All articles by chris cox
chris cox
EWEA 2014: where nations meet
The European Wind Energy Association has been the voice of the wind industry for nearly three decades and its annual event is a prime opportunity for its member organisations to discuss the future. CEO Thomas Becker outlines how attendees can steer the sector’s development.
Blades bigger than Big Ben
The world’s largest wind turbine blades, stretching up to 100m, are under development in the UK. Incorporating carbon fibre and using an innovative modular manufacturing technique, it is hoped the new blades will bring down the cost of offshore energy and restore investor confidence in the sector. Jack Wittels speaks to Andrew Scott, programme manager of offshore wind at the Energy Technologies Institute, about the challenges and rewards of designing these enormous prototypes.
Purchasing power: procurement with GE
Wind turbine manufacturers increasingly rely on strategic procurement to de-risk capital-heavy infrastructure projects. Julian Turner talks to Anthony Long, global sourcing leader, GE Renewable Energy, about vertical integration, building relationships with turnkey suppliers and ensuring visibility across the global supply chain.
First-rate repair: blade maintenance round table
An effective inspection, maintenance and repair regime for wind turbine blades is crucial to the efficient operation of wind farms, but given the often harsh conditions in which installations are located – on and offshore – in-situ blade repair is no easy feat. Mark Brierley speaks to Chris Smith of wind farm operator RES, turbine manufacturer Siemens’ Thomas Schlenzig, and Charles Awbery-Maskel of chemicals manufacturer and blade repair expert Sika.
Good foundations: the pros and cons of monopiles
At the end of 2012, 1,923 of the 2,688 offshore wind turbines installed worldwide used monopiles for support. But does the monopile have the ongoing potential to be even more successful? James Lawson asks Vattenfall’s Olaf Beeg and Colin Pearce of offshore engineering firm Houlder.
Keep on turning: the cost of O&M
The huge increase in global installed capacity between 2008 and 2012 naturally led to drastic growth in the wind operations and maintenance market. GlobalData’s senior power analyst Prasad Tanikella finds that technological innovation will continue to reduce costs, while China is expected to lead the world market by 2020.
The World Wind Technology Awards
Welcome to the inaugural World Wind Technology Awards, which honour the best and brightest in the industry. In this issue, we announce the winners that have proven their ability to drive forward the industry in key areas, thanks to their technological innovations and market-leading know-how.
A confidence boost for wind markets
Whether it’s subsidies, environmental legislation or supply-chain development, future trust in the US and UK wind sectors – which is so crucial to attracting investment – rests on striking the right balance between numerous factors. Dr Gordon Edge of RenewableUK and the American Wind Energy Association’s Paul Holshouser explore the impact of the latest policies upon market confidence, now and over the years to come.
Nicaragua: self-reliance and sustainability
Nicaragua, one of the lowest-income nations in the Western hemisphere, has pledged to reduce fossil fuel imports over the next three years and generate 74% of its electricity from renewable in-country sources by 2018. PRONicaragua, the Nicaraguan Government’s official investment and export promotion agency, explains how wind power will fit into its energy mix.
Gale-force growth in the US wind energy market
As the American Wind Energy Association’s ‘US Wind Industry Third Quarter 2013 Market Report’ reveals, the US wind energy market was set to finish 2013 imbued with strong momentum. Having blasted through its 60GW installed wind capacity target, it now has a wealth of installations on the cards. Carl Levesque of the association sets the scene.