World Wind Watch | Green Energy News

September 18 2005 – Vol.10 No.26

WORLD WIND WATCH.

A midyear report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC): Installed worldwide wind capacity has reached 50,000 megawatts, 50 gigawatts.

At the close of 2004 global wind generating capacity had reached 40 gigawatts and twenty percent growth over the prior year. 2005 could be on track for greater results. As of the end of 04, 100,000 people worked in the wind energy business. Visit GWEC at http://www.gwec.net/

Former President Bill Clinton has launched the Clinton Global Initiative. Its mission is to find participants willing to help tackle major global problems including reducing poverty; using religion as a force for reconciliation and conflict resolution; implementing new business strategies and technologies to combat climate change; and strengthening governance.

In regard to the climate change portion of the initiative the first commitment has been made. Basic Energy announced at the Initiative’s inaugural meeting that it will build two wind farms in the Dominican Republic totaling 109 megawatts and valued at over $109 million. The new energy supply in the nation could contribute to poverty reduction as well. Visit the Clinton Global Initiative at http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/ .

GE has announced a handful of new wind turbine models. The first is based on the company’s ever-popular 1.5 megawatt model of which there are more than 3300 in service worldwide.

The new 1.5xle will join the 1.5 model lineup sporting stylish rotors reaching a span of 82.5 meters (271 feet) to capture low velocity, Class Three winds (11.5 mph average). The new model will also have an available extreme cold-climate option that will allow the turbine to operate in temps as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40 F). Towers will be available in 58.7, 80 and 100 meter heights (193, 262, 328 feet).

Coming by the end of 2006 will be two more turbines, a 2.5 megawatt and and 3.0. The 2.5 will spread its wings 100 meters (328 feet) and the 3.0, 90 or 94 meters. Visit GE Power Systems, wind division at http://www.gewind.com/ .