The next wave of floating wind – Counter-rotating turbines
Amidst the surge of innovation in renewable energy, a Norwegian startup, World Wide Wind (WWW), is making waves with a groundbreaking floating wind turbine design. With the recent approval to test its prototype off the southwest coast of Norway, this Oslo-based pioneer could be steering the world towards a future where the energy of our oceans is harnessed with unparalleled efficiency.
Pushing the limits – Record-breaking wind turbines
In 2023, wind turbine OEMs continued to captivate attention with their innovative models, setting new records in generation capacity and turbine size. This article offers an overview of the most impressive wind turbines that marked the year.
High-flying innovation – Karahka wind farm’s hybrid towers
The Nordex Group is getting a lot of attention in the renewable energy sector with its latest project at the Karahka wind farm in Finland. The project stands out as Nordex’s first venture into using its concrete-steel hybrid towers. These towers are impressively tall, reaching a height of 168 meters, a record for Nordex installations. But what advantages do they bring?
Furious seas, steady solutions – Predictive maintenance for North Sea wind turbines
The North Sea is home to numerous wind turbines which face unique challenges due to the hostile environment. However, with the advent of advanced diagnostic tools like the SKF Multilog IMx machine monitoring devices, the maintenance and efficiency of these wind turbines have seen significant improvements.
From deep blue to green – Advancements fueling offshore wind power
Once regarded as an ambitious and cost-intensive venture, offshore wind farms have undergone transformative changes in recent years. They now offer not only a sustainable solution but also an economically viable one. This article explores the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of wind energy capture.
From worn to reborn – Remanufacturing wind turbine bearings
Bearing replacement is inevitable over time, however, there is a more economical and sustainable option — remanufacturing. We have previously explored the concept and its benefits, and in this article, we outline the steps involved in the process.
Towards a water-secure future – Wind-driven desalination
As our planet faces an escalating water crisis due to population growth, climate change, pollution, and overconsumption, it is important to seek out long-term, effective solutions. Could combining wind power with water desalination present a promising answer?
Spinning giants – Challenges for main shaft bearings
The wind power industry has made significant strides over the past two decades, and the shift towards larger, more efficient turbines has led to increased complexities in the production of a crucial component: the rotor bearing. This article explores the issues while presenting solutions to meet industry demands.
Gone with the wind – The phaseout of SF6
In April, the European Council made its first overture to phase out SF6 and other F-gas-based technology in current wind farm installations. The greenhouse gas accounts for a staggering portion of our current climate emergency, outshining even carbon dioxide. Though SF6’s hitherto entrenched role in big wind may present challenges in navigating the rollback, the change will ultimately be worth it for a more sustainable future.
