Wind Turbines off shore in Germany

A consortium of companies, EWE, E.ON, Vattenfall, and DOTI (Deutsche Offshore-Testfeld und Infrastruktur GmbH), has completed construction of the first of 12 wind turbines for the alpha ventus offshore wind farm in the North Sea. It’s the first offshore wind farm in German waters. The 5-MW turbine is situated 45 km north of Borkum island. Wind turbine construction began in mid-April 2009 and all 12 turbines in the €250 million project are scheduled for work by end of 2009. “For the first time, wind turbines of this size are being constructed this far offshore in 30-m deep waters,” says Wilfried Hube (EWE), overall project leader of alpha ventus.

Ongoing activities at sea can be followed on the internet. A webcam on the research platform FINO1 is focused on the construction site. A link to the webcam can be found right here.

Renewable Grid Initiative Launched in Europe

Transmission system operators in Europe and nongovernmental organizations there have formed the Renewables-Grid-Initiative (RGI). It will call for a mandate for energy regulators to spur development of a European grid that can transmit power from wind farms and other renewable generators. “The Renewables-Grid Initiative sets the ground for speeding investments in grid infrastructure, to integrate renewable energy sources wherever produced, and whenever they become available, in full recognition of environmental concerns,” Antonella Battaglini, Senior Scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Some European companies insist that new strategic interconnections are needed to transmit electricity from remote locations to dispersed customers. Several renewable-energy sources are needed to hit targets of 20% renewable energy by 2020. About 35% of which will be electricity. A significant increase of wind-generated electricity into the European grid will come from upgrading transmission capacity.

The group says it is necessary to combine local and decentralized renewable supplies as well as solar and large-scale offshore wind. In addition, the costs of high-voltage dc and ac lines will be significant. Smart-grid equipment will make best use of the power. RGI says developing a smart grid is essential for renewable energy because it will come from many locations.