Wednesday 8th January 2014

RWE cuts Triton Knoll capacity

RWE Innogy is set to reduce the capacity of the proposed 1.2GW Triton Knoll offshore wind farm in the UK to between 600 and 900MW.

The move, which could halve the output of the Lincolnshire project, will also significantly reduce the footprints of the associated substation and intermediate electrical compound onshore.

It comes as the German developer seeks to 'make the site more competitive and more economic in line with Government proposals to bring down the cost of offshore wind.'

In November last year, RWE pulled the plug on the 1.2GW Atlantic Array project in the Bristol Channel, citing technological challenges and market conditions.

Vestas lifts free cash flow expectations

Vestas has upgraded its free cash flow expectations for 2013 to approximately €1bn.

The figure, based on preliminary reporting, compares to a previous forecast of €500-700m.

The Danish turbine manufacturer, whose share price has risen more than 400% over the past twelve months, put the improvement down to ‘better-than-expected development of net working capital.’

KGAL acquires German onshore assets

Munich-based KGAL Gruppe has purchased assets on two further wind farms from German developer WKN.

The deal sees KGAL acquire the 15MW, five-turbine Karstorf project and three of six turbines at the 18MW Kropp wind farm.

It follows the investment group’s acquisitions of the Hollige wind farm and the rights to the Dargies project in France from WKN in 2013.

Karstorf and Kropp, both situated in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, are scheduled for commissioning in the second quarter of 2014.

Enbridge invests $200m in Texan wind

Canadian energy company Enbridge has signed a deal with RES Amercias to construct the 110MW Keechi Wind Project in Texas for $200m.

Work on Keechi Wind began in December 2013, and the project is expected to reach commissioning in the first quarter of 2015.

Upon attaining commercial operation, MetLife will provide tax equity financing for the project.

Ministers call for 2030 EU renewables goal

Energy and environment ministers from eight European countries, including Germany and France, have reportedly urged the European Union to set a 2030 target for renewable energy.

In a letter seen by Reuters, the politicians argue that a 2030 goal ‘is crucial to provide certainty that can ensure cost-effective investments in energy systems that will strengthen the internal market for energy’.

The letter was signed by ministers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Portugal.

Blade erosion research to begin

Researchers at the Fraunhofer IWES have unveiled plans to evaluate the resistance of rotor blade coatings to rain erosion.

A climatised test stand will be created to test blades with tip speeds up to 160 m/s.

Rain, hail, sand, salty sea water and dirt all gather on the surfaces of rotor blades, leading to abrasion, crack formation and a deterioration of blade aerodynamics, which can ultimately cause a reduction in turbine efficiency and an increase in noise pollution.