Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
an innovation process or an innovation process was an intrinsic
foregone conclusion may both overlook the complexity of the
actual history of interest.
There are various actor-networks that arose during the
development of the wind energy technology from the 1970s up to
2010. Only a few are treated here. Nonetheless, these few actor-
networks can provide an interesting basis for analysis. In particular,
there is the actor-network clustered around the “Danish Concept”.
Catalysed by the events of the oil crisis and the fuel shortages in
Denmark, this group began to form around the notion of renewable
or domestic energy for Denmark (including both wind and biogas).
The group began to grow with association of Tvind, Riisager, NIVE
and OVE as its nexus and links were tied to various domestic
manufacturers and local masons. Related networks, including the
Organisation for Windmill Owners, allowed for an ever-expanding
Danish wind energy actor-network. The interaction with Erik Grove-
Nielsen and Økær led to the establishment of a loosely tied but
related network centred on the all-important blade component of
the “Danish Concept” wind turbine. The Økær-centric wind turbine
industry, NIVE, Riisager and OVE groups mutually reinforced the
growing network and the “Danish Concept”. This interaction then
led to the use of the NIVE-designed Blacksmith's wind turbine
and similar Danish concept turbines to be the basis for standard
testing at the newly established Risø test laboratory. The use of
the NIVE design in the very first set of formal standards for wind
energy, as well as the Bonus, Vestas and other wind turbines, further
established the “Danish Concept's” centrality in the Danish wind
turbine industry. The establishment of Risø as a test centre was
creating a new source of accessible information on the design of
wind energy technology and the proliferation of the Økær blades
was complemented by innovation at a number of other companies.
Thus, though NIVE (later the Nordic Folkecenter), Økær, Riisager
and the OVE continued to serve as the centre for Danish wind energy
design, the development of the theory and science of wind energy
began to take on increased importance with Risø as a new nexus for
a related and intersecting actor-network. The intention then of Risø
was to continue to grow throughout the 1980s and combine with a
larger network of international players to promote the development
of standard test procedures and the science and engineering behind
wind energy design (Risø, 1988).
Search WWH ::
Custom Search