aligned and effective in the international wind energy market.”

Independently, the Wind Marketing Alliance’s founding organizations have worked in the wind energy industry for nearly 20 years and have represented some of the best-known companies in the world. Their experience includes manufacturers of turbines, towers, internal systems, precision gears, and specialty tools; construction, installation, and maintenance contractors; heavy-haul providers; and industry consultants. Its members also have been public relations partners to HUSUM WindEnergy in Europe since 1998 and in North America since 2008.

“Companies in Europe are anxious to enter or increase their presence in the North American market, and many companies in North America are interested in becoming their suppliers or partners,” according to Martin Fredricks. “We are in an excellent position to help them grow and positively impact sales, either on one continent or both.”

Lorenz adds that, through its strong networks of industry professionals, consultants, developers and trade organization leaders, the Wind Marketing Alliance also can be a facilitator for companies seeking international technology- and resource-sharing collaborations. He also said the organization intends to expand with partners in Asia, Australia, and other parts of the world where there is wind energy development. For more information go to www.windmarketingalliance.com.

Capital Safety announces the launch of the latest product in the popular Delta™ harness line from DBI-SALA, which provides premium comfort and ease of use. The newest Delta full-body harness offers industry-first features such as an improved ergonomic fit and feel, lighter-weight buckles, and high-strength webbing.

Building upon the existing line’s attributes, the updated Delta harness employs the patented No-Tangle™ triangle pattern, creating a frame that allows the harness to easily fall into place when donned and maintains ideal spacing of shoulder straps to eliminate rubbing and chafing. The 420-pound capacity harness features a soft, breathable interior and a comfort hip pad to help support the back and hips when carrying a heavy load.

With its durable yet lightweight Tech-Lite™ quick connect buckles, made of alloy aluminum material, Delta is fast and efficient to don, and is also built to last in even the toughest work environments. The harness features Revolver™ torso adjusters, which allow for quick adjustments and eliminate loose ends for workers, and liquid-resistant Repel™ webbing to promote comfort and prevent mold. In addition, built-in lanyard keepers holster snap hooks when not in use.

“The latest addition to the Delta line combines globally-accepted and proven safety features with industry-first upgrades that make Delta III the most comfortable and functional harness in its class,” says Jerry Falk, global product director. “Representing more than two decades of research and design, the newest Delta harness will surely establish its place as an industry standard for fall protection.”

For increased worker safety, the improved Delta harness offers DBI-SALA’s I-Safe™ identification tag and rip-stitch impact indicator that shows if the harness has been compromised in a fall. This provides an efficient way for users to inspect, store and track the harness’s integrity around the jobsite. Additionally, the dorsal D-ring patented spring-loaded design automatically stands up to ensure fast, easy and safe connections to fall arrest systems.

Capital Safety—one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fall protection, confined space and rescue equipment, with 12 operating sites worldwide and a passionate commitment to quality, innovation, and safety—is home of the DBI-SALA and PROTECTA brands. All of Capital Safety’s fall protection and rescue systems are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance, and professional customer service. For more information call (800) 328-6146 or go to www.capitalsafety.com.

Vestas has received an order for 24 V90-1.8 MW turbines from Oak Glen Wind Farm, LLC, for a wind project near Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Oak Glen Wind Farm is a subsidiary of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Avant Energy, Inc., of Minneapolis is managing the project. The contract includes delivery and commissioning of the turbines along with a five-year service and maintenance agreement. Delivery is scheduled for late summer 2011 and commissioning is expected by the end of next year.

“The V90-1.8 MW turbine is specifically designed to provide maximum power output at sites with medium wind speeds,” says Martha Wyrsch, president of Vestas Americas. “Minnesota is one of the leading states for wind power, and we are excited to help create more clean, reliable energy here. This project also will result in construction jobs and long-term local maintenance positions to be hired by Vestas.”

Formed in 1992, MMPA supplies electric power to its 11-member communities, all of which are located in Minnesota. MMPA is committed to renewable power production. Employee-owned Avant Energy has provided energy management services to public power utilities, universities, and large energy users for more than 20 years. This is Vestas’ 12th North American deal announced in 2010, totaling 1,655 MW among four turbine types. Six Vestas customers have ordered V90-1.8 MW turbines this year for projects in the United States and Canada.

Vestas is the world leader in providing high-tech wind power systems. Since 1979, Vestas has supplied more than 41,000 wind turbines in 65 countries. Vestas sold its first wind turbine in North America in 1981 and since has supplied more than 11,000 turbines to the United States and Canada. The company’s North American manufacturing operations are based in Colorado. This includes a blade factory in Windsor, a nacelle factory in Brighton, and a tower factory—the world’s largest—in Pueblo. Vestas has research and development offices in Texas, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Its global headquarters are in Randers, Denmark. Learn more at www.vestas.com.

Shortly after dedicating its new wind turbine manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas (see Q&A in this issue), Nordex USA secured an order for a 75 MW project using N100 wind turbines from EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc. The contract includes a five-year premium maintenance and service agreement as well as the delivery, commissioning, and testing of the turbines. This is the second time EverPower has selected Nordex.

In 2009, EverPower installed 25 Nordex N90 2.5 MW high-speed wind turbines at its Highland Wind Farm, a 62.5 Megawatt project located in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. At the time it was Nordex’ largest American wind project, and the first wind farm in the country using turbine generators that large. EverPower currently has advanced stage projects in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington totaling 600 megawatts of capacity targeted for construction within the next three years. “We are extremely pleased to be building on a solid performance record with EverPower,” says Ralf Sigrist, president and CEO of Nordex USA. “Our partnership proves that superior turbine technology makes wind power a competitive alternative to traditional fuels and can help secure the nation’s electricity supply.”

EverPower Wind Holdings develops, owns, and operates utility-grade wind farms and sells clean electricity generated from its farms to local utilities, which purchase this electricity for resale to individual consumers and businesses. The company has offices in New York, Pittsburgh, Portland, Oregon, and Bellefontaine, Ohio, and it is currently progressing wind farm projects in several states. EverPower is owned by its employees and the private equity firm Terra Firm, which has a range of institutional investors with the largest proportion being U.S.-based.

“We are very pleased with the possibility of installing Nordex turbines,” says Jim Spencer, president and CEO of EverPower Wind Holdings. “We have been impressed with the performance and reliability of the turbines installed at the Highland Wind Farm and from previous experience expect that Nordex’ next generation of turbines will have at minimum a 97 percent availability rate. We are also very excited to be the first developer to install turbines manufactured at Nordex’ new Arkansas plant. It reinforces what we have been saying—wind farms create American jobs.”

Currently Nordex’ largest U.S. order to date—150 Megawatts/60 turbines—is being installed at BP Wind Energy’s Cedar Creek wind farm in Colorado. For more information visit www.nordex-online.com.

Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announces that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke recently named Capstone Executive Vice President Jim Crouse to a national advisory committee that will promote U.S. exports of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. The 29-member Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee will advise Locke on the development and implementation of programs and policies to help expand the competitiveness of the U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. Crouse and other committee members also will develop strategies to identify and expand export markets for the industries, both in the short- and long-term.

“We will work closely with the committee to help achieve President Obama’s goal of making the United States a leader in the global green economy,” Locke said in a press release. “U.S. companies in these critical sectors need to take full advantage of increased exporting opportunities and thus will create green jobs for Americans that are needed to sustain our economic growth.”

Secretary Locke has recognized Capstone Turbine in the past. In June Capstone representatives joined him at a signing ceremony that was part of the first U.S. International Trade Mission to China under the Obama Administration. The event in Beijing recognized the distribution agreement between Capstone and Sino Clean Energy and acknowledged the companies’ efforts to broaden China’s use of clean-and-green microturbine technology developed in the United States. In addition, Capstone’s innovative U.S.-based technology and successful exporting record led Secretary Locke to award the company the Presidential E Award for Exporting in 2009. “Jim’s years of experience in the worldwide energy marketplace, and deep knowledge about decentralized energy systems will play a crucial role in advising Secretary Locke on these critical programs,” according to Darren Jamison, Capstone’s president and CEO.

Jamison noted last June during the announcement of the Beijing signing ceremony that “Sales of our low emission microturbines overseas rose significantly the last three years. The Commerce Department opens doors for us, provides advice and exceptional service, and assists with market assessments domestically and in Asia and Europe. With their help we’ve been able to broaden our network of Capstone distributors worldwide, which has led to increased sales.”

Capstone products offer a clean-and-green energy solution that ensures a reliable and uninterrupted power supply, low maintenance, and controlled energy costs. Energy efficiencies can approach 90 percent, especially in combined heat and power (CHP) or combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) applications. In CCHP applications, for example, the Capstone microturbines produce reliable electricity. At the same time, waste heat energy is captured and recycled to heat and air condition a facility via absorption cooling, thus greatly increasing system efficiencies. Learn more at www.capstoneturbine.com.

PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services announces that Fred Hilsendager has joined the company as vice president. He brings more than 20 years of retail and wholesale brokerage experience, as well as expertise in the design of leading-edge insurance, risk management, and warranty solutions for renewable energy companies, with a particular emphasis on the needs of wind turbine manufacturers.

As vice president Hilsendager will be responsible for working with retail brokers, project developers, alternative energy investors, and others across the country to promote and manage new business opportunities for the PowerGuard team. He will be based in Chicago, adding significant experience and depth to PowerGuard’s team in the eastern United States. “Demand for PowerGuard’s products and services—particularly our industry leading PowerCLIPTM  warranty solution—has increased exponentially,” says managing principal Mike McMullen. “Having a top alternative energy professional of Fred’s caliber on the ground for us on the east coast will improve our ability to stay ahead of this demand. Fred knows our products extremely well and we are pleased and excited to welcome him to PowerGuard.”

Prior to joining PowerGuard Hilsendager worked for retail broker Holmes Murphy & Associates
in Chicago, where he founded and managed their Renewable Energy Division. Earlier in his career
he held a range of production, account management, and underwriting positions at wholesale broker Tri-City and retail brokers Willis Group Holdings and the Hobbs Group, focusing on the needs of Fortune 500 accounts that included Merck & Co., Inc., General Electric, Ryobi, Mafco, Inc., and the New York Stock Exchange. Hilsendager holds finance and risk management degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia and can be reached at (312) 953-0293 or fhilsendager@powerguardins.com.

PowerGuard is a managing general agent and Lloyds cover holder specializing in the design and underwriting of unique insurance and risk management solutions for wind, solar, and other alternative energy companies. Its founders and principals have more than 20 years of experience providing innovative products and services to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the energy business.

PowerGuard’s warranty product—PowerCLIP—is the most comprehensive contractual liability coverage available to renewable energy manufactures, project developers, power generation operators, and the financial institutions and private equity firms who invest in them. For additional information visit www.powerguardins.com. 

Vectora Transportation, LLC, has been selected by Invenergy Wind LLC to provide multi-modal turbine transportation, handling, and related services for various wind farm projects in the United States. Deliveries will involve 134 complete turbines including nacelles, towers, blades, hubs, and ancillary parts, which Vectora will transport from nearly a dozen different origins in eastern Canada. The shipments will be among the largest wind logistics projects in 2010 due to the distance of travel and number of components involved.

“We are pleased to be working with one of the largest and most respected developers in North America,” says Vectora Transportation President Christopher Ball. “For a complex project such as this, our multi-modal approach allowed us to reduce their overall project transportation cost and also provide the reliability of inventory staging close to the wind farms.”

Utilizing a multi-modal approach optimized for cost and service efficiency Vectora will ship components via water, rail, and truck, utilizing the Great Lakes for marine transport, key railroad partners, and selected specialized trucking partners. Shipments originate at Vectora’s distribution center at the Port of Cacouna, Quebec, as well as various rail transloading points.

In order to support Invenergy’s demanding construction schedules, as well as other customer projects, Vectora has established a new multi-modal distribution center at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. The distribution center at Burns Harbor will support both inbound and outbound rail, marine, and truck shipments, and provide forward-positioning of inventory for Midwest wind farm construction activity. The deepwater port at Burns Harbor accommodates both barge and deep-sea vessels and provides access to all Class I railroads. Learn more by visiting www.vectoratransportation.com.

Duke Energy’s Top of the World Windpower Project near Casper, Wyoming, is now online and producing clean, renewable electricity. The 200MW wind farm, located in Converse County, supplies wind energy to PacifiCorp under the terms of a 20-year power purchase agreement. The 110 wind turbines that comprise the project are capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 60,000 homes.

With Top of the World now producing electricity, Duke Energy has 935 MW of wind power in commercial operation. This figure will rise to nearly 1,000 MW when the 51-MW Kit Carson Windpower Project in eastern Colorado comes online. In total, Duke Energy has committed more than $1 billion since 2007 to build its wind power business. “The remarkable growth of our commercial wind energy unit over the last three years illustrates our commitment to building a significant emissions-free power generation business,” says Keith Trent, group executive and president of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses. “Developing renewables projects under our low-risk business model will continue to be an important part of our company’s future.”

Top of the World is Duke Energy’s fourth and largest wind farm in Wyoming. The company’s 99-MW Campbell Hill Windpower Project in Converse County came online in 2009. Duke Energy also owns and operates two wind farms near Cheyenne: the 29-MW Happy Jack Windpower Project, which began commercial operation in 2008, and the 42-MW Silver Sage Windpower Project, which came on line in 2009. One of the turbine blades atop Tower 90 at Top of the World was inspected by President Barack Obama during his visit to the Siemens manufacturing facility in Fort Madison, Iowa, on April 27, 2010. Siemens supplied 44 wind turbines for Top of the World; General Electric supplied 66 turbines.

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar, and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns, and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities, and industrial facilities. DEGS is also working to build commercial transmission capacity to help the U.S. meet its energy needs of the future. Learn more at www.duke-energy.com.