Recently, the wind energy sector has been shaken by two significant incidents in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. In one case, a wind turbine collapsed and crashed into a corn field at Gescher; in another, a fire broke out in a wind farm in Stemwede Bürgerwindpark. Both instances have drawn attention to the challenges aging wind farms are facing. Could these unfortunate events have been prevented?

Wind energy is generally considered an environmentally friendly energy source. However, the practice of discarding retired wind turbine blades in landfills casts a shadow on its green credentials. The good news is that energy companies have found and continue to seek more sustainable options.

Scheduled for September 12–15, 2023, in Husum, Germany, Husum Wind serves as the pulse of the renewable energy industry for the German-speaking world. With over 600 exhibitors showcasing their latest technologies and solutions, the event promises to be an inspiring stage for all wind energy enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.

The Emerald Isle has long been recognized for its lush green landscapes and picturesque scenery, but the nickname is starting to acquire a new layer of meaning. Nowadays, when we say Ireland is green, we don’t just mean its countryside. We are talking about its forward-thinking, renewable energy initiatives.  

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.

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?

Earlier this year, the European Commission introduced legislative initiatives aimed at improving European electricity market design and enhancing protection against market manipulation in the wholesale energy market, accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. The reforms are particularly important for the wind industry since they create a more favorable and supportive environment for the growth and integration of wind power.

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.

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.