The recent AWEA Wind Project Performance & Reliability Workshop provided two days of presentations from wind-farm owners, operators, turbine manufacturers, and experts from the national laboratories on how best to ensure the successful operation and maintenance of wind projects. We’ve picked the six best presentations in the bunch and present them here. As a backdrop…
AWEA 2010 industry recap
Despite significant challenges in 2010, the U.S. wind industry continued to make good on its promise to strengthen America, and laid the foundation for a strong return in 2011. As the year closed, industry leaders appealed to Washington to adopt a long-term energy plan so the benefits of wind energy can continue for decades to come.
A victory for the wind industry: extended tax credits
The U.S. House has approved final passage of the tax bill that includes a one-year extension of the 1603 investment tax credit for developing renewable energy sources such as wind power. Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the bill without any amendments, and the president has signed it.
Are wind speeds diminishing?
Are wind speeds diminishing? AWEA blogger Tim Gray says it’s an issue that bubbles up occasionally and then gets dismissed. AWEA says no source is more informed on the topic than renewable Energy Consultant AWS Truepower, whose business relies on understand wind resource.
AWEA fall symposium: Phoenix
The U.S. wind industry, which just experienced its slowest quarter since 2007, is in the midst of a three-day Wind Energy Fall Symposium in Phoenix, Ariz., and will hear from General Colin L. Powell, U.S.A. (Ret.) in a keynote speech (open to attendees and trade press only).
The wind industry: where it’s at and what it needs to move forward
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) held a 2010 election analysis and wind industry webcast this afternoon. AWEA CEO Denise Bode and Director of Industry Data and Analysis Elizabeth Salerno shared a presentation discussing how the election results will impact the U.S. wind industry, misinformation during the campaign, the third quarter results, and legislative priorities…
America launches offshore wind farm: Cape Wind
Offshore wind has been given the go-ahead for construction in Cape Cod. The nation’s first lease for commercial offshore wind energy development was signed at the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) North American Offshore Wind Conference in Atlantic City. On stage in front of an eager group of photographers and applauding crowd, U.S. Interior Sec.…
First offshore wind conference blows through Atlantic City
The first North American Offshore Wind Conference & Exhibition was held this week in Atlantic City, N.J. Hosted by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), in collaboration with the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), the three-day conference and expo brought more than 1,500 wind industry leaders, government officials, and business executives to Atlantic City. The conference highlighted…
AWEA Off-Shore Wind Expo – The Buzz from Day 1
After successfully launching numerous onshore projects, the U.S. wind industry is looking into utilizing its offshore energy potential. But issues with money, politics, transportation, and other schematics, this is easier said than done. “It’s taking its time,” as Sara Mallo of Rotor Clip puts it. The company has been part of the offshore industry in Europe and says the market is catching on slowly in the U.S. as well.
Relentless campaigning for a national RES falls on deaf ears
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued the following statement last week from Denise Bode, AWEA CEO, in response to United Steelworkers (USW) filing a trade case against China: “China and many other countries are using every tool at their disposal to lead in clean energy manufacturing including strong renewable energy targets. The US has…
One-day symposium at Wisconsin Wind Works
The Wisconsin Wind Works, a one-day symposium on October 13, will feature panel speakers from the first tier wind production, aftermarket operations, and maintenance sectors. Panel hosts and moderators include representatives from AWEA, Office of Energy Independence, Milwaukee 7, and Great Lakes Wind Network. Symposium attendees will: Learn about Wisconsin’s 1st tier market from Wausaukee…
Wind turbine blade comes to DC with signatures and a message
GE Energy and the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently delivered a petition from Americans in the form of a 131-foot wind turbine blade. The blade traveled more than 4,000 miles through 10 states gathering signatures from Americans who support a clean energy future. After it arrived in Washington, D.C., it was parked in front…
AWEA welcomes passage of Ohio tax reform legislation
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued the following statement on the passage of a bill by the Ohio Legislature that lowers the taxes on wind power that were in place in the state. “This tax reform will encourage wind energy investment in Ohio, and it will create and protect thousands of manufacturing, construction, operations…
American Wind Energy Association on the Stimulus Plan suspension proposal
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today issued the following statement from AWEA CEO Denise Bode: “At a time when the construction unemployment rate is nearly 25% and the manufacturing unemployment rate is 13%, this proposal would cost 50,000 American workers their jobs. The truth is, by law, Recovery Act grants can only be used…
The Gearbox Standard for Windturbines gets an Upgrade
The recently drafted ISO/IEC standard for wind-turbine gearboxes is significant for many reasons. First, several organizations collaborated to produce ANSI/AGMA/AWEA 6006-A03, which was adopted without change in 2005 as ISO 81400-4, an international standard. The new draft (IEC project 61400-4), expands on preceding standards so it is more encompassing. It provides a conduit through which…
Learning from those who risk their lives
What is safety? We use the word so casually we tend to forget its basic definitions. It is the state of being secure from liability, harm, injury, danger, or risk. It’s the quality of averting or not causing injury, danger, or loss. It’s the action of being careful to avoid danger. Hailo LLC manufactures access…