P-High Modulus Launches PVCell G-Foam to Marine Market

SP-High Modulus, the marine business of Gurit, has launched ‘PVCell G-Foam’, a closed cell, cross-linked PVC foam to enhance its core materials offering. PVCell G-Foam provides high strength to weight ratio for all composite applications. Other key features include outstanding chemical resistance, low water absorption and excellent thermal insulation capabilities. It is compatible with most common resin systems including epoxy, polyester and vinylester. PVCell G-Foam is available in a wide range of densities, which include G60, G80, G100, G130 and G200, with all standard cut patterns, and finishes possible. PVCell G-Foam has secured industry certification from Germanischer Lloyd (GL) (G60-G100), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Registro Italiano Navale (RINA). Graham Harvey, General Manager Marine at SP-High Modulus, says: “We are pleased to extend our core materials range for our marine customers with the addition of PVCell G-Foam. This joins the already successful Corecell product family and the versatile and renewable Balsaflex core”. SP-High Modulus, will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Monaco Yacht Show from 21st – 24th September 2011 in the Darse Sud Tent, stand QS1, where staff will be available to discuss this year’s product portfolio including PVCell G-Foam as well as Corecell M-Foam, B3 SmartPac and Spabond 540.

The C-NM5 from CSIR-NAL and Mahindra Aerospace Makes Its Maiden Flight

India's CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL – a constituent laboratory of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), and Mahindra Aerospace (a part of India’s US $12.5 billion Mahindra Group) makes maiden flight of their jointly developed C-NM5 aircraft, marking an important milestone in their collaborative aircraft development programme. The programme is India's first public-private partnership in the development of aircraft, and this milestone event is the result of teamwork across three development teams – CSIR-NAL, Mahindra Aerospace and GippsAero (a Mahindra Aerospace subsidiary in Australia). Engineers from CSIR-NAL and Mahindra Aerospace spent close to three years designing this all-new aircraft using cutting-edge design and analysis tools. The prototype was built over a 10 month period by the rapid prototyping team at GippsAero in their facilities near Melbourne, Australia. Flight testing is being performed at GippsAero by a professionally-trained test pilot supported by GippsAero’s flight test team. The 45-minute first flight on the 1st of September tested basic handling of the aircraft. Subsequent flights have evaluated aircraft stability and control in different flight regimes. Developmental flight testing and evaluations are continuing, with the ultimate objective of achieving Type Certification in keeping with international regulatory standards, followed by a global sales and marketing programme. The C-NM5 is a 5-seat all-metal aircraft powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine, and features non-retractable landing gear and a spacious cabin with large access doors. The cabin interior is reconfigurable to adapt the aircraft to different roles, while simplicity of systems and ease of maintenance are design drivers throughout the aircraft. The C-NM5 thus complements Mahindra Aerospace's growing family of light utility aircraft that are designed to meet the latest global standards, while operating in environments with limited infrastructure at extremely low costs per seat mile. “It is our privilege to announce an important milestone in the C-NM5 programme with the first flight of the prototype in Australia which was undertaken by Mahindra” said Prof. Samir Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India “It gives us great pride to see our first indigenous effort, the C-NM5, developed along with the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, complete its maiden flight.” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

Lucintel’s Analysis of Natural Fiber Composites Market: Automotive to Drive Usage through 2016

Natural fiber composites—a subject of intensive technical research—are becoming more prevalent in use because of increasing environmental awareness and the materials’ relatively low cost and low density. The demand for component materials that are durable, reliable, lightweight, and with excellent mechanical properties is fueling the growing demand for natural fiber in various industries such as automotive and building and construction.

The natural fiber composite materials market is expected to grow to US $531.3 million in 2016 with an 11% CAGR over the next five years.In its new market study, Lucintel analyzes and presents its findings in its report “Natural Fiber Composites Market Trend and Forecast 2011–2016: Trend, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis.” Lucintel’s research indicates that the application of natural fiber composites has increased and is gaining preference over glass fiber. Increasing use of natural fiber composites in automotive applications is driving the market. Indeed, automotive is expected to remain the largest market through 2016. Several automotive components are now produced using natural composites, which are generally based on polyester or polypropylene resin and fibers such as flax, hemp, kenaf, or sisal.

The automotive industry’s adoption of natural fiber composites is led by price, weight reduction, and marketing incentives rather than technical demands. The range of products is no longer restricted to interior and non-structural components such as door panels or rear shelves. In terms of value shipment, Europe is expected to continue its dominance with more than 50% of the worldwide market. North America is expected to be the second-largest region and ROW third in terms of value shipment by 2016. Lucintel’s report provides detailed trend and forecast data for the natural fiber composites market; specifically, forecasts for material and end product applications from 2011‒2016. The report analyzes the drivers leading the demand in the natural fiber composites market, recent developments, Porter’s Five Forces model for the market, growth opportunities in natural fiber composites in applications, and more.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely, insightful report, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that help facilitate critical decisions with greater speed, insight, and cost efficiency. To find out more, please visit www.lucintel.com

3B Introduces A New Chopped Strand Aimed At A Wide Range of Polyamide (PA) Resins for General Purpose Industrial Applications

3B-the fibreglass company is enhancing its broad range of reinforcements for thermoplastics with the introduction of a new 13µm diameter chopped strand aimed at general purpose polyamide applications. The new grade will be commercially available globally in Q4 2011.

“The development and launching of this specific new grade of Advantex chopped strand – DS 1120-13P – to better serve the polyamide market highlights and strengthens our leading position in the European thermoplastics sector,” said Paul Cazes, Thermoplastic Product Leader at 3B. “It is aimed at compounders looking for a cost competitive yet performing reinforcement for polyamides in applications where hydrolysis resistance is not essential,” he added.

The new grade (DS 1120-13P) of chopped strand is manufactured from Advantex glass fibre that is both an E-glass and an E-CR glass in accordance with ASTM D578 and is designed to fit a broad range of polyamides (PA) such as PA6, PA66, PA610 and PA12 as well their related co-polymers. It also displays excellent compatibility with polyurethanes (PU). In addition, the new DS 1120-13P grade has integrated technology that provides excellent strand integrity and bulk density resulting in optimum feeding properties while maintaining exceptional dispersion within the polyamide resin matrix.

Lucintel’s Analysis of Natural Fiber Composites Market: Automotive to Drive Usage through 2016

Natural fiber composites—a subject of intensive technical research—are becoming more prevalent in use because of increasing environmental awareness and the materials’ relatively low cost and low density. The demand for component materials that are durable, reliable, lightweight, and with excellent mechanical properties is fueling the growing demand for natural fiber in various industries such as automotive and building and construction. The natural fiber composite materials market is expected to grow to US $531.3 million in 2016 with an 11% CAGR over the next five years.

In its new market study, Lucintel analyzes and presents its findings in its report “Natural Fiber Composites Market Trend and Forecast 2011–2016: Trend, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis.”

Lucintel’s research indicates that the application of natural fiber composites has increased and is gaining preference over glass fiber. Increasing use of natural fiber composites in automotive applications is driving the market. Indeed, automotive is expected to remain the largest market through 2016. Several automotive components are now produced using natural composites, which are generally based on polyester or polypropylene resin and fibers such as flax, hemp, kenaf, or sisal. The automotive industry’s adoption of natural fiber composites is led by price, weight reduction, and marketing incentives rather than technical demands. The range of products is no longer restricted to interior and non-structural components such as door panels or rear shelves.

In terms of value shipment, Europe is expected to continue its dominance with more than 50% of the worldwide market. North America is expected to be the second-largest region and ROW third in terms of value shipment by 2016.

Lucintel’s report provides detailed trend and forecast data for the natural fiber composites market; specifically, forecasts for material and end product applications from 2011?2016. The report analyzes the drivers leading the demand in the natural fiber composites market, recent developments, Porter’s Five Forces model for the market, growth opportunities in natural fiber composites in applications, and more.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely, insightful report, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that help facilitate critical decisions with greater speed, insight, and cost efficiency. To find out more, please visit www.lucintel.com

Huntsman to Further Expand Multifunctional Epoxy Resins Capacity and Capability

Huntsman Corporation informed about a major step towards expanding one of its key product lines by launching a multi-million dollar in-depth engineering study at its McIntosh, Alabama facility. Huntsman's expanded multifunctional resins capacity will serve the current and future needs of its customers in the aerospace and composite industries. Once completed, the new line will further boost global production of all types of multifunctional epoxy resins.

James Huntsman, President Advanced Materials Division, said, "Demand for multifunctional epoxy resins, as a replacement for aluminum and other materials and the forecasted needs of the aerospace industry are major factors influencing this decision. We are committed to our valued customers in the aerospace and high-end composite industries."

Huntsman continued, "These investments will bring enormous benefit and value to our customers around the world, helping them address some of the engineering challenges they face over the coming years to produce lighter, more efficient materials. I am also delighted this project will create hundreds of jobs at our McIntosh site."

Insituform Technologies, Inc. Closes Acquisition of North American Business of Fyfe Group, LLC

Insituform Technologies, Inc. has informed about the closing of its acquisition of the North American business of Fyfe Group, LLC. The transaction purchase price was approximately $115.8 million.

Fyfe Group, based in San Diego, California, is a pioneer and industry leader in the development, manufacture and installation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems for the structural repair, strengthening and restoration of pipelines (oil, gas, water and waste water), buildings (commercial, Federal, municipal, residential and parking garages), bridges and tunnels, and waterfront structures. The acquisition was financed by a $250 million term loan under the Company’s new $500 million credit facility.

Fyfe Group’s senior management team, including Ed Fyfe and Heath Carr, will remain with the company and be responsible for its day-to-day operations, growth and continued technological innovation. In connection with the closing of the Fyfe North America transaction, Ed Fyfe and Heath Carr also purchased $3.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of Insituform common stock at a price of $16.21 per share (Insituform’s closing stock price on August 30, 2011). The shares of common stock are subject to certain transfer restrictions until February 2013.

Lucintel’s Market Study Outlines Robust Growth in India’s Energy Sector for 2011–20

Consumption of energy in India has increased steadily over the past decade and is likely to grow at an average of 6% annually based on annual GDP growth of 8% for 2011–2020. Considering the massive development in India’s infrastructure and real estate sectors, demand for electricity is anticipated to nearly double over the next five years. India’s current electricity consumption of approximately 600 TWh annually is likely to surpass 1,000 TWh annually by 2020.

In its new market study, “Indian Energy Sector 2011–2020: Economic and Risk Analysis,” Lucintel analyzes and identifies India’s energy sector and outlines areas of opportunity for the coming decade.

Lucintel’s research indicates that, with a forecast population growth rate of 1.3% annually and 8% GDP growth for the next decade, India’s per capita income is expected to double, leading to greater energy consumption. With an 8% GDP growth scenario and government plans and policies, commercial energy needs are expected to increase to more than 2,100 Mtoe by 2031–32. The prices of other energy sources such as fossil fuel and gasoline also drive the demand for energy. Coal remains India’s most important fuel and its use is expected to triple between 2005 and 2030.

Lucintel’s report provides detailed trend and forecast data for different energy sources in India; specifically, the demand and supply analysis with future forecasts for 2020. The report analyzes the drivers that lead the demand in different energy segments and the supply challenges these segments are likely to face. The study considers various policies the government of India is implementing and others it is likely to employ in the future to bridge the gap between energy demand and supply. The macroeconomic fundamentals of India also are analyzed, offering insights into how the country’s economy continues to develop. India’s future economic growth rate and demand in the various energy sectors provide understanding into which sector should perform well over the next decade.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on this timely, insightful report, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. Lucintel provides cutting-edge decision support services that help facilitate critical decisions with greater speed, insight, and cost efficiency. To find out more, please visit www.lucintel.com.

Augrid's Carbon Composite Technologies Signs Licensing Agreement with Convection Strategies, LLC

Augrid Global Holdings Corporation apprised that its subsidiary, Carbon Composite Technologies (CCT) has signed a world-wide Licensing Agreement with Convection Strategies, LLC (CSLLC). The two companies have worked for nearly two years to prepare marketing literature and perform physical testing of several composite fiber architectures for presentation to the several major wind turbine blade manufacturers.

CCT's patented technology allows the manufacturing of 100 meter and larger blades which are becoming required for use in wind farms being deployed in the oceans. The larger blades provide more electricity with a fewer number of towers and CCT's patented process for construction and curing allow for the blade to be manufactured as one piece and cured without the use of an autoclave, dramatically decreasing the time and material costs, resulting in a significantly less expensive final product.

To get latest Carbon Fibers and Composite Materials you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

New Anti-Dumping Procedure on Certain Glass Fibre Fabrics Originating In China

The Official Journal of the EU published a notice of initiation of anti-dumping proceedings concerning certain woven and/or stitched glass fibre fabrics, originating in China.

The complainant was lodged by the Glass Fibre Defence Coalition (GFFDC). The product under investigation is “fabrics of woven or stitched or woven and stitched continuous filament glass fibre rovings, excluding products which are impregnated or pre-impregnated (pre-preg), and excluding open mesh fabrics with cells with assize of more than 1.8 mm in both length and width and weighing more than 35 g/m² (the product under investigation)”(Art.2).

The European Commission invites all the relevant stakeholders to inform them as interested parties in the investigation within 15 days since the publication of the current notice. EuCIA, the European umbrella of the composites industry was notified as user of the product concerned and nominated as interested party in the proceedings.

To get latest News about Carbon Fibers and Aerospace Consulting you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

World’s Only Rapid Prototyping System Able to Jet 2 Materials at the Same Time to Produce Advanced Composite Materials Launched

Objet Ltd., the innovation leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, today revealed the Objet260 Connex, a compact and attractively priced addition to Objet’s family of multi-material 3D printers. The Objet260 Connex is based on the company’s patented inkjet 3D printing technology – the world’s only rapid prototyping system able to jet 2 materials at the same time. This technology allows users to select from a large range of composite materials when building 3D models, such as Objet’s recently released ABS-like material. The system can also print a model replica made of up to 14 individual materials in a single print run.

Commenting on the new 3D printer, David Reis, CEO for Objet said, “The compact Objet260 Connex brings our high-resolution, multi-material 3D printing to new levels of accessibility for front-line designers and engineers who demand the highest quality prototypes and true-product representation. And all this in a system that is quiet, reliable and small enough to run in the corner of any office.”

The Objet260 Connex allows users to create prototypes containing distinct material elements, such as rigid walls with flexible, rubber-like joints or models combining transparent and opaque parts.

Gold River Productions Introduces Lightweight, Durable, All-Composite Sea Freight Containers

Gold River Productions, a developer and designer of patented and patent-pending renewable energy technologies and all-composite products, apprised about details of its latest innovation for the marine industry, the all composite sea freight container. The Company's sea freight containers can reduce the weight of today's standard products by up to 60%, are extremely durable, will not rust or corrode, and cost less to produce due to its lightweight, thermoplastic material.

Gold River's proprietary technologies and fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets are thermo-fused to a honeycomb or insulated foam core to create a superior lightweight, highly impact resistant and very durable sandwich panel. By using its custom-designed, high-speed panel manufacturing processes, the Company is able to manufacture sea freight containers using all-composite materials that are up to 60% lighter than those in use today. No volatile organic compounds are emitted during the process, and containers are recyclable at the end of their useful lives. Since the panels are thermoplastic rather than steel, they also have the ability to enhance border security imaging, screening and detection processes.

John Ohlin, president and CEO of Gold River Productions, Inc., stated, "Five years ago, our company began the research and development of a breakthrough concept in designing large structures, specifically, sea freight containers and pre-fabricated housing, using our newly developed materials. Now we are excited to move forward with our latest sea freight technology and containers that can help solve current economic and environmental challenges affecting the global marine industry."

Composites-intensive Hybrid Electric Airplane Developed by Siemens

Siemens AG, Diamond Aircraft and EADS presented the world's first aircraft DA36 E-Star with a serial hybrid electric drive system at the Paris Air Show Le Bourget 2011. The two-seater motor glider successfully completed its maiden flight on June 8 at the Wiener Neustadt airfield in Vienna, Austria. The aircraft was built by the three partners to test the hybrid electric drive concept. In the future, the technology, which is intended for later use also in large-scale aircraft, will cut fuel consumption and emissions by 25 percent, compared to today's most efficient aircraft drives.



Electromobility is now making inroads into the world of aircraft. The technology of the series hybrid electric drive is scalable and will be used in small and medium-sized aircraft and, in the medium term, larger planes. It will make aviation greener.

"A serial hybrid electric drive can be scaled for a wide range of uses, making it highly suitable for aircraft as well," said Dr. Frank Anton, the initiator of electric aircraft development at Siemens. "The first thing we want to do is test the technology in small aircraft. In the long term, however, the drive system will also be used in large-scale aircraft. We want to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 25 percent, compared to today's most efficient technologies. This will make air travel more sustainable."

The motor glider, which is based on Diamond Aircraft's HK36 Super Dimona, is the only aircraft of its kind in the world. It is the first to use a so-called serial hybrid electric drive, which has been utilized to date only in cars, as an integrated drive train. The plane's propeller is powered by a 70kW electric motor from Siemens. Electricity is supplied by a small Wankel engine from Austro Engine with a generator that functions solely as a power source. A Siemens converter supplies the electric motor with power from the battery and the generator. Fuel consumption is very low since the combustion engine always runs with a constant low output of 30kW. A battery system from EADS provides the increased power required during takeoff and climb. The accumulator is recharged during the cruising phase. "The serial hybrid electric drive concept makes possible a quiet electric takeoff and a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emission," said Christian Dries, the owner of Diamond Aircraft. "It also enables aircraft to cover the required long distances."


To get latest Aerospace Consulting and Market Trend you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Nanocomposite Material Provides More Fire Protection in a Polymer

Materials scientists from the University of Maryland (UMD) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated that a nanocomposite material provides more fire protection when the extensively and evenly dispersed nanoscale clay plates of clay are in a polymer. In tests conducted on five specimens with varying dispersions of clay plates, but with equal amount of nanoscale filler, the sample that had the widest dispersion was more resistant to burning, igniting and degradation.

The NIST-UMD scientists used a polymer normally used in insulation and packaging products and also in cutlery and other products filled with montmorillonite nanometer scale plates. Montmorillonite is a kind of clay having a sandwich-type molecular arrangement. The montmorillonite clay was filled in the polymer, and the combination lead to a superior material. The team subjected the specimens to a number of flammability tests and characterization methods. The tests provided a comprehensive picture of the dispersion of nanoscale clay plates and the response of the material to heat influx. Studies suggested that the dispersion, stacking or clumping of clay plates in polymers impact the characteristics of the resultant material.

When nanoscale plates of clay were better dispersed they got entangled more easily when subjected to heat. They formed a network structure with fewer gaps and had a lesser likelihood of getting cracked.. The resultant structure was a heat shield that had the ability to reduce flammability and the rate of degradation. Scientists are now exploring other avenues of reducing flammability by using novel techniques and advanced materials.

Boeing Forecasts $150 Billion Market for 1320 New Passenger Airplanes in India

Boeing forecasts a $150 billion market for 1320 new passenger airplanes in India over the next 20 years as the economy aims for double-digit growth, stimulating strong demand for new and replacement airplanes.

"Robust growth with new economic prosperity amongst a massive Indian population, discretionary incomes, business progress and access to airports will increase airplane demand,” Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar said. "In 2011, the economy continues to do well. Indian air carriers are becoming profitable and we expect the GDP to maintain its upward trend in the long-term. As a result, both the air travel and air cargo markets will grow.” Keskar also said that airline revenue and yields were up, but high inflation and volatile fuel prices will play a pivotal role in the health of the industry.

Passenger traffic, which has reached 53.6 million domestic (fiscal 2011) and 13.1 million international, is expected to grow at 8.1 percent annually over the long-term.

“The economic and air-traffic growth will in turn stimulate demand for a variety of aircraft types,” Keskar said. “The need is great for new airplanes that can efficiently and profitably fly short and long-haul routes. This demand is driven by growth in developing and emerging cities, demand from low-cost carriers and the need to replace an aging fleet.”

The biggest demand will be for single-aisle airplanes. In that category is the Next- Generation Boeing 737, the most widely flown jetliner in the world. To keep up with demand, Boeing recently announced it will boost production to a record 42 737s per month by the first half of 2014.

Boeing airplanes currently dominate India’s long-haul international fleet, with 777s and 747s in service, soon to be joined by the 787 Dreamliner. “The super-efficient 787 will offer significant economic improvement for airlines, increased comfort for passengers and better environmental performance,” Keskar said.

India’s airlines have been growing rapidly by taking advantage of geography, demographics, airplane technology and well-coordinated growth and investment plans. Some carriers, like Air India also are looking for replacement airplanes as they retire aging and less-efficient jets. Boeing predicts that India-based airlines also will grow by responding to passenger preference for more flight choices, lower fares and direct access to a wider range of destinations.

To get latest Aerospace Consulting and Market Trend you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Ahlstrom Starts Production of Specialty Reinforcements for the Wind Energy Market in China

The production of glass fiber reinforcements, which is used among other things to strengthen wind mill blades, will be started by the fourth quarter 2011 at Ahlstrom's Binzhou plant in the Shandong province on China's eastern coast. Ahlstrom will install multiaxial machines to its existing Binzhou site, which currently manufactures transportation filtration materials and employs 170 people.

"China has become a global power house in wind energy and through this investment we can better serve our global and local customers in the country. This gives us a good platform for further growth in the fast growing wind energy markets in China and elsewhere Asia," says Laura Raitio, Executive Vice President, Building and Energy.

The wind energy market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of approximately 15 percent in China in the next five years. In 2010, Ahlstrom's total net sales grew by almost 50 percent in the Asia Pacific-region and the company made an acquisition of a filtration plant and announced a joint venture in China for the production of masking tape substrates and medical papers. In addition, the company announced an investment to wallcover materials manufacturing in China on June 14, 2011.

Ahlstrom's Building and Energy Business Area currently serves the European, North American and Asian wind energy markets from its plants in Mikkeli, Finland and Bishopville, South Carolina, USA.

Defence Minister Shri AK Antony Inaugurates DRDO’s Composite Propellant Processing Facility at Nasik, Maharashtra in India

Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has inaugurated the DRDO’s state-of-the-art composite propellant processing facility – ACEM (Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials) at Nasik in Maharashtra and dedicated the facility to the Nation. “I am happy to dedicate this modern propellant processing facility to the nation. I congratulate all of you for reaching this milestone. I am sure the team of young scientists, guided by their experienced colleagues will deliver world class rocket motors and requirements for various strategic projects. The responsibility of making this facility one of the best in the world and making it Advanced in every sense of the word lies collectively upon all of you”, Shri Antony said in his inaugural speech.

The facility has been set up by HEMRL (High Energy Materials Research Laboratory), a Pune based DRDO laboratory engaged in research and development of high energy materials including solid rocket propellants. Expressing satisfaction that most of the plant and machinery under embargo had been constructed indigenously. He stressed that to be more meaningful and to be sustained for a longer term, the indigenization process must be total and irreversible.

ACEM has been set up as a dedicated facility, to meet the requirements of composite propellants for solid rocket motors during their development phase as well as the limited series production. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and machinery operated remotely through PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), thus, avoiding human exposure to hazardous processes.

REpower and Alerion CleanPower Sign Contract for 44 Megawatt Wind Farm Project in Italy

REpower Systems SE and Alerion CleanPower Spa, an Italian-based renewable energy company, signed a contract for a wind project in the South of Italy. REpower will deliver 13 3.4M104 wind turbines to San Marco in Lamis, a 44 megawatt (MW) wind farm situated north-east of Foggia. The turbines will have a rated output of 3.4 megawatts and a hub height of 80 meters each. REpower is responsible for supplying, installing and commissioning the turbines. The company will also provide service in line with a twelve years service agreement with Alerion CleanPower.

San Marco in Lamis wind farm is located close to REpower Italia’s main service center near Foggia and will be maintained directly from there. The Italian-based subsidiary of REpower Systems SE will start construction as early as the fall of 2011.

Andreas Nauen, CEO of REpower Systems SE, is pleased that REpower’s 3.XM series is well accepted on the Italian market: “This is the second contract for the 3.4M104 in Italy. It confirms the excellent market-fit of this turbine and strengthens our market presence in Italy.”

Carlo Schiapparelli, Managing Director of REpower Italia S.r.l., comments, “We are delighted to be working with Alerion again. Our first project, Ordona, with 17 REpower MM92 turbines was completed in 2007. This second project confirms that Alerion – an important client for REpower Italia with a high level of renewable energy expertise – regards us as reliable supplier.”

Lamborghini and Callaway Teams Up to Create a Super Strong, Lightweight Golf Club

Lamborghini and Callaway have teamed up to create a super strong, lightweight golf club. Using forged composite to make the Razr Hawk R11 (the same material used in the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept); this material is a lighter, stronger, and more precise version of traditional woven carbon fiber or titanium. Boasting a higher threshold for standing up to extreme conditions, this composite material features 500,000 intertwined turbo static fibers per inch.

Offering an improved overall performance, the Razr Hawk R11 is sleek and polished, not to mention lighter and stronger. In fact, tests have shown that this club can hit a tee shot of up to six yards longer than what its predecessor, the R11, could. And if you’re at all competitive, that six yards could mean the difference between first and second place.

BEFUT to Build Carbon Fiber Composite Materials Manufacturing Plant

BEFUT International Co., Ltd. a developer, manufacturer and distributor of wire and cable products in China, has apprised that it has been selected as an anchor client in the Puwan New Area development zone, where it will build a new facility to develop carbon fiber composite materials. Puwan New Area, a 1045.6-kilometer economic zone, was created for the purpose of fostering research and development projects and to serve as a headquarters for technology innovation within China. The economic zone is located near the major port of Dalian. In a highly competitive process, the government selected BEFUT as one of its anchor tenants and is considered one of the ten key projects within the area.

Mr. Hongbao Cao, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to enter this agreement with the Puwan New Area government and to situate development of our carbon fiber composite material project within this economic zone. The carbon fiber project will occupy a 300,000 square meter facility and ultimately we believe this facility will be able to produce 100,000 kilometers per year of high-pressure carbon fiber composite wire. This would equate to over $1.5 billion US (10.3 billion RMB) per year, once this facility is operating at full capacity."