Wind Power News: Germany
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Black-out Duitsland dreigde in februari
[Blackout threatened Germany in February — During the very cold period in early February, a blackout was just escaped. Only one power plant outage would have disrupted the power supply in parts of the country. Germany developed large offshore wind farms that only produce electricity when the wind blows. And most wind turbines are in the north, while large consumers in the south. By the closure of eight nuclear reactors, mostly in the south, the country has virtually no surplus . . .
Gegen Windkraft im Soonwald
[Against wind energy in Soonwald] Die Piratenpartei Bad Kreuznach kritisiert das Vorgehen bei der Planung der Windkraftanlagen im Soonwald. „Regenerative Energieträger sollen nach dem Prinzip der Nachhaltigkeit genutzt werden und nicht in Konkurrenz zu anderen Umweltzielen stehen“, formuliert Claudia Frick, die stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Piraten in Bad Kreuznach, die Inhalte des Programms der Piraten. Es könne nicht sein, dass ohne Rücksicht auf schützenswerte Natur Waldbestände geopfert und Gelände für Windkraftanlagen zur Verfügung gestellt würden, heißt es in einer Pressemittielung. Die . . .
Widerstand gegen windkraft-riesen
[Resistance against wind energy giant — The wind power industry would like to replace the small wind turbines in Ostholstein with much larger ones. But it stirs resistance: for example, the citizens of Riepsdorf against the 150-meter systems.] Die Windkraftbranche möchte in Ostholstein die kleinen Windkraftanlagen durch deutlich größere ersetzen. Doch es regt sich Widerstand. So wollen beispielsweise in Riepsdorf Bürger die 150-Meter-Anlagen verhindern. Riepsdorf – Zwischen Lensahn und Grömitz liegt das Reich der Windkraftanlagen (WKA). Epizentrum der metallischen Riesen . . .
Protest gegen Windkraft
[Protest against wind energy — Resistance against wind turbines is forming in the virgin forest. A "citizens' initiative Stauferland" is collecting signatures - on the Internet. The group wants to remain anonymous because they fear threats.] Im Schurwald formiert sich Widerstand gegen Windkraftanlagen. Eine “Bürgerinitiative Stauferland” sammelt Unterschriften – auch im Internet. Die Gruppe will anonym bleiben, weil sie Drohungen befürchtet. Werden die Alb und der Schurwald mit Windkraftanlagen zugepflastert? Das befürchtet die “Bürgerinitiative Stauferland”, die sich jetzt im Schurwald . . .
Vestas V112 fire investigation continues
GERMANY: Vestas has said it is conducting an ongoing investigation into the failure of its latest V112 turbine and has shut down a number of similar machines. The fire, which destroyed the turbine, occurred at the 51MW Gross Eilstorf wind farm in Lower Saxony, Germany. Vestas was handed a 17-turbine deal for the project at the end of 2010. In a statement, Vestas said it is still inspecting the nacelle via drone aircraft and a crane and modelling possible causes. . . .
Vestas issues statement on German turbine fire
The Danish wind giant is dealing with fallout from a fire on one of its turbine models. A number of operating turbines were paused following the fire, and the company responded to media questions this week with the following statement: “Vestas’ investigation into the cause of the V112-3.0 MW turbine fire in Germany on March 30 continues. This investigation involves Vestas experts and two external experts inspecting the nacelle and modeling possible root causes. On-site, initial close inspections of the . . .
More trouble for Vestas? New wind turbine model catches fire in Germany
Two recent incidents could hurt Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas’ reputation, which has suffered from credibility problems over the past year due to massive layoffs, earnings revisions and a major corporate restructuring. The first incident involves a Vestas wind turbine that caught fire at the Gross Eilstorf wind farm in Lower Saxony, Germany, on March 30. According to the company, the V112-3.0 MW turbine – a new Vestas turbine model – had been working properly before the fire broke out. . . .
Statement from Vestas Wind Systems A/S
On Friday, March 30, a Vestas V112-3.0 MW turbine caught fire at the Gross Eilstorf wind farm in Lower Saxony, Germany. The turbine was working normally before the fire started. There were no injuries. As of 15:00 CET, the fire is burning out under controlled conditions, as safe access to the turbine is impossible. Local firefighters and a fire inspector are on the scene, along with police and Vestas experts. The turbine has been disconnected from the grid. Three other . . .
Vestas wind turbine catches fire in Germany
Vestas Wind Systems A/S (VWS), the world’s largest wind-turbine maker, said a V112 3.0-megawatt turbine caught fire today at the Gross Eilstorf wind farm in Lower Saxony, Germany. No injuries were reported. The cause of the 3 p.m. blaze, which is burning out under “controlled conditions,” hasn’t been determined, the Aarhus, Denmark-based company said in a statement. The turbine, a new model for Vestas, was disconnected from the grid and three nearby V112 turbines were shut for safety reasons, it . . .
Insurer buys more wind farms in France and Germany
Europe’s biggest insurer, the Allianz Group, has said it has bought three more wind farms as the company looks to increase its yields on investment. And being associated with renewables is good for the image too. German insurer Allianz has bought three more wind parks in Europe. It acquired two facilities in central France from turbine maker Nordex, the insurance group said in a statement in Munich on Tuesday. The two parks in the department of Cher have the potential . . .
