Wind News: North Sea 'Supergrid,' Bats Block Windfarm

European ‘SuperGrid’

Nine European countries have signed an agreement to collaborate on the world’s first offshore energy grid–or "Supergrid"–for wind projects in the North and North West Seas.

The North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative involves the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden. 

The parties will meet in early 2010, along with industry and regulatory stakeholders. to establish a concrete plan and timeline for the project, which will focus on building the infrastructure for offshore wind farms.

"Irish wind farms will be able to connect directly to Europe, not only securing our energy supply but allowing us to sell the electricity produced on a wider market," Irelands Energy Ministery Eamon Ryan said. "It makes economic, as well as environmental sense. By working together, all of the countries involved will reap the benefits.”

Bat Threat Halts Invenegy Wind Farm

A federal judge ruled this week that a West Virginia Wind farm threatens an endangered species of bats, setting what could be a troubling precedent for the US wind industry. 

U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus ruled the the windfarm, being built by Invenergy will only be allowed to operate during the winter, when the bats are hybernating. Invenergy will be allowed to finish construction of 40 partially built turbines, but plans for the remaining 82 wind turbines must be abandoned, unless Invenergy applies for an Incidental Take Permit under the Endangered Species Act.

The total cost for the project was estimated at $300 million and transmission lines are already being strung, according to reports. The full project would have supplied 186 megawatts of power and covered 23 miles of Appalachian mountain ridgelines.

The law suit was filed by two environmental groups, including the Animal Welfare Institute, and Dave Cowan, who is reportedly a caving enthusiast.

Joseph Condo, Invenergy vice president and general counsel, said Invenergy will apply for the permit.

The endangered bats are known as Indiana bats.

Read additional coverage in The Washington Post.

Siemens Aims For the Top of Wind Market

German conglomerate Siemens (NYSE: SI), the world’s market leader in offshore wind turbines, is aiming to become one of the top three suppliers to the entire wind power market by 2012, according to a Reuters report.

"The global wind power market will grow from about 30 billion euros ($44.43 billion) annually today to more than 200 billion euros by 2030. We anticipate especially robust growth in the Asia-Pacific region," Siemens Wind Power CEO Andreas Nauen said.

Read the full report at the link below.