A sea of potential – Revolutionary floating wind farm exceeds expectations
The world’s first semi-submersible floating offshore wind farm, WindFloat Atlantic, marked its third operational year in 2023 by generating an impressive 80 GWh of electricity! This landmark project, situated off the coast of Viana do Castelo, Portugal, demonstrates the practicality and promise of floating wind technology in providing sustainable energy solutions.
Bid for the breeze – Germany ramps up offshore wind energy with new auctions
Germany’s Federal Network Agency has launched a new round of offshore wind farm auctions. A hefty 5,500 MW are up for grabs at three pre-investigated sites in the breezy North Sea, 110 km northwest of the island of Borkum.
The evolution of wind turbines – Balancing size and efficiency with next-generation gearbox bearings
The quest for renewable energy has led to significant advancements in wind turbine technology. A key trend in this sector is the development of larger turbines, driven by the need to capture more wind energy and generate more electricity. This growth, however, presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining the efficiency and compactness of essential components like gearbox bearings.
Winds in the woods – A new wind project to power over 22,700 homes in Germany
RWE, a major player in the global renewable energy sector, has been selected by HessenForst to develop a state-of-the-art wind farm in the Hessian forest.
Dark armor – Black oxidation for wind turbine bearings
In the relentless pursuit of superior turbine bearing performance and durability, manufacturers are turning to surface treatments. Among the frontrunners is black oxide treatment, a method that has surged in popularity due to its many benefits. Explore this article to learn about the inner workings of black oxidation and its impact on turbine bearings.
The sound of silence – Quiet running bearings
Noise in wind turbines does more than disrupt the environment; it is also perceived as a warning sign of potential issues with the turbine generator. SKF has put a lot of thought into addressing these issues through SKF Quiet Running deep groove ball bearings. But what sets these bearings apart as potentially game-changing?
Hot topics in bearing tech – SKF at the Bearing World conference
SKF is excited to announce its participation in the 5th International FVA-Conference, scheduled for June 25-26, 2024, in Würzburg, Germany. The event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the latest advancements in bearing technology.
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?
