This webinar was hosted by Windustry and the Great Lakes Regional Wind Energy Institute with support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on February 11, 2010. The webinar provided a discussion of the myths and facts behind wind turbine syndrome and how scientific research is used to both support and deny the claims made.

In June, a large-scale floating turbine was installed off the coast of Norway by companies StatoilHydro and Siemens. The floating turbine, dubbed the Hywind, is located in water that is about 700 feet deep. This is significantly deeper than previously installed offshore turbines whose fixed-bottom structures required a water depth of only about 100 feet.

The United States has yet to install any offshore wind turbines, partially because appropriate turbine designs, like the floating turbines, are still being researched, said Jason Jonkman, a senior engineer with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

"Offshore wind energy must progress in stages in the U.S.," he said. "Before deepwater floating wind energy can become a reality, we must ‘get our feet wet' so to say by first installing fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines in shallow water, less than 30m. Once we have experience with that technology, we can move to deeper water."

Dallas, TX

Hear from the contractors that are providing O&M services to onshore wind farms and learn from the experience skills and service the oil and gas industry has developed in order to tackle offshore O&M.

About The Conference
Come and learn from leading renewable energy technology and policy experts, visit with renewable energy businesses, and hear from inspiring speakers.

Conference Highlights

Come to the 3rd annual Michigan Energy Fair, sponsored by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. In 2007 over 4,000 attendees viewed exhibits from over 100 renewable energy vendors and participated in dozens of timely workshops. 2008 plans are for both increased participation and an expanded roster of vendors. The fair takes place at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama, MI.

As the first generations of wind turbines reach the end of their original deployment, there is growing interest in the used turbine market.

Just as you would be cautious and need to do due diligence when purchasing a used car, caution is of the utmost importance in considering used turbines.

Mark your calendars for the 2008 Small Wind Power Conference in Stevens Point, WIsconsin at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. The Conference will be held just prior to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair (June 20-22, 2008).

The Small Wind Power Conference is hosted by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

February 19-20; Austin Convention Center; Austin, TX

The primary objective of this conference is to open a dialog for partnership between two of the world's leading countries in developing and implementing new wind energy technologies. Innovative German companies will present their technologies. Opportunities for business cooperation in the US will be discussed.