Some Wind In The Sails For Renewable Energy?

Two recent announcements emphasise the positive future prospects for the renewable energy sector

, while mixed news from the US shows that the current recession is having a significant effect on their renewable marketplace.

Last week the Australian government announced their commitment to supporting renewable energy by allocating funds of $AUS245 million to the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program. The aim of the Program is to progress the commercialisation of new renewable energy technologies in Australia, including geothermal sources and wave technology, together with a new mini-grid project employing wind, solar, bio-diesel and energy storage technologies.

Meanwhile in Europe, The European Investment Bank (EIB) partnered by three commercial bank announced they will be offering loans to eligible onshore wind power farms in the United Kingdom. This initiative has received support from both the UK Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and could result in the construction of new onshore wind energy projects worth at least $2.33 billion (1.4 billion) over the next three years.

The Greater Gabbard Wind project is proceeding forward at full steam (or under full sail). This project was developed by Greater Gabbard Offshore Winds Limited (GGOWL), originally a joint venture between Airtricity and Fluor. Scottish and Southern Energy subsequently acquired Airtricity and then bought out Fluor's stake, and Fluor are now contracted to design, supply, install and commission the balance of the plant. (In November 2008 Scottish and Southern sold a 50% stake to RWE, owners of Npower (UK) for 308m.) In October 2009 Seajacks Ltd delivered its 7,000 tonne Leviathan vessel to Fluor Ltd, and it will sail to Harwich to prepare the hook-up and commissioning of an in-field substation and then the actual installation of the turbines. TRS Staffing, as the recruitment subsidiary of Fluor, are responsible for all the resourcing of the Greater Gabbard project , working out of our UK and Dutch offices. TRS are also actively working with Abengoa Group Spain, Mexico, Angola and the Middle East.

In contrast to these projects, the US has apparently been feeling some direct consequences of the economic slowdown, with a drop in demand for solar panels, resulting in stockpiling and a price drop of about 30%. With panel manufactures unable to match this revenue slump with any significant cost-savings, the sector is undoubtedly enduring some hardship.

So what does the future really hold for recruitment in renewable energy? In my view Europe and the Middle East will pave the way. Projects such as Nasdar in the UAE, combined with the availability of European grants, will result in greater economies of scale, and a general rationalisation across the industry. Companies will need to increase their commitment and investment, and essentially transform themselves into primary renewable energy businesses. This is illustrated by the success of companies such as Abengoa, and of course the demise of BP Solar and GE (Solar Manufacturing).

I do want to avoid oversimplifying the market, however, and am keen to hear your views on how the renewable energy market will evolve in the near future.

by: Gen Wright

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