Wind Power News

Elevated bamboo housing protects an Indian community from floods

Oct 17, 2019: The nonprofit SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) teamed up with local organization NEADS (North-East Affected Area Development Society) to create 80 core houses that are resistant to flooding.

EEA reports poor air quality caused premature deaths of 400,000 Europeans in 2016

Oct 17, 2019: Coal-fired power plants, vehicle-clogged highways, and fossil-fuel spewing factories have contributed to the growing European air pollution dilemma. Industries, households and vehicles all emit dangerous mixtures of pollutant particulates that are harmful to human health. Indeed, the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlighted the issue when reporting that over 400,000 Europeans met their untimely demise in 2016 due to poor air quality standards that placed their health at risk. Air pollution...

Scotland bans plastic-stemmed cotton swabs in bid to combat plastic pollution

Oct 17, 2019: Following backlash concerning plastic waste buildup in beaches and oceans, Scotland is now the first country in the United Kingdom to officially ban the manufacture, supply and sale of plastic-stemmed cotton swabs.

Recycled botanical garden in Seattle brings visitors decades of joy

Oct 17, 2019: When Wendy Morgan accepted a friend’s invitation to go see Elda Behm’s garden in the 1990s, she had no idea she would become entangled in a project for the next 25 years. “Elda popped her head around the garage and that was the beginning of it,” Morgan says with a laugh. “She was a saleswoman.” The Port of Seattle was planning its third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Behm’s home and garden were in the way, so the port slated them for demolition. But Behm wasn’t giving...

Architects use simple, low-cost and efficient materials to create spectacular home with 'flying roof' in Chile

Oct 17, 2019: Located in a coastal area in Chile's Valparaíso region, the gorgeous home was built using prefabricated and modular materials, then topped with an eye-catching, origami-inspired metal roof.

Local protests kill Norway's wind plans

Oct 17, 2019: The government has ended work on a national framework for wind power after overwhelming local opposition to the plans.

MHI Vestas gets nod for 1GW Seagreen

Oct 17, 2019: MHI Vestas is in line to supply 114 turbines for the full 1,075MW Seagreen project in the North Sea. It will be Scotland's largest offshore wind farm.

First look: Haliade-X blades fitted to prototype

Oct 17, 2019: GE Rewnewable Energy has completed the installation of the major components for its 12MW prototype at the Port of Rotterdam.

A hotel suite inside a shipping container hovers over the landscape in Brazil

Oct 16, 2019: Brazilian architecture firm Bruno Zaitter arquiteto has once again given new life to a shipping container with the Bosque Refuge, one of the Hotel Fazenda Cainã suites in Balsa Nova, Brazil.

EIT Food Marketplace disrupts the industry with additive-free beverages, veggie milk and more

Oct 16, 2019: The future of food appears to emphasize clean, sustainable eating that boosts personal and planetary health.

Computer models show clear advantages in new types of wind turbines

Oct 16, 2019: Researchers have modeled the fluid dynamics of multi-rotor wind turbines via high-resolution numerical simulations. The simulations demonstrate a clear advantage for a turbine model with four rotors. The researchers found, that the wind turbine wake recovers much faster with multi-rotor turbines, that multi-rotor turbines produce slightly more energy than single-rotor turbines, and that a turbine with four rotors as far apart as possible is the optimal construction.

First-of-its-kind device prototype harnesses renewable energy from ocean waves

Oct 16, 2019: With today’s renewables market rapidly expanding, it’s no wonder then that wave energy has recently gained traction as a contemporary energy source.

Self-sustainable childrens center in Tanzania harvests water like a baobab tree

Oct 16, 2019: In northern Tanzania, a Swedish team of architects, engineers, and a non-profit collaborated with local workers to complete the Econef Children’s Center, a self-sustaining facility for orphans in the King’ori village. Asante Architecture & Design, Lönnqvist & Vanamo Architects, Architects Without Borders Sweden, Engineers Without Borders Sweden, and Swedish-Tanzanian NGO ECONOF created the center to provide sleeping quarters and classrooms to orphaned children, as well as to also increase...

Artist unveils furniture collection for insects

Oct 16, 2019: As the world's insect population plummets, it is becoming more and more important to create insect-friendly habitats. Now, you can have one right in your own backyard!

IEA wins EPC contract for 130-MW Iowa wind farm

Oct 16, 2019: Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives announced a new wind energy project award valued at approximately $67 million. The award is for construction of the Richland Wind Farm in Sac County in western Iowa. The power generated by the 130-MW project’s planned 53 GE WTG turbines will be delivered into the Iowa electrical grid. Work on the… The post IEA wins EPC contract for 130-MW Iowa wind farm appeared first on Windpower Engineering & Development.

Offshore wind cable market to grow 57% by 2023

Oct 16, 2019: The value of the global market for subsea cables is set to increase 57% in the next four years as the offshore wind sector expands.

PPA hunt for 'Canada's largest wind farm'

Oct 16, 2019: Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada (BHE Canada) and RES have launched a search for partners to buy power from what could be Canada's largest onshore wind farm, testing how wind can compete without subsidy in Alberta.

Stefano Boeri will revitalize Genoa with sustainable energy-producing urban design

Oct 15, 2019: A Stefano Boeri Architetti-led design team has won a competition to design a new urban project to transform the Polcevera valley in Genoa, Italy into a beacon of sustainability. Titled “The Polcevera Park and The Red Circle,” the urban regeneration scheme will include a series of parks beneath the new Renzo Piano-designed bridge that will replace the Morandi Bridge that collapsed on August 14, 2018—a tragedy that killed 43 people. In addition to revitalizing the area and memorializing the recent...

Renewable energy surpasses fossil fuels in the UK

Oct 15, 2019: In a first for the United Kingdom, wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable energy sources have generated more electricity than their fossil fuel counterparts of coal and natural gas.

Golden State bans hotel mini-toiletries in effort to minimize waste

Oct 15, 2019: To reduce the impact of plastic waste pollution, California banned hotel and lodging use and distribution of travel-size plastic toiletries. No longer will miniature personal care products like shampoos, conditioners and liquid bath soaps be part of the amenities package. The proliferation of single-use plastics has devastated the environment, overwhelming landfills. To minimize single-use plastic’s footprint, the Golden State shall phase out toiletry bottles from all lodging accommodations...

How to see these six fascinating animals in the wild while aiding in their conservation

Oct 15, 2019: If you’re going to travel, travel responsibly. The best way to show these animals that you love them is by respecting their habitats and aiding in the conservation of their species. Here’s how to ethically view six animals in their natural habitats in ways that benefit them rather than disturb them. Sharks on Viti Levu, Fiji There are hundreds of different species of sharks who call earth’s waters home, and a trip to Fiji will give you the chance to see at least eight of them in...

Old bus is converted into a mobile greenhouse to teach students about sustainable eating habits

Oct 15, 2019: Parents in New Jersey are rejoicing thanks to a refurbished bus that is on a mission to educate young students on a variety of food education issues, from better eating habits to urban gardening.

Dominion Energy gets approval to erect two offshore wind turbines in Virginia

Oct 15, 2019: Dominion Energy has received two key determinations from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the design, fabrication and installation of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. “This is a significant milestone as we move forward on building the first-ever fully permitted offshore wind project in federal waters,” said Mark D. Mitchell, Dominion Energy’s vice… The post Dominion Energy gets approval to erect two offshore wind turbines in Virginia appeared first on Windpower Engineering & Development.

Deutsche Windtechnik replaces Senvion at Trianel site

Oct 15, 2019: Deutsche Windtechnik will service 32 Senvion turbines at the 203MW Trianel Borkum Windpark II project in the German North Sea, replacing the embattled manufacturer as operations and maintenance (O&M) provider.

Designers made this pavilion out of upcycled paper waste

Oct 14, 2019: Originally created for the Copenhagen Art Fair to showcase a new sustainable method of design, the Paper Pavilion is made out of upcycled paper collected from the city itself. The art fair, in its fifth season, had a specific focus on pavilion designs that spotlighted sustainable construction, urbanization and recycling. The pavilion was created by PAN-PROJECTS, an architect firm based in Denmark run by two Japanese architects. PAN-PROJECTS wanted to combine sustainability with the appropriate...

Climate change is forcing major airports to future-proof against rising sea levels and floods

Oct 14, 2019: To mitigate against the risks of sea level rise and consequential flooding, many airports across the country and internationally have had to invest in protective countermeasures.

Celebrate the second International E-Waste Day

Oct 14, 2019: The day is meant to raise awareness for proper disposal of electrical equipment and electronic devices worldwide.

A striking new gateway to Copenhagen celebrates green transit and Danish design

Oct 14, 2019: Earlier this summer, Copenhagen officially opened Køge Nord Station, a stunning new transportation landmark that raises the bar for beautiful urban infrastructure.

Wind pushing UK renewables past fossil fuels

Oct 14, 2019: Renewables will soon provide the largest share of the UK's electricity generation mix, according to official figures, with the growth in wind -- lately in offshore -- driving the sector to a tipping point.

Stunning green-roofed home in Poland is embedded into the idyllic landscape

Oct 14, 2019: Related: + Via…

Over 100GW needed for UK to reach net-zero

Oct 14, 2019: More than 100GW of new wind and solar PV capacity will be needed by mid-century if the UK is to reach its net-zero target by 2050, according to new analysis.

Designers aim to reduce the waste and impact of airlines

Oct 11, 2019: This exhibit is a concept design that could change the way we travel, or at least the environmental impact when we do.

Federal agencies propose designated marine habitat to help protect Pacific humpback whales

Oct 11, 2019: Earlier this week, three federal government agencies — the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Commerce Department — jointly proposed the creation of a critical marine habitat for Pacific humpback whales.

Zaha Hadid Architects completes futuristic, energy-saving airport in Beijing

Oct 11, 2019: Seamlessly integrated into the city’s expanding transportation network, the new airport is defined by dramatic sweeping curves, an abundance of interior daylighting and energy-saving systems that include photovoltaic panels and a rainwater harvesting system.

Archstorming announces winning proposals for a school made of recycled plastic in Mexico

Oct 11, 2019: From 230 submissions, an international jury selected three winning projects that draw attention to the problem of plastic waste in Mexico and found imaginative ways to reuse common plastic objects.

This furniture collection is made from repurposed military parachutes

Oct 11, 2019: Innovative design firms Layer and RÆBURN have teamed up again to create the Canopy Collection, a series of chairs and screens made out of former military parachutes.

Ørsted, Eversource open joint venture office in Connecticut

Oct 11, 2019: The Ørsted and Eversource Joint Venture (JV) officially marked the arrival of its first Connecticut office in downtown New London. Members of the Ørsted and Eversource JV joined alongside future neighbors and the New London business community at a ceremonial groundbreaking event at the Muddy Waters Café at 42 Bank Street. “The governor, port authority,… The post Ørsted, Eversource open joint venture office in Connecticut appeared first on Windpower Engineering & Development.

Nearshore rule changes a hammer blow to Thor

Oct 11, 2019: Extra environmental impact assessments could delay about 500MW of nearshore Danish wind projects by two-to-three years, according to industry association Wind Denmark.

Equinor commits to Hywind Tampen floating project

Oct 11, 2019: Equinor has made a final investment decision on its NOK 5 billion (€500 million) Hywind Tampen project, to supply two North Sea oil and gas platforms with power from an 88MW floating wind farm.

Rammed-earth walls make up a beautiful retreat hidden in the Zhejiang mountains

Oct 10, 2019: Hidden in the misty mountains of Zhejiang, a new eco-sensitive resort made from local materials entices visitors with spectacular views and laid-back charms. International architecture firm kooo architects designed the Retreat Village, which comprises a cluster of luxury suites, for their client Hangzhou Origin Villa Hotel & Resort in the Dashan Village in Zhejiang, China. Taking inspiration from the local vernacular, the architects used local materials and techniques, such as rammed-earth construction,...

Light your pumpkins the EEK-o-friendly way this Halloween

Oct 10, 2019: With All Hallow’s season upon us, consider illuminating your jack-o'-lanterns in an eco-friendly way.

When in Rome, recycle more to earn free metro and bus travel tickets

Oct 10, 2019: Called "Ricicli + Viaggi" (or the “Recycle + Travel program”), consumers who recycle empty plastic bottles earn credits toward free public transportation travel tickets.

This 1973 Airstream could be yours for $68,900

Oct 10, 2019: A clean, modern design. Plentiful storage. An abundance of natural light. What more could you want in a tiny home on wheels?

Save the Duck introduces new winter line of outerwear

Oct 10, 2019: When you’re wearing clothing made from fur or leather, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it comes from an animal. But even vegetarians and vegans have an easier time closing their eyes to what’s hidden inside winter’s ubiquitous puffy jackets. Fortunately, brands like Save the Duck are making it possible for humans to stay warm and stylish without causing ducks pain and suffering. This month, the Italian clothing brand is revealing new designs. They’re kicking it off with a special brand...

Volleyball: The secret to sneaky float serves

Oct 10, 2019: A team of researchers performed wind tunnel experiments to determine the role of asymmetry caused by the orientation of a volleyball on its aerodynamic characteristics. They found that switching from the standard panel arrangement to a hexagonal or dimpled pattern may improve the consistency of flight, with many potential applications in aviation.

Ideol signs deal for concrete foundations in Japan

Oct 10, 2019: French foundation specialist Ideol will work with Japanese construction company Taisei Corporation to develop concrete foundations for floating offshore wind projects using its damping pool design.

'Ill-conceived and incoherent': wind industry reaction to Germany's climate package

Oct 10, 2019: The clean energy industry in Germany was left unimpressed by a package of new measures designed to support the country's aim of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

Morgan Stanley ups PNE takeover offer

Oct 10, 2019: Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP) will launch a takeover bid for German wind developer PNE with an increased offer of €4 per share.

Ski atop the worlds cleanest waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen

Oct 9, 2019: Six years after breaking ground, CopenHill—a waste-to-energy plant topped with a year-round ski slope—is officially open, marking a major milestone in Copenhagen’s journey to becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025. Bjarke Ingels Group, SLA, AKT, Lüchinger+Meyer, MOE and Rambøll designed the new architectural landmark that they describe as the cleanest waste-to-energy plant in the world. The building includes an environmental education hub as well as a landscaped roof for...

30 of world's largest cities have hit peak greenhouse gas emissions milestone, C40 analysis shows

Oct 9, 2019: The international community has collaboratively crusaded to quickly reach peak global greenhouse gas emissions.