Seeking Alpha reports Blackstone has invested $1.5 billion in a German offshore wind farm. Offshore wind farms are expected to grow at a rate of 50% a year for the next five years, and onshore wind farms are expected to grow just as much. With this demand, wind turbine stocks will benefit greatly and wind turbine manufacturing is growing to meet these requirements.
New Energy Focus reports Carbon Trust has warned users of small wind turbines in urban settings that they may not be contributing to lowering carbon emissions. These turbines can generally operate at 10% or less due to building obstruction, rural turbines operate at 15-20%, therefore, the manufacturing, installation, and operation of the turbines hasn’t been compensated by the wind energy. Carbon Trust is launching an online tool to determine the site suitability.
The New York Times reports complaints of wind power corruption have brought an investigation to rural New York. Small towns near the Canadian border have experienced rifts due to wind farm least options resulting in property damage and family feuds. Town officials are rezoning and allowing permits for their own personal gain and accepting financial bribes. There are currently nine large scale wind farms operating in New York.
Mail Online reports a student has created a wind turbine for £20. He used 100% recyclable materials from old bike frames and car parts to produce 11.3w. That is enough power for a light to run for 63 hours. The nearest alternative costs £2000.
Cambridge Network reports Consense has launched their 25th wind farm online consultation. The company is working with 20 wind farm developers to help secure 1,000 MW of wind energy. The Open Debate system provides a non-threatening environment to educate and inform residents, and then allow them to make informed comments.
TheStreet.com reports Jim Cramer says wind power is cheap, clean, and efficient. He feels wind power is easily integrated to the grid, contrary to what critics say. Various stock options are available to explore with wind power’s affordable price.
Eco Worldly reports a Canadian Tribe and Sky Power have entered an agreement to construct the Willow Cree Wind Project as early as 2010. The project will produce 100MW of wind power to provide electricity to 30,000 homes a year. The First Nation has also entered an $800 million oil deal and are looking to explore oil options in Saskatchewan via treaty entitlements.
Wicked Local reports resident, Chuck Donaldson, is looking for support from the West Roxbury community to erect a wind turbine on top of Millennium Park. The retired engineer would conduct a feasibility study with a kite system to collect data. He has already met with some city officials and, if approved, his plan would involve local students in many different aspects of the project.
Design Week reports a domestic wind turbine will be relased in the UK next year. This design is expected to provide up to 60% of an average household’s energy needs. The price is at £400. Philippe Starck, designer, has also created an eco-house, eco-scooter, and solar powered boat.
Cleantech reports First Wind Holdings is looking to raise $450 million in an initial public offering. The shares will be sold as Class A, but the price per share hasn’t been disclosed. The proceeds of the sale will repay debt and fund captial expenditures. The company plans to have 2,300 MW of operating capacity by 2013.