El Cóndor Pasa – From bird wings to wind turbines?
Imagine soaring high above the Andes, riding the thermals without a flap of your wings for hundreds of miles — this is the daily journey of the Andean condor, the world’s largest flying bird. With wings stretching up to almost four meters, this impressive glider has inspired a significant technological breakthrough in wind energy.
The blue-green alliance – Fish farms meet wind turbines
In the pursuit of sustainability, two industries — offshore wind energy and aquaculture — are joining forces in a project in the North Sea. Freja Offshore and the Norwegian aquaculture innovator, Subfarm, aim to explore the feasibility of integrating fish farms within the Mareld floating offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Lysekil, Sweden. Can the harmony of wind and water unlock the next chapter in eco-innovation?
A beacon of renewable energy – Seagreen offshore wind farm
The Seagreen offshore wind farm, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, has announced its full operational status, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.
In the shadows of wind turbines – Exploring the wake effect
As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the efficiency of offshore wind farms has come under scrutiny. RWE, a leading developer in the offshore wind sector, is at the forefront of addressing one of the industry’s most significant challenges: the wake effect.
Empowering resilience – Ukraine’s wind energy development
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago shifted the geopolitical balance and transformed the energy outlook across Europe. Despite the devastation and challenges, Ukraine's resilience has been reflected in its determination to move forward with its wind energy sector to build a sustainable, renewable energy future in the post-war period.
Winds down under – Australia’s emerging offshore market
Australia’s offshore wind sector is poised for significant growth, reveals a comprehensive study commissioned by the UK Government and conducted by Arup, a global firm specializing in engineering and consultancy. But how exactly will this burgeoning market shape the country’s energy landscape, and what role will the partnership with the UK play in this transformation?
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.
Blowing in the right direction? – European policies stirring debate
Wind energy accounts for 19% of Europe’s electricity consumption, with nearly all the continent’s wind turbines being manufactured domestically. This is supported by an extensive supply chain comprising over 250 factories across almost every EU Member State, providing employment for 300,000 people throughout Europe. But despite these formidable achievements, the sector is at a critical juncture.
The next chapter – Wind energy in the post-pandemic world
Now that the dust has settled after the global pandemic, the wind energy sector — much like other industries — is navigating through a period of transformation and adaptation. This article explores how the wind industry should or is addressing challenges to continue its growth and maintain its vital role in our energy mix.