The Uptime Wind Energy Podcast

GE Vernova closes a Brazilian blade factory as installations drop 30%, while Australia faces issues with trailing edge serrations falling from turbines. Also, cultural differences between European and American work environments, blade recycling challenges, and the need for decommissioning bonds as the industry matures. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now...

On News Flash this week, substantial investment for renewables across Europe by the European Investment Bank, Octopus Energy’s “The Collective” proves a success in the UK, and Xcel Energy plans to eliminate their coal power plants in the US Midwest by 2030. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email upda...

Momme Feddersen and Russ Leach from Deutsche Windtechnik discuss their innovative training programs for wind turbine technicians. Momme, as Head of Training Center, and Russ, as Director of Quality and Ops Support, explore how the company is tackling workforce challenges through apprenticeships and advanced training methods in both Europe and the US. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter t...

For the first time ever, all the Uptime hosts are in the same place! They discuss the fantastic outcome of the Wind Energy O&M Australia conference last week, highlighting the amazing presentations, attendees, and discussions. Keep an eye out for next year’s event ! Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email upd...

In this Uptime Spotlight, Erik Klaas and Johannes Leib from 8-Tree discuss their waveCHECK system, which detects and measures surface defects on wind turbine blades. The system uses 3D optical scanning technology to identify wrinkles and other issues with high precision, helping improve quality control in blade manufacturing and maintenance. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an...

We discuss Siemens Gamesa’s advanced blade de-icing system, their blade root repair fix, and a tower designed by Vestas with its own permanent crane system. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by  Weather Guard Lightning Tech . Learn more ab...

This week on Uptime, we discuss Ørsted CEO Mads Nipper stepping down, Shell withdrawing from the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project, and a study showing only 15% of employees feel their managers are transparent about challenges in the workplace. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind techn...

On News Flash, Allen and Phil discuss Caverion’s acquisition of Huolto-Lepistö, Mitsubishi re-evaluating their offshore wind assets and Shell’s 2024 financial report. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind t...

In the Uptime Spotlight today is Stephen Bull, CEO of Vårgrønn , the company building the world’s largest offshore wind farm with a government contract: Green Volt. Stephen discusses the massive project’s progress, planning, and logistics to be completed by 2030. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www....

This week we discuss cooling system patents, including Siemens Gamesa’s method for creating air channels for better temperature control, Goldwind’s predictive temperature moderating, and GE’s adjustable power output based on component temperatures. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustr...

On Uptime this week, we discuss Nordex’s installation of a 179 meter hub-height wind turbine in Germany, the expected drop in oil prices in the US, and the emerging “hushed hybrid” trend. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email...

This week we discuss GE Vernova’s $600 million investment in its US facilities, ORIX selling its stake in Greenko to AM Green Power, and a 70 GW wind and solar project in Western Australia seeks federal approval. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our...

Jeremy Heinks from CICNDT (Composite Inspection and Consulting NDT) discusses how proper NDT programs can prevent costly failures and improve blade reliability. Drawing from his extensive experience, Heinks explains the challenges of implementing NDT in both onshore and offshore wind environments, emphasizing the importance of working with qualified experts to develop comprehensive inspection. Fil...

Wind Power LAB’s blade expert Morten Handberg explains a critical wind industry problem: new turbine blades are failing years too early. These massive blades – now stretching over 100 meters – are experiencing unexpected structural damage due to complex aerodynamic forces. Handberg shares Wind Power LAB’s essential strategies for detecting and preventing these costly blade...

We discuss some of LM Wind Power’s blade ideas, including a fiberglass fabric dispenser, flattened blade tips to reduce noise, and a blade window for their two-piece blades. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind...

This week we discuss Wyoming’s plan to bury blades in sealed coal mines, a Chinese patent that seems linked to subsea attacks, and a ruling that threw out the possibility of train-transported liquified natural gas in the US. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech...

In this News Flash, Ørsted pays $1.7B for delays and increased costs at their Sunrise Wind project, Aviva Investors invests €40 million in CIC, and Vibra acquires Comer Energia. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind te...

Søren Kellenberger, sales director at CNC Onsite , joins the Uptime Spotlight to discuss their uptower yaw ring repair method. He describes the root causes of yaw ring failure, makes projections for the future, and introduces CNC Onsite’s patented yaw ring repair solution. Their portable precision machine can be lifted uptower to replace a damaged yaw ring, potentially saving operators signi...

Dan Pickel joins the Uptime Spotlight today to discuss the NFPA’s Wind Turbine Technician I certification program . The program allows technicians to gain standardized recognition for their skills and understanding of safety protocols. With NFPA’s extensive background in fire and electrical safety training, the course covers the topics wind turbine technicians need to know and can be t...

This week we cover LM Wind Power’s patent for improved hybrid pultrusion plates for blades, trying to manage lightning. Also GE Vernova’s method for placing a crane assembly on the nacelle. And a double cereal bowl for slow breakfast-eaters. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign...

We discuss the rapid rise of skills-based hiring in wind energy, with 81% of employers now prioritizing competency over degrees. Delaware strikes a major $128 million offshore wind agreement. We tackle the idea of “clean” natural gas. And mounting cybersecurity concerns arise as Chinese manufacturers gain control of critical supply chains. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter...

Waaree Energies will acquire 100% of Enel Green Power India for $95 million. BHE US Transmission will acquire 10% of the North Plains Connector Transmission Project from Grid United. And Constellation has announced it will acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valued at $16. 4 billion. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Au...

Bret Tollgaard, president of Sunrez , explores how UV-cured resins are transforming wind turbine blade repair by dramatically reducing cure times from hours to minutes. Sunrez’s technology enables repairs in extreme temperatures and high humidity, extending maintenance seasons and increasing turbine uptime. Drawing from decades of experience across aerospace and marine applications, Tollgaar...

Nicholas Gaudern, CTO at PowerCurve joins the show to discuss advanced blade upgrades that improve turbine performance and reduce noise. PowerCurve’s technology helps operators make smart decisions about maintenance and upgrades. Gaudern explains why combining repairs with performance enhancements is a cost-effective strategy that benefits both operations and community relations. Fill out ou...

We discuss a rope management tool for wind turbine maintenance, TotalEnergies’ floating offshore wind anchor idea, and a stress relief device. Fill out our Uptime listener survey and enter to win an Uptime mug! Register for Wind Energy O&M Australia! https://www.windaustralia.com Sign up now for Uptime Tech News , our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is spo...