Vestas CFO Exits, Offshore Wind Security
Highlights from EP 245 + exclusive content
⏱️ 3 minute read ⏱️
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Want something to worry about?
In this week’s podcast, Allen Hall, Joel Saxum, and Philip Totaro discuss the curious case of a Chinese ship that dropped anchor and dragged it about 100 miles, at times turning off the ship’s transponders (to evade detection) and apparently going in circles as it severed a fiberoptic cable connecting Finland and Sweden. In case you’re still sipping that first cup of coffee, let us connect the dots: it wasn’t an accident.
And while it sounds like a great storyline for James Patterson’s next novel, unfortunately, this is a true story.
How will world, industry view this act of aggression?
Since the bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 was surrounded by NATO ships on November 27, it appears that little has happened (thanks, international maritime laws). But this week’s episode of the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast offers a measured, well-informed review of what we know about the incident. We also discuss what the world is doing - and what else it could do - regarding securing offshore wind energy transmission.
Vestas CFO will explore job market
After 20 years with the company, including three as CFO, Hans Martin Smith is leaving Vestas. His exit is effective at the end of this calendar year.
When the CFO’s departure was announced, the company’s stock price dipped immediately. Senior VP Rasmus Gram, as head of group financial performance, will take on the CFO responsibilities until Smith’s replacement is named.
In a conversation about Vestas, where the C-Suite has been relatively stable, Phil, Joel and Allen consider how the manufacturer may be playing its cards, why now, how investors may view this, and when or if we might see a ripple effect in the industry.
Remember, you can always listen to the Uptime podcast on your favorite platform or catch up with previous issues of this newsletter here.
What to expect from your wind project?
A small planning error or suboptimal siting location can significantly impact the profitability of a wind farm, as long as it operates.
4cast, based in Denmark, provides long-term yield forecasts for wind and solar projects, in the planning stages, when minor adjustments can be made to maximize longterm revenue.
The exclusive article in the latest issue of PES Wind prompted an interesting conversation this week: Why have a number of wind operators been surprised by gusts coming off ridgelines? Why do European wind developers do more analysis than those in the US? And why don’t all lenders require in-depth studies before approving wind project loans?
We don’t have all the answers, but you’ll find out what we do know when you tune in to this week’s podcast or check out the latest PES Wind.
New sponsors, more in store at Wind Energy O&M Australia
Exciting update! Tilt Renewables is sponsoring Wind Energy O&M Australia!
In addition to excellent networking opportunities and practical takeaways for attendees, the two-day technical conference will include:
Candid discussions with experts about operations, maintenance and budgeting
Immediate preventative measures to reduce blade repair costs
Ways to determine which O&M best practices are best for your operation
Useful knowledge regarding the repair, refurbishment, and asset performance of gearboxes
Productive tips on how to work collaboratively with an OEM
Book your travel and accommodations and let us know you’re coming! Want to discuss sponsorship options or plan to meet up at the show? Contact us. Watch the site for up-to-date scheduling info. It just keeps getting better and better!
The Uptime Wind Energy Podcast is brought to you by Weather Guard Lightning Tech.
⚡️ NEWS FLASH 12/9/24:
🎤 New Interview:
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POWER-UP: Offshore Wind Install Method, LM Vibration Reduction
Wind Energy Stock Watch
Vestas (VWDRY) $4.70 USD
GE (GE) $171.27 USD
Siemens Energy AG (SMNEY) $51.71 USD
Goldwind (XJNGF) $.97 USD
Iberdrola (IBE.MC) €13.27 EUR
Nordex (NRDXF) $11.66 USD
Stock prices as of close Tuesday Dec 10, 2024. 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
Wind operators need low-cost, maintenance lightning sensors because data from those sensors help inform day-to-day operations - and that info is useful when it’s time to file a claim. But sensors don’t protect your blades. Installing sensors and lightning protection is the best way to ensure your production now and over time.
That’s why the EOLOGIX-PING sensor now ships with StrikeTape. It’s quick and easy to install, and in our tests, protection has been 100% effective.
To order, contact Joel.saxum@wglightning.com
See how it works here, and download StrikeTape specs, rain erosion test results, aerodynamic assessment, and other test results here.
Should We Feature Your Project?
Have you worked on a project that deserves a shout-out as a Wind Farm of the Week? Let us know! See some of the other wind farms we’ve featured in 2024 here.
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