Quiet wind-turbine comes to U.S. homes

The turbine, with a 7-foot diameter, also has two fins to direct the turbine to face the wind. It can turn 360 degrees and shut down if the wind is too high.

It can generate 1.5 kilowatts with 14 mile-per-hour wind and about 2,000 kilowatt-hours over a year, the company said. U.S. households typically consume between 6,500 and 10,000 kilowatt-hours in a year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

At a cost of $10,000 installed, it's a bit lower than the typical per-watt cost of solar electric panels. But state rebates, the cost of electricity, and the wind or solar resource make a big difference on the actual up-front cost. Cascade estimates the payback on the upfront cost can be as low as three years, but that it varies widely.

Small wind recently benefited from the extension of renewable energy tax credits, which gives consumers a $1,000 tax credit for residential systems and $4,000 for commercial buildings.

Cascade, which is based in Grand Rapids, Mich., has installed 9 Swift turbines in the U.S. and has a backlog of 25 orders, according to Jessica Lehti, the company's senior product marketing manager.

The mix of customers is spit in half between residential and commercial customers. Even with the economic downturn, the company expects that it can sell to customers who purchase renewable energy products for both economic and environmental reasons.

Cascade, which specializes in plastics, has partnered with the Scotland-based Renewable Devices, which originally designed the Swift. Cascade is selling the product in the U.S.

The company says the turbine is best suited for places with average winds and needs to be placed two feet above the roofline.

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10075828-54.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0 Date: 27-10-08

Wind Industry Installs 1,400 MW in 3rd Quarter of 2008

The U.S. wind energy industry installed 1,389 megawatts (MW) this quarter, bringing to 4,204 MW the total of wind power projects completed in what is expected to be another record year, the American Wind Energy Association announced in its 3rd quarter market report.

With even more reported under construction, the industry is on track to surpass the banner year of 2007, when 5,249 MW were installed, with a total of about 7,500 MW this year. 7,500 MW would generate enough electricity to power equivalent of about 2.2 million homes.

In welcome news for the economy, the industry is also aggressively expanding its manufacturing base in the U.S., creating jobs and fostering investment and growth even in a difficult financial climate. AWEA’s report tallies the opening of eight new wind turbine component manufacturing facilities this year, the expansion of nine facilities and the announcement of an additional 19 facilities. As a result of recent manufacturing investment, AWEA estimates, the share of domestically made components in wind turbines has risen from about 30% in 2005 to 50% today. The new facilities will create an estimated 9,000 jobs.

“The convenient truth here is that wind power provides a stimulus for our economy, as well as a climate change and energy security solution,” said Randall Swisher, AWEA's executive director. “The market, in spite of all its turmoil, clearly points to wind power as one of the most attractive energy options available today. But if we are to keep this momentum going, the new President and Congress will need to put in place what the majority of the American people support but the country still lacks: a long-term renewable energy policy.”

Texas, repairing the benefits of its excellent wind resource and a proactive transmission expansion policy, added 693 MW - the most wind power capacity of any state in the 3rd quarter. Texas moved into the 6 GW category, which propels it into the ranks of global leaders. Only Germany, India and Spain had more wind energy capacity installed at the end of last year.

The state with the fastest wind power capacity growth was West Virginia, which more than tripled its existing capacity with the addition of a 164-MW project; another 100-MW project is scheduled to come online in West Virginia by the end of the year.

Utah added its first multi-turbine project, the 9-turbine Spanish Fork Project.

The Dakotas: Acciona Energy, a wind turbine manufacturer, brought its first U.S. turbines online at a 120-turbine project straddling the North Dakota / South Dakota border.

Based on projections for the remainder of the year, 2008 will mark the fourth year in a row that new wind capacity installations have set records, but that is not expected to continue next year. With some 8,000 MW already under construction for completion this year or next, the wind industry remains relatively strong. But because of the late extension of the wind production tax credit and the evolving financial crisis, new construction starts are expected to slow in 2009.

Source: http://www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com/rea/news/story?id=53932&src=rss Date:24-10-08

Britain has enough offshore wind farms to provide power to 300,000 households.

Britain now has enough offshore wind farms to provide power to 300,000 households. The UK has become the world's leading producer of offshore wind power, toppling Denmark from the top spot. The completion of the latest wind farms off the Lincolnshire coast has take the industry past 3 gigawatts capacity mark.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the news in a video message to the British Wind Energy Association's (BWEA's) conference this week. Total wind capacity from onshore and wind farms at sea is enough to provide power for the equivalent of 1.5m homes, the British Wind Energy conference was told.

In the message he told delegates at the conference that Britain has know for a long time that it has the best wind energy resources in Europe. He added that the UK is well on its way to making full use of the wind around its shoreline. Brown anticipates that by 2020 the North Sea will be to wind power production what the Gulf of Arabia is to oil production.

The prime minister also pledged that the economic crisis wouldn't derail Government plans for cleaner and cheaper forms of energy. "You may have heard some people say that these difficulties economic times should or will reduce the Government's commitment to building a low carbon economy. They should not and will not," he said.

Within ten years offshore wind farms in Europe will be producing 40GW of power and about 50 percent of the total will be in British waters. Mr. Brown told the conference that there was a potential ￡100bn market for renewable energy which would create huge opportunities and create 160,000 jobs.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/10/22/eawind122.xml Date: 22-10-08

Hyundai Buys Into Wind Power

Korea based Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the largest shipbuilder in the world and a major engineering conglomerate, is set to enter the global wind energy market. Hyundai signed a deal to build wind turbines designed by American Superconductor (AMSC), a leading U.S. energy technology company.

American Superconductor Corporation has licensed two of its proprietary wind turbine designs to South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. Under the terms of the contracts, AMSC’s wholly owned AMSC Windtec™ subsidiary will license designs to HHI for its proprietary 1.65 megawatt (MW) and 2 MW doubly fed induction wind turbines. HHI plans to commence production of 1.65 MW wind turbines by the end of 2009 and will initially target the United States market. HHI’s marketing and sales rights for both wind turbines extend to dozens of countries around the world.

In addition, to receiving upfront license fees, AMSC will receive royalty payments for the first several hundred 1.65 MW and 2 MW turbines that are sold and has also a deal to HHI with some of the components featured in the turbines. Resembling the push of its rival engineering giant General Electric (GE,) HHI is investing heavily in breaking into the booming market for renewable energy technologies. HHI is a global leader in turnkey power plants and offshore projects, and a major global supplier of high voltage electrical equipment.

“Having dominated the shipbuilding market and built a very strong presence in the broader power, offshore and industrial sectors, we view renewable energy as one of Hyundai Heavy Industries’ next great growth opportunities,” said Young N. Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, HHI Electro Electric Systems. “Wind power is being adopted at a rapid pace worldwide as nations seek to enhance their energy independence and reduce carbon emissions. After an extensive global search, we selected AMSC Windtec based on the strength of its technology and its ability to create the fastest, most effective pathway for HHI to enter the global wind market.”

The Korean company is also working on its second solar cell manufacturing plant in Eumseong, south of Seoul, Korea, which is expected to boast an annual capacity of 300MW.

The deal with American Superconductor comes just days after the conglomerate announced that it has received $30m order to supply 7MW of photovoltaic solar cells to Italian solar panel from Albatech. HHI is in the midst of investing approximately $1 billion to expand its renewable energy business. In addition to producing wind turbine generators and complete wind turbines with AMSC Windtech's assistance, the company is constructing its second solar cell-producing plant, which can produce 300MW annually, in Eumseong, south of Seoul, Korea.

Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/081015/20081015005151.html?.v=1 Date: 15-10-08

Global Wind Power To Grow By Over 70% by 2012

According to the "Global Wind Power Report 2008" released by Research and Markets, the global wind industry is estimated to grow by more than 70% and reach 160 gigawatts by 2012. The report states wind is the world's fastest-growing energy source with an average annual growth rate of 29% over the last ten years, while power generation costs of wind energy have dropped by 50%. This represents a twelve-fold increase from a decade ago, when world wind-generating capacity stood at just over 7.6 gigawatts.

Since emerging as a fuel source a decade ago, wind energy has grown rapidly into a mature and booming global industry. The power generation costs of wind energy have fallen by 50%, moving closer to the cost of conventional energy sources. The future prospects of the global wind industry are very encouraging and it is estimated to grow by more than 70% over the next five years to reach 160 gigawatts by year 2012.

Global Wind Power Report 2008 analyzes this industry, starting from the basics to what is driving this industry. The report starts off with a brief overview of the global energy market which contains data on global energy statistics, outlook for the industry, the growing focus on renewable energy worldwide, and of course, the potential of wind energy. The report then moves on the discussing the basic technology behind wind turbines. The section looks at component and principles of wind turbines and the various types of wind turbines available today.

Further, the report discusses in details the global wind industry with current wind turbine installations, recent industry developments and future prospects of the technology. The document also presents insights into the factors that are encouraging this industry along with challenges that need to be addressed for future growths. A detailed cost analysis is presented to give current and future generation costs and its costs are compared with other technologies.

The Research and Markets report further investigates developments and trends in various countries across the world. For each of these countries, report covers current development, factors driving growth, policy to support wind energy and future prospects of wind energy in that country. Brief profiles of leading vendors and developers including - Suzlon, Enercon, Gamesa, Ge, Nordex AG, Siemens, and Vestas - is also presented. The report also presents a study of some recent and important wind power projects across the globe.

For more information, pls visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a1c452/global_wind_power

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/27159236/ Date: 13-10-08

British Columbia's First Wind Farm

British Columbia's first commercial wind turbine has been erected on a ridge west of Chetwynd for the Dokie Wind Project, and construction is advancing at the Bear Mountain Wind project site outside Dawson Creek. British Columbia is making its debut as a wind energy producer, long after other provinces have begun harnessing wind to help light homes and industry. The Dokie Wind Project aims to produce power from seven turbines early next year, with 48 huge windmills spinning by the end of 2009 and phase two to follow at a nearby site.

Bear Mountain Wind near Dawson Creek is on time and on budget for completion of its 34-tower wind farm next November. Both companies should be at their full 100 megawatt capacity around the same time next year. Each will provide enough power for 30,000 or more average homes.

Despite British Columbia's reputation as clean, green and nuclear free, there are already dozens of wind farms in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, across the prairies to Alberta and even one in Yukon. It wasn't until the B.C. government required BC Hydro to reach self-sufficiency with new clean energy from independent sources that investors turned to this province.

Bear Mountain was conceived by a local cooperative in Dawson Creek. It's now 100 per cent owned by Calgary-based AltaGas Income Trust, which is diversifying its natural gas production with power projects, including B.C. run-of-river and its first wind farm.

David Huggill, Canadian Wind Energy Association policy manager for Western Canada, says there are several factors making wind a better investment in B.C. One is a recognition that wind and hydro work well together, with utilities able to hold back water when the wind is blowing. Another is that the best hydro sites are now being developed and both their construction cost and environmental impact are better recognized.

Once it has an environmental certificate to proceed, "a wind farm can be on the ground and generating power to the grid within two yeas," Huggill said. "I think you'd be hard pressed to find a hydro project that could match that kind of time frame."

On the horizon is another incentive, wind projects as a carbon offset for energy companies such as AltaGas. AltaGas expects to gain revenues from offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, but until a carbon market evolves in Canda, projects like Bear Mountain have to stand on their own.

B.C. Energy Minister Richard Neufeld said BC Hydro's latest call for clean power produced bids that average around $75 a megawatt hour, with wind on the high side compared to run of river. Tidal and wave generation, by comparison, is estimated to cost $250 to $400.

Source: http://www.windenergynews.com/content/view/1430/43/ Date: 15-10-08

U.S. – Offshore Wind Investment

Even with today's credit crunch and falling energy prices, money continues to flow for new U.S. wind farms. Offshore wind has particular potential for rich rewards in the wind energy business. Atlantic coast and other offshore wind locations promise clean, ample energy in areas that fetch some of the highest electrical rates in the U.S. So while offshore turbines are expected to cost 50% to 70% more to build than land-based systems, they may generate 100% more revenue.

Major onshore wind developers are also dividing into the offshore wind craze in some capacity: Babcock & Brown, Energias de Protugal (EDP Group), Iberdrola Renewables, FPL Group, Inc and Gamesa, among others.

While no pure-play wind companies trade in the U.S., there are a few ways for investors to tap into any future success in the emerging business. Utility giant FPL Group Inc. is the largest company developing U.S.-based manufacturer of turbines. Vestas, the world's leading manufacturer of wind turbines, and Nordex, another turbine marker, both trade on the Copenhagen Exchange. Mitsubishi, which trades in Japan, makes some of the largest turbines now in use. Several environmentally-oriented mutual funds and exchange traded funds also provide exposure to wind energy. One such vehicle is the First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy ETF. Babcock & Brown bundles up wind farms assets for its Babcock & Brown Wind Partners, a publicly traded wind energy fund in Australia.
Industry proponents also point out that the most convenient way for Americans to support wind power development is by participating in green power programs offered by utility companies. Usually more expensive now, green energy rates could become more competitive if the environmental costs of carbon emissions from coal-fired electric plants and other sources get factored into rates under cap-and-trade programs now underway in parts of the U.S. The cost of alternative energy will also come down as it gains in economies of scale.

In the global race to build offshore wind turbines to feed a power-hungry grid, Europe leads the U.S. by a score of 1,110 megawatts to zero. With the potential to supply as much as 20% of the U.S.'s growing and critical electrical power needs, proponents often refer to America as the Saudi Arabia of wind. But while giant turbines star in political ads this fall, the U.S. still gets only about 1% of its electricity from breezes.

That's starting to change as Texas, California, and many other states complete new land-based wind farms, prodded along by state-enforced renewable portfolio standards. With carbon emissions now auctioned off under the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, wind power could soon offer an additional value as a carbon offsetting vehicle.

So far, U.S. offshore wind projects have been scuttled by community opposition, such as the notorious Cape Wind development about five miles off the Massachusetts shore, stymied for years by opponents that included some of the wealthiest residents along Nantucket Sound. Despite the chilly reception, Babcock & Brown moved to leverage its sizeable presence in the onshore market and moved to buy offshore wind developer Bluewater Wind of Hoboken, N.J., for an undisclosed sum in 2007. At the time, Bluewater Wind had been selected to negotiate a contract to provide power in Delaware.

The effort paid off this summer as Bluewater Wind inked the nation's first offshore power purchase agreement in a pact with Delmarva Power, a unit of Pepco Holdings Inc. With the project's 440-foot towers planned for construction some 12 miles out at sea, Armistead said the wind turbines will be much less visible than others already proposed around the country. The Delaware project and others will take another step forward after the end of the year, when the U.S. Minerals Management Service completes leasing rules for offshore energy projects.

Other projects off the Atlantic coast are also under review in New York and elsewhere, with participation from Bluewater Wind and others. Last month, the State of Rhode Island chose Deepwater Wind to develop a $1 billion wind farm off its coast. Deepwater Wind lists deep-pocketed investors such as First Wind, asset management giant D.E. Shaw and Ospraie Management, an alternative energy asset manager.
The economics of offshore wind development continue to make sense, although the cost of construction could range 50% to 70% higher than on-shore development. Babcock & Brown's biggest land-based project, Gulf Wind in Texas, will cost about $600 million to build 118 giant turbines to generate 283 megawatts of electric power. Factoring in the current U.S. production tax credit, and a cost of about $5 million for each giant turbine, Babcock & Brown will recoup its investment within seven to nine years.

The demand for such projects remains relatively strong, with the value of the electricity and power purchase agreements with utility companies forming the foundation. With offhshore wind, similar economics could make thebusiness viable, especially when factoring in the significantly higher price and demand for electricity on the Eastern Seaboard. Traditional oil and gas drilling rig operators may try to sell their wres to boost the offshore wind, since the industry plans to build in area less than 400 feet deep -- already in the realm of hte shallow water jack-up rig market. Oil services firm Vetgo Gray Inc. with plans to develop patents and methods for installing wind turbines on offshore oil rigs. A lot of oil service firms have old rigs that could possibly hold a wind turbine. The jack-up rigs can go in up to 400 feet of water. Some of the proposed offshore wind farms are only in 200 feet. Even if the old jack-up rigs aren't used, the offshore wind turbines will require some drilling to lay down undersea foundations. Offshore wind business could provide a lift for Hercules Offshore or Oceaneering International.

The U.S. has a long way to go to catch up to Europe, led by Britain and Denmark, which both boast more than 400 megawatts of offshore wind power. Still, the offshore wind power potential in the U.S. is impressive, as are the investment opportunities.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/energy-pioneers-eye-offshore-wind/story.aspx?guid={EF09C51D-AC5A-4306-8F7A-B736425C107D}&dist=TQP_Mod_mktwN Date: 08-10-08

Brazilian Wind Power Potential

Wind energy in Brazil could increase capacity by 1GW annually in the next 10 years, according to Lauro Fiuza Jr, president of Brazil's wind energy association ABEEólica. He believes the Brazilian government needs to come up with a long-term wind power program for that to happen.

Fiuza contends the program must include holding seperate wind power auctions, linking transmission lines directly to wind farms and ensuring the freedom to sell carbon credits and PPAs running at least 20 years.

ABEEólica believes a long-term policy would attract major companies to Brazil, increasing the sector's competitiveness. "Brazil has limited suppliers and its curcial to increase the number of investor to boost the sector," he said at an energy conference in Rio. "Current installed capacity in wind power in Brazil is only 256MW and the country has 143GW of estimated potential, not including offshore."

The belief in Brazil that wind energy is expensive is a major obstacle for the renewable soucr. "Wind power is less expensive than imaginable because it costs less than a third of a fossil liquid fuel-fired thermo plant," he said.

Brazil's government has said it will hold a wind power auction next year.

Source: http://www.windenergynews.com/content/view/1427/45/ Date: 09-10-08

New Jersey’s Big Offshore Plans

New Jersey’s Governor called for a tripling of the state’s commitment to develop offshore wind energy. “We will be changing the objective from 1,000 mega watts to 3,000 mega watts by 2020,” says Governor Jon Corzine. That would mean about 13 percent of New Jersey’s electricity needs would come from the ocean’s breeze.

Experts say all this make sense given the fluctuating cost of foreign oil and concerns over green houses created by burning fossil fuels. “We think this is a very important commitment when moving into alternative energies,” says Corzine.

Last week the State Board of Public Utilities granted $4million out of an earmarked $19 million dollars for developing wind energy to a joint venture of PSEG and Deepwater Wind called Garden State Offshore Energy. At least $15 million could still be up for grabs.

“We have the ability to build a second industry side by side ours,” says Daniel Cohen president of Fishermen’s Energy, a group made up by those who harvest the sea. He hopes today’s announcement means his company will get another serious chance to start building a wind farm. “We have the docks; we have the men, the employees who want to be re-trained. And we can deliver to the state a significant portion of that offshore energy,” says Cohen.

Cohen says Fishermen’s project could be built more quickly than others and nearly all the jobs it creates would be in South Jersey. Something he has discussed with the Governor. Several other groups join Fishermen’s desire to help kick start a massive wind energy industry, but the most concrete plans as of now are for 96 turbines from GSOE about 15 to 20 miles off the local coast.

Source: http://www.windenergynews.com/content/view/1426/43/ Date: 08-10-08

Bluewater To Erect Wind Turbine Park To Be Built Off New Jersey Coast

Bluewater invited to meet with officials about additional off-coast energy projects

New Jersey utility regulators chose a PSEG-backed wind-power venture Friday for a 350-megawatt offshore pilot project, potentially giving Bluewater Wind's Delaware startup a new neighbor in the booming industry.

Bluewater, a company that already plans to build more than 60 turbines off Rehoboth Beach, was a runner-up in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities competition for up to million in state assistance.

Bluewater spokesman Jim Lanard said more offshore wind opportunities already have emerged in New Jersey and elsewhere. Gov. Jon Corzine's office, he said, invited the company to meet with energy officials after the utilities board meeting Friday "to talk about state policies that would support additional wind parks off the coast."

"We're feeling really optimistic and excited about the prospect of developing a Delaware and a New Jersey project, perhaps simultaneously, so that our mobilization of resources can provide the best economies of scale for ratepayers," Lanard said.

Meanwhile, the state of Maryland earlier this week collected formal "expressions of interest" for alternative energy projects to serve state and county government buildings -- including offshore wind. Bluewater submitted its entry Wednesday.

"This is a great day," said Jeff Tittel, chairman of the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter. "We'd like to see at least another wind-farm project, or more. It's a lot cheaper than building a new nuclear plant."

New Jersey's utilities board chose Garden State Offshore Energy for that state's first ocean wind farm. The .1 billion plan by Garden State -- a joint venture of PSEG Renewable Generation and Deepwater Wind -- calls for 96 turbines off Atlantic City and Avalon, supported by the state's million startup subsidy.

Bluewater had proposed a 348-megawatt wind farm off Atlantic City.

"PSEG believes that to meet the challenges of climate change, we need to move forward in three areas -- expanding energy efficiency and conservation, investing in renewables and planning for additional clean central station power," said Ralph Izzo, chairman, CEO and president of PSEG. "We believe that offshore energy has great potential to bring clean energy and jobs to New Jersey."

PSEG spokesman Paul Rosengren said the wind farm's electricity would be sold to the regional market, or possibly to individual wholesale buyers, such as food-store chains hoping to market their businesses as environmentally friendly.

Corzine was expected to address the state's long-range energy plan separately as early as next week, possibly with an increase in the state's long-range wind goal, now set at 1,000 megawatts. Environmental groups have urged a 3,000-megawatt target by 2020. Current goals call for at least 20 percent of electricity needs to come from renewables by the same year.

Bluewater already has a contract to build an 0 milllion wind farm with a capacity of 200 megawatts in federal waters off Rehoboth Beach, with electricity earmarked for Delmarva Power. The company is seeking other business, including with Maryland, that could triple the size of the operation and expand to a second wind farm off Ocean City, Md.

Delmarva's contract with Bluewater includes assurances that the utility will get "most-favored" rates if an expansion creates lower costs for other buyers. Under the current deal, Delmarva customers will pay about extra per month over the 25-year life of the contract, compared with electricity from conventionally fueled plants.

Wind-power advocates have argued that rising fossil fuel costs and tougher pollution controls will drive up rates for regular plants, eventually making wind and other clean fuels more competitive.

Also in the running in New Jersey was Fishermen's Energy of New Jersey LLC, which planned to build eight turbines three miles off Atlantic City and 66 turbines six miles out.

In Delaware, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary John A. Hughes said he hopes Bluewater considers development of consolidated on-shore work and management centers for wind projects across the region. The wind company's parent, Babcock & Brown, already has made some commitments to making Delaware a hub for offshore wind enterprises.

"We can offer really advantageous shore facilities," Hughes said. "There's no particular reason to build two assembly sites capable of handling 400-ton objects 50 miles from each other."

Five countries currently have operating wind turbines offshore: Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. Germany also is developing offshore turbines.

Onshore turbines currently dominate the American wind market, producing 19,500 megawatts across 35 states, or about 1 percent of national electricity consumption.

Source: http://www.windfair.net/press/5318.html Date: 03-10-08

Bird study favors wind turbines

Wind turbines do not drive birds from surrounding areas, British researchers said on Wednesday, in findings which could make it easier to build more wind farms.

Conservation groups have raised fears that large birds could get caught in the turbines and that the structures could disturb other species.

But scientists found only one of the 23 species studied, the pheasant, was affected during their survey of two wind farms in eastern England.

The findings published in the Journal of Applied Ecology could help government and business efforts to boost the number of wind farms as a way to increase production of renewable energy.

“This is the first evidence suggesting that the present and future location of large numbers of wind turbines on European farmland is unlikely to have detrimental effects on farmland birds,” Mark Whittingham, whose team from Newcastle University carried out the research, said in a statement.

“This should be welcome news for nature conservationists, wind energy companies and policy makers.”

The survey studied the impact of two wind farms on about 3,000 birds in the area, including five species of conservation concern — the yellowhammer, the Eurasian tree sparrow, the corn bunting, the Eurasian skylark and the common reed bunting.

The researchers recorded the density of birds at different distances from the turbines and found that aside from the pheasant, the structures posed no problems.

The new findings are important because the European Union is committed to generating 20 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2020 and is also seeking to boost biodiversity.

The study did not look at the danger of the birds colliding with the turbines, which has been a worry of conservationists, Whittingham said.

Spanish utility Iberdrola, Germany’s E.ON and Scottish & Southern Energy all operate wind farms.

In August, Czech power group CEZ announced plans to build the biggest onshore wind park in Europe.

Source: http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/10/01/study-eases-fear-about-wind-farm-threat-to-birds/ Date: 01-10-08

GE Invests $100M in 2XL Turbine

GE Energy announced it has already received more than one gigawatt of commitments for its 2.5xl wind turbine over the next year and a half. That represents enough clean, wind-generated electricity to meet the needs of more than one million German households.

To meet the growing demands of Europe's wind power industry, GE Energy also announced the evolution of its wind turbine manufacturing facility in Salzbergen, Germany. The Salzbergen site will allow GE Energy to focus additional resources on meeting the strong demand for wind energy in Europe.

Historically, Europe has been and continues to be one of the world's strongest regions for wind energy development. According to the European Wind Energy Association, Europe's installed wind capacity has increased almost six-fold since 2000 and GE expects strong growth to continue.

Recent orders for the 2.5xl include a contract to supply 12 of the machines for Wind Farm Serra in southern Italy, a project that will take that country a step closer to meeting its goal to become one of the leading producers of wind energy in Europe. This project will mark the debut of the GE 2.5xl technology in Italy.

"GE has invested more than $100 million in launching its 2.5xl wind technology, services and expanding its Salzbergen facility," said Victor Abate, vice president-renewables for GE Energy. "As GE's European Renewable Energy Center of Excellence, the Salzbergen site is the base for the serial production of the 2.5xl wind turbine--a high reliability machine specifically designed to meet the immediate requirements of Europe, where the lack of available land can constrain the size of projects."

In addition to greater manufacturing capacity, the Salzbergen expansion will increase GE's European training and service resources and has created more than 160 jobs. "The expansion further enhances our capability to provide reliable, timely support for our customers throughout Europe," Abate noted. "It illustrates our commitment to be a leading supplier of renewable energy technologies for Europe, operating from a local base and developing local talent."

"Across Europe, power producers increasingly are turning to cleaner, innovative ways to meet their energy needs," said Ricardo Cordoba, president of GE Energy Western Europe and Northern Africa. "To meet this growing demand, GE continues to enhance our diverse portfolio of energy options, including wind, as illustrated by the expansion of the Salzbergen facility."

Since entering the wind business in 2002, GE Energy has become the largest U.S. supplier of wind turbines and one of the largest in the world. To date, more than 11,600 GE-technology wind turbines have been installed or committed for projects worldwide. The 2.5xl wind turbines represent GE's most advanced wind turbine technology in terms of efficiency, reliability and grid connection capabilities. The 2.5xl has been designed to yield the highest annual energy production in its class and builds upon on the success of GE's 1.5-megawatt machine, which is the world's most widely deployed wind turbine. With a rotor diameter of 100 meters and GE's advanced grid integration technology, the 2.5xl is enabling power plant operators to meet the latest stability and availability standards of European distribution networks.

The Salzbergen plant expansion includes the addition of 28,000 square meters of property, revamping of the production hall to prepare for the ramped up production of the 2.5xl wind turbines, and adoption of LEAN six sigma manufacturing processes.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/ge-energy-invests-more-100/story.aspx?guid={6AB5CE2A-37BF-42CD-BD24-5089F205D909}&dist=TQP_Mod_pressN Date: 01-10-08

New Zealand Wind Farm Reconsidered

A multimillion-dollar New Zealand wind farm proposal is on the verge of being rejected because of visual pollution concerns, despite a winter of power cut fears.

A report by Greater Wellington regional council recommends a five-year moratorium on wind farm development at Belmont Regional Park, five years after the council called the site a "world-class wind farm opportunity".

The Belmont wind farm - up to 81 turbines sited near Porirua - had a price tag of between $117 million and $138 million five years ago. At least three parties were interested in developing it.

The move to put it on the back burner comes as concerns grow about the visual effects of wind farms. The Environment Court ordered recently a "cumulative effects analysis" on two controversial Central Otago wind farms - Meridian Energy's Project Hayes and Trustpower's Mahinerangi.

"With the increase in wind energy projects in New Zealand, issues of cumulative effects on the landscape and visual aspects are starting to arise," said the report, written by the council's manager of development and strategy.

Concerns about cumulative effects and visual impacts would make wind farm applications "quite challenging".

Yesterday the council also revoked permission for RES New Zealand to build three turbines in nearby Battle Hill Farm Forest Park - part of the proposed Puketiro wind farm - because of a boundary error. Up to 50 turbines are planned at Puketiro, which is six kilometres from Belmont.

It is understood the regional council is trying to find a balance between the benefits of sustainable energy and the visual effects of wind farms, a hot-button topic with other farms elsewhere in the country.

Friends of Belmont spokesman Peter Matcham backed the moratorium plan. "I think it's a very sensible development and I think it reflects the reality of the situation, that there is a lot of development in that area and it doesn't make any sense whatsoever to have all your wind generation in one place," he said. "The whole issue of the sustainability of wind farms is being increasingly questioned."

Wind farms are expected to contribute significantly to the Government's target of 90 per cent renewable energy generation by 2025.

National's energy spokesman, Gerry Brownlee, said yesterday that the security of the country's energy supply was in trouble, and more needed to be done to guarantee extra generation.

As well as the Belmont and Puketiro wind farms, state-owned Mighty River Power plans between 20 and 40 turbines at Long Gully and Meridian Energy plans about 30 in Ohariu Valley.

Work is already under way on 61 turbines near Makara.

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4710150a11.html Date: 30-09-08

House Passes Renewable Tax Bill

The House passes H.R. 7060, “The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008,” on Friday, but the White House has threatened to vote the bill if it inclues the offsets and the House’s version doesn’t agree with the Senate’s version. The bill as it stands provides for deduction of state and local sales tax, tuition and other education expenses, out-of-pocket expenses by teaches, and property taxes for non-itemizers. It also expands the refundable child tax credit to taxpayers earning $8,500 a year and enhances depreciation for restaurants.

The renewable energy provisions include an eight-year extension of the investment tax credit for solar energy; 2.75-year extensions of the production tax credit for energy derived from biomass, geothermal, waves and tides, hydropower, landfill gas, and solid waste; a one-year extension of the PTC for energy derived from wind; tax incentives for coal electricity plants that capture and sequester carbon dioxide; incentives for the production of renewable fuels such as biodiesel and renewable; and incentives to encourage energy efficient products, such as plug-in hybrids cars, and incentives for energy conservation in both.

Several energy provisions differ from the Senate’s version of the bill. The House version eliminates a Senate provision that provided a tax credit for rebuilding refineries to process heavy oil produced from tar sands.

“We’ve put together a bill that makes a lot of sense on the issues – tax relief for families and businesses, energy independence and creating new, green jobs for our economy.” Said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel, D-N-Y.

Source: http://www.windenergynews.com/content/view/1420/43/ Date: 9-09-08

Tunisia Wind Agreement

A 200 million Euros agreement recently concluded between "Made", a subsidiary of the Spanish company specializing in alternative energies, "Gamesa", and the Tunisian gas and electricity company (STEG), will lead to the setting up of Tunisia's largest wind power facility in the Bizerte region.

The agreement which will lead to the supply of some 91 AE-61 wind turbine generators in the Metline and Kchabta wind farms, will generate some 120 MW of electric power.

It is expected that the project will produce some 120 jobs in Tunisia during the two first years. Part of the ancillary equipment will be built in Tunisia and the wind farms' electrical works will be subcontracted in the country.

The project will also significantly contribute to Tunisia's sustainable development and environmental strategy, as the annual production of these installations, 120 MW will replace 35,691 tons of petroleum equivalent; it will also avoid the emission of some 311, 261 tons of CO2 year.

The Spanish operator which has already contributed to setting up the Sidi Daoud wind farms in the Cap Bon area, reinforces its position as the main wind turbine generator supplier in Tunisia. Along with the new project the group has contributed to generate some 170 MW of wind power energy in the country.

“Gamesa”, which operates in 20 countries over 4 continents, has installed 13,000 MW throughout the world. The company has 32 production centres in Spain, China and the US and employs a workforce of 7000 employees.

http://www.markinvestments.net/investment-company/wind-power-agreement-between-tunisia%E2%80%99s-steg-and-spanish-firm-to-generate-120-mw-of-electricity.html Date:24-09-08

Anil Slots Rs 60K Cr. For Green Energy

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG)-promoted Reliance Power (R-Power) is planning to invest over Rs 60,000 crore in renewable and alternative energy resources such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and fuel cell-based power.In addition, Reliance Natural Resources (RNRL), the fuel transportation arm of the Group, is planning to invest over Rs 12,000 crore in cement and shipping businesses.

R-Power Chairman Anil Ambani said the company was planning to generate about 5,000 MW from hydroelectric energy and that most of the projects for the same would come up in water-abundant northeastern states. He was addressing the company’s 14th annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai.

"We have focused on the northeastern region for our hydro-projects not only because of location and resource advantages, but also because of our commitment to the growth of the region," he said.

Ambani said R-Power had engaged international companies such as Halcrow of the UK, SNC Lavlin of Canada and SMEC of Australia to assist in various aspects of their hydro projects.

Currently, R-Power has plans to develop 1,000 MW Siyom and 700 MW Tato-II in Arunachal Pradesh, and 280 MW hydroelectricity at Urthing Sobla in Uttarakhand. The overall investment planned in the hydro sector alone could be over Rs 50,000 crore, said a top R-Power official.

The global financial crisis, the official said, would not affect the company’s fund-raising plans as its balance sheet was well capitalised through money raised from its recent initial public offer (IPO). The company had mobilised around Rs 11,500 crore through the IPO.

Commenting on the wind energy sector, Ambani said ADAG was currently setting up facilities for 150 MW wind power in Maharashtra and had plans to add 500 MW over the next three years at suitable locations. A source said R-Power has placed equipment orders for 150 MW with wind energy major Suzlon. New wind power installations would come up in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat before December 2009.

Recent initiatives announced by the Government of India for Grid Interactive Multi-Megawatt Solar Thermal Power had given a boost to the solar power market in the country, he said, adding that R-Power was considering the possibility of setting up a one-of-its-kind, 100 MW grid interactive concentrating solar power (CSP) plant through an exclusive alliance with a technology provider.

R-Power was also evaluating the techno-commercial feasibility of commercially producing reformer-based cells and hydrogen technology in India. The company was in an advanced stage of discussion with a global firm on the design, development and manufacture of the same, he said.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=335318 Date: 24-09-08

U.S. Senate Considers Tax Package

The Senate is taking up a $100 billion tax bill designed to spur renewable energy investment, give tax breaks to businesses and individuals and protect more than 20 million people from the dreaded alternative minimum tax.

The package has bipartisan support and is one of the bills Congress must address before it adjourns for the year. The Senate moves first Tuesday on the alternative energy section of the package. It provides some $17 billion in incentives to develop and use wind, solar, biomass and other renewables.

It extends for eight years the investment credit for solar energy and the credit for homeowners buying solar heating equipment, at a cost of $3.2 billion. It establishes a new credit for plug-in electric drive vehicles, at a cost of $758 million.

A study commissioned by the Solar Energy Industries Association found that the eight-year extension would more than triple investment during that period, to $325 billion, and almost triple employment in the industry, to 440,000 in 2016.

The bill must still go this week to the House, where there is strong recognition of the need to fix the AMT and solid support for the energy incentives and such tax breaks as the R&D credit. But there is also a strong sentiment among many House Democrats that it is wrong to provide tax relief without parallel revenue increases to prevent further ballooning of the budget deficit.

The Senate bill offsets the energy tax breaks by tightening the rules by which oil and gas companies pay taxes on income earned overseas. It offsets about $25 billion of the approximately $68 billion in individual, business and disaster tax relief. There is no new revenue to pay for the AMT fix.

Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080923/tax_breaks_preview.html?.v=1&printer=1 Date: 23-09-08

Babcock & Brown’s Texas Plans

The Sweetwater Wind Farm in Texas, which T. Boone Pickens touts as the wave of America’s energy future, generates a whopping 585 megawatts, making it one of the largest in the country. It is owned and operated by Babcock & Brown, an Australian investment firm and large wind energy developer globally. B&B has plans for 1,000 megawatts of new wind energy capacity in west Texas, which would give Pickens a run for the world’s largest wind farm. B&B has announced the finalization of financing and stared construction on a 79.5 megawatt Majestic Wind Farm near Panhandle, Texas.

The company currently has five wind farms under construction, three of which are in Texas, with a total of 567.5 megawatts of capacity and a price tag of over $1 billion. When those projects are completed, B&B will own or manage 25 wind farms in the US with a capacity of over 2,000 megawatts. The Majestic farm, scheduled for completion this year, is just down the road from Picken’s proposed 4,000 megawatt farm in Pampa, Texas.

Both Pickens and B&B have been working with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) – the body in charge of figuring how to connect the rich wind energy resources of west Texas to the power-thirsty urban centers in the east. Based on ERCOT’s report, the public Utility Commission of Texas has selected a plan that is estimated to cost $4.93 billion and will accommodate 18,456 megawatts of wind power, plenty of space for many wind developers.

Now PUC is reviewing bids from transmission companies. B&B’s affiliate Tejas Transmission has proposed to plan, finance and construct approximately $1 billion worth of transmission lines. Pickens, meanwhile, has been pulling political strings for his $2 billion transmission proposal bundled with a $1.5 billion water pipeline.

B&B has already secured grid access for the Majestic projects on the existing SPP transmission grid to supply power to the Panhandle region. The company says that development of the 1,000 megawatt Panhandle. Wind Project is ongoing and plans to have it coincide with the ERCOT transmission project. PUC is expected to designate transmission by late 2008.

Source: http://www.windenergynews.com/content/view/1412/43/ Date: 18-09-08

Allete to buy power line to add wind, cut coal

Allete Inc's Minnesota Power subsidiary will purchase a power transmission line from Square Butte Electric Co-op for about $80 million which will transport wind energy from the plains of North Dakota to Minnesota. The power line deal will allow Minnesota Power to phase out a long-term contract to buy power from the 705-megawatt Milton R. Young lignite coal-fired plant in Center, North Dakota.

Minnesota Power said it plans to add several hundred megawatts of wind generation near the Young plant, starting in 2010. The wind power will help Minnesota Power cut carbon emissions and meet a state mandate requiring a 25 percent renewable energy supply by 2025. The company, which now gets about 95 percent of its power from coal, has committed not to increase its carbon dioxide emissions.

The company expects to close the transaction with the electric co-op, which is subject to regulatory approval, in 2009

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSN0844398720080908 Date: 08-09-2008

Iberdrola Agress to NY Conditions

Spanish utility Iberdrola will be allowed to purchase Energy East, agreeing to NY’s Public Service Commission’s terms and conditions. These include a requirement that it dedicate $275 million to reduce future rate hikes and invest $200 million in new wind-energy projects.

The $200 million translates to 100 megawatts of new wind power. Each wind farm built by Iberdrola must be approved by the state on a case-by-case basis. Should the company fail to make the additional $100 million in improvements, it must pay 25 percent, or up to $25 million, of the unused money for economic development in its service territories.

Additionally, Energy East subsidiaries New York State Electric & Gas Co. and Rochester Electric & Gas Co. must maintain their current capital investment plans to upgrade their distribution systems and transmission lines. NYSEG has 1.7 million upstate customers, including 63,000 customers in the Albany area. Another condition requires that Iberdrola diversify itself of its fossil-fuel operations in New York.

Source: http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/09/08/daily29.html Date: 10-09-08

Iberdrola Deal Approved

New York utility regulators have given the global energy company Iberdrola the permission to buy Energy East. The New York Public Service Commission voted 4-0 for the acquisition, but imposed several conditions to address concerns raised by its staff.

The commission’s staff had recommended against the acquisitions, citing concerns about creating a too-powerful utility and protecting consumers’ interest. The staff also recommended forcing Iberdrola to sell its wind farm and hydropower plants because of a state policy that prohibits companies from owning power-generating plants and transmission lines. As conditions for the approval, the commission’s staff directed Iberdrola, a wind energy giant based in Spain, to set aside $275 million to offset future rate increase.

If it accepts the deal, Iberdrola will have to invest $200 million in renewable-energy projects in the state and sell off Energy East’s fossil-fuel power plants. Iberdrola will not be allowed to invest in wind energy using funds from an Energy East subsidiary.

Iberdrola has not yet accepted the conditions, which the New York PSC calls a “good deal.” Iberdrola had no immediate comment except to say that it looks forward to reviewing the order to determine what steps it will take next.

In recent years, Iberdrola has aggressively expanded into the United States. In May, the company said it would invest $8 billion in renewable energy in the United States from 2008 to 2010, doubling its wind-energy capacity.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/09/04/ap5388186.html Date: 04-09-08

India’s ONGC Enters Wind Business

India’s state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) launched its first renewable energy venture, a wind farm project having the world’s highest turbine capacity, on Satruday at Bhuj in Gujarat. The 50 MW turnkey project comprises a 34-unit farm where each wind turbine generator (WTG) unit is capable of generating 1.5 MW highest in the world. The wind farm has been set up by ONGC at an investment of around Rs. 308 crore.

Suzlon designed and built the large-scale wind farm for ONGC.

R.S. Sharma, ONGC Chairman, said it was a pilot project and ONGC had grand plans for renewable and alternative energy in the future. He also said ONGC had set up an Energy Centre with substantial investment for promoting alternative energy sources. “ONGC remains committed to contribute to the nation in general and Gujarat in particular,” he added.

Country President of Suzlon, Rohit Modi, said the presence of almost all directors of ONGC was a testimony of the company’s commitment to green energy. Suzlon is developling a 2MW unit for onshore and 5MW for offshore.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/07/stories/2008090754451300.htm Date: 07-09-08

Irish Commercial Wind Launch

About €60 million is to be invested in 15 on-site wind turbine facilities for large commercial users of electricity over the next four years.

Construction on the first facility is expected to commence within the next few weeks as Wind Energy Direct Ltd (WED), a wholly Irish-owned renewable energy company, commences the launch of its unique concept “behind the meter” electricity.

The turnkey renewable energy source for manufacturing, retail and agricultural locations, that will be the first of its kind operated on a commercial level here, will break the link with spiralling energy costs, saving companies with a 4MW installation up to €1m within five years of installation.

This will amount to a saving of over 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum and provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of 2236 households.

WED managing director Dominic Costello said they will manage, finance, develop and maintain all its projects: “The large-scale Munster-based project involves the installation of two 2MW turbines on-site, providing the company with an estimated €110k saving on its energy bill in year one.

“WED will install and maintain the turbines without any capital costs to the companies. The first step is a feasibility study to determine the economic viability of the project taking into consideration such criteria as wind resource, electrical load profile and planning criteria.”

Mr Costello said that there is significant interest from employers who wish to break the link with energy-cost inflation and enhance their “green” credentials.

“Large energy users are under competitive pressures with escalating energy costs. Our customers want to take control of their energy costs and this is a unique way that allows them to do this without any capital outlay.”

To achieve its initial targets by the end of 2012, WED Ltd is seeking to complete 15 projects. At current prices, WED Ltd will expect to make a return of approximately 15% on this investment.

Source: http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2008/09/02/story71255.asp Date: 02-09-08

Wind, Fuel Cell Patents Boom

The European Patent Office gets more patent applications for fuel cells and wind power technologies than any other category in the new energy market, according to Victor Veefkind and Thomas Maxisch, two patent examiners for the EPO.

Fuel cells accounted for approximately 50 percent of the new energy patent applications submitted between 1998 and 2007. Wind, however is growing the fastest, with 31 percent more patent applications being filled every year. Fuel cell is second in that category with a 20 percent annual growth rate. The new energy average is 20 percent. The EPO gets about 2,000 new energy patents a year.

The applications come from companies around the world – often organizations will file applications in Europe, the U.S. and Japan for the same invention.

History plays a part in the fuel cell explosion. Ten years ago, fuel cell cars seemed more realistic, said Maxisch. Thus, the growth will likely peak as fuel cell cars continues to get pushed into the future, if they ever come. Still, fuel cells won’t completely disappear. Companies such as United Technologies are seeing increased demand for stationary fuel cells that can provide backup or main power for Industrial plants and hospitals.

Although wind power is well understood, it’s not easy, explained Veefkind. A large number of patent applications filed deal with things like de-icing, off-shore maintenance, new materials for blades, protecting turbines from lighting strikes and wind farm architecture. Wind turbines have also surged in size. In the 70s, a good turbine might crank out 200 kilowatts. Now big ones can churn 5 megawatts and are far larger than their 70s counterparts. Several patents deal with how to transport these things.

Germany accounts for 39 percent of wind EPO patent applications. Germany gets 7 percent of its power from wind. The U.S. is second with 16 percent, although the U.S. only gets 1 percent or less of its power from wind. Denmark, home of turbine giant Vestas and strong winds, is third with 9 percent of applications. Denmark, though, gets 19.7 percent of its electricity from wind.

Source: http://greenlight.greentechmedia.com/2008/09/01/whats-hot-in-green-patents-wind-power-and-fuel-cells-499/ Date: 01-09-08

China Government Subsidizes R&D On Wind Power

The Chinese Ministry of Finance has promulgated its “Interim Procedures For Management of Wind Power Generation Equipment Industrialization Special Funds.” This says that for the first 50 wind power units from manufacturers that meet the relevant criteria, subsidies of CNY600 per kilowatt will be granted by Ministry of Finance. This is said to be equivalent to 10% of the cost.

According to an official of Chinese Wind Energy Association it is of great importance to promote the domestic manufacturing of wind power equipment, particularly core technologies.

According to the Interim Procedures, the special funds should be used for new product research and development of wind power equipment; the beneficiaries should be Chinese-funded or Chinese holding enterprises focusing on the manufacturer of wind power equipment including finished machines, vanes, gear cases, generators, convectors, and bearings.

Manufacturers that intend to apply for the subsidy should meet six criteria including independent intellectual property rights and equipment brands.

The official from CWEA also said the funds are mainly aimed at megawatt-class wind power units for these are now the mainstream in the international market. Yet there are only a few independent megawatt-class wind power unit manufactures in China. The Interim Procedures also mention bearings and convertors – areas in which China’s wind power industry is weak and mainly depends on imported equipment.

http://www.chinacsr.com/en/2008/08/25/2913-china-government-subsidizes-rd-on-wind-power/

India’s New Wind Power Incentive

India’s government last week initiated a new scheme for wind power generation in a bid to tap the 45,000 MW power potential of the non-conventional resource.

The present wind power production stands at 8,760 MW and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target of 10,500 MW for the 11th Five Year Plan. The ministry has initiated new scheme of Generation Based Incentive (GBI) scheme for wind power generation. The objective of the scheme is to attract new and large independent power producers to wind sector.

The GBI would be paid only to grid interactive plans with a capacity of 5MW or more. The rate of GBI be 50 paise per Unit of electricity and would be paid for a period of 10 years.

http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/1422/india-blown-away-by-wind-scheme

UK small-scale wind-power may double

British installations of small-scale wind-power turbines may more than double this year as the government seeks to achieve renewable-energy targets and as consumers face mounting electricity costs. Private turbine installs could reach 7,844, compared with 3,459 in 2007, said the British Wind Energy Association report.

The number of installs last year in Britain climbed 80 percent from 2006, it said. Britain is seeking as much as 35 percent of its electricity from “green” souces by 2020, according to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

So-called micro-generation is production from units with a capacity of as much as 1.5 kilowatts and small wind systems are those with a capacity of up to 50 kilowatts.

The generators can be freestanding or mounted to walls or roofs of buildings.

European governments want to increase alternative energy production to curb greenhouse gas emissions, blamed by scientists for climate change. The UK’s six biggest energy suppliers have raised household bills twice this year, as wholesale fuel costs reached records. UK electricity for the six months ending March 2009 traded at a record 99.10 pounds ($181.77) a megawatt-hour on Friday, according to broker GFI Group Inc.

The increase in installations is being driven by technology improvements and the “realization that there are huge savings to be made by deploying small turbines,” that BWEA said in the report, adding that more than 13,000 units may be set up in 2009.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aOdh06gPebkc&refer=uk

UK Farmers Wanted For Wind Power

The chairman of ice cream manufacturer Mackies of Scotland has unveiled proposals for farmers and landowners in Britain to form their own wind development company. Farmers and landowners have been urged to support a new multi-million pound wind generation scheme, being set up by Aberdeenshire farmer and agri-businessman, Dr. Maitland Mackie.

At the launch Monday on the family farm in Rothienorman, Dr. Mackie challenged 10,000 farmers to back the scheme by investing a minimum of ￡1000 in a new limited liability company. The new ￡10 million company, currently using the working name Rural Sector Wingen, would have first call on investor’s sites identified as suitable for wind turbines. Dr. Mackie said rural communities are in danger of missing out on a “colossal opportunity” from wind energy generation, and could be left with only “crumbs” as big business profits from the thousands of wind turbines being installed across the UK.

With a total investment of some ￡270 bn over the next 12 years, he said the company would become Europe’s largest energy company, generating 90 gigawatts of electricity into the National Grid from 90,000 three-megawatt wind generators (wingens.) It would also have first call on suitable sites for wind generators. “I view this as a huge opportunity for the whole rural community to share in the massive profits which renewable energy is already delivering to big business,” Dr. Mackie said.

“The buy-in” by farmers, landowners and other rural dwellers will allow profits to be delivered back to rural communities in share dividends, rather than into the hands of City entrepreneurs. It is also hoped to offer early rural investors substantive discounts on their electricity usage.

“Landowners, farmers and others in rural areas need to get our act together – fast – before City and big business steal our show,” says Mackie. Farmers forming part of the company could see a ￡15,000 income from hosting a single 3MW wind turbine, under the proposals.

Mackies of Scotland has already installed three 850kW wind turbines to power its own farming and ice cream production operations at Westertown, near Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire. The ￡2.5 million wind farm uses V52 turbines from Danish-owned manufacturer Vestas, with 50% of the power sold via the national grid to Good Energy, the scheme brings in ￡1,200 worth of electricity on a windy day according to Mackies.

If Britain’s 90,000 farmers got behind the project, theoretically Wingen could bring online 90,000 wind generation schemes with turbines boasting a combined 270GW rating, according to the proposals. Over 10 years, that would see 9,000 turbines installed a year – around ￡9 billion worth of turbine systems – according to Mackies.

Dr. Mackie said the project could also benefit urban communities in depressed industrial areas if manufacturing companies can be attracted to locations like Clydeside, Tyneside and Teesside.

http://newenergyfocus.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=32&listitemid=1694§ion=Wind