World Wind Watch | Green Energy News

December 29, 2002 – Vol.7 No.40

WORLD WIND WATCH.

Wind turbines that operate at the lowest wind speeds are some of the oldest designs. Classic models built for pumping water, such as those built by Dempster Industries (and sold by companies such as Windtech International ) as well as those sold by Turbex of South Africa have cut-in speeds of winds less than 5 miles per hour. These turbines whose designs go back into the 19th century are still used around the world for water pumping, but can be adapted for electric power generation. As old-fashioned as these turbines look, they still work pretty well.

The U.S. Department of Energy would like to harness the wind for distributed generation - wind power for individual homes and businesses - by bringing the cost of wind power down, especially where wind resources are only low to moderate, those with average wind speeds of 14 -16 miles per hour or so.

To help meet this goal DOE is seeking expressions of interest and comments on an proposed approach to cost-shared, public-private projects for the development of small (100 kilowatt or less) turbines to be used for distributed generation. The expressions of interest and comments will lead to eventual solicitations for funding in the areas of Conceptual Design, Component Development and Prototype Development. Awards will range from grants in the Design stage up to $100,000, to cost-shared awards of $500,000 to $1 million for Component Development and cost-shared awards of up to $1.5 million for the Prototype. For questions and further information contact godwt@nrel.gov . Expressions of Interest and comments are due by January 24, 2003. Visit Windtech International at http://www.windmillpower.com/ , Turbex Wind Turbines at http://www.turbex.co.za/

Northwestern Energy, once Montana Power, has issued a Request For Proposals for wind power. Bidders must supply power in 10-20 year contracts and may not submit bids for projects less than 10 megawatts; 25 megawatt projects and up are suggested.

Hurry. Proposals are due February 14, 2003 and power purchase agreement paperwork will be distributed on January 10. A conference call for bidders will be set up for the 16th of this month. For the full RFP visit Lands Energy Consulting at http://www.landsenergy.com/ or try Steven Lewis at slewis(at)landsenergy.com/

WE Energies, part of Wisconsin Energy, is also seeking wind suppliers to comply with renewable power requirements set forth by recent legislation in that state. As much as 200 megawatts of wind energy may be needed for WE Energies’ portfolio by 2005. Under the RFP minimum project size is 20 megawatts and projects must be complete and generating power by December 31 2004. RFP’s are due February 28, 2003. Visit WE Energies at http://www.we-energies.com/ .