Washington DC — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced funding for up to $6 million over two years to improve short-term wind energy forecasting. The funding will support projects that enhance the ability of utilities and electricity grid operators to forecast when and where generation from wind power will take place, allowing for improved utility operations.

Washington DC — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the availability of up to $6 million to advance midsize wind turbine technology in order to boost the speed and scale of midsize turbine deployment. DOE will provide the funding over two years to accelerate the development, testing, and commercialization of domestically manufactured, midsize wind turbines with rated generating capacities between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt. Through this funding opportunity, DOE will leverage private-sector technology investment by providing cost-shared partnerships to qualified projects in support of the Administration's drive to create clean-energy jobs, and promote economic development and energy independence. DOE anticipates making up to four initial grants under this competitive solicitation.

Cedar Rapids, IA - This event is dedicated to helping fabricating and machining shops identify and capitalize on opportunities in the wind energy supply chain.

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.