North American Windpower

02/06/2020

RWE, Kyuden Mirai Partner on Offshore Joint Feasibility Study - North American Windpower

RWE Renewables Japan G.K. and Kyuden Mirai Energy Co. Inc. have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly study opportunities for fixed-bottom offshore wind project developments in Japan.

The joint bidding agreement calls for both companies to enter into a full-scale feasibility study for the offshore wind power project planned off the coast of Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture.

RWE Renewables Japan G.K. and Kyuden Mirai Energy Co. Inc. have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly study opportunities for fixed-bottom offshore wind project developments in Japan. The joint bidding agreement calls for both companies to enter into a full-scale feasibility study for the offsho...

14/05/2020

Nearly 600,000 U.S. clean energy workers have lost their jobs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic after 447,208 new workers filed unemployment claims in April – tripling the claims filed in March. That’s according to a new analysis of unemployment data released today by E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs), the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), E4TheFuture and BW Research Partnership.

Nearly 600,000 U.S. clean energy workers have lost their jobs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic after 447,208 new workers filed unemployment claims in April – tripling the claims filed in March. That’s according to a new analysis of unemployment data released today by E2 (Environmenta...

13/05/2020

Chartwell Marine, a company that specializes in next-generation vessel design, has entered a partnership with BAR Technologies to support in the delivery of the next generation of offshore wind crew transfer vessels (CTVs).

The partnership will drive the development of new vessel designs ranging from 30 m CTVs to 60 m service accommodation and transfer vessels (SATVs), making use of BAR’s patented foil optimization and stabilization system (FOSS). The partnership will see Chartwell’s structural, class and engineering design joined with BAR’s hydrofoil technology and patented hull form development expertise.

Chartwell Marine, a company that specializes in next-generation vessel design, has entered a partnership with BAR Technologies to support in the delivery of the next generation of offshore wind crew transfer vessels (CTVs). The partnership will drive the development of new vessel designs ranging fro...

12/05/2020

With its shallow, warm waters, smaller than average wave heights and close proximity to existing offshore oil and gas infrastructure, the Gulf of Mexico presents many advantages for offshore wind. However, unique conditions in the Gulf of Mexico introduce new technology challenges such as hurricane exposure, lower winds and softer soils that will require offshore wind technology to not only survive these conditions, but also to demonstrate cost competitiveness in regional electric markets.

Two recent studies conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laborator (NREL) and funded by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) have yielded promising results for the future of offshore wind energy in this region.

With its shallow, warm waters, smaller than average wave heights and close proximity to existing offshore oil and gas infrastructure, the Gulf of Mexico presents many advantages for offshore wind. However, unique conditions in the Gulf of Mexico introduce new technology challenges such as hurricane....

11/05/2020

To preserve and grow the U.S. workforce and economy following the devastating impact of COVID-19, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) has delivered to House and Senate leadership a letter outlining the value of investment in clean energy as well as the removal of barriers to execute and complete clean energy projects as part of any future stimulus package.https://nawindpower.com/cres-advocates-for-clean-energy

To preserve and grow the U.S. workforce and economy following the devastating impact of COVID-19, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) has delivered to House and Senate leadership a letter outlining the value of investment in clean energy as well as the removal of barriers to execute and...

08/05/2020

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is poised to adjust the current safe-harbor guidelines for both the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC), providing needed wiggle room and predictability for wind and solar projects that have been stalled in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is poised to adjust the current safe-harbor guidelines for both the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC), providing needed wiggle room and predictability for wind and solar projects that have been stalled in the face of the coronavirus pande...

08/05/2020

The U.S. wind industry installed over 1,800 MW of new wind power capacity in the first quarter, while the volume of projects under construction set a new record, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) newly released Wind Powers America First Quarter Report 2020.

The U.S. wind industry installed over 1,800 MW of new wind power capacity in the first quarter, while the volume of projects under construction set a new record, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) newly released Wind Powers America First Quarter Report 2020.  The report re...

07/05/2020

Van Oord has successfully installed a slip joint foundation at the Borssele Wind Farm Site V. It is the first time anywhere that a submerged slip joint was used on a full-sized offshore wind turbine on a fully commercial basis.

After years of developing the system in cooperation with its technology partners, Van Oord deployed the offshore installation vessel – Ae**us – to install the slip joint foundation. The design and production of the slip joint was certified by DNVGL in the autumn of 2019, with MottMcDonaldassessing it on bankability aspects.

Van Oord has successfully installed a slip joint foundation at the Borssele Wind Farm Site V. It is the first time anywhere that a submerged slip joint was used on a full-sized offshore wind turbine on a fully commercial basis.  After years of developing the system in cooperation with its technolog...

05/05/2020

The Port of Vancouver USA will receive a shipment of nine wind turbines including the longest wind turbine blades it has handled to date. The delivery is a joint effort between the turbine manufacturer Goldwind and the wind project owner Potentia Renewables.

The Port of Vancouver USA will receive a shipment of nine wind turbines including the longest wind turbine blades it has handled to date. The delivery is a joint effort between the turbine manufacturer Goldwind and the wind project owner Potentia Renewables. The blades for Goldwind’s GW 136/4.2 MW...

05/05/2020

The Business Network for Offshore Wind says it will convert its flagship annual International Partnering Forum (IPF) into a series of livestream events from June through August, while the Rhode Island Convention Center is turned into an overflow hospital for COVID-19 patients. The new IPF Livestream series will include seminars, networking, an exhibit hall, job fair and more.

The Business Network for Offshore Wind says it will convert its flagship annual International Partnering Forum (IPF) into a series of livestream events from June through August, while the Rhode Island Convention Center is turned into an overflow hospital for COVID-19 patients. The new IPF Livestream...

04/05/2020

In order for many states to fulfill the goals they set to significantly reduce emissions or reach complete carbon neutrality by 2050, they will have to rely on a variety of renewable energy sources. Only by using a combination of wind, solar, battery storage, hydropower, electric and alternative fuel vehicles can states attain their carbon-reduction goals.

In a series of recent webinars, IPF Virtual, hosted by the Business Network for Offshore Wind, industry leaders congregated to discuss the current state of the offshore wind industry, as well as to offer their insights and research concerning various obstacles that need to be overcome in order for the U.S. offshore wind industry to reach its full potential.

In order for many states to fulfill the goals they set to significantly reduce emissions or reach complete carbon neutrality by 2050, they will have to rely on a variety of renewable energy sources. Only by using a combination of wind, solar, battery storage, hydropower, electric and alternative fue...

30/04/2020

Mortenson has started turbine er****on work on the 248.2 MW King Plains Wind Project located in Garber, Okla., for ENGIE North America (ENGIE).

The project will be comprised of 88-2.82 MW GE turbines totaling 248.2 MW of clean energy and will span approximately 60 square miles. Mortenson was selected as the EPC contractor to construct the wind project by ENGIE in 2019.

Mortenson has started turbine er****on work on the 248.2 MW King Plains Wind Project located in Garber, Okla., for ENGIE North America (ENGIE).  The project will be comprised of 88-2.82 MW GE turbines totaling 248.2 MW of clean energy and will span approximately 60 square miles. Mortenson was selec...

28/04/2020

In a recent letter to stakeholders, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) explained the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on New York’s clean energy industry from a human resource, project development and financial perspective.

The letter explains that in response to a petition filed by NYSERDA in January, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) granted authority for NYSERDA to issue a 2020 solicitation for at least 1,000 MW of offshore wind. While NYSERDA fully supports and is poised to execute on this authorization, given the current circumstances, they feel issuing a near-term solicitation would not be responsible nor advisable.

In a recent letter to stakeholders, the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) explained the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on New York’s clean energy industry from a human resource, project development and financial perspective. The letter explains that in respon...

27/04/2020

Six U.S. Senators have written a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin seeking to extend the continuity safe harbor, provided under existing Treasury Department guidance, for both the production tax credit (PTC) and energy investment tax credit (ITC), from four years to five years for projects that started construction in 2016 or 2017.

Six U.S. Senators have written a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin seeking to extend the continuity safe harbor, provided under existing Treasury Department guidance, for both the production tax credit (PTC) and energy investment tax credit (ITC), from four years to fi...

24/04/2020

Leeward Renewable Energy LLC, a U.S.-based independent power company, has closed on the $162.9 million construction financing and tax equity commitment for its Mountain Breeze Wind Farm located in Weld County, Colo.

Leeward Renewable Energy LLC, a U.S.-based independent power company, has closed on the $162.9 million construction financing and tax equity commitment for its Mountain Breeze Wind Farm located in Weld County, Colo. Citi provided the project’s construction financing. “The financing of this wind ...

23/04/2020

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the Wind Solar Alliance (WSA), two national nonprofit organizations dedicated to accelerating the transition to renewable energy, have completed agreement to bring WSA’s staff and programs into ACORE.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) and the Wind Solar Alliance (WSA), two national nonprofit organizations dedicated to accelerating the transition to renewable energy, have completed agreement to bring WSA’s staff and programs into ACORE. These key programs, which include WSA’s gr...

22/04/2020

Solar, wind and hydropower provided 85.7% of new U.S. electric generating capacity during the first two months of 2020 – notably more than natural gas.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) latest monthly Energy Infrastructure Update report (with data through Feb. 29) reveals that wind and solar are on track to each provide more new generating capacity than natural gas over the next three years. Moreover, the mix of all renewables (i.e., biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, wind) will add nearly 51 GW of new generating capacity to the nation’s total by February 2023 – while that of natural gas, coal, oil and nuclear power combined will actually decrease by almost 2 GW.

Solar, wind and hydropower provided 85.7% of new U.S. electric generating capacity during the first two months of 2020 – notably more than natural gas.   The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) latest monthly Energy Infrastructure Update report (with data through Feb. 29) reveals tha...

21/04/2020

Avangrid Renewables and T-Mobile U.S. Inc. have agreed on a long-term contract for the Otter Creek Wind Farm in LaSalle County, Ill., and the purchase of national renewable energy credits. The 158 MW wind farm achieved commercial operation in March and is expected to generate more than 504,100 MWh annually.

Avangrid Renewables LLC and T-Mobile U.S. Inc. have agreed on a long-term contract for the Otter Creek Wind Farm in LaSalle County, Ill., and the purchase of national renewable energy credits. The 158 MW wind farm achieved commercial operation in March and is expected to generate more than 504,100 M...

20/04/2020

Wind power emerged from 2019 as the U.S.’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 GW, representing 39% of new utility-scale power additions.

With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW. In addition, wind energy is now the largest provider of renewable energy in the country, supplying over 7% of the nation’s electricity in 2019. The newly released Wind Powers America Annual Report 2019 reveals that U.S. wind energy supports a record 120,000 American jobs, 530 domestic factories and $1.6 billion a year in revenue for states and communities that host wind farms.

Wind power emerged from 2019 as the U.S.’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 GW, representing 39% of new utility-scale power additions. With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW. In addition, wind energy is now the largest provider of renew...

17/04/2020

Aker Solutions and Cognite have been awarded a $2 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) for a project called NextWind Real Time Condition Monitoring.

The project is focused on next-generation solutions in wind through digitalization and aims to develop a holistic digital solution that will enable monitoring the condition of an offshore floating wind farm and its impact on the environment via live data streaming.

Aker Solutions and Cognite have been awarded a $2 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) for a project called NextWind Real Time Condition Monitoring. The project is focused on next-generation solutions in wind through digitalization and aims to develop a holistic digital solution...

16/04/2020

Pearce Services LLC, a provider of telecommunications infrastructure maintenance, repair and engineering, has acquired MaxGen Energy Services and World Wind & Solar (WWS), independent providers of repair and maintenance services for utility-scale renewable wind and solar assets.

Pearce Services LLC, a provider of telecommunications infrastructure maintenance, repair and engineering, has acquired MaxGen Energy Services and World Wind & Solar (WWS), independent providers of repair and maintenance services for utility-scale renewable wind and solar assets. The terms of the tra...

15/04/2020

Since 2005, national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen by 10%, and power sector emissions have fallen by 27% – even as our economy grew by 25%, according to the 2020 edition of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual report on nationwide GHG emissions.

“This report highlights declining emissions trends since 2005, showing that the U.S. is reducing GHG emissions while still being able to grow the economy,” says Andrew Wheeler, administrator at the EPA.

Since 2005, national greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions have fallen by 10%, and power sector emissions have fallen by 27% – even as our economy grew by 25%, according to the 2020 edition of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual report on nationwide GHG emissions. “This report highlig...

14/04/2020

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA).

The act passed in the state Senate and the House of Delegates in March. This legislation paves the way for the expansion of offshore wind, solar, onshore wind and energy storage.

The VCEA calls for 73% or more of the state’s electricity to come from clean energy by 2035, achieving the 100% goal by 2050. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Virginia generated only 7% of its electricity from renewable sources as of 2018.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). The act passed in the state Senate and the House of Delegates in March. This legislation paves the way for the expansion of offshore wind, solar, onshore wind and energy storage. The VCEA calls for 73% or more of the s...

13/04/2020

RENOVA Inc. has selected wind turbines developed by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S in the offshore wind power generation project being implemented off the coast of Yurihonjo city in Akita Prefecture.

The Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind GK (AYOW), is jointly owned by RENOVA, Cosmo Eco Power Co. Ltd., JR-EAST Energy Development Co. Ltd. and Tohoku Electric Power Co. Inc.

RENOVA Inc. has selected wind turbines developed by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S in the offshore wind power generation project being implemented off the coast of Yurihonjo city in Akita Prefecture. The Akita Yurihonjo Offshore Wind GK (AYOW), is jointly owned by RENOVA, Cosmo Eco Power Co. Ltd., JR-...

09/04/2020

Over 80% of the nation’s voters favor offshore wind energy.Widespread support comes from both major political parties and every demographic group across the country, according to a national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

Over 80% of the nation’s voters favor offshore wind energy. Widespread support comes from both major political parties and every demographic group across the country, according to a national survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). ...

08/04/2020

Expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, the wind turbine materials market is likely to almost double, reaching $19.57 billion by 2026 from $10.76 billion in 2019.

“With the increasing population and economic development, global energy demand is rising rapidly. Many countries across the globe have been experiencing an energy gap, which is being broadened by the deliberate depletion of fossil fuels,” says Sayantan Sengupta, visionary science research analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

Expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, the wind turbine materials market is likely to almost double, reaching $19.57 billion by 2026 from $10.76 billion in 2019. “With the increasing population and economic development, global energy demand is rising rapidly. Many countries acr...

07/04/2020

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has canceled the CLEANPOWER 2020 Conference & Exhibition which was scheduled for June 1-4 in Denver.

COVID-19 government-imposed physical and legal impediments including quarantines, stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions and concerns over the well-being and safety of all attendees, exhibitors and staff, resulted in the need to cancel CLEANPOWER 2020.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has canceled the CLEANPOWER 2020 Conference & Exhibition which was scheduled for June 1-4 in Denver. COVID-19 government-imposed physical and legal impediments including quarantines, stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions and concerns over the well-being...

06/04/2020

New York State public authorities and agencies have passed legislation as part of the FY 2020-2021 state budget to speed up the siting and construction of clean energy projects to combat climate change and help the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act will create a first in the nation’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting to improve and streamline the process for environmentally responsible and cost-effective siting of large-scale renewable energy projects across New York while delivering significant benefits to local communities.

New York State public authorities and agencies have passed legislation as part of the FY 2020-2021 state budget to speed up the siting and construction of clean energy projects to combat climate change and help the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 health crisis.  The Accelerated Renewa...

01/04/2020

BayWa r.e. Wind LLC, a global developer, service supplier, distributor and energy solutions provider, has secured a tax equity commitment from a consortium led by GE Energy Financial Services for its 250 MW Amadeus Wind project located north of Rotan, Texas.

The project has also executed a hedge agreement with Morgan Stanley and closed on a construction loan with Commerzbank. The project is already in construction and is expected to be placed in service in the fourth quarter. BayWa r.e. has utilized 5% safe harbor equipment to qualify for the project for 100% PTC’s.

BayWa r.e. Wind LLC, a global developer, service supplier, distributor and energy solutions provider, has secured a tax equity commitment from a consortium led by GE Energy Financial Services for its 250 MW Amadeus Wind project located north of Rotan, Texas. The project has also executed a hedge agr...

31/03/2020

A sustained decline in the overall costs of wind turbines, as well as ambitious national- and regional-level renewable energy targets, has driven new onshore wind installation capacity to 54.2 GW in 2019, an increase of 17% compared to 2018. The global market is forecast to add an average onshore wind capacity of 54.28 GW annually through 2025, with cumulative installations expected to reach 954.47 GW in 2025.

A sustained decline in the overall costs of wind turbines, as well as ambitious national- and regional-level renewable energy targets, has driven new onshore wind installation capacity to 54.2 GW in 2019, an increase of 17% compared to 2018. The global market is forecast to add an average onshore wi...

27/03/2020

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded five winning teams under the first two rounds of the Future Grid Challenge aimed at developing solutions to integrate clean and renewable energy into the electric grid.

The project teams will help New York’s utilities such as Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Consolidated Edison, National Grid and Orange & Rockland improve efficiency and reliability to advance renewable energy integration. These public-private partnership projects support New York’s mandate for a carbon-free electric grid by 2040 and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Green New Deal, the clean energy and climate agenda that has set the State on path to economy-wide carbon-neutrality.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded five winning teams under the first two rounds of the Future Grid Challenge aimed at developing solutions to integrate clean and renewable energy into the electric grid.  The project teams will help New York’s ut...

26/03/2020

Global wind power capacity additions are expected to maintain an annual 77 GW from 2020 to 2029, according to a newly released report from Wood Mackenzie.

This represents a growth of 112% in global installed capacity from the end of 2019 to the end of 2029.

Global wind power capacity additions are expected to maintain an annual 77 GW from 2020 to 2029, according to a newly released report from Wood Mackenzie. This represents a growth of 112% in global installed capacity from the end of 2019 to the end of 2029. As noted in the Global Wind Power Market O...

25/03/2020

A new report from Navigant Research discusses the main regional and country markets driving offshore wind and analyzes trends and forecast data on a MW level through 2028.

According to the report, stakeholders looking to succeed in this market should be prepared for offshore wind to buck the decentralization trend occurring in the broader electricity generation sector. Industry players should also look for increased offshore wind placement in close proximity to dense population centers where large-scale solar PV is at a relative disadvantage, while countries and companies looking for cost-effective resources to satisfy clean energy demand should recognize fast-decreasing offshore wind costs.

A new report from Navigant Research discusses the main regional and country markets driving offshore wind and analyzes trends and forecast data on a MW level through 2028. According to the report, stakeholders looking to succeed in this market should be prepared for offshore wind to buck the decentr...

24/03/2020

PanGeo Subsea Inc., a marine geophysical-geotechnical service delivery company, and ThayerMahan Inc. have executed a cooperative partnering agreement to provide a complete suite of state-of-the-art seabed and sub-seabed survey technologies to reduce risk and provide unsurpassed 3D acoustic imagery to clients in the offshore energy industry, to national security stakeholders, academia and the scientific communities.

PanGeo Subsea Inc., a marine geophysical-geotechnical service delivery company, and ThayerMahan Inc. have executed a cooperative partnering agreement to provide a complete suite of state-of-the-art seabed and sub-seabed survey technologies to reduce risk and provide unsurpassed 3D acoustic imagery t...

23/03/2020

COVID-19 will pose significant challenges to the American wind power industry, which represents the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S. and over 114,000 jobs in the U.S. economy. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has released its initial estimate for how the virus will affect the wind industry, noting the virus could put over 35,000 jobs at risk and jeopardize $43 billion in investments and payments to rural communities.

COVID-19 will pose significant challenges to the American wind power industry, which represents the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S. and over 114,000 jobs in the U.S. economy. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has released its initial estimate for how the virus will affect th...

20/03/2020

Marubeni Corp. is preparing to launch Japan’s first large-scale offshore wind power generation business.

Traditionally wind farms in Japan have been small-scale operations but this $894.4 million project will see around 33 turbines at the ports in Akita and Noshiro and be operational by the end of 2022. The two wind farms will have a combined capacity of 140 MW and will comprise wind turbines installed on bottom-fixed foundations and onshore substations.

Marubeni Corp. is preparing to launch Japan’s first large-scale offshore wind power generation business. Traditionally wind farms in Japan have been small-scale operations but this $894.4 million project will see around 33 turbines at the ports in Akita and Noshiro and be operational by the end of...