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Nordex Launch their Latest Wind turbine in the Chinese and Asian Markets

wind — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:46:12 +0000

Nordex has announced the official launch of its 2.5 MW Gamma Generation wind turbines on the Chinese and Asian market.

Nordex say they are responding to the latest market requirements as well as drawing on their 25 years of wind energy experience in their release of the N90/2500kW and N100/2500kW Efficiency Class turbines.

Based on the over 1700 2.5.MW units already installed the Gamma Generation is, according to Nordex designed for all wind and weather conditions in compliance with international and Chinese standards.

The N90/2500 and N100/2500 turbines are based on a common technical platform. Nordex say that the modular design makes delivery, installation and maintenance fast and simple.

“A new software version for Nordex Control 2 is used in 2.5MW gamma platform. With the new software, power yield is improved at partial load operation.” Dr. Ni, Engineering Director of Nordex China stated.

“Starting from Germany, we are expanding our business across the globe with branches in 19 countries. Our subtlety, foresight and flexibility in the global and local markets have enabled us to gain strong footholds in three core regions: Europe, America and Asia. This is why we were one of the first foreign suppliers to enter the Chinese market, back in 1995.” Mr. Jens Olsen, CEO of Nordex China stressed.

With the demand in China increasing, Nordex say they will continue to make inroads in this market with its latest products.

Photo – http://www.nordex-online.com/en

Who is behind The Renewable Energy Foundation?

wind — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:51:49 +0000

Despite their name and mission statement, the Renewable Energy Foundation have once again been active in attempting to discredit the wind energy sector. Their declaration that they promote “sustainable development for the benefit of the public by means of energy conservation and the use of renewable energy” has been called into question, with an Energy and Environmental Management article summarising that “the REF is a front for the interests of biofuels companies, energy-intensive industries and even oil and gas companies”.

In a story released last month, the REF together with Civitas claimed that 10,000 jobs would be lost in Britain as a direct result of the government’s green policies, with this expanding to 30,000 jobs if the government’s policies are accelerated. In fact 2010 figures from RenewablesUK show that there are currently 10,800 full time employees in the wind and marine sector alone and has more than doubled in the last three years.

The EAEM article highlights the rather un-green credentials of those running and supporting the REF. It details connections of key REF personnel with biofuel (in particular palm oil) industries, energy intensive industries such as nickel, plastics and aluminium processing and oil and gas industries. It’s hard to ignore the roll-call of anti-renewable, and more specifically anti-wind characters that chair and support the REF. A roll-call that includes the NIMBY celebrity – Noel Edmonds who was a part founder of the REF after learning of the threat of a wind farm near to his Devon home.

Similar concerns were raised by the Guardian in May of this year in their article “Will the real Renewable Energy Foundation please stand up”.

The REF’s campaigning didn’t escape the notice of the charity commission back in 2008, when they were advised to assess the appropriateness of their activities in relation to their stated objectives.

The EEAM piece concludes that “All of the [industry links] represent clear evidence that the Renewable Energy Foundation has an industrial agenda aimed at skewing government policy in favour of the industries for which it is a front.

Its pronouncements on renewable energy, jobs, and especially windpower, must therefore be taken with several pinches of salt.”

UK Renewables Output up by 50% In 2011

wind — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:43:40 +0000

The recently released renewables ouput figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change have shown a significant increase in output from the sector throughout the UK. Commenting on these figures, Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

“The figures show that even in an exceptionally dry and calm year, renewables still met over 30 per cent of the annual demand for electricity from every home and business in Scotland. This reinforces that the sector is now a major part of our energy mix, and a significant part of our economy.

“Our hydro sector met more than 10 per cent of sales to consumers across the country.

“The report also shows massive growth in output in the first half of 2011 – wind up by 120 per cent and hydro up by 75 per cent this year as wind and rainfall returned to normal – meaning that renewables are providing greater levels of power than ever before.

“The sector is meeting a growing proportion of electricity demand in the UK and Scotland and this year will save yet more carbon emissions from our power sector.”

Local Councils to keep Business Rates from Wind Farms

wind — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:46:18 +0000

Local councils will soon be able to keep the business rates from wind farms if the idea is received well by the public.

A new consultation by the Department of Communities and Local government is looking for feedback on the proposals to change the way local government is funded by introducing the retention of business rates.

It is expected that business rate revenues from new renewable energy projects will be kept by the local councils within the area of the project, and that they will be discounted in the calculation of any levy that might be applied to growth in business rate revenues.

The government believes that this move may make renewable energy projects more attractive to local councils. However given the money is unlikely to be dished out to those living closest to the developments is it likely to transform the views of those against proposals? Even if it were – are people interested in the money or would it be enough? Answers to these questions may well come out of the consultation which closes in October.

Oil Dependence is no longer justified

wind — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:01:19 +0000

Oil Dependence is no longer justified, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) conference delegates were told this week.

Continuing to depend on expensive oil for energy is a losing proposition, Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy told people attending the opening session of EWEA2011 conference this week in Brussels.

“Let there be no doubt, the new energy reality is here,” Lykke Friis said. “We simply must end our oil addiction.”

Friis said political leaders must act without delay to capitalise on wind power and other renewables.

At the same session, Arthouros Zervos, President of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), warned that long term renewable energy policies and targets are needed as “we are facing a policy vacuum after 2020”.

Zervos urged politicians to give wind power and other renewables “a stable framework in which to grow” with new binding targets extended to at least 2030.

“We must ensure that the success story of renewable energy in Europe survives beyond 2020,” Zervos said, adding the wind power sector wants new binding renewable energy targets agreed to in the lifetime of the current European Commission.

Herman Van Rompuy, European Council President, said in a video message “an important step will be to consider what happens after the current successful policies run out in 2020.”

Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, told EWEA 2011 in another video message that Europe must create a single market in electricity “as soon as possible.”

More Offshore Wind Turbine Jobs for the UK

wind — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:08:40 +0000

Wind turbine giant has Siemens announced that it is to sign a memorandum of understanding with Associated British Ports to set up an offshore wind turbine manufacturing and export facility at Alexandra Dock, Port of Hull.

The investment is expected to create hundreds of green jobs at the site, with thousands more in the associated supply chains.

Welcoming the investment, Dr. Gordon Edge, RenewableUK Director of Policy, said:

“This is great news not just for Hull, but for the wider Humber region and the rest of the UK. RenewableUK estimate that with the establishment of a strong offshore wind manufacturing base, the wind industry can create 60,000 jobs in the UK by 2020.”

The Prime Minister David Cameron has also now officially confirmed he is to back plans to explore the linking up of green energy projects in the North, Baltic and Irish Seas. RenewablesUK spokesperson Gordon Edge said:

“The Supergrid, developed on the back of the expansion of the North Sea’s offshore wind programme, will connect geographically diverse renewable sources into a trans-European grid, improving grid management and boosting Europe’s energy security,”.

Anti-wind energy campaigners to cost England over £1.3bn

wind — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:45:29 +0000

UK renewable energy trade organisation RenewableUK told its members this week that anti- wind farm campaigners could cost the country £1.3bn.

A report, produced by Garrard Hassan and commissioned by RenewableUK says that England has the potential to see £1.3bn in investment that will directly create jobs and opportunities for local companies, funds for community activities and increased business rates for local authorities. However according to RenewableUK this is being threatened by the actions of anti-wind farm campaigners. The £1.3bn figure represents money that would flow directly to businesses and organisations at the local and regional level.

The report findings were broadcasted at RenewableUK’s conference in Glasgow this week. The investment opportunities in England are outlined in the report with figures are based on onshore wind farm developments seeking planning consent in England at the present time. The aim of the report was to quantify the financial benefits of wind energy to England’s regions.

The report highlights the capital expenditure opportunities for local companies engaged in construction, and the ongoing maintenance opportunities for local engineering companies during the lifespan of all wind farms. In addition, through plans that are under consideration by the government, renewable energy projects will be able to provide 100% of business rates payable to local authorities, and local community initiatives will be supported financially through funds agreed at part of the planning process.

Maria McCaffery MBE, Chief Executive of RenewableUK said:

“The UK wind energy industry is already bringing investment and jobs for local people and companies all across the country, and can deliver many more financial benefits in the years ahead. Aesthetic concerns may often be the grounds for refusal of windfarm developments at planning stage, but they can also be seen as selfish concerns when considered against the tangible benefits that wind energy can bring, not only for the benefit of the environment but just as importantly for local jobs and funds for investment, ongoing for the entire lifespan of a wind farm development. By halting developments, anti-wind farm campaigners are doing their local communities a disservice, and one that no-one can afford in these difficult economic times“.

Green Group Celebrate Town’s New Wind Farm

wind — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:00:11 +0000

A green campaign group celebrated the construction of a wind farm in the heart of England this week.

The Sustainable Energy Alliance (SEA) supported Lindhurst wind farm, just outside the town of Mansfield from the early planning stages. The wind farm had over 3000 letters of support from local people.

The 5 turbine wind farm will generate enough renewable electricity to provide for the annual average needs of around 5000 homes.

SEA coordinator, Jonathan Lincoln who grew up in Mansfield said:

“To lessen the worst effects of man-made climate change, action must be taken now to reduce the amounts of greenhouse gases we discharge into the atmosphere. Energy conservation and renewable technologies, such as wind, wave, solar and hydro, offer us a solution. Of these, wind power, both on and offshore is the most easily implemented and the most cost effective. It must and will play a key role in our energy mix. The building of this wind farm in a bid to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is a step in the right direction and a step towards a truly sustainable energy future in Notts.”

Wind power provides a clear opportunity to produce clean and sustainable energy and it works! Britain has the best wind resource in Europe and the potential to develop a world class wind industry. Furthermore, we have a responsibility and a binding commitment to international agreements designed to address climate change, and these commitments must be taken seriously.”

Despite being within 500 metres of nearby homes a spokesperson for the owner of the wind farm RWE npower said that there had only been one complaint about the wind farm. The complaint related to TV interference which was being remedied by the company.

New UK Wind Energy Record Set

wind — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:26:06 +0000

National Grid confirmed that a record was set this week for the amount of electricity generated by wind turbines in the UK.

Graham McQuarrie at the National Grid’s press office said that at 8.30pm on Monday 6 September that 1860 Megawatts was being generated from wind energy mainly from Scotland – accounting for 4.7 per cent of total generation at the time.

Over the 24 hours for the day between midnight and midnight, wind generated 5 % of all electricity – 40GWh out of a total 809GWh.

National Grid also believes that if embedded wind generation is taken into account, about 10% of the UK’s power was generated by wind on Monday.

Councillor Threatened at Wind Farm Planning Meeting

wind — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:19:42 +0000

A Councillor was threatened not to vote in favour of a wind farm in the East Riding of Yorkshire this week.

Councillor Chapman was left a phone message at 9pm on the day before the planning meeting to consider two wind farm applications. The message left was “If you vote for the wind farms you will forever be looking over your shoulder“.

Despite recieving more than 430 letters of support, the Spaldington Airfield wind farm application in the East Riding of Yorkshire was refused on Thursday, together with a nearby wind farm at Spaldington Common. The Spaldington Airfield wind farm, proposed by wind farm developer Coriolis Energy had more letters of support than opposition and was recommended for approval by East Riding’s planning officer.

Coriolis Development Director Vicky Portwain said:

“It is upsetting that Councillors failed to take into consideration the environmental and energy benefits of the Spaldington Airfield wind farm. We believe that the wrong decision was made and that decision makers need to be bold when dealing with renewable energy proposals that meet policy requirements. We will now consider our options, including that of appealing the decision“.

Both local residents and environmental campaigners spoke in favour of the application, however other local residents, including Conservative MP David Davis who lives under a mile from the proposed wind farm opposed the scheme.