News for May 2010

News Archive

Alstom builds wind turbine nacelle assembly facility in Texas

Alstom has broken ground for its 115,000 ft2 wind turbines nacelle assembly facility in Amarillo, Texas.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

Continued growth for Oxeon

Swedish producer of spread tow carbon reinforcements Oxeon is adding new capacity at its Borås facility.

Quatro Composites adds autoclave

Quatro Composites™ has acquired an additional autoclave and on-site freezer to support its composites manufacturing business.

Composites UK issues awards

Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, held its first Awards Dinner on the 5 May as part of its annual conference.

European project focuses on composite process monitoring and control

The iREMO project is developing process monitoring and control technologies for composite processing.

30% emissions cuts to keep EU renewable energy lead

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) is urging the EU to go for 30% emissions cut to keep the EU’s renewable energy leadership.

3B focuses on adding value

Coming out of the recession, European glass fibre manufacturer 3B says it is ready to pursue plans to globalise its business, focusing on markets where it can provide products with added value.

Far East Wind Power, Málama Composites to introduce 'green' core materials

Far East Wind Power Corp has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Málama Composites to develop a collaborative agreement towards the production of environmentally friendly core materials for wind turbine blade manufacture.

Global renewable electricity to grow 3.2% per year

The world will install 107 GW of green power by 2035, up from 44 GW in 2007.

Grants available for UK companies to exhibit at COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010

A number of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Trade Access Programme (TAP) grants are available to help UK companies exhibit at COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010.

VEC Composite Technology launches new website

VEC Composite Technology has launched a new website featuring the benefits of its composite manufacturing process.

SAMPE 2010

Around 5030 people attended the SAMPE 2010 conference and exhibition in Seattle, Washington, on 17-20 May.

Reichhold increases prices of vinyl ester resins in North America

Reichhold Inc has announced a price increase for all vinyl ester resins sold in North America for the composites industry.

SP - High Modulus appoints distributor for Poland

SP - High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, has appointed REJA Sp.z.o.o as the sole distributor for SP - High Modulus branded products in Poland.

Amber Composites gains ISO 14001 certification

Amber Composites has announced that its UK facilities have achieved the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems.

Composites improve performance of inkjet printing systems

Industrial inkjet solutions provider Xennia is showcasing the use of advanced composite materials in inkjet printing systems.

HOBAS pipes part of French waste treatment project HOBAS pipes part of French waste treatment project

Hobas GRP pipes are being used in a major project to modernise the waste water treatment network in the St Nazaire region of France.

Last week's top 3 stories Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

AOC announces global price increases for vinyl ester resins

AOC has announced price increases for its vinyl ester resins sold throughout the world.

Dow Europe increases prices of epoxy products

Dow Europe GmbH has announced a price increase for its epoxy products in Europe (including Turkey).

Nordex USA introduces 3-gen 2.5 MW wind turbine series

Nordex USA Inc’s third generation 2.5 MW turbine series, the Gamma generation, will be introduced at Windpower 2010 in Dallas, Texas in May.

NREL performs “giant wind turbine test”

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has recently tested a Samsung wind turbine drive train in its 2.5 MW dynamometer.

All-Energy: Training, skills and standards needed for offshore renewable energy

Skill shortages, training and industry standards urgently need to be addressed if the UK is to fully harness its renewable energy ambitions, according to an EU funded study supported by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) and the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).

Composites One and 3M Renewable Energy Division form alliance

North American distributor Composites One and 3M’s Renewable Energy Division have formed an alliance under which they will target wind turbine manufacturers.

Wave/wind hybrid aims for world first certification Wave/wind hybrid aims for world first certification

Aberdeen-based Green Ocean Energy says it is close to becoming the only marine power company in the world to have its technology "fully certified".

Ashland announces price increase for Europe

Ashland Performance Materials is increasing the price of its Derakane epoxy vinyl ester resins, and other resins containing liquid epoxy resin, sold in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and India.

MAG gets US$5m to develop better wind turbine blades

MAG Industrial Automation Systems will receive US$5 million to develop composite lay-up technology to produce longer-lasting, lower-cost wind turbine blades.

SeaEnergy gets offshore renewable energy grant

SeaEnergy PLC has secured a grant of £30,000 for a feasibility study into the service opportunities available in the expanding offshore renewable energy industry.

Ashland to increase prices for North America

Ashland Performance Materials is increasing the price of vinyl ester resins and speciality composite products in North America.

AWS starts testing of wave device at Loch ness AWS starts testing of wave device at Loch ness

The Inverness based company has deployed a 1/9th scale of its AWS-III device, a ring-shaped multi-cell surface-floating wave power system, the result of almost two years of intensive research and development work.

MVP introduces Flex Moulding Process

Magnum Venus Plastech (MVP) is introducing a new package of products designed to optimise infusion moulding which it calls the Flex Moulding Process.

Huntsman showcases flax composite Huntsman showcases flax composite

At the JEC Composites Show in April, Huntsman Advanced Materials used an exhibition stand with pillars built using a composite of flax fibre and epoxy resin.

Gamesa and Cannon Power agree long term deal for Mexico wind farms

The 10-year exclusivity agreement will see Gamesa supply all turbines installed at sites developed by Cannon in Mexico’s Baja California. Gamesa will also provide additional support and maintenance services, and limited development services.

Composites One and Zyvex Performance Materials announce distribution agreement

US distributor Composites One will be distributing Zyvex Performance Materials (ZPM)'s Epovex, Epovex Adhesive and Arovex nano-enhanced composite products.

CMS renamed AOC (UK) Ltd

UK distributor CMS has been renamed AOC (UK) Ltd.

Architects give awards to renewable energy buildings

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design for 2010.

Wave Hub one step closer to deployment

The UK wave energy project Wave Hub is on course to be deployed this summer with fabrication of sub-sea cables and the hub itself nearing completion.

Sigmatex opens facility in China

UK headquartered carbon fibre converter Sigmatex has opened its new facility in Shanghai, China.

Holland partner country of COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010

Holland has been named the partner country of the COMPOSITES EUROPE 2010 trade fair.

Exel Composites releases first quarter results

Pultruder Exel Composites reports net sales from continuing operations of 15.7 million euros for the first quarter of 2010, down 15.4% on the previous year.

Gazechim to distribute Hexcel aerospace products in Europe

Hexcel has named French company Gazechim as distributor of its aerospace products in Europe.

Nordex wind turbines to Maryland wind farm

Nordex USA Inc will supply 20 of its N90 2.5 MW wind turbines for the 50 MW wind farm in Garrett County, Maryland.

Portugese wind farm commissioned

The 50 MW Barao Sao Joao onshore wind farm has been put into operation in southern Portugal by E.ON.

Cytec introduces high-performance infusion resin

Cytec Engineered Materials is introducing PRISM™ EP2400, a one-part toughened epoxy resin system for use in infusion processes.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

PNE Wind could invest £500m in UK PNE Wind could invest £500m in UK

PNE Wind UK Ltd, a PNE Wind AG subsidiary, plans to develop over 300 MW of wind energy in the UK.

Composite bridge deck installed in Utrecht Composite bridge deck installed in Utrecht

The first composite bridge deck has been installed in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It replaces a wooden bridge that is used for pedestrian and emergency vehicles.

Hawaii PUC approves wind farm PPA

A power purchase agreement (PPA) between Kahuku Wind Power and Hawaiian Electric Company for the purchase of renewable energy from a 30 MW wind farm in Hawaii has been approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

Vector Composites, Quickstep awarded US Air Force contract

Vector Composites and Quickstep have been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by US Air Force for materials used in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Nearshore waves better than expected for wave energy Nearshore waves better than expected for wave energy

Nearshore waves have more potential for wave energy development than previously thought, according to a New Scientist article.

500 MW Gamesa wind turbine plant in China

Gamesa is setting up a wind turbine manufacturing plant in China with an annual capacity of 500 MW.

Study: Advantex E-CR glass fibre outperforms E-glass reinforcements in corrosive environments

A new study from Owens Corning shows how the company’s boron-free Advantex® E-CR glass fibre outperforms E-glass reinforcements in stressed composite laminates in a corrosive environment.

Gamesa’s net profit fell 75% in Q1 2010

Spanish wind turbine maker Gamesa’s net profit fell 75% in the first quarter of 2010 to €8 million in a difficult macroeconomic environment.

Corecell M-Foam secures further certifications Corecell M-Foam secures further certifications

SP - High Modulus has secured further approval from two leading certification bodies for its new marine foam core, Corecell™ M-Foam.

PPG confirms restart of North Carolina glass fibre furnace

PPG Industries' fibre glass business has announced that it has restarted a furnace at its facility in Shelby, North Carolina, USA.

Revision of green and renewable power standard nears completion

Friday is the deadline for comments on revisions to a voluntary standard that determines what types of renewable energy are eligible to be sold in the US as certified green power.

UK coalition – renewable energy policies UK coalition – renewable energy policies

The new Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition in the UK stands firm on renewable energy, but disagrees on nuclear.

Marine adhesive offers longer working time Marine adhesive offers longer working time

The Crystic® Crestomer® range of urethane acrylate structural adhesives from Scott Bader Composites now includes a product with a longer working time.

UK extends Round 1 & 2 offshore wind projects

The UK Round 1 & 2 offshore wind projects have been extended with an additional 2 GW by the UK Crown Estate.

Oregon Wave Energy Trust grant for wave energy projects

Oregon Wave Energy Trust (OWET) has announced an industry matching grant program totaling US$500,000 for developing wave energy projects.

Solar to generate 20%-25% of global electricity by 2050

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released roadmaps for solar PV and concentrating solar power (CSP), predicting that the two solar technologies could generate 9000 TWh of green power in 2050.

New UK composites consultancy launched

Independent consultancy STRUCTeam Ltd, based in Southampton, UK, will offer design and material engineering services to the advanced composites market.

Markos makes gains in wind energy Markos makes gains in wind energy

Polish company Markos is producing nacelles and hubs for wind turbines using infusion and open moulding techniques.

Redelease distributes AkzoNobel organic peroxides

Redelease has been named official distributor of AkzoNobel organic peroxides in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, alongside VI Fiberglass.

Australia launches largest roll-out of renewable energy Australia launches largest roll-out of renewable energy

The Australian Government will commit A$653 million over four years to establish a Renewable Energy Future Fund.

US$60m for small business clean and renewable energy innovation

The Department of Energy (DoE) has announced US$60 million in funding from ARRA to support small business research and development leading to deployment of clean and renewable energy technologies.

Renewable energy to double in latest US forecast

The strongest growth in US energy supply will come from renewable fuels used to generate electricity and to produce liquid fuels for the transportation sector, according to the latest outlook from the US Department of Energy.

HOBAS opens GRP pipe research centre HOBAS opens GRP pipe research centre

Pipe producer HOBAS has opened a research centre for glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe systems in Wietersdorf, Austria.

Kemrock commissions India's first carbon fibre plant

Composites manufacturer Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd has commissioned the first carbon fibre manufacturing facility in India.

Laser projection systems for composites production

More companies in the composites industry are starting using laser template projection systems to increase production throughput, improve quality and simplify workflows.

Toray signs long-term supply agreement with EADS

Japanese carbon fibre manufacturer Toray Industries Inc has signed a long-term basic supply agreement with European aerospace company EADS. The contract covers supply of carbon fibre prepreg for aircraft applications, primarily for Airbus, through 2025.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

MAG establishes renewable energy business unit

MAG Industrial Automation Systems says it is forming a new Renewable Energy Business unit to design and build automated manufacturing systems for solar panels and wind turbine components.

NY renewable energy projects receive US$11m

The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) will provide US$11.3m to develop 25 renewable energy projects.

US farmers incentivized to purchase renewable energy

The US Department of Agriculture will provide grants and loan guarantees to farmers, agricultural producers and owners of rural small businesses that want to purchase renewable energy systems and improve their energy efficiency.

Latin America wind energy markets: 46 GW by 2025 Latin America wind energy markets: 46 GW by 2025

Led by Brazil, Latin America is expected to reach 46 GW of total installed wind capacity by 2025 with a 12.6% compound annual growth rate of yearly installations, according IHS Emerging Energy Research (EER).

Wind turbine blade on US tour

A 131 ft blade of a wind turbine is touring 9 states to underscore the increasing role for renewable energy in the US energy future.

80% of COMPOSITES EUROPE exhibition area already booked 80% of COMPOSITES EUROPE exhibition area already booked

This September COMPOSITES EUROPE returns to Essen, where it will be held alongside the ALUMINIUM World Trade Fair to form the largest exhibition platform for lightweight construction.

Quickstep wins $500 000 in European development contracts

Australian advanced materials company Quickstep has secured new development contracts with a total value of over $500 000, including further collaborative work with a large European aerospace company.

US groups want hard targets for renewable energy

Seven associations in renewable energy and energy efficiency warn the US risks losing jobs if its fails to pass legislation with hard targets needed to strengthen their industries.

Renewable energy college

A college focused entirely on careers in renewable energy and sustainable design, Ecotech Institute, has been announced by the Education Corporation of America.

Reichhold increases prices for Europe

Reichhold has announced a price increase on all products for the European composites industry.

DSM Composite Resins announces price increase

DSM Composite Resins is increasing the prices of its complete portfolio of resins with immediate effect.

Thermoplastic composites fly on G650 tail Thermoplastic composites fly on G650 tail

The tail section of the new Gulfstream G650 aircraft features a thermoplastic composite rudder and elevator.

Managing offshore renewable energy risks

Energy consultancy Xodus has developed a web-based tool for managing risks for offshore energy – including offshore renewable sources.

F-35 composites process wins innovation award

Lockheed Martin, Magestic Systems Inc (MSI) and Nikon Metrology won a JEC Innovation Award for composites technology used in the production of the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.

Google invests in wind energy

Google has invested US$38.8 million in two wind farms in North Dakota.

Wind turbine installation guide

A consumer guide for installing wind turbines has been launched by RenewableUK (former BWEA).

Halcrow and Mott MacDonald to promote tidal energy

Consultants Mott MacDonald and Halcrow will promote growing opportunities for the development of global tidal range energy projects.

Last week's top 3 stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website last week.

Owens Corning reports first quarter 2010 results

Owens Corning reports consolidated net sales of US$1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2010, up 18% on the first quarter of 2009.

April's top stories April's top stories

The following stories were the most popular with visitors to the Reinforced Plastics website during April.