May 2013 - Volume 10, Number 4

Cover Story

Wind Developers Receive Clarity On PTC Requirements

The Internal Revenue Service has defined what it means for a wind project to have started construction.

Project Profile: Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility

Ocotillo Underscores Challenges Of Developing On Public Lands

Pattern Energy is among the first wind developers to build a wind farm on lands owned by the federal government. However, the scrutiny almost proved too great for the project to overcome.

Spotlight: California

California Wind Forecast: Marketplace Uncertain

With several key proposals important to the wind sector under review, the importance of regulatory decision-making has never loomed larger for the future of wind energy in California.

Industry At Large: Commissioning

How Commissioning Impacts Turbine Supply Agreements

Even though a series of standard operational tests is all that stands in the way of turbine certification, the process to formally stamp the machines as safe and reliable can be problematic.

Industry At Large: Wind Resource Assessment

Wind Modeling Advances Unlock Big Project Savings

Extensive validation shows that modeling atmospheric stability provides the key to more accurate wind flow predictions and lower revenue uncertainty.

Marketplace: Capital Markets

Navigating Capital Markets Amid Turbulent Waters

After 2012’s record-breaking levels of installed capacity, where and when will wind developers seek capital for projects this year?

Marketplace: Condition Monitoring

Factoring In Condition Monitoring’s Real Costs

While most owners and operators consider a condition monitoring system’s initial price tag, many do not realize that the annual analysis costs can also be significant.

April 2013 - Volume 10, Number 3

Industry At Large

Big-Name Firms Signal ‘Industrial’ Revolution For Wind

Major corporations, such as Google and Walmart, are beginning to seek wind energy’s economic and environmental benefits.

Project Profile: Shady Oaks Wind Farm

With Illinois Project, Goldwind Signals Its Intentions

Goldwind USA used the Shady Oaks wind farm as a platform to demonstrate the effectiveness of its permanent-magnet direct-drive technology in the U.S.

Spotlight: Illinois

A Plan To Fix Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard

Legislative changes are needed to close the loopholes that now exist in the mandate in order to ensure Illinois’ RPS works as intended.

Industry At Large: Levelized Cost Of Energy

LCOE Gains Can Offset Potential Policy Pitfalls

Despite the macroeconomic challenges in today’s power market, wind energy has achieved grid parity in several North American markets.

Industry At Large: Project Finance

How Fixing REIT Rules Would Help Wind Projects

As access to cheap capital becomes increasingly scarce, REITs could offer debt and equity at lower costs than other sources.

Viewpoint: Project Finance

Master Limited Partnerships: Setting The Expectation

Is the growing chorus trumpeting MLPs as an investment vehicle for wind energy justified or does more work need to be done?

Marketplace: Wind Assessment

Navigating The Complexities Of Wake Losses

The wind industry should be careful not to put too much trust in wake-loss models, as several factors can affect their accuracy.

March 2013 - Volume 10, Number 2

Cover Story

The Real Truth About Wind Farm O&M Costs

Are wind farm operations and maintenance costs really falling? U.S. data collected over the past decade reveals otherwise.

Industry At Large

Aboriginal Involvement Key To Wind Project Acceptance

Addressing the concerns of Aboriginal stakeholders across Canada can go a long way toward ensuring success.

How To Avoid Pressure Points In Turbine Supply Agreements

Developers should make sure they know who is responsible for certain delivery provisions included in turbine supply agreements.

Big Data Means Big Insight For Wind Farm Operations

By applying predictive analytics techniques, wind farm engineers can detect degraded performance earlier to address the degradation.

Marketplace

Virtual Design: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Long used in general contracting, virtual design is beginning to change the nature of wind farm construction.

Project Profile

Planning, Logistics Lift Lac Alfred Project

More than 350 construction workers battled space constraints and the elements to help EDF EN Canada complete another Quebec wind farm.

Spotlight

Quebec Wind Market Remains Vibrant – For Now

Several wind farms are coming online in Quebec as a result of previous calls for power. However, near-term action is needed to ensure the brisk pace.

February 2013 - Volume 10, Number 1

Cover Story

Can PTC Extension Lift Wind Industry Over Time?

Although it took until the 11th hour, the PTC for wind power was extended for one year. But is the extension long enough to support growth?

Spotlight

Selling Abroad Requires Careful Tax Planning

Companies can increase their business opportunities by expanding abroad, and one region that has potential for wind energy firms is Latin America.

After Years Of Showing Promise, Mexico Is Set To Deliver

Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto, figures to provide a boost for renewable energy, including wind power.

Project Profile

EGP Invests Heavily South Of The Border

Enel Green Power, a subsidiary of Italian utility conglomerate Enel, recognizes Mexico’s great wind development potential.

Industry At large

How Alberta Plans To Tackle Wind Integration

Alberta has grown its wind power capacity substantially over the past few years. Here’s how the Alberta Electric System Operator plans to integrate more wind energy onto its system.

In Canada, They Trust: Looking North For Financing

Recent initial public offerings of cross-border income trusts, such as those in Canada, have proven successful for sponsors seeking to raise capital for development or acquisition.

Marketplace

Do Clearances Inside Towers Comply With OSHA Standards?

A forthcoming OSHA ruling concerning acceptable clearance widths could have wide-ranging implications for owners and operators, as well as for manufacturers.

January 2013 - Volume 9, Number 12

Cover Story

Visual And Shadow Flicker Impacts Pose Double Threat

With the increasing construction of wind turbines near residential properties, visual and shadow flicker impacts have become concerns for many landowners.

Spotlight

Green Mountain Pushback: Sentiment Shifts In Vermont

Though the state overwhelmingly supports renewable energy, a growing faction of opponents has made developing state-based projects more difficult.

Project Profile

Opposition And Permitting Delays Unable To Deter Vermont Project

First Wind’s Sheffield Wind Project illustrates how wind farm development and environmental stewardship can peacefully coexist.

Marketplace

Wind Turbine Tools Step Up In Class

The tools used in today’s modern wind farms are precision instruments that can go a long way toward easing efficiency while increasing safety.

Industry At Large

Turbine Advances Fuel Rise In Capacity Factors

A number of technological advancements have led wind turbine capacity factors to skyrocket over the past few years.

Why Atmospheric Stability Matters In Wind Assessment

Changes in atmospheric stability could be the culprit for many unexplained turbine failures that occur in the evening and early morning.