by Bruce Goodman

The State of Michigan has formed a partnership with the government of Navarra, Spain to work collaboratively on renewable energy projects.  The MOU signed in May provides for joint activities, including policy sharing, technology transfer, value-chain mapping, and trade missions.  It targets wind technology, biomass, solar energy, smart-grid technology, and bio-climactic research sectors. Navarra currently produces approximately 65 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources.  The Renewable Energy National Centre of Spain (CENER), which over the past eight years has become a leader in renewable-energy technology, is located in Navarra and is expected to work with Michigan companies in development efforts, such as testing Energetx Composite wind turbine blades in its laboratory.

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by Bruce Goodman

Energetx Composites LLC has been awarded a $3.5 million grant to establish a new Center of Energy Excellence (COEE) in Holland. It will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Dow Chemical to develop advanced materials, including carbon fiber, to make wind turbine blades. The COEE will also include workforce training provided by U of M and Kettering University. A second new COEE was established with $6 million in funding. It involves Astraeus Wind Energy, Inc., a joint venture between Sterling Heights-based MAG Industrial Automation Systems Inc. and Eaton Rapids-based Dowding Machining Inc. This venture’s first project will be to build an automated machining center for wind turbine hubs.

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by Bruce Goodman

Following up on an earlier licensing agreement, Energetx Composites of Holland and Aeroblade of Spain have agreed to a manufacturing arrangement to produce wind turbine blades for wind industry OEMs. The Michigan company has committed to manufacturing 37 to 65 meter wind turbine blades for Aeroblade customers in the U.S. and Canadian markets. This partnership combines Aeroblade’s design skills, backed by a long history in the aerospace field, with Energetx’s core competency in composites.

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by Bruce Goodman

Energetx Composites of Holland has announced it is entering the wind turbine blade business and has been granted a MEGA Tax Credit from the State of Michigan. The company will draw on its composite experience in the marine industry to supply advanced composites for a variety of green industries, focusing on making turbine blades and housings for wind turbines, as well as other composites for the transportation and aerospace sectors. From its West Michigan location, it intends to supply the Great Lakes, national and international wind markets. Grand Rapids Community College will be involved in the workforce training effort.

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