Dominion Offshore Wind Success, RTO Mandates

Highlights from the latest Uptime podcast + exclusive content

Jan 09, 2025

⏱️ 3 minute read ⏱️

➡️Substack offers a better newsletter experience: Subscribe here

In this week’s Uptime Wind Energy Podcast, New York launches a landmark challenge to Big Energy, Dominion Energy proves offshore wind can work in America and the great return to office debate hits the wind industry. For what it’s worth, Allen weighed in earlier this week and offered some advice for office (and remote) workers here.

New York State of Mind: Pay Up!

New York Governor Kathy Hochul aims to create a Climate Superfund by having big energy companies pay up for the pollution they’ve contributed to the state. The governor’s office says the measure “shifts the cost of climate adaptation from everyday New Yorkers to the fossil fuel companies most responsible for the pollution.”

The office doesn’t say how it plans to prevent the companies from raising energy rates, but in this week’s episode, Allen, Phil and Joel discuss it - and even raise the specter of rolling blackouts.

How to get the energy giants to pay up is one question that comes to mind, and how to provide power to residents when the state hasn’t successfully replaced fossil fuels with green energy is another. Tune in for the conversation.

A Shining Example of US Offshore Wind

Approved by BOEM in January 2024, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind is expected to be up and running by the end of 2026.

With a number of US Offshore projects cancelled or in rough waters, why is this one on track? Well, the obvious answer might be that deep pockets and experience work wonders.

Allen, Joel and Phil share their experience and offer insight into the Dominion Energy project and what other US Offshore projects might learn from it.

Are You Ready to Return to Office?

An estimated 70% of (pre-pandemic) office workers are returning to the office for part or all of the work week in 2025. What about you? Assuming you work in the wind industry, maybe you have always worked in a remote capacity. Even if it is a non-issue for you, it will probably affect many of your colleagues.

Do you know someone who has quit, or plans to quit, over a RTO mandate? As usual, our Uptime hosts have different opinions on the matter, and Allen has some advice for wind (and other) workers in this opinion piece.

Give Us 5 Minutes & Improve the Podcast!

Please take this short survey and help make the show more engaging. We’re even offering a little incentive (and you’ll love it). So, please, tell us what you think!

Don’t Miss Wind Energy O&M Australia!

Tilt Renewables, GE Vernova, SkySpecs and others will be at Wind Energy O&M Australia. If you haven’t registered yet, NOW is the time to make your plans.

The two-day technical conference includes practical information for operators equipment life extension strategies, CMS, Leading Edge Erosion, and other specific, useful knowledge regarding the repair, refurbishment, and asset performance of gearboxes, and the best ways to work with insurers and OEMs, just to mention just a few of the areas of expertise presented to attendees.

In addition, the show offers excellent networking opportunities and the chance to meet experts in the field and have candid, productive conversations with them.

Register now.

Whooping About the Wind Farm of the Week

Avangrid Renewable’s Karankawa Wind Farm is a 307 MW onshore operation with a mix of 124 GE turbines. It has been powering homes and businesses in Texas since December 2019.

But before the project began production - and before it started contributing about $125M to annual tax revenue in the area - Avangrid Renewables and Wanzek Construction took special care to bury all of the more than 90 miles of necessary electrical cable to prevent disrupting the Whooping Cranes that migrate each year from Canada to Texas.

Find out more about the project in this week’s Uptime podcast.

Listen now, or share this with a friend.

Check out previous issues of this newsletter here.

The Uptime Wind Energy Podcast is brought to you by Weather Guard Lightning Tech and BuildTurbines.com.

🎙 Listen on Apple

🖥 Watch on YouTube

⚡️ NEWS FLASH 1/6/25:

↗️ POWER-UP 1/1/25:

🔆SPOTLIGHT 1/2/25:

Interesting Finds From Around the Web

Wind Energy Stock Watch

Vestas (VWDRY) $4.73 USD

GE (GE) $172.31 USD

Siemens Energy AG (SMNEY) $55.75 USD

Goldwind (XJNGF) $.83USD

Iberdrola (IBE.MC) €13.71 EUR

Nordex (NRDXF) $12.40 USD

Stock prices as of Tuesday January 7, 2025. Note some stocks use OTC Delayed Price.

Stay informed: Each week we highlight wind energy news and the latest technology with insight from experts from around the world. If you learned something, please forward to a friend. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, subscribe now.

StrikeTape Ships with No-Maintenance Lightning Sensors

Lightning sensors don’t protect your blades - but they do provide data that helps inform your day-to-day operations. The best way to ensure your production now and over time is to install sensors and lightning protection.

That’s why EOLOGIX-PING’s low-cost, low-maintenance lightning sensors ship with StrikeTape! Fix your problems and protect your blades with easy-to-install, effective protection. Order now by contacting Joel.saxum@wglightning.com.

Download specs, rain erosion test results, aerodynamic assessment, and other test results here.

BuildTurbines.com

The wind industry isn’t for everyone, but many are finding unparalleled opportunities and excellent earning potential in the field. Find out more at BuildTurbines.com