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.
Recovery on the horizon – Reversing the semiconductor shortage
Semiconductors are integral to microchip technology, powering everything from Apple products to wind turbines. The pandemic caused a massive spike in demand, and with major disruptions in the supply chains, the semiconductor industry has experienced an ongoing shortage. Situation normal is slowly returning, but what can be done about future disruptions?
Port of call – Navigating the future of offshore wind farming
The role of ports in offshore wind farming cannot be underestimated. As we transition from the use of hydrocarbons to renewable energy, the wind industry seeks to maximize optimization of portside facilities. It will achieve this by continuing to identify favorable portside locations and lobbying for change at TENT-T.
Power to liquid – Fueling up with renewable energy
What exactly are e-fuels? What role will they play in the greening of the economy? In this article, we’ll get a glimpse of how and where e-fuels are produced, wind farming’s role in their production, and how they can be deployed to make Europe — and the world — more sustainable.
Low carbon through recycled steel – How to achieve zero carbon emissions along the entire supply chain
Wind turbines consist of many materials including steel. The steel industry is one of the sectors that emit the most CO2 and is anything but environmentally friendly. The time has come to change that.
Wind innovations Part 2 – Three (more) wind technologies you should know about
The transition to carbon-free energy takes many forms. Ground-breaking technologies are emerging to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.
Strong as a tree – Can wooden wind turbines transform the industry?
Wind turbine towers are mostly built out of steel, making them burdensome to transport. The heavy mass is not the only downside of these massive constructions. Although intended to generate renewable power, their manufacturing process is not as environmentally friendly as one might hope. But there is a solution: Swapping steel with wood.