Wind

Collaborating with computer scientists, researchers have devised ingenious methods to detect and identify specific bird species flying close to rotor blades. These innovative techniques may lead to pausing wind turbine operations when protected species are nearby. The goal is to establish a harmonious relationship between wind energy production and the surrounding wildlife, ensuring minimal impact on vulnerable bird populations. Discover how these advancements are paving the way for commercially available technologies in the land-based and offshore wind turbine sectors, aiming to create a sustainable future for renewable energy while safeguarding our avian friends.

In a significant decision, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani upheld federal approvals for the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm, dismissing claims of inadequate environmental assessments. The ruling reinforces the rigorous and effective nature of the environmental review process for offshore wind projects, ensuring responsible development. The court found that the agencies considered the best available science and implemented mitigation measures to protect endangered species. This decision paves the way for the project’s implementation, marking a milestone for the offshore wind industry and its environmental stewardship.

IberBlue Wind has announced the development of two floating offshore wind projects on the North Atlantic coast. The projects, named Juan Sebastián Elcano and Creoula, will be located on the border between Spain and Portugal and have a combined capacity of nearly 2 GW. The turbines will be spread across an area of 530 square kilometers, and both projects will comprise a total of 109 turbines.

Innovations in wind energy storage offer a promising solution to the challenge of wind energy intermittency. From battery storage systems to compressed air energy storage, a range of innovative solutions are being developed to store excess energy generated by wind turbines and release it when needed. These solutions offer a pathway to a more reliable and consistent supply of wind energy, and have the potential to play a major role in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Carbon Rivers and BEST are at the forefront of developing groundbreaking technologies to enhance wind energy deployment. Carbon Rivers has invented a process that can recycle retired wind turbine blades into material that can be used in future composite manufacturing, while BEST is creating a microwave radiometer to accurately assess atmospheric conditions for floating offshore wind.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are supporting two small businesses in advancing their innovative solutions for wind energy technology.

With the growth of renewable energy, the wind energy industry has become a major contributor to job growth in America. From manufacturing and installation to operations and maintenance, wind energy has created job opportunities across all 50 states.

Carbon Rivers, a Tennessee-based small business, has been granted $1 million to develop their innovative technology to recycle glass fiber recovered from retired wind turbine blades. With the additional funding, Carbon Rivers aims to convert the current recycled glass fiber into nonwoven fabrics for new turbine blade construction and other industries such as marine, construction, and aerospace.

In this blog post, we delve into the debate of wind energy versus fossil fuels and which is more sustainable. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of each energy source, examining factors such as environmental impact, cost, and scalability. We also consider the future of renewable energy and the role that wind energy may play in a sustainable future.

Offshore wind farms are rapidly gaining popularity as a viable source of clean, renewable energy. These large-scale wind power facilities are situated in the ocean, typically several kilometers offshore, where wind speeds are generally stronger and more consistent than on land.