Chinese Cable-Cutting Patent, Blades in Coal Mines, LNG Ruling
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In this episode our hosts apply some common-sense tests to China's cable-cutting patent and the Liquid Natural Gas ruling, and sort out what the first week of the new US administration really means for wind and other renewables. It’s a lot!
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Cable Cutting, Other Cybersecurity Risks Mount
News that a team of Chinese scientists want to patent a new underwater cable-cutting device isn’t really new - the research dates back to 2020 - but it’s been in headlines all over the world for good reason: explanations regarding the device’s development don’t pass the common-sense test. Many existing ROVs are capable of doing the same thing the new device would purportedly do.
So, is China flexing after NATO’s report of sabotaged energy and data transmission cables?
The answer seems pretty obvious. What the world will do in response is the next question - one Allen, Phil and Joel address with insight, and without going off in any particular political direction. Tune in, pay attention, and join in the conversation.
Is the Sky Falling?
The new US administration has been hard at work for a whole week, and while large layoffs have been announced and projects put on hold, the (near) future of international energy is (still) electrification. The team discusses the some of the challenges the industry faces, applying the common sense test again - to the LNG ruling - and highlights at least one irrefutable economic indicator* that says renewable energy won’t be stopped. (Spoiler alert: it’s *the rig count.)
Oh, Bury those Blades in the Lonely Mine Shaft
In 2020, Wyoming approved a plan to use decommissioned turbine blades in mine fill reclamation sites. A long list of environmental checks and balances are in place - like ensuring the blades-as-fill sit above the water table - and the state seems to have hit upon a unique and economical solution to the big problem of where to offload blades until chemical disposal methods have improved in terms of technology and feasibility.
Tune in to learn more, and expect the reclamation and recycling discussions to ramp up in the coming months.
Say Aloha to Our Wind Farm of the Week
In developing its first wind farm in Hawaii, AES is taking community engagement seriously - even offering tours of its Na Pua Makani wind farm.
Located on O’ahu’s north shore, the wind farm with 8 Vestas turbines will power 16,000 homes, and significantly boost the local economy, with one-time and annual contributions totaling over $4M.
Although this is AES’s first wind farm in Hawaii, the company has operated solar projects there since 1991. Learn more about the project and Hawaii’s renewable energy goals in this week’s Uptime podcast!
Thanks for Staying Up on Wind Energy with Us!
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⚡️ NEWS FLASH 1/27/25:
↗️ POWER-UP 1/22/25:
🔆SPOTLIGHT 1/24/25:
Interesting Finds From Around the Web
Feds OK Wyoming Idea To Use Old Wind Turbines To Fill In Coal Mines
US court throws out Trump-era rule allowing LNG rail transport
Company executives fight lawsuit over junked wind-turbine blades
Belfast Harbour to invest over £300m in boost to offshore wind sector
What is the 'hushed hybrid' trend and what does it mean for work?
Wind Farm of the Week: Hawaii’s Na Pua Makani
Wind Energy Stock Watch
Vestas (VWDRY) $4.40 USD
GE (GE) $194.19 USD
Siemens Energy AG (SMNEY) $53.89 USD
Goldwind (XJNGF) $.78USD
Iberdrola (IBE.MC) €13.56 EUR
Nordex (NRDXF) $11.30 USD
Stock prices as of Tuesday January 28, 2025. Note some stocks use OTC Delayed Price.
Stay informed: Uptime Tech News delivers wind energy news and insights on the latest technology, fresh from experts around the world. If you learned something, please forward to a friend. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, subscribe now.
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Have a great week and thanks for listening! - Allen, Rosie, Joel, Phil & everyone from the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast
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