Industry News-Made in Britain: the world's biggest wind turbine blades

The world’s biggest wind turbine blades will be made in Britain, Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband said today.

Announcing grants for three offshore wind energy companies Mr Miliband today told the TUC annual conference:

“With strong government backing, the UK is consolidating its lead in offshore wind energy. We already have more offshore wind energy than any other country, we have the biggest wind farm in the world about to start construction, and now we’ll see the biggest turbine blades in the world made here in Britain.

“Our coastline means the offshore wind industry has the potential to employ tens of thousands of workers by 2020, manufacturing, transporting, installing and operating new turbines.

“It will take an active government to get us there and the funds I’m announcing today are part of the £120 million investment we
are making this year and next in the wind industry to make that happen.”

The three companies are:

* Clipper Wind Power - £4.4 million to develop their first prototype 70m blade for the Britannia project – the largest wind turbines in the world.

* Artemis Intelligent Power - £1 million to transfer their existing technology from automotive to wind energy.

* Siemens Wind Power UK - £1.1 million to develop the next generation power convertors for their larger offshore turbine.

As a result of their award Clipper will start work on a plant in the North East of England where blades for their giant turbines will be developed. Once constructed, each blade will be more than 70 metres long and weigh over 30 tonnes. The blades are part of the turbines that will stand at 175 meters tall. The plant will initially employ 60 people by the end of next year.

The grants are awarded under phase 1 of the Low Carbon Energy Demonstration (LCED) capital grants scheme. Vestas Technology UK Ltd was the first company to receive an award under the scheme last month. The total amount awarded under phase 1 is £10 million.

James G.P. Dehlsen, Chairman of Clipper Windpower, said:

“With the deployment of the 10MW Clipper offshore turbine in UK waters, the nation will benefit from clean power, and also from the strong economic boost arising from the development and serial production of the turbines in the coming years. DECC’s leadership in initiating and expediting the grant program is timely and will help to accelerate our planning for and delivery of the Britannia project.

We are appreciative of the support and look forward to the opportunity to continue to work closely with DECC.”

Waverley Cameron, Chairman of Artemis Intelligent Power said:

“This kind of targeted support by government enables small R&D companies like Artemis to develop the breakthrough technologies needed to bring Britain to the forefront of the low carbon revolution.”

Taylor Keogh Communications Public Affairs & PR for the Energy Industry

Industry News-Danish Wind Energy Industry Blows Europe Away

As concerns grew over global warming in the 1980s, coupled with the energy crises experienced in the 1970s, Denmark found itself at the sharp end of a renewable energy movement in a bid to limit its dependence on foreign oil. The country immediately went on to adopt various laws calling for a cut in carbon emissions and outlawing the construction of nuclear power plants.

Given its large offshore wind resources and large expanse of sea territory with shallow water depth where siting is most effective, it made sense for Denmark to cultivate a wind power industry.

At the centre of the Danish wind movement is the Danish Wind Industry Association which is a not-for-profit organisation covering over 200 companies.

Rune Birk Nielsen of the DWIA said the association has involvement across the board, ranging from utilities to suppliers and sub-suppliers. ‘To sum it up, we work with everyone from the top to the bottom of the chain in this industry. The aim of the game is the make the best possible frame for the industry to succeed in Denmark.’

Over the years, many investors point towards Denmark as a success story. However, with such some success, will over-crowding deter future investments and potentially harm the Danish market?

Nielsen said, ‘I don’t tend to see that reaction from the people we work with. On the contrary, I believe we will see the wind industry continue to grow, rather than deter people from getting involved. The climate legislation to be signed in Denmark later this year is expected to reaffirm wind’s role in meeting Denmark’s renewable energy goals. At present, we are one of the only solutions available which could really fulfil those targets.’

Nielsen believes that the fact that wind energy has been prevalent since the 1970s rather than introduced on a gradual basis means it will continue to play a vital role; ‘In the 1980s we started commercialising the production of wind turbines and several production companies began to venture into this market. Market-wise, the growth started in the 1990s with the introduction of major financing.

These two combined have forced politicians to sit up and take notice, really setting the bar for Denmark to become the leader within this field.’

In comparison to its European counterparts, the DWIA maintains that Denmark is number one in market shares with huge wind businesses, as well as pole position for the integration of wind power into electricity generation. However, Nielsen acknowledges that other countries will attempt to overtake Denmark’s position as awareness of global warming and opportunities in renewable energy continue to grow.

‘I do believe that over the next four or five years we will experience a huge development in offshore wind energy in other countries, namely the UK, Germany and perhaps even the north east China. The US is also getting started in this market following new legislation. Globally,
we have very strong wind resources so it’s inevitable that other countries will start to rival Denmark. However, I think it will be good for us to have strong competition to push our ideas ahead.’

Denmark continues to develop its market-leding capabilities in response to foreign rivals. Nielsen said, ‘Policy will play a vital role. We believe it is the job of the politicians to step up and set long-term targets for the industry to work towards.’

Despite the financial downturn, Nielsen is convinced that the wind industry will continue to see growth. ‘The financial downturn has resulted in projects being postponed rather than cancelled. The global warming question hangs heavily and we must not be deterred from creating a
green economy.’

Nielsen, hoverer, does concede that 2009 has been a slow year compared to the growth witnessed in 2008 and the preceding years. ‘The years to come will mark a return to that huge growth and we are aiming to see around 20 per cent growth year-on-year. We are very optimistic that wind energy will remain a significant contender which is why we set ourselves such strict targets. Last year we published our annual statistics based on our members and when we asked how our members saw the long-term growth rate, they firmly believed that 2010 onwards will see dramatic growth of between 15-20 per cent so there is no reason to worry.’

Nielsen concluded, ‘We will play a huge role in stopping climate change in its track and our success so far has showed that we have no reason to fear the 2020 targets.’

click here for the original version of this article

Client News-MGT Power Announce 295 biomass power station at the Port of Tyne

MGT POWER ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 295MW BIOMASS POWER STATION AT THE PORT OF TYNE

Date of Issue: Monday 10th August 2009

MGT Power Ltd today announce plans to develop a second major biomass power generation project at the Port of Tyne in the North Tyneside.

The proposed 295MW Tyne Renewable Energy Plant (Tyne REP) will be located on industrial land in the Port of Tyne, North Shields and is 10 kms east of Newcastle City Centre. The site is on the north bank of the River Tyne. The scheme will generate carbon neutral electricity for around 600,000 homes in the North East of England.

Subject to planning, this major plant, generating power from sustainable sources of biomass, is targeted for commercial operation in 2014.

Chris Moore, Director of MGT Power said: “With the Government committed to more renewable electricity generation over the next decade, our Tyne biomass project along with our consented scheme at Teesport will make a significant contribution to the Government’s targets. Large scale biomass projects can operate at baseload and each scheme will produce in one year as much green electricity as the largest 1,000MW wind farm project. Each biomass project will also save 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted every year.”

As a first stage in the Tyne REP planning process, MGT Power has outlined details of the project in a “Scoping Document” which has been circulated to a large number of local and national organisations, including North Tyneside Council, the Environment Agency and the Department of Energy & Climate Change. The Scoping Document outlines the rationale for the project, the energy and planning policy framework and the technical studies and consultations that MGT Power will undertake as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Chris Moore added: “Just as we did with our Tees Renewable Energy scheme, we are consulting widely from the start, both with key organisations and local people. We see the Tyne project as not only a major green power project for the UK, but one that will contribute positively to the local area and the North East economy, primarily in terms of local investment and employment. We intend to hold a public exhibition of our plans in September.”

North Tyneside Mayor, Linda Arkley, said: “Tyne REP would bring substantial benefits to the borough and the wider region, representing an investment of over £400 million, the creation of hundreds of construction jobs, future permanent on-site jobs, 300–400 indirect jobs and an annual spend of £30 million
in the local economy.

“We are committed to the regeneration of the North Bank of the Tyne and bringing jobs to the area. I welcome the fact that MGT Power Ltd have chosen North Tyneside as their preferred location and look forward to supporting them for the benefit of our residents.”

Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne welcomed MGT Power’s plans: “Our mission is to provide a sustainable, vibrant Port of Tyne and the Tyne Renewable Energy Plant represents a major long term investment that will take full advantage of the excellent facilities, infrastructure and
capabilities offered by the Port.”

The biomass feedstock for the Tyne Renewable Energy Plant will be sourced from certified sustainable forestry projects developed by the MGT Power team and partners in North and South America and the Baltic States, and in the longer-term UK sources. The biomass is clean burning woodchip, which delivers 95% greenhouse gas savings in comparison to coal or natural gas through the life cycle and will not use high quality land suitable for food crops. The plant will use around 2.4m tonnes of woodchips per annum and will operate at baseload – 24 hours a day, all year round.

Notes to Editors:

1.Details of the Tyne Renewable Energy Plant and a copy of the Scoping Document can be obtained via a dedicated website www.mgttyne.com or by contacting MGT Power via email at info@mgttyne.com.

2.MGT Power (www.mgtpower.com) was established in December 2007 to develop biomass generation projects in the UK and Europe. The management team includes Chris Moore, Ben Elsworth, Thiago Azevedo and Noel Forrest who have backgrounds in UK power generation and the supply of renewable energy feedstocks. The company’s main shareholders include Trafalgar Asset Managers and MKM Longboat. The firm’s financial advisors are Ernst & Young and engineering consultants are Pöyry Energy and PB Power.

3.As a storable, concentrated energy form, wood biomass allows electricity generation 24 hours a day, all year round, in contrast to intermittent renewable sources such as wind or solar. MGT Power will use trees sustainably planted specifically for use as fuel, such as Short Rotation Forestry (eg. Eucalyptus, Pines) and Short Rotation Coppicing (eg. Willow, Poplar).


4.The Port of Tyne Authority, created by statute, is a trust port (www.portoftyne.co.uk). It is a deep river port, with round-the-clock access, 2.5 miles from the mouth of the river Tyne. Its main function is the improvement, maintenance and management of the Port. The Port is a commercial enterprise, but it is not funded by Government and has no shareholders. It has five main business areas: conventional and bulk cargoes; logistics;
car terminals; cruise and ferries; and estates. Any surplus is reinvested into a programme of continuous improvement to the benefit of the users, the community and the North East economy. The Port of Tyne Authority is chaired by Sir Ian Wrigglesworth.

5.MGT Power Ltd is the developer of the Tees Renewable Energy Plant, which secured planning consent from the UK Government on July 15th and is scheduled to start operating in 2012.

6.The Mayor and Cabinet have no involvement in the determination of planning matters and any application that is submitted by the developer will be dealt with in accordance with the Council's adopted planning process including if appropriate referral to the Planning Committee.

For further information:

MGT Power Ltd (www.mgtpower.com)

James Court (Taylor Keogh Communications): 020 3170 8467/07921330356

Call Jonny Mulligan (Taylor Keogh Communications): 07875019695

Industry News-Extra finance to start flowing for wind power

Up to £1 billion of loans for onshore wind farms

Up to £10 million of Government grants for offshore wind technology development

Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next 3 years.

The cash, part of the additional £4 billion of EIB lending to support UK energy projects announced in the Budget, will help get building started for onshore wind projects which have been hit by the credit crunch, particularly small and mid-sized wind farms.

The banks – RBS, Lloyds and BNP Paribas Fortis – have been teamed up with the EIB by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and HM Treasury, following the announcement in April’sBudget Statement that the Government wanted to get more EIB lending to UK renewables.

Firms can also apply for DECC cash from today to develop offshore wind technology. There will be up to £10 million in grants, part of the £120 million announced in the renewable energy strategy last week to support offshore wind. This is the second round of cash for development of offshore wind technology.

DECC is also confirming today that, subject to agreement on suitable grant offer conditions, it also intends to make an award under the first round of this programme for Vestas Technology UK Ltd’s research and development centre on the Isle of Wight. This proposed award – more than £6 million - would include over £3m of funding from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). We expect to make other announcements on awards under this first round of funding shortly.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said:

“Earlier this month we laid out a transition plan to a low carbon economy that included a massive expansion of green wind energy. The resources we are announcing back up our plans with clear actions to ensure we deliver.

“The European Investment Bank funds will help the building start on consented wind farms that could provide 1 gigawatt of electricity, enough to power more than half a million homes.

“The money for the development of offshore wind manufacturing will help us generate green jobs on top of our success as the leading country in the world for the generation of offshore wind.

"Alongside these proposals, we are reforming planning laws, finding new ways of working with local communities and are determined to persuade people that we need a significant increase in onshore wind as part of the UK's future energy mix.

“That is essential for the generation of renewable energy and for Britain to have an industrial future in the production of onshore wind."

Ian Pearson MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury said:

“The £4bn of lending to the energy sector that we announced in the Budget is just part of the £10bn of lending that we hope to see coming into the UK economy from the EIB this year, nearly three times last year's total. I am pleased at the success we are having working in partnership with EIB to provide financing to this and other important sectors.”

EIB Vice President Simon Brooks said:

“The development of the UK’s wind energy capacity will support the European Union’s and national targets for renewable energy generation. As well as helping to reduce greenhouse gasses it will strengthen the security of energy supplies. This initiative underlines the EIB’s long involvement, as the EU’s financing arm, in the UK’s energy sector and reinforces efforts to reduce the impact of climate change”.

For full details on this press notice

Political News- Westminster Environmental Audit Comittee continue their report on Green Jobs and Skills

Today the Environmental Audit Committee continued their report into ‘Green Jobs and Skills’.

Hearing evidence from the Environment Industries Commission, The British Wind Energy Association, Repower-uk and Mainstream Renewable Power, the committee looked into what the government can, and should, be doing to promote ‘green jobs’, as well as how the UK can benefit from green industries.

The EIC regarded the governments position towards environmental industry jobs as ‘too narrow’ and felt that too much focus was on reducing carbon,with the UK lagging behind other countries. They told the committee that more time should be put into water quality and air quality, with road and transport emissions a prime area where government action has slipped.

The well known face of BWEA’s Gordon Edge gave the committee a positive picture of the governments funding arrangements, and praised the stability of the current RO’s scheme. Under the current arrangements, the UK is now the world leader in off-shore wind power.

However, Dr Desmond Turner, vice-chair of the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy group, felt that other technologies were being overlooked.With the UK having such abundant marine resources and a ‘delicate leadership’, tidal and marine technologies, such as Taylor Keogh clients Marine Current Turbines and AWS Ocean Energy, should be being invested in.

With ROCs for the developed technology of offshore wind now worth as much as emerging marine technologies. Dr Turner felt that the benefits of marine technologies would give 100% added value to the UK, unlike the offshore wind industry, where many components and turbines are manufactured abroad.

Dr Edge agreed that ROCs for marine technologies should be increased, but added that the marine energy sector is where the wind energy was in the 1980s and would not contribute highly to the 2020 renewable targets. Dr Turner reminded the committee that the UK was also a leader in wind technology in the 1980’s, before handing the manufacturing industry to Denmark and Germany, through negligence and lack of adequate funding.