Together towards the energy transition – Cross-border alliances to boost offshore wind
Europewide, there is a growing desire for an energy transition, as many nations increase their onshore and offshore wind energy resources. But why are countries making decisions independently when the EU offers incentives for cross-border collaboration? This article reveals three projects, which show how international teamwork can look.
Winds of change on the Black Sea – The EU plans offshore wind energy expansion
Europe's wind-energy output is on course to increase 25-fold over the next 30 years. Achieving this, however, requires making greater use of sea basins – most notably the Black Sea. If wind energy could be captured there, European climate goals would be within reach, and neighboring countries would reap the rewards.
It’s getting windy! – The offshore industry is gaining ground
As economies grow, so does pollution. Before 2020, this was a commonly accepted fact. Not anymore, though. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global CO2 emissions dropped seven percent – paving the way for a new concept of growth relying on renewable energies. Offshore wind is facing a worldwide boom.
Offshore wind paying its own way – Are renewables becoming the cheaper option?
A UK-based team of researchers has a bold prediction. In three to four years at the latest, wind energy will be cheaper than fossil energy in Germany, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
The global race to green – The world on course for carbon neutrality?
Boris Johnson has ambitious plans to supply every home in the UK with offshore wind energy by 2030 – at an estimated cost of 50 billion pounds (55.8 billion euros). Meanwhile, Denmark is equally determined to become climate-neutral by 2040. But what is going on outside of Europe?
Green hydrogen on the rise – Green H2 to be cheaper in 2030 than blue H2
The production of blue hydrogen has always been cheaper than its green counterpart. But this is set to change by 2030 – marking a triumph for the wind industry. But what exactly is changing? And what does that for wind farm operators?
Next-generation jack-up vessels – A Norwegian collaboration to satisfy offshore demand
As a general rule: a taller turbine catches more wind and generates more power. That said, transporting such vast structures to offshore locations is no mean feat, especially given a lack of vessels to carry out the job. This is a joint-sector issue that, until now, remained unsolved.
Reaching record heights – 3D printing in the wind industry
3D printing is well established in many industries. It provides prosthetics and implants for medical use, is revolutionizing lightweight construction in the aerospace industry, and is used in mechanical engineering. Now, a new development shows how the wind industry could soon benefit from additive manufacturing as well.
Low touch economy in wind – How the wind industry manages the pandemic
The phrase “low touch economy” was born out of the Corona crisis. To remain viable during the pandemic, companies have to adapt – even if this means cutting back. But what does that really mean for the wind industry?
