How to score in Brazil
Brazil is hot. Right now the whole world is glued to the television because of the World Cup. But also business wise all eyes are on the home of samba.
The Dutch government is exploring possibilities of collaboration between The Netherlands and Brazil in the field of on- and offshore wind energy. Brazil has one of the cleanest energy matrices in the world and wind power is the fastest growing source of power generation, with a market potential of 300GW.
Potency enough, but there is much need for (technical) knowledge and experience to bring this industry to fruition. Pontis has been active in the country for several years already hence we are regularly asked to explain how we do that. Our experiences gained here are very valuable to other entrepreneurs who want to do business in Brazil.
Please read the interview with Pontis Director Dirk Jan Kootstra in the main Dutch newspaper, the financial Telegraph, about the work of Pontis in Brazil. The article is in Dutch and (free) registration is required.
Work hard, walk hard part 3
For the first time the AWEA Windpower conference of early May was organized in Las Vegas. Perhaps an odd location for the return of the popular WINDPOWER 5K race. But trained runners as we are at Pontis, we could not resist the temptation to plow through the desert before the break of dawn.
Pontis was represented by the US Nicks (Althoff and Stevermer). Of course Dirk Jan Kootstra braved the early morning to cheer them on, making sure they would not bite the dust amongst former colleagues and fellow experts in the composites and wind industry. Our guys did well and Nick Althoff even earned a place on the podium: he placed 2nd overall.
A good kick off to the next podium: the conference. This year’s theme, Transformation in Motion, reflected the busy pace of wind turbine construction this year and the new Wind Vision for America. Windpower 2014 marked the start of a new and fresh industry year and we had a successful and inspiring event.
Pontis exhibits in Europe’s wind industry capital
For the first time Hamburg will be the venue of a global trade fair for wind energy. The brand new international trade fair WindEnergy Hamburg and world renowned HUSUM Wind have joined forces to provide the wind industry with a leading event every year. The Hamburg Messe will be the gateway to the world of wind energy from 23-26 September.
Pontis sees Hamburg as the perfect setting to present and showcase its business independently. We expect you are just as curious about this new on- and offshore wind energy event as we are, therefore we would like to invite you to experience WindEnergy Hamburg and the Pontis booth (Hall B3, booth #209) with us as our guest! Please let us know by email if you accept our invitation. We hope to see you in Hamburg!
Pontis’ offshore involvement
Onshore wind-energy locations with high wind-speeds are getting increasingly scarce in most developed countries. Offshore locations with often higher and steadier wind-speeds are abundant, allowing more energy generation and better predictability. Moreover, coastal areas normally have a more dense population and therefore consume most energy. This drastically reduces the amount of transmission lines to bring this green energy to the customers.
The global trend towards offshore wind energy is clearly experienced by Pontis too. Pontis is currently involved in the development of 3 different offshore rotor-blades. Two of these giants will be produced in China and sizes range between 68+ and 80+ meters. Pontis’ involvement in these projects ranges from; Design, design assessment, project management, manufacturing assistance and quality control.
Pontis GM Dirk Jan says: “These offshore blades don’t just get bigger. Because of higher loads these giants often need to be designed with stronger and lighter carbon fibers, which require a different production process and quality check. Because of our carbon experience, gained in aerospace and previously developed carbon blades, we are able to provide our customers latest technology to develop high-quality and competitive offshore blades.”
Extremely hot and incredibly cold: Pontis supports Powerblades Canada launch
As Pontis client Senvion Canada (formerly Repower) is expanding its business in the Ontario region significantly the company decided to invest in a blade factory within the province. Pontis was commissioned to support in the start up of this facility, operating as PowerBlades Inc.
PowerBlades will produce the 45 meter long Senvion blades for the MM92 CCV turbine and in a further stage blades for a new 3 MW wind turbine, fit for the Ontario market.
In close cooperation with the PowerBlades and Senvion team the factory was transformed from an empty facility to a full wind turbine blade production factory. To get PowerBlades fully operational according to LEAN principles quickly and efficiently, Pontis provided Project Management, Process Engineering and technical support services. By educating and involving the team on each aspect along the way, the customer was enabled to take over the reins as quickly as possible.
The challenges went beyond the typical technical difficulties. This time the climate was an important factor: extremely hot and humid conditions in summer, and heavy blizzards in winter. Arriving at work could be challenging, with snow drifts blocking all entrances to the factory after heavy snowfall.
Pontis USA director Nick Althoff says: “Every start-up has its unique set of challenges. The important point is that team approaches the challenge with an open mind and have the support of a willing, energetic individuals. We are very pleased to support the Senvion and PowerBlades team and we soon hope to hear many PowerBlades buzzing in Ontario.”
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