Connect with us

Published

2 years ago

on

The Jan De Nul Group’s Voltaire in waters off China in Dec. 2022. As wind turbines get bigger, the vessels that install them are having to change, too.

VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images

A project to build a facility described as “the world’s largest offshore wind farm” took a big step forward this month by producing its first power.

Located in the North Sea, over 130 kilometers off England’s northeast coast, the Dogger Bank Wind Farm still has some way to go before it’s fully operational, but the installation and powering up of its first turbine is a major feat in itself.

That’s because GE Vernova’s Haliade-X turbines stand 260 meters tall — that’s higher than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge — and have blades measuring 107 meters.

Turbine installation at Dogger Bank has required a huge amount of planning and preparation, with the Voltaire — a specialist vessel designed and built by the family-owned Jan De Nul Group — playing a key role.

With a lifting capacity of 3,200 metric tons, the Voltaire — named after the 18th-century French philosopher — will have installed a total of 277 Haliade-X turbines when its work is complete.

This image, from Dec. 2022, shows Jan De Nul Group’s Voltaire in China. A specialist installation vessel, the Voltaire has a lifting capacity of over 3,000 metric tons.

VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images

Described by Dogger Bank as the “largest offshore jack-up installation vessel ever built,” in many ways, it’s the pinnacle of an extensive supply chain involving numerous businesses and stakeholders.

The logistics are complex and multi-layered, with water depth a particular issue.

The sea in the Dogger Bank Offshore Development Zone is up to 63 meters deep, meaning the Voltaire’s ability to work in deeper waters is crucial. 

This is where its four legs come into play.

According to Jan De Nul, the legs of the Voltaire — which was built at the COSCO Shipping Shipyard in China — enable it to lift itself above the water’s surface.

With each leg measuring roughly 130 meters in length, they highlight the scale of equipment required to install huge offshore wind turbines like GE’s Haliade-X.

In an online Q&A before installations at Dogger Bank began, Jan De Nul’s Rutger Standaert spoke of their importance. “Thanks to those legs, the Voltaire can effectively operate at a water depth of 80 meters,” Standaert, who is manager of vessel construction at the business, said.

He noted that the Voltaire’s capabilities would enable installations further out to sea, allowing it to play a key role in the emerging floating offshore wind sector.

“Off the Scottish coast, for example, expensive floating windfarms are often the only way to tap into offshore wind,” he said. “The water is too deep for fixed windfarms, but the Voltaire can offer new opportunities.”

Thinking big

Once completed, the Dogger Bank Wind Farm will have a total capacity of 3.6 gigawatts (GW) and be able to power as many as six million homes per year, according to its developers.

Work on the project is taking place over three phases: Dogger Bank A, B, and C. A fourth phase of the wind farm known as Dogger Bank D has also been proposed, and would increase its capacity even further.

Read more about electric vehicles, batteries and chips from CNBC Pro

Søren Lassen is head of offshore wind research at Wood Mackenzie, a research and consultancy group. He described Dogger Bank as “a huge project, especially if you combine the three phases.”

“It is a project that requires a lot of preparation,” he told CNBC. “There’s the logistics in terms of having the vessels to do the installation … and then of course, you also have the logistics in terms of getting the components to the marshaling port.”

Both of these aspects were being made “a lot more complicated” by the use of next-generation turbines and a next-generation installation vessel, Lassen said.

“You have … a lot of innovation that goes into this. And not only do you need a new vessel or new components, you also need new factories to build those components.”

As such, a slew of upgrades and adjustments were needed to “reverberate throughout the entire value chain” for operations to run smoothly, he added.

Bigger turbines, bigger challenges?

This image, from June 2023, shows tower sections of GE’s Haliade-X wind turbine at a site in the U.S.

David L. Ryan | The Boston Globe | Getty Images

Thanks to their sheer size, larger turbine designs have created a specific set of needs for the offshore wind sector and sites like the Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

“From cranes to vessels, we use a number of specially designed pieces of equipment to transport the Haliade-X turbines that will be used in this project,” a spokesperson for GE Offshore Wind said in a statement sent to CNBC.

Wood Mackenzie’s Lassen stressed the importance of having dedicated transportation vessels, noting that the towers of turbines need to be broken into three or four sections in order to fit on board.  

Massive blades represent the biggest challenge, he said, as they have to be laid flat. “And that just means that you need a very, very long transportation vessel, [and] that you need to stack them up accordingly.”

Blades of the Haliade-X turbine stacked on top of each other at a site in the U.S. The past few years have seen companies develop increasingly large wind turbines.

David L. Ryan | The Boston Globe | Getty Images

Meanwhile, delays or bottlenecks can have far-reaching — and expensive — consequences.

Lassen cited the example of blades not being delivered on time, which leads to vessels having to “go away and then come back half a year later to do the installation. This is very costly, of course.”

And delays also lead to lost revenue.

“These projects are going out [and] generating a lot of power from the day that they’re being installed, pretty much,” Lassen added.

“So any delays [and] you’re also losing a lot of revenue, especially right now when the power prices are really, really high.”

The bigger picture

Offshore wind farms are set to play a significant role in reducing emissions and hitting net zero goals in the years ahead — but a supply chain that’s well-run and reliable will be key to the industry’s success.

This is set to cost serious money. According to Wood Mackenzie, a base case of 30 GW of installations per year by 2030 — excluding China — will require investment of around $27 billion by 2026 to build out supply chains.

“The supply chain needs to invest,” Lassen said, adding that it also needed capital, certainty and concrete, firm orders. However, cost pressures mean there is currently uncertainty over projects planned for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

“Any delays to these projects takes away volume from the supply chain, and the supply chain needs that volume to convert it into revenue to build new factories,” Lassen explained.

It is crucial that projects planned for the next few years go ahead, he added. “That helps the underlying supply chain ramp up so they can build the capacity [for] ’27, ’28, ’29 and well into the 2030s as well.”

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

Aventon Sinch 2 folding e-bike at $1,399 low, Autel AC Lite 50A level 2 EV charger $455, NIU KQi 300X e-scooter $750, EcoFlow, more

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 22, 2025

By

Aventon Sinch 2 folding e-bike at ,399 low, Autel AC Lite 50A level 2 EV charger 5, NIU KQi 300X e-scooter 0, EcoFlow, more

Today’s Green Deals are all about EVs and power stations, with our headliner being Aventon’s Sinch 2 Folding e-bike at its $1,399 low. Right behind it, we have Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV charger down at $455, as well as NIU’s KQi 300X All-Terrain Suspension Electric Scooter for $750. From there we have four limited-time EcoFlow member-only solar generator bundle deals at up to 56% off, Anker’s SOLIX C1000 power station, and a one-day-only sale on Anker’s SOLIX BP1000X expansion battery for the previously mentioned station. All these and more are waiting for you below. Plus, there’s all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker PowerCore Reserve dropping under $90, Schumacher’s new portable level 1 EV charger, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Aventon’s space-saving Sinch 2 folding e-bike brings utility to your commutes for up to 55 miles at its $1,399 low

Among the selection of Aventon e-bikes retaining their post-July 4th Sale lows, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the brand’s Sinch 2 Folding e-bike that is still down at $1,399 shipped. Normally going for $1,699 at full price, we’ve mostly seen this model discounted to $1,499 over the last year, with more recent sales dropping the costs to its $1,399 low, mostly in response to the launch of the upgraded Sinch 2.5 descendant model. You’ll be saving $300 off the going rate while the savings last, giving you a space-saving commuter at the best price we have tracked.

Aventon’s Sinch 2 e-bike is the second-generation legacy model among its folding series of commuters, with the frame providing more space-saving functionality when storing or transporting it. It comes equipped with a 500W rear-hub motor (peaking at 1,056W) alongside a 672Wh battery in order to reach top speeds of 20 MPH for up to 55 miles of travel while its four PAS levels are activated, which come supported by a torque sensor. Of course, you’ll gain added utility thanks to included features like the rear cargo rack, with others including the integrated front and rear lighting that sport turn signal functionality, an 8-speed derailleur, fenders to go over both 20 by 4-inch tires, an LCD smart “easy read” display, and more.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

You can check out the full lineup of Aventon’s current deals in our original coverage of these extended savings here, which include models like the Level 2 Commuter e-bike still down at its $1,399 annual low. You can also find the brand’s new Pace 4 Step-Through Cruiser e-bike that comes with an array of smart features still benefitting from its first-ever savings at $1,699 too.

man using Autel AC Lite 50A level 2 EV charger to charge EV

Install Autel’s MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charger at home for up to 50A speeds for $455

Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is offering Prime members its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home Level 2 EV charger back at $455.20 shipped, which we’re also seeing matched in price direct from the brand’s website. While this model goes for $569 at full price directly from the manufacturer, we’ve regularly been seeing it keep down to this same rate for most of 2025, with things only falling lower in that period to $450 during Prime Day two weeks ago. You can take advantage of the 20% savings that cuts $114 off the tag for the third-lowest price we have tracked – $56 above the low from Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this at-home EV charger, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man posing on NIU KQi 300X electric scooter

NIU’s 37-mile trekking KQi 300X all-terrain e-scooter with hydraulic suspension and regen braking at $750

NIU’s official Amazon storefront is now offering its KQi 300X All-Terrain Suspension Electric Scooter for $749.99 shipped, which is also matching in price direct from NIU’s website. While this higher-end model from the brand would cost you $1,299 at full price, it keeps down between $1,049 and $1,198 at Amazon on average. From January to late June we mostly saw discounts taking things to $999, with more recent price cuts seeing drops lower to $919 and $899. While the deal here lasts, you’re looking at a 42% markdown from its MSRP, with up to $549 in savings landing it at the best price we’ve tracked in 2025, only beaten out by the $731 low we last saw in October 2024.

If you want to learn more about this NIU e-scooter, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro power station sitting next tow extra battery and solar panel in yard

Score up to 56% savings on four EcoFlow bundles like the DELTA Pro with a 400W panel at $2,169

As part of EcoFlow’s current post-Prime Day power deals, the brand is offering up to 56% off four members-only bundle units through July 24, with sign-up being free, though we’re also seeing these or lower prices at Amazon for Prime members. Among the offers, a notable standout is the DELTA Pro Solar Generator bundle with a 400W panel that is down at $2,169 shipped, and also matching in price at Amazon. This package would normally run you $4,898 from the brand at full price, while we see it keep down at $3,999 at Amazon on average. This opportunity also beats out the costs of two of the current flash sale offers that give you the station, panel, and protective bag for $2,428 (though you won’t get the bag that adds $99 to that price). You’re looking at a 56% markdown with this bundle deal, saving you up to $2,729 at the second-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this solar generator package, as well as the other bundle deals, be sure to check out our original coverage here.

man powering griddle with Anker SOLIX c1000 power station

Cover power needs on camping trips through Anker’s SOLIX C1000 station at $469

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station at $469 shipped, beating out the brand’s direct pricing by $50. While this model fetches $999 at full price directly from the brand, we see it keep down at $799 when at full price at Amazon, with discounts having taken things as low as $429 in the past, which was last seen two weeks ago during the Prime Day event. If you missed out on the pricing then, you’re still looking at a solid 41% markdown off the going rate here (53% off its MSRP), giving you up to $530 savings at the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this model, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man and woman having picnic on beach with Anker SOLIX C1000 power station and expansion battery

Expand your Anker SOLIX C1000 station with the BP1000 add-on battery at a new $380 low for today only

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is giving folks a small window to expand their Anker SOLIX C1000 setup with the BP1000X Expansion Battery at $379.99 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing of the standard model by $49 and Anker’s direct pricing by $419. You’d normally have to shell out $799 for this add-on gear at full price, which we’ve seen discounted as low as $400, the most recent of which was back at the tail-end of March. All the deals we’ve ever seen before are getting beaten out here for the rest of the day, with the 52% markdown saving you $419 at the best new price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this expansion battery, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only sale here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is an affordable little brother to the IONIQ 5 [images]

Published

3 hours ago

on

July 22, 2025

By

The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is an affordable little brother to the IONIQ 5 [images]

Hyundai-IONIQ-2

The Hyundai IONIQ 2 was just spotted out in public for the first time. Hyundai is expected to introduce the smaller, more affordable EV later this year. Here’s our first look at the IONIQ 5’s little brother.

The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is coming in just a few months

According to Xavier Martinet, president and CEO of Hyundai’s European operations, the new EV will debut “in the next few months.”

Hyundai is expected to showcase the electric crossover SUV at the Munich Motor Show in September. It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform that powers Hyundai’s other IONIQ models and the Kia EV lineup.

The new model is expected to arrive as the IONIQ 2, positioned between the Inster EV and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup. Based on the same platform, Hyundai’s new EV will likely share components with the upcoming Kia EV2.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Kia is launching the EV2, its smallest and most affordable EV, next year. The Hyundai IONIQ 2 is expected to arrive shortly after.

Ahead of its official debut, we are getting our first glimpse of Hyundai’s upcoming EV. A camouflaged prototype was spotted by Korean blogger ShortsCar in a parking garage.

Although it’s covered, the crossover SUV-like profile is still visible, similar to the EV2. You can also see Hyundai’s signature EV elements, such as pixelated lighting on the side mirrors and front LED headlights.

Like the EV3, it will likely be offered with several battery options, including a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack. The standard range battery is rated for a WLTP range of 267 miles, while the extended range pack offers a range of up to 372 miles. Both variants are powered by a single front-mounted electric motor with 201 horsepower.

Hyundai-IONIQ-2
Kia Concept EV2 (Source: Kia)

Although it will share components with the EV2, the IONIQ 2, according to Autocar, will be a “step change” in terms of usability, featuring advanced new software and in-car features.

It will likely debut with Hyundai’s new Pleos software and infotainment system. The end-to-end software-defined platform connects everything from the vehicle’s infotainment to the operating system (OS) and then to the Cloud.

Hyundai-IONIQ-2-Pleos-infotainment
Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system powered by Pleos (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai plans to unlock new features, including self-driving capabilities and real-time data analysis. With an Android-based system, the infotainment system has a “smartphone-like UI,” offering new functions like multi-window viewing. It also comes with an AI voice assistant.

Hyundai-IONIQ-2
Kia EV3 Air in Frost Blue (Source: Kia UK)

Prices and final specs will be revealed closer to launch. However, given that the Kia EV3 starts at €35,990 ($42,500), the Hyundai IONIQ 2 is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400).

For those in the US, sorry to disappoint, but the IONIQ 2 is not likely to make the trip overseas. Hyundai is betting on bigger electric SUVs, including the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.

The Kia EV3 is already the most popular retail EV in the UK. Will Hyundai’s IONIQ 2 see the same demand when it arrives?

Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, ShortsCar

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Ride1Up TrailRush launched as affordable mid-drive electric mountain bike

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 22, 2025

By

Ride1Up TrailRush launched as affordable mid-drive electric mountain bike

Ride1Up is officially hitting the trails in a big way. Known for its commuter-focused electric bikes that deliver impressive value, the San Diego-based brand has just announced the new Ride1Up TrailRush: a trail-ready electric mountain bike that marks Ride1Up’s first true entry into the rugged world of eMTBs.

Sure, Ride1Up has branched out from its commuter roots, offering mopeds and trekking-style bikes before. There’s even been an XC version of its highly-acclaimed Prodigy line. But the new TrailRush, with its Brose mid-drive motor, MTB geometry, dropper seat post, and other trail-focused features, is purpose-made for hitting the dirt and winding through those trails, whether uphill or downhill.

And this isn’t a token hardtail with a fancy name. The TrailRush is packing a legit, highly-engineered German mid-drive motor, name-brand suspension, proper trail geometry, and a component list that reads more like a wish list – all at a price that could make a few legacy mountain bike brands start sweating.

The heart of the TrailRush is the German-made Brose TF Sprinter motor, producing a healthy 90Nm of torque. It’s paired with an integrated torque sensor in the bottom bracket to provide smooth, intuitive pedal assist, up to 28 mph. The controller is tucked neatly inside the mid-drive motor housing, while a 1.5-inch color display on the bars gives you ride stats at a glance. There’s no throttle, in true European style, meaning this fast trail bike is a true Class 3 ride in even the strictest interpretation.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Fueling that fancy mid-drive motor is a 36V 14Ah battery built with Samsung cells and a smart BMS. It’s not the largest pack in the eMTB game, but its 504 Wh of capacity should give some decently long-range touring and light cross-country riding, especially without a throttle to drain the battery so quickly. Ride1Up’s real-world range estimate is 30-50 miles (50-80 km) per charge, depending on power level, rider weight, local terrain, and other contributing factors.

The drivetrain features Shimano’s Deore M6000 10-speed setup, complete with a clutch-equipped derailleur, Rapidfire Plus shifter, and a wide-range 11-36T cassette. That’s a reliable workhorse setup, and a good choice for trail riders who want durability without the fuss of constantly tuning a lower-end derailleur. It’s also several steps up the Shimano transmission hierarchy, which is a welcome change compared to what we’re used to seeing from direct-to-consumer (D2C) electric bike brands.

Up front, riders will find a 120mm RockShox Judy Silver TK air fork, which marks another big step up from the basic components we’re used to seeing on D2C bikes. This isn’t the typical spring forks that you’ll find on many budget eMTBs.

And to help keep your ride under control on the descents, Ride1Up went with Tektro’s Orion HD-M745 quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes. Again, there’s a common theme here: these are all much nicer parts than you’d expect. These components are more at home on bike shop e-bikes than something that the FedEx guy drops off by your front porch.

Continuing around the bike, a 150mm Exaform dropper post comes standard, letting you get low on the descents or quickly pop back up for climbs. The TrailRush rolls on Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR 29×2.6” tubeless-ready tires, which are trail favorites that should inspire plenty of confidence across a variety of terrains.

Back up in the cockpit, riders will find 780mm-wide mountain bike handlebars with a 28mm rise and 6° sweep, along with a Selle Royal SRX saddle. The bike uses standard 110mm/142mm hub spacing (plus thru-axles instead of skewers for more robust construction), so wheel upgrades and replacements won’t require any niche nonsense.

All of this is available for a price of $2,095, which comes in well below the big names in mid-drive electric mountain bikes. And keeping with the theme of offering more here, Ride1Up has three color options to choose from (Burnt Sunset, Cobalt, and Midnight), plus two frame sizes to better fit a range of riders. The three colors each seem to pack a bit of a surprise, too. The Sunset orange fades into that burnt color, the Cobalt blue incorporates a fun and funky wave pattern near the headtube, and the Midnight black hides away rainbow sparkles that pop in the sunlight – a pattern we first saw on Ride1Up’s CFRacer carbon road bike.

Ride1Up says the TrailRush was built for “long-range touring and light XC riding,” but with that build sheet, it’s clearly capable of punching above its weight on serious singletrack too. And priced at just a hair over $2k, this is likely the best deal in the entire market when it comes to a high-end German mid-drive on a quality electric mountain bike.

Electrek’s Take

This is a big move for Ride1Up. The company built its reputation on urban-focused commuters and hybrid e-bikes that make everyday riding more accessible. But with the TrailRush, Ride1Up is going full throttle into the trail market, errr, at least without a throttle. And the company is doing it with a bike that looks anything but entry-level.

A Brose mid-drive motor, RockShox air suspension, Maxxis rubber, quad-piston brakes, dropper post, and all for a price that’s well under what the big brands charge for similar builds? If the TrailRush lands anywhere near Ride1Up’s typical pricing strategy, it’s going to shake up the eMTB space.

In fact, it almost feels like they took a look at the Aventon Ramblas and said, “Hold our sports bottle.” The bikes offer similar specs, but with Ride1Up coming in at $500 less. I wish it had gone with LED lights like Aventon did, partly for trail visibility but mostly just as an extra safety feature when folks inevitably also use it on the road or in bike lanes. But as it stands, the TrailRush is a pretty compelling argument, and I’m excited to get on one later this week and start testing it out so I can bring you my full review.

Until then, let’s hear what you think about the new Ride1Up TrailRush in the comments below.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending