E.ON is looking into options for storing excess wind energy in other of forms of potential energy. One of the options is to convert the produced electrical energy into hydrogen, which can then be stored in Germany's gas grid. E.ON is making a EUR 5 million investment in such a pilot plant, and more research in this new field of energy storage.
Caterpillar and Vestas have entered into an agreement under which Caterpillar is granted the right to remanufacture Vestas wind turbines during a ten year period. Caterpillar will provide the Danish wind turbine manufacturer with cost-effectie remanufacturing services, while maintaining a high level of quality and reliability.
Alstom is going to establish two production facilities for offshore wind turbines in France, one in Saint-Nazaire and another in Cherbourg. The company has been involved in the securing participation in the future development of offshore wind capacity in France, having entered announced its participation in the French offshore wind tender along with partner companies. The establishment of two offshore wind turbine production facilities in France is a sign of major confidence in the growth of the French offshore wind sector.
Siemens has increased its ownership stake in the marine energy specialist Marine Current Turbines (MCT). The German company now owns 45% of MCT, and strengthens its activities in this renewable energy sector. Having split its former Renewable Energy Division into two separate divisions, one dealing with wind, and another with solar and hydro, Siemens Solar & Hydro, the company has decided to get more involved in the marine energy sector, as MCT progresses from a pioneer to one of the leading marine energy technology companies. Siemens originally invested in MCT in early 2010.
Siemens unveiled its new steam turbine aimed at the geothermal power industry sector, at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo in San Diego, California. The new SST-400 GEO model is rated at 60 MW of power generation capacity, and combines a casing and turbine-generator package (including gearbox, generator and base frame).
Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) said the institute will invest GBP 25 million in an offshore wind floating system demonstration project, with the goal of opening up new areas near the coast of the UK for offshore wind development. It is hoped these new areas will contribute to reducing the cost of offshore wind energy further.
Ocean Power Technologies will work with a consortium of European companies and institutions on advancing its PowerBuoy wave energy conversion system. The PowerBuoy is to be enhanced with the addition of a new wave prediction technology, which will allow the system to adjust its performance with the oncoming waves.
Suzlon's North American subsidiary has opened a traning center for wind technicians working in the North American wind market. The facility will provide training for about 300 technicians annually, who will be involved in service and maintenance of more than 1200 Suzlon wind turbines installed throughout the US and Canada.
Pacific Gas & Electric has chosen Q-Cells as the preferred partner for the utility owned generation program (UOP), which involves the development of 250 MW of solar capacity. The capacity is to be installed in 50 MW phases, over a five-year period. During 2012, Q-Cells will install two facilities, one with 10 MW and another with 20 MW of installed capacity, both in Central Valley, California.
[source: Q-Cells]
China Ming Yang Wind Power (MY) has signed a development financing cooperation agreement and a planning agreement with China Development Bank (CDB), through the company's subsidiary Guangdong Ming Yang Wind Power Industry Group. CDB could support MY's strategic and financial planning with as much as USD 5 billion. This includes financing, loans and credit facilities until 2015.
