Spanish company to build $400m wind farm
July 18, 2006
SPANISH renewable energy company Acciona will build Victoria's second biggest wind farm – a $400-million project with 128 turbines – at Waubra in Western Victoria.
The project, generating 192 megawatts from turbines on land leased from farmers, was approved more than a year ago by the State Government when the Melbourne-based firm Wind Power was the developer.
The Spanish company took over the project last year.
Brett Thomas, managing director of its Melbourne arm, Acciona Energy Oceania, said the company had acquired the project "on the belief" the Government would impose a mandatory renewable energy target on the state's energy sector.
Mr Thomas said yesterday's announcement of the 10-per-cent target "has given us the confidence" to invest $50 million in the first stage of the project.
Mr Thomas said there was no further development of renewable energy possible under the Federal Government's target, now capped at 2 per cent.
But the Victoria's new target meant energy retailers must tap at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable sources – such as wind, solar and hydro generators – by 2016.
"That places a demand on the market for renewable technology (and) renewable generation," he said.
Work would begin on the project in September this year with completion due in 2008.
Victorian Energy Minister Theo Theophanous said the project would not have gone ahead without the imposition of the renewable target.
"This scheme is what will drive renewable energy such as what we've seen with Acciona announcement today."
Wind farms now produce only 104MW of energy in Victoria currently, but there is approval for another 491MW, including a 195MW wind-power generator at Portland on the south-west coast.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
BP and Clipper Windpower Enter Into Strategic Alliance
BP and Clipper Windpower Enter Into Strategic Alliance
14 July 2006
The Liberty turbine.
Clipper Windpower and BP Alternative Energy have entered into a strategic alliance for a long-term turbine supply agreement and the joint development of five of Clipper’s wind energy projects in the USA.
The five wind projects, with an anticipated total generating capacity of 2,015 MW, are located in New York, Texas, and South Dakota. Under the long-term supply agreement, BP has secured a mix of firm and contingent orders of up to 2,250 MW of additional Clipper turbines in its global wind portfolio.
The Clipper/BP Alternative Energy joint development portfolio will be developed over a five year period. Each project will deploy Clipper’s advanced Liberty wind turbines. The projects will be jointly owned by the two companies with Clipper serving as the project operator in two projects and BP Alternative Energy serving as the project operator in the other three.
We believe the Clipper turbine is a break-through in reducing the total cost of renewable energy and we are pleased to be the first large customer for this innovative technology. Our strategic relationship with Clipper represents an important step in expanding BP’s low-carbon power business.
—Steve Westwell, CEO of BP Alternative Energy
The Liberty 2.5MW wind turbine is Clipper’s fourth-generation machine. It is based on Clipper’s patented Quantum Distributed Generation Power-train, DGEN-Q. DGEN-Q uses a compact two-stage helical distributed design. A total of four high-speed output shafts split torque loads from the rotor mainshaft to the generators by a factor that is four times greater than standard gearboxes, according to Clipper.
Liberty also employs two pre-loaded, low-speed tapered-roller main bearings to absorb thrust loads, preventing damage, minimizing downtime and extending turbine life. There is no problematic axial motion or mainshaft mis-alignment in Liberty as both are also stabilized through her two robust tapered roller main bearings.
Liberty’s high-speed gear sets are in cartridge form and can be easily replaced with the on-board hoist without the removal of the gearbox, further reducing costs.
Each turbine uses four permanent magnet (synchronous) generators rated at 660 kW each. Liberty’s generator control technology supports a wide range variable rotor speed, improving turbine aerodynamic efficiency by adjusting to ever-changing wind velocities, briefly storing and releasing energy from wind gusts while also reducing torque spikes. The turbine will continue to operate even with a generator outage.
As part of the long-term turbine supply agreement, BP Alternative Energy has committed to the purchase of 100MW of Liberty turbines in 2007 and 200MW in 2008 which it will use on other projects in BP’s global wind business. These orders represent the initial firm deliveries under the long-term supply agreement for up to 900 Liberty turbines over the next five years.
In recognition of the long-term strategic relationship between Clipper Windpower and BP Alternative Energy, BP has acquired a five-year share option for a 10% equity interest at £3.77 (US$6.92) per share in Clipper Windpower (subject to final approval of the Clipper Shareholders).
BP has agreed to acquire a 50% interest in the project portfolio along with an option to acquire an interest in Clipper Windpower Plc representing 9,596,681 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company and a turbine supply option, for a total of $30 million. In addition, BP has agreed to pay Clipper up to US$30 million upon successful completion of the development projects. BP will also make a US$30 million down payment for the 300MW Liberty turbines for delivery in 2007/2008.
Clipper Windpower designs advanced wind turbines, manufactures its 2.5-MW Liberty wind turbine and actively develops wind power generating projects in the Americas and Europe. Clipper’s project development activities include approximately 6,000 MW of wind resource rights, with new project sites being actively pursued.
14 July 2006
The Liberty turbine.
Clipper Windpower and BP Alternative Energy have entered into a strategic alliance for a long-term turbine supply agreement and the joint development of five of Clipper’s wind energy projects in the USA.
The five wind projects, with an anticipated total generating capacity of 2,015 MW, are located in New York, Texas, and South Dakota. Under the long-term supply agreement, BP has secured a mix of firm and contingent orders of up to 2,250 MW of additional Clipper turbines in its global wind portfolio.
The Clipper/BP Alternative Energy joint development portfolio will be developed over a five year period. Each project will deploy Clipper’s advanced Liberty wind turbines. The projects will be jointly owned by the two companies with Clipper serving as the project operator in two projects and BP Alternative Energy serving as the project operator in the other three.
We believe the Clipper turbine is a break-through in reducing the total cost of renewable energy and we are pleased to be the first large customer for this innovative technology. Our strategic relationship with Clipper represents an important step in expanding BP’s low-carbon power business.
—Steve Westwell, CEO of BP Alternative Energy
The Liberty 2.5MW wind turbine is Clipper’s fourth-generation machine. It is based on Clipper’s patented Quantum Distributed Generation Power-train, DGEN-Q. DGEN-Q uses a compact two-stage helical distributed design. A total of four high-speed output shafts split torque loads from the rotor mainshaft to the generators by a factor that is four times greater than standard gearboxes, according to Clipper.
Liberty also employs two pre-loaded, low-speed tapered-roller main bearings to absorb thrust loads, preventing damage, minimizing downtime and extending turbine life. There is no problematic axial motion or mainshaft mis-alignment in Liberty as both are also stabilized through her two robust tapered roller main bearings.
Liberty’s high-speed gear sets are in cartridge form and can be easily replaced with the on-board hoist without the removal of the gearbox, further reducing costs.
Each turbine uses four permanent magnet (synchronous) generators rated at 660 kW each. Liberty’s generator control technology supports a wide range variable rotor speed, improving turbine aerodynamic efficiency by adjusting to ever-changing wind velocities, briefly storing and releasing energy from wind gusts while also reducing torque spikes. The turbine will continue to operate even with a generator outage.
As part of the long-term turbine supply agreement, BP Alternative Energy has committed to the purchase of 100MW of Liberty turbines in 2007 and 200MW in 2008 which it will use on other projects in BP’s global wind business. These orders represent the initial firm deliveries under the long-term supply agreement for up to 900 Liberty turbines over the next five years.
In recognition of the long-term strategic relationship between Clipper Windpower and BP Alternative Energy, BP has acquired a five-year share option for a 10% equity interest at £3.77 (US$6.92) per share in Clipper Windpower (subject to final approval of the Clipper Shareholders).
BP has agreed to acquire a 50% interest in the project portfolio along with an option to acquire an interest in Clipper Windpower Plc representing 9,596,681 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company and a turbine supply option, for a total of $30 million. In addition, BP has agreed to pay Clipper up to US$30 million upon successful completion of the development projects. BP will also make a US$30 million down payment for the 300MW Liberty turbines for delivery in 2007/2008.
Clipper Windpower designs advanced wind turbines, manufactures its 2.5-MW Liberty wind turbine and actively develops wind power generating projects in the Americas and Europe. Clipper’s project development activities include approximately 6,000 MW of wind resource rights, with new project sites being actively pursued.
Friday, July 14, 2006
BP, Clipper Windpower enter U.S. wind energy deal
BP, Clipper Windpower enter U.S. wind energy deal
Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:22am ET
LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) - California-based wind-power company Clipper Windpower (CWP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and oil giant BP Plc (BP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said they have entered a five-year supply and development agreement involving five wind energy projects in the United States.
The news boosted shares in Clipper Windpower by 23 percent to 335 pence shortly before the close of trading in London.
The projects, with an anticipated total generating capacity of 2,015 megawatts, are in New York, Texas, and South Dakota.
BP has secured a mix of firm and contingent orders of up to 2,250 megawatts of additional Clipper turbines in its global wind portfolio, the companies said in a statement on Friday.
"This strategic alliance provides both Clipper and BP an unparalleled opportunity to capture a major foothold in the U.S. wind energy market," said Clipper Windpower Chief Executive James Dehlsen.
"With active negotiations for other turbine and portfolio sales currently taking place, it is possible that further contracts will be announced before the Clipper EGM and at that stage an update will be given on our business plan," he added.
Fri Jul 14, 2006 11:22am ET
LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) - California-based wind-power company Clipper Windpower (CWP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and oil giant BP Plc (BP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said they have entered a five-year supply and development agreement involving five wind energy projects in the United States.
The news boosted shares in Clipper Windpower by 23 percent to 335 pence shortly before the close of trading in London.
The projects, with an anticipated total generating capacity of 2,015 megawatts, are in New York, Texas, and South Dakota.
BP has secured a mix of firm and contingent orders of up to 2,250 megawatts of additional Clipper turbines in its global wind portfolio, the companies said in a statement on Friday.
"This strategic alliance provides both Clipper and BP an unparalleled opportunity to capture a major foothold in the U.S. wind energy market," said Clipper Windpower Chief Executive James Dehlsen.
"With active negotiations for other turbine and portfolio sales currently taking place, it is possible that further contracts will be announced before the Clipper EGM and at that stage an update will be given on our business plan," he added.
Patent Conflict Resolved, REPower Enters U.S. Wind Market
Patent Conflict Resolved, REPower Enters U.S. Wind Market
July 12, 2006
Hamburg, Germany [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Having smoothed over a patent conflict with GE Energy, Germany-based commercial-scale wind turbine manufacturer REpower Systems is entering the U.S. market with a substantial order of turbines.
"Due to the general change in thinking in American energy policy, which involves moving away from oil and towards alternative forms of energy, the USA is now a large, attractive market for wind energy."
-- Fritz Vahrenholt, REpower Systems AG, Chairman of the Executive Board Fifty-six MM92 turbines are to be supplied to wind project developers enXco Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles in 2007. According to REpower, this will not only be REpower's first U.S. turbine order, but also the company's largest order yet worldwide.
An option for a further 19 turbines of the same type was also arranged. enXco is to install the wind turbines on the West Coast of the United States. The REpower development centre in Rendsburg (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) has created a technical solution for a 60 Hz version of the MM92 turbine that corresponds to the requirements of the American electricity network.
REpower is also able to enter the U.S. market through a cross-license agreement concluded with its competitor, GE Energy, in regard to the use of several patents.
"The license agreement concluded with GE is the foundation for a successful growth story in the USA. Dimensions are traditionally bigger there -- so it is fitting that our first U.S. project is also the largest single order in the history of REpower," said Fritz Vahrenholt, Chairman of the Executive Board of REpower Systems AG.
The two companies, previously at odds over their respective wind turbine technology, were entered into litigation and patent negotiations over the past few years. This issue had prevented REpower from competing in the large U.S. marketplace.
"Due to the general change in thinking in American energy policy, which involves moving away from oil and towards alternative forms of energy, the USA is now a large, attractive market for wind energy," Vahrenholt said.
The turbines will be produced exclusively at the REpower production site in Husum and will be prepared for shipping from there -- either from Brunsbuettel or Hamburg.
This U.S. order comes alongside a large Australian order, the second largest for REpower, according to Fritz Vahrenholt, Chairman of the Executive Board. The company was commissioned to supply 29 wind turbines by the Australian company Pacific Hydro Pty Ltd. Pacific Hydro is one of the largest Australian companies in the wind and water power sector.
REpower's MM82 turbines were chosen for the "Portland Stage II" project in the South-Eastern Australian state of Victoria and have a total rated power of 58 megawatts (MW). The Stage II project is part of a larger wind farm development in the Portland area, which has a planned total output of 195 MW and covers four different locations. A decision is yet to be made on the allocation of the orders for the remaining stages of the Portland wind energy project.
July 12, 2006
Hamburg, Germany [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Having smoothed over a patent conflict with GE Energy, Germany-based commercial-scale wind turbine manufacturer REpower Systems is entering the U.S. market with a substantial order of turbines.
"Due to the general change in thinking in American energy policy, which involves moving away from oil and towards alternative forms of energy, the USA is now a large, attractive market for wind energy."
-- Fritz Vahrenholt, REpower Systems AG, Chairman of the Executive Board Fifty-six MM92 turbines are to be supplied to wind project developers enXco Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles in 2007. According to REpower, this will not only be REpower's first U.S. turbine order, but also the company's largest order yet worldwide.
An option for a further 19 turbines of the same type was also arranged. enXco is to install the wind turbines on the West Coast of the United States. The REpower development centre in Rendsburg (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) has created a technical solution for a 60 Hz version of the MM92 turbine that corresponds to the requirements of the American electricity network.
REpower is also able to enter the U.S. market through a cross-license agreement concluded with its competitor, GE Energy, in regard to the use of several patents.
"The license agreement concluded with GE is the foundation for a successful growth story in the USA. Dimensions are traditionally bigger there -- so it is fitting that our first U.S. project is also the largest single order in the history of REpower," said Fritz Vahrenholt, Chairman of the Executive Board of REpower Systems AG.
The two companies, previously at odds over their respective wind turbine technology, were entered into litigation and patent negotiations over the past few years. This issue had prevented REpower from competing in the large U.S. marketplace.
"Due to the general change in thinking in American energy policy, which involves moving away from oil and towards alternative forms of energy, the USA is now a large, attractive market for wind energy," Vahrenholt said.
The turbines will be produced exclusively at the REpower production site in Husum and will be prepared for shipping from there -- either from Brunsbuettel or Hamburg.
This U.S. order comes alongside a large Australian order, the second largest for REpower, according to Fritz Vahrenholt, Chairman of the Executive Board. The company was commissioned to supply 29 wind turbines by the Australian company Pacific Hydro Pty Ltd. Pacific Hydro is one of the largest Australian companies in the wind and water power sector.
REpower's MM82 turbines were chosen for the "Portland Stage II" project in the South-Eastern Australian state of Victoria and have a total rated power of 58 megawatts (MW). The Stage II project is part of a larger wind farm development in the Portland area, which has a planned total output of 195 MW and covers four different locations. A decision is yet to be made on the allocation of the orders for the remaining stages of the Portland wind energy project.
Canada Passes 1,000 MW of Installed Wind Energy Capacity
Canada Passes 1,000 MW of Installed Wind Energy Capacity
July 13, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Canada has now become the 12th country in the world to surpass 1,000 megawatts (MW) of installed wind energy capacity. With 1,049 MW of installed capacity now in place, wind energy produces enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 315,000 Canadian homes.
"Canada's provincial governments are now targeting to have a minimum of 9,000 MW of wind energy production in place by 2015 and many are currently examining the possibilities of going further."
-- Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association, president As of June 2006, Canada had installed a record 365 MW of wind energy capacity this year, and this number will increase before the year is out.
"The 1,000 MW milestone is another clear signal that wind energy has moved from the margin to the mainstream in Canada, and our record-breaking 2006 is laying the foundation for much more significant growth in the years ahead," said Robert Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association.
"Canada's provincial governments are now targeting to have a minimum of 9,000 MW of wind energy production in place by 2015 and many are currently examining the possibilities of going further. In fact, British Columbia is the only province that has no wind energy facilities operating or contracted at this time," Hornung added.
"Even though the growth of Canada's wind energy industry is impressive, we must not lose sight of the fact that wind energy continues to develop more quickly in other countries. Spain, for example, had 1,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity in 2000, and is now on track for 20,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity by 2010," said Hornung.
"With Canada's unparalleled wind resource, there are clear opportunities to do more to maximize the economic, industrial development, and environmental benefits associated with wind energy for Canada," he added.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)'s goal is to have 10,000 MW of wind energy capacity either contracted on installed in Canada by 2010
July 13, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Canada has now become the 12th country in the world to surpass 1,000 megawatts (MW) of installed wind energy capacity. With 1,049 MW of installed capacity now in place, wind energy produces enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 315,000 Canadian homes.
"Canada's provincial governments are now targeting to have a minimum of 9,000 MW of wind energy production in place by 2015 and many are currently examining the possibilities of going further."
-- Robert Hornung, Canadian Wind Energy Association, president As of June 2006, Canada had installed a record 365 MW of wind energy capacity this year, and this number will increase before the year is out.
"The 1,000 MW milestone is another clear signal that wind energy has moved from the margin to the mainstream in Canada, and our record-breaking 2006 is laying the foundation for much more significant growth in the years ahead," said Robert Hornung, president of the Canadian Wind Energy Association.
"Canada's provincial governments are now targeting to have a minimum of 9,000 MW of wind energy production in place by 2015 and many are currently examining the possibilities of going further. In fact, British Columbia is the only province that has no wind energy facilities operating or contracted at this time," Hornung added.
"Even though the growth of Canada's wind energy industry is impressive, we must not lose sight of the fact that wind energy continues to develop more quickly in other countries. Spain, for example, had 1,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity in 2000, and is now on track for 20,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity by 2010," said Hornung.
"With Canada's unparalleled wind resource, there are clear opportunities to do more to maximize the economic, industrial development, and environmental benefits associated with wind energy for Canada," he added.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA)'s goal is to have 10,000 MW of wind energy capacity either contracted on installed in Canada by 2010
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Under Construction
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Under Construction
July 10, 2006
Ishpeming, Michigan [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Construction is currently under way this month on a rare wind energy project, a 200 kilowatt (kW) vertical-axis wind turbine outside a large residential complex in Michigan.
"Pioneer Bluff is an all-electric facility, so electricity costs are quite high. The wind turbine will generate more than half of the electricity needed to run the facility."
-- Evelyn Valente-Heikkala, Ishpeming Housing Commission, executive director Vertical axis turbines, as opposed to horizontal axis turbines, are best described as looking like large eggbeaters, where a series of curved, swooping blades capture the wind to spin a centrally mounted, vertically oriented hub.
The reality is that the wind power industry worldwide has unilaterally chosen the horizontal axis configuration as the chosen design and all large scale turbines have evolved in that direction. This hasn't stopped entrepreneurial pioneers like McKenzie Bay International, whose WindStor Power Co. aims to prove that there is indeed more than one option for wind turbine design.
WindStor recently secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA)with The Ishpeming Housing Commission, which manages the Pioneer Bluff senior citizen apartment complex in Ishpeming, Michigan, where the new turbine will be installed. Contractors are putting the final touches on the large concrete foundation for the turbine and full installation is expected by the end of July.
The turbine is designed to rotate at a maximum speed of 50 rpm and reach its rated power output of 200 kW at wind speeds of 12m/s (26.84 mph), says the company, which expects the turbine to produce approximately 500,000 kWh per year in average wind speeds of 7m/s (15.66 mph).
"The wind turbine will generate electricity to be fed into the 88 unit low-income senior apartment building, serving as a supplement to the electricity currently supplied by the Upper Peninsula Power Co.," said Evelyn Valente-Heikkala, executive director of the Ishpeming Housing Commission. "Pioneer Bluff is an all-electric facility, so electricity costs are quite high. The wind turbine will generate more than half of the electricity needed to run the facility."
A state-based organization has helped move the project along. WindStor and more than 60 additional organizations and companies are a part of Michigan GREEN, a group of energy companies and energy consultants, together with government agencies and schools, colleges and universities that have joined forces to champion the cause of providing economic renewable energy generation and education at schools in Michigan and the nation.
The project isn't the first either. Since October of 2004, WindStor has had a similar, yet smaller, 100 kW vertical axis wind turbine operating at the Universite due Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. This latest, however, will be twice the size and a further validation of the design.
July 10, 2006
Ishpeming, Michigan [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Construction is currently under way this month on a rare wind energy project, a 200 kilowatt (kW) vertical-axis wind turbine outside a large residential complex in Michigan.
"Pioneer Bluff is an all-electric facility, so electricity costs are quite high. The wind turbine will generate more than half of the electricity needed to run the facility."
-- Evelyn Valente-Heikkala, Ishpeming Housing Commission, executive director Vertical axis turbines, as opposed to horizontal axis turbines, are best described as looking like large eggbeaters, where a series of curved, swooping blades capture the wind to spin a centrally mounted, vertically oriented hub.
The reality is that the wind power industry worldwide has unilaterally chosen the horizontal axis configuration as the chosen design and all large scale turbines have evolved in that direction. This hasn't stopped entrepreneurial pioneers like McKenzie Bay International, whose WindStor Power Co. aims to prove that there is indeed more than one option for wind turbine design.
WindStor recently secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA)with The Ishpeming Housing Commission, which manages the Pioneer Bluff senior citizen apartment complex in Ishpeming, Michigan, where the new turbine will be installed. Contractors are putting the final touches on the large concrete foundation for the turbine and full installation is expected by the end of July.
The turbine is designed to rotate at a maximum speed of 50 rpm and reach its rated power output of 200 kW at wind speeds of 12m/s (26.84 mph), says the company, which expects the turbine to produce approximately 500,000 kWh per year in average wind speeds of 7m/s (15.66 mph).
"The wind turbine will generate electricity to be fed into the 88 unit low-income senior apartment building, serving as a supplement to the electricity currently supplied by the Upper Peninsula Power Co.," said Evelyn Valente-Heikkala, executive director of the Ishpeming Housing Commission. "Pioneer Bluff is an all-electric facility, so electricity costs are quite high. The wind turbine will generate more than half of the electricity needed to run the facility."
A state-based organization has helped move the project along. WindStor and more than 60 additional organizations and companies are a part of Michigan GREEN, a group of energy companies and energy consultants, together with government agencies and schools, colleges and universities that have joined forces to champion the cause of providing economic renewable energy generation and education at schools in Michigan and the nation.
The project isn't the first either. Since October of 2004, WindStor has had a similar, yet smaller, 100 kW vertical axis wind turbine operating at the Universite due Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada. This latest, however, will be twice the size and a further validation of the design.
Friday, July 07, 2006
U.S. Energy Giant Acquires UK Wind Power Developer
U.S. Energy Giant Acquires UK Wind Power Developer
July 7, 2006
Arlington, Virginia [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The AES Corporation has acquired majority control of the Wind Energy Ltd. (WEL) group companies, a UK-based wind development company, with 640 megawatt (MW) of wind generation projects under development throughout Scotland. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"With global installed wind generation capacity expected to more than double over the next five years, we see tremendous growth opportunities in wind and we will continue to seek expansion projects worldwide."
-- William Luraschi, AES, Executive VP of Business Development "Through this transaction, AES gains a portfolio of wind projects in a market that has huge potential for growth," said Ned Hall, AES Vice President of Wind Generation. "The UK has one of the fastest growing and most attractive wind energy markets in Europe, where installed capacity is expected to increase fivefold over the next four years. In addition, Scotland enjoys some of the highest wind resources in the world, which allows for particularly efficient wind power generation."
AES has been in the wind generation business since 2004 and currently operates 600 MW of wind facilities. On April 17, 2006, the company announced plans to triple its investment in wind generation over the next three years, and currently is pursuing an additional 2,000 MW of wind projects in development, primarily in the United States.
"This acquisition is the first expansion of AES's wind energy business into Europe and represents a strategic step in our efforts to become a leader in wind generation development and operation worldwide," said William Luraschi, AES Executive Vice President of Business Development.
AES, one of the world's largest global power companies with 2005 revenues of $11.1 billion, said it is currently evaluating wind power projects in continental Europe, China, India and Central and South America, with an emphasis on countries with existing AES businesses. It is based in Arlington, Virginia.
"Growing our wind energy business is a key component of our expansion into alternative energy. With global installed wind generation capacity expected to more than double over the next five years, we see tremendous growth opportunities in wind and we will continue to seek expansion projects worldwide," Luraschi added.
July 7, 2006
Arlington, Virginia [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The AES Corporation has acquired majority control of the Wind Energy Ltd. (WEL) group companies, a UK-based wind development company, with 640 megawatt (MW) of wind generation projects under development throughout Scotland. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"With global installed wind generation capacity expected to more than double over the next five years, we see tremendous growth opportunities in wind and we will continue to seek expansion projects worldwide."
-- William Luraschi, AES, Executive VP of Business Development "Through this transaction, AES gains a portfolio of wind projects in a market that has huge potential for growth," said Ned Hall, AES Vice President of Wind Generation. "The UK has one of the fastest growing and most attractive wind energy markets in Europe, where installed capacity is expected to increase fivefold over the next four years. In addition, Scotland enjoys some of the highest wind resources in the world, which allows for particularly efficient wind power generation."
AES has been in the wind generation business since 2004 and currently operates 600 MW of wind facilities. On April 17, 2006, the company announced plans to triple its investment in wind generation over the next three years, and currently is pursuing an additional 2,000 MW of wind projects in development, primarily in the United States.
"This acquisition is the first expansion of AES's wind energy business into Europe and represents a strategic step in our efforts to become a leader in wind generation development and operation worldwide," said William Luraschi, AES Executive Vice President of Business Development.
AES, one of the world's largest global power companies with 2005 revenues of $11.1 billion, said it is currently evaluating wind power projects in continental Europe, China, India and Central and South America, with an emphasis on countries with existing AES businesses. It is based in Arlington, Virginia.
"Growing our wind energy business is a key component of our expansion into alternative energy. With global installed wind generation capacity expected to more than double over the next five years, we see tremendous growth opportunities in wind and we will continue to seek expansion projects worldwide," Luraschi added.
Airtricity Buys 500 MW of Renewable Energy in GE Turbines
Airtricity Buys 500 MW of Renewable Energy in GE Turbines
July 5, 2006
Dublin, Ireland and Chicago, Illinois [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Airtricity plans to purchase more than 300 GE 1.5-MW wind turbines, with 500 MW capacity in an arrangement exceeding $550 million, which the company describes as unprecedented. The investment will support Airtricity's U.S. build program for 2008; turbines required for 2006 and 2007 have already been secured.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage, we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
-- Eddie O'Connor, Airtricity "This 500 MW deal with GE Energy is testimony to Airtricity's commitment to begin the process of making electricity generation in the USA into a native sourced activity," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor.
In the U.S., Airtricity has a pipeline of 4,500 MW under way in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New Mexico with an ambitious plan for 2008 and beyond, including advanced plans to develop in the California market.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor, "we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
Beyond the U.S., Airtricity has set its sights on the Canadian market, as well as considering similar deals for Ireland and the rest of Europe. For his own country, O'Connor said, "Airtricity is also installing 100 MW of GE wind turbines in Ireland this year and we look forward to continuing to work with GE."
July 5, 2006
Dublin, Ireland and Chicago, Illinois [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Airtricity plans to purchase more than 300 GE 1.5-MW wind turbines, with 500 MW capacity in an arrangement exceeding $550 million, which the company describes as unprecedented. The investment will support Airtricity's U.S. build program for 2008; turbines required for 2006 and 2007 have already been secured.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage, we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
-- Eddie O'Connor, Airtricity "This 500 MW deal with GE Energy is testimony to Airtricity's commitment to begin the process of making electricity generation in the USA into a native sourced activity," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor.
In the U.S., Airtricity has a pipeline of 4,500 MW under way in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New Mexico with an ambitious plan for 2008 and beyond, including advanced plans to develop in the California market.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor, "we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
Beyond the U.S., Airtricity has set its sights on the Canadian market, as well as considering similar deals for Ireland and the rest of Europe. For his own country, O'Connor said, "Airtricity is also installing 100 MW of GE wind turbines in Ireland this year and we look forward to continuing to work with GE."
Airtricity Buys 500 MW of Renewable Energy in GE Turbines
Airtricity Buys 500 MW of Renewable Energy in GE Turbines
July 5, 2006
Dublin, Ireland and Chicago, Illinois [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Airtricity plans to purchase more than 300 GE 1.5-MW wind turbines, with 500 MW capacity in an arrangement exceeding $550 million, which the company describes as unprecedented. The investment will support Airtricity's U.S. build program for 2008; turbines required for 2006 and 2007 have already been secured.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage, we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
-- Eddie O'Connor, Airtricity "This 500 MW deal with GE Energy is testimony to Airtricity's commitment to begin the process of making electricity generation in the USA into a native sourced activity," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor.
In the U.S., Airtricity has a pipeline of 4,500 MW under way in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New Mexico with an ambitious plan for 2008 and beyond, including advanced plans to develop in the California market.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor, "we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
Beyond the U.S., Airtricity has set its sights on the Canadian market, as well as considering similar deals for Ireland and the rest of Europe. For his own country, O'Connor said, "Airtricity is also installing 100 MW of GE wind turbines in Ireland this year and we look forward to continuing to work with GE."
July 5, 2006
Dublin, Ireland and Chicago, Illinois [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Airtricity plans to purchase more than 300 GE 1.5-MW wind turbines, with 500 MW capacity in an arrangement exceeding $550 million, which the company describes as unprecedented. The investment will support Airtricity's U.S. build program for 2008; turbines required for 2006 and 2007 have already been secured.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage, we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
-- Eddie O'Connor, Airtricity "This 500 MW deal with GE Energy is testimony to Airtricity's commitment to begin the process of making electricity generation in the USA into a native sourced activity," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor.
In the U.S., Airtricity has a pipeline of 4,500 MW under way in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and New Mexico with an ambitious plan for 2008 and beyond, including advanced plans to develop in the California market.
"Bearing in mind the intense competition that exists in acquiring turbines at a time of world shortage," said Airtricity Chief Executive Eddie O'Connor, "we are delighted to have secured capacity to deliver a further 500 MW of renewable energy for our 2008 build program in the USA."
Beyond the U.S., Airtricity has set its sights on the Canadian market, as well as considering similar deals for Ireland and the rest of Europe. For his own country, O'Connor said, "Airtricity is also installing 100 MW of GE wind turbines in Ireland this year and we look forward to continuing to work with GE."
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
California company plans wind farm in eastern Oregon
California company plans wind farm in eastern Oregon
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 12:00 AM
The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. – A California company has notified Oregon officials it plans a wind farm covering 32,000 acres with 300 turbines.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm would be the largest in the Columbia River Gorge. It would generate 750 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 188,000 homes.
The developer, LifeLine Development Group of Sacramento, is a newcomer to the wind-energy boom in the gorge and hasn't developed any wind farms. It was formed expressly for Shepherds Flat, said Patricia Pilz, LifeLine's development vice president. She declined to identify corporate principals, except to say most were from California with strong backgrounds in wind energy.
LifeLine told the Oregon Department of Energy last week of its plans. A detailed application is due in September. A review by the state agency is required when wind projects exceed 105 megawatts.
"This is the largest one we've seen," said Diana Enright of the department. LifeLine would be built in phases of 250 megawatts each, Pilz said. The turbines, each with a 2.5-megawatt capacity, would hook into transmission lines leading to a Bonneville Power Administration interconnection that would take the power to population centers to the west.
The first phase of the project wouldn't be completed until 2008, when BPA expects to improve a substation to accommodate the new power generation. The site is near the Columbia River town Arlington in Gilliam and Morrow counties.
Clint Krebs owns most of the land, where he runs sheep and cattle. He's been advocating such a project for years.
"It's too windy, and the soil's too poor for farming," he said.
Other projects in the area, planned or under construction, are:
— A 450-megawatt farm that Oregon's largest utility, Portland General Electric, hopes to build in Sherman County. Last week, the state Energy Department approved a site certificate, clearing the way for development.
— A planned third phase of the Klondike wind farm in Sherman County, which would bring the capacity to 370 megawatts. The company, Portland-based PPM Energy, is one of the country's largest wind-power developers. PPM is owned by ScottishPower, based in Glasgow, Scotland.
— PPM's 200-megawatt wind farm called Big Horn, in Washington's Klickitat County.
— PPM's 100-megawatt Leaning Juniper wind farm near Arlington.
— The Stateline wind farm developed by Florida energy company FPL Group. It straddles Oregon and Washington in the eastern end of the gorge and has a 300-megawatt capacity. Plans call for 200 megawatts more.
Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 12:00 AM
The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. – A California company has notified Oregon officials it plans a wind farm covering 32,000 acres with 300 turbines.
The Shepherds Flat Wind Farm would be the largest in the Columbia River Gorge. It would generate 750 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 188,000 homes.
The developer, LifeLine Development Group of Sacramento, is a newcomer to the wind-energy boom in the gorge and hasn't developed any wind farms. It was formed expressly for Shepherds Flat, said Patricia Pilz, LifeLine's development vice president. She declined to identify corporate principals, except to say most were from California with strong backgrounds in wind energy.
LifeLine told the Oregon Department of Energy last week of its plans. A detailed application is due in September. A review by the state agency is required when wind projects exceed 105 megawatts.
"This is the largest one we've seen," said Diana Enright of the department. LifeLine would be built in phases of 250 megawatts each, Pilz said. The turbines, each with a 2.5-megawatt capacity, would hook into transmission lines leading to a Bonneville Power Administration interconnection that would take the power to population centers to the west.
The first phase of the project wouldn't be completed until 2008, when BPA expects to improve a substation to accommodate the new power generation. The site is near the Columbia River town Arlington in Gilliam and Morrow counties.
Clint Krebs owns most of the land, where he runs sheep and cattle. He's been advocating such a project for years.
"It's too windy, and the soil's too poor for farming," he said.
Other projects in the area, planned or under construction, are:
— A 450-megawatt farm that Oregon's largest utility, Portland General Electric, hopes to build in Sherman County. Last week, the state Energy Department approved a site certificate, clearing the way for development.
— A planned third phase of the Klondike wind farm in Sherman County, which would bring the capacity to 370 megawatts. The company, Portland-based PPM Energy, is one of the country's largest wind-power developers. PPM is owned by ScottishPower, based in Glasgow, Scotland.
— PPM's 200-megawatt wind farm called Big Horn, in Washington's Klickitat County.
— PPM's 100-megawatt Leaning Juniper wind farm near Arlington.
— The Stateline wind farm developed by Florida energy company FPL Group. It straddles Oregon and Washington in the eastern end of the gorge and has a 300-megawatt capacity. Plans call for 200 megawatts more.
Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company
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