The energy transition is driving the development of offshore wind power around the world to provide communities with reliable clean power and prevent harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from being released into the atmosphere. In the United States, the development of offshore wind projects is more advanced on the East Coast due to the shallower…
Navigating risks in the U.S. offshore wind industry: Insights into insurance and extreme weather challenges
In 2023, the offshore wind insurance market will support over 5 GW of offshore wind construction along the U.S. East Coast. Considering the existing development pipeline in the United States, this number is expected to grow to approximately 50 GW within 10 years. While considered an emerging sector in North America by many, the reality…
A case for regional collaboration among states in the new offshore wind economy
In 2022, U.S. state governments increased their collective procurements of offshore wind power to over 8,100 MW. While these collective procurement targets have the potential to transform electricity generation in the United States, states have so far come to these targets and approached offshore wind development more generally, on an individual basis. To fully realize…
Managing the storm of risk in today’s wind market
Wind power operators face a unique set of risks that can be effectively managed to protect wind farm assets and ensure the viability of the operation. Whether facing required upgrades to an aging equipment fleet or incorporating new technology into the operation, wind operators can plan for associated risks with the support of healthy, vetted…
In-line mooring buoyancy developed for floating wind applications
Specializing in buoyancy, protection and insulation solutions, UK-based Balmoral has developed an in-line mooring buoyancy system for offshore wind turbines. This system is designed to secure floating wind turbines and other structures to a seabed anchor while providing uplift to the mooring line. It can also act as a connection point between the bottom and…
Tech Safety Lines opens wind blade repair training center in Dallas
Tech Safety Lines has opened its brand-new Blade Repair Training Center. This facility will provide educational opportunities for blade repair technicians by offering comprehensive and specialized training programs. The Blade Repair Training Center, located in Dallas, marks a significant milestone in Tech Safety Lines’ commitment to advancing safety standards, enhancing skill development and promoting sustainable…
Cargill recognized as 2023 Global Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan assessed the green transformers and sustainable solution industry and, based on its research results, awarded Cargill with the 2023 Global Company of the Year Award in the Global Green Transformers and Sustainable Solutions category for its FR3 natural ester solution, used for 25+ years and in over three million transformers globally, setting…
Stantec chosen as owner’s engineer for historic SunZia Transmission Project
Engineering firm Stantec has been selected by Pattern Energy Group to serve as owner’s engineer (OE) for the SunZia Transmission Project. The project is part of the largest clean energy infrastructure initiative in U.S. history and, once complete, will provide the capacity to deliver 3,000 MW of clean renewable energy to communities in Arizona and…
DOI expects 3.7 GW of offshore wind in Gulf of Mexico at next month’s auction
The Dept. of the Interior will auction tracts of the Gulf of Mexico for offshore wind leases on Aug. 29. The area has the potential to generate approximately 3.7 GW of power. “The Gulf of Mexico is poised to play a key role in our nation’s transition to a clean energy future,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth…
Maine schools and maritime institutions establish offshore wind workforce training partnership
On Tuesday, the Maine Community College System (MCCS), Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) and Diamond Offshore Wind (DOW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to a partnership that will map out workforce needs of the offshore wind industry in Maine and support the development of offshore wind technicians and other skilled workers. Leaders from the…
A new generation of medium voltage wind converters holds the key to sustainable wind power
Countries across the globe have embraced wind power, recognizing its potential to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable development. China, the United States and Germany have all made substantial investments in wind power, while the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands are all pioneering offshore wind projects, demonstrating the immense possibilities of this clean energy…
Force Control Industries releases Magnashear motor brake for wind industry
Oil shear technology leader Force Control Industries has announced the release of the Magnashear motor brake for wind turbines. Maintaining yaw and pitch drives is a challenge because of the inherent time that it takes for maintenance personnel to ascend to the nacelle. But foregoing maintenance can lead to costly failures and even more downtime.…
Tips for wind gearbox inspections using a borescope
The global shift to renewable energy and expanded use of wind power has significantly increased the number of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. The demand for wind turbine maintenance is also increasing, especially for critical components such as gearboxes. Borescope inspections of gearboxes are a cost-effective way to shorten the downtime of wind turbines…
Three questions with the California Energy Commission
The California Energy Commission (CEC) began an international visitor program more than 30 years ago, and it’s one of the state’s oldest international programs. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the CEC welcomed 71 delegations from five continents that were visiting to learn about their policies, programs and services. Clean Energy States Alliance research associate…
Biden Administration gives Ocean Wind 1 project offshore New Jersey the green light
The U.S. federal government has approved the plan for construction and operations of Oceans Wind 1 project, just 13 nautical miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The project will have an estimated capacity of 1.1 GW and is expected to create more than 3,000 good-paying jobs through development and a three-year construction cycle. This is…
Early Versus Late Drivetrain Fault Detection
What to consider to optimize your assets and decrease downtime By Tom Hall, Head of Condition Monitoring Services, SkySpecs The wind industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and as a result, the need for effective maintenance strategies has become more important than ever. One of the most critical components of a wind turbine…
WTTC’s new test bench can test wind turbine blades up to 130 meters long
The U.S.-based Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) recently ordered a new test bench to accommodate next-gen wind turbine blades. With the new test bench from R&D Test Systems, WTTC has a future-proof test setup with the possibility to perform dual-axis testing, allowing more realistic test loads and results. The new full-scale multi-axis fatigue blade test…
First foundation installed on South Fork Wind offshore project
The South Fork Wind offshore project has installed its first monopile foundation off the coast of New York. “New York is leading offshore wind development and building a green economy that will support hundreds of good-paying jobs and benefit generations to come,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This progress on building the first utility-scale offshore wind…
Opis opens concierge renewable energy training program center in Chicago
Opis Renewables, a training and O&M provider in the solar, wind and energy storage markets, has announced the launch of its turnkey concierge training program. This program offers an all-inclusive experience for renewable energy developers and project owners needing to outsource O&M, warranty and technical training. As renewable energy continues to see dramatic growth in the…
RAD Torque launches battery-powered torque wrench up to 11,000 ft-lb
RAD Torque Systems has launched the first battery-powered torque wrench series capable of torquing up to 11,000 ft. lbs./ 15,000 Nm. The B-RAD Xtreme (B-RAD X) is likely now the most powerful cordless torque wrench in the world. The new and innovative B-RAD X torque wrench comes in three different sizes: B-RAD X 5,000 ft.…