Offshore wind power

Robots aren’t going to take over the world, but they can definitely make life a lot easier for humans. And that was the aim of BladeBUG, a UK startup that has developed insect-like robots to inspect, maintain, and repair offshore wind turbine blades without the need for rope access.

The state of New Jersey is investing in a $250 million manufacturing facility to build steel components, known as monopiles, for offshore wind turbines. It will serve the entire US offshore wind industry.

Equinor’s and SSE’s Dogger Bank is the world’s largest offshore wind farm. It’s being built in three phases — A, B, and C — off England’s northeast coast. And phase C will see GE’s 14MW Haliade-X turbines, upgraded from 13MW (previously the most powerful offshore wind turbine in operation), deployed for the first time.

One of Europe’s largest vertical farms is up and running in a warehouse near Copenhagen, and it’s powered by wind. That’s not surprising, since Denmark has the highest proportion of wind power in the world.

The green energy industry is obviously delighted about Joe Biden’s US presidential win. Biden wants to rejoin the Paris Accord, rapidly accelerate green energy, and create millions of green energy jobs. Here’s what five CEOs had to say about the president-elect.

Danish green energy giant Ørsted CEO Henrik Poulsen has resigned after an eight-year tenure. Ørsted is now the world’s biggest offshore wind developer. It recently installed its 1,500th offshore wind turbine, in announced on June 11.

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Ohio unanimously approved the Icebreaker wind farm, North America’s first offshore freshwater project. It is planned for Lake Erie, near Cleveland (pictured). However, there’s a rather large hitch.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• The US now has nearly 60,000 wind turbines spinning across 41 states and two US territories.
• Some New York City councillors want to turn Rikers Island jail complex into a green energy hub.
• The College of William & Mary will source nearly 50% of the university’s electricity from solar.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Green energy generates more electricity than fossil fuels for first time in the UK.
• Ax air miles programs to reduce carbon emissions, says British government’s climate-change advisers.
• As KLM Royal Dutch Airlines turns 100, it’s taking active steps to reduce carbon emissions.
• Washington, DC’s historic preservation board rejects front-facing solar panels.

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Green energy in the UK, which includes wind farms, solar, biomass, and hydro plants, generated more electricity than coal, oil, and gas in the third quarter of 2019, according to a new report by Carbon Brief.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Nine Latin American countries pledge to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030.
• Dominion Energy proposes the US’s largest offshore wind farm off Virginia Beach.
• Montgomery County, Maryland, may adopt solar panel mandates for new builds.
• Another coal plant closes in the UK, at Cottam — and coal will be phased out by 2025.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Activists Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot launch a short film about how to fight climate change.
• The UK holds a $25 billion offshore wind farm auction.
• EnergySage releases their 2019 consumer solar report.
• Duke Energy says it will eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• Youth climate strike kicks off on September 20 to “end the age of fossil fuels.”
• SunPower launches its own residential battery system, the Equinox Storage.
• Bill Gates thinks we need a new approach to green energy investments.
• The world’s largest wind turbine will launch near Rotterdam.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• EPA weakens regulations of environmentally harmful methane emissions.
• 5 East coast governors urge the feds to green-light a delayed offshore wind power project.
• Scotland is building the world’s most powerful floating tidal turbine.
• Why Kathmandu’s trailblazing EV movement failed — yet is now making a comeback.

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In today’s Electrek Green Energy Brief (EGEB):

• US government offshore wind farm reviews could threaten their development.
• The weakened Endangered Species Act empowers dirty energy.
• Carbon dioxide levels broke global records in 2018.
• Pennsylvania has a new bipartisan-backed Renewable Energy Bill.

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In today’s EGEB:

• Coastal saltwater — a new source of renewable energy?
• The ACEEE releases the 2019 City Clean Energy Scorecard.
• New Orleans considers wind power, but there is dissent.
• Just 10% of fossil-fuel subsidies could pay for green energy.

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In today’s EGEB:

• Rio Tinto will purchase renewable energy certificates, and close its coal power plant.
• Agreement will make New London, Connecticut a regional hub for offshore wind.
• Duke Energy is selling a portion of its solar and wind portfolio.

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In today’s EGEB:

• Scientists remove silicon from solar cells and double perovskites in a new technique.
• New York may get a solar boost from a new Public Service Commission order.
• Ireland isn’t on track to hit its 2030 renewable energy goal.
• Rhode Island high school offers offshore wind training program.

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In today’s EGEB:

• Oil and gas companies could lose 95% of value by 2050 if Paris Agreement is followed.
• New York announces $30 million to modernize grid as state advances green energy transition.
• 200 community leaders have now expressed support for the Voices for 100% Renewable Energy project.
• JDR Cable Systems and Tufts University are collaborating to help students who want to pursue an offshore wind career.

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In today’s EGEB:

• The offshore wind industry may be looking at a $70 billion opportunity.
• Sri Lanka approves 100 MW in floating solar projects.
• BYD and Pireos Capital announce the deployment of 100MWh ESS in Mexico.
• Toronto City Council could sue Big Oil for climate change costs.

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