Wind power's portrayal as a 100% clean source of renewable energy bodes well for those seeking a power source with little environmental impact. Nevertheless, to stay true to this green promise, we mustn't lose sight of the carbon footprint laid down prior to the generation of electricity. Composite materials, acknowledged as an enabler of the green promise, can contribute greatly to this footprint. In recognition of this reality, manufacturers' have turned from open mould processing to closed mould vacuum infusion processing.

This article details the effect of including accurate stiffness models of rolling element bearings in the dynamic simulation of planetary wind turbine gearboxes and discusses the frequently neglected subject of bearings' contribution to the dynamic behaviour of turbine gearboxes.

Global warming is an emerging threat to water availability and to the quality of life in isolated island communities in southern Europe. Isolated small islands in the Mediterranean region already experience the problem of scarce water sources during the dry summer period. Climate change is likely to further aggravate this situation in the coming years and therefore alternative water sources have to be investigated in these areas.

Support structures for offshore application, especially in deeper waters, have been identified by many sources as being able to make a vital contribution to cost-effective installations. Larger turbines, such as the REpower 5M, demand significantly stronger support structures than smaller turbines. REpower has gained experience with jacket substructures for the REpower 5M turbine in recent projects. The conclusions from this experience will be summarised in this article.