Energy department creates wind-turbine research group
The memorandum calls for a two-year collaboration to research methods to design and fabricate more reliable turbine components; reduce installation and operating costs; address environmental and technical issues; and to develop turbine certification, workforce and grid connection standards.
Companies that signed the agreement include GE Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Turbine Works, Suzlon Energy and Gamesa Corp, DOE officials said at a press conference at WindPower 2008, an annual conference and exhibit sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association in Houston.
Andy Karsner, DOE assistant secretary of energy efficiency and renewables, said the cooperative research effort between the agency and industry shows a "shared commitment" to expand wind's share of the U.S. electric supply from about 2 percent to a 20 percent target by 2030.
"To dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our energy security, clean power generation at the gigawatt-scale will be necessary to expand domestic wind manufacturing base and streamline the permitting process," Karsner said.
The U.S added 5,000 megawatts of wind generation capacity last year at an estimated $9 billion, according to AWEA, as states move to mandate renewable power generation. About 1,400 MW was added in the first quarter.
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France nuclear power stations to limit energy output due to high river temps
PARIS - The high temperature warning has come early this year but will affect fewer nuclear power plants. High temperatures could halve nuclear power production at plants along France's Rhone River this week.
Output restrictions are expected at two nuclear plants in eastern France due to high temperature forecasts, nuclear operator EDF said. It comes several days ahead of a similar warning that was made last year but will affect fewer plants.
The hot weather is likely to halve the available power supply from the 3.6 GW Bugey plant from 13 July and the 2.6 GW Saint Alban plant from 16 July,…
