Final Program

Video recordings from the Wind Diesel Workshop are available on iTunes.

In part due to the oil shock starting in 2008 and the realization by many that oil prices are more likely to increase than decrease in the future, the interest in diesel alternatives in general and wind-diesel technologies in particular continues to grow. This interest is most notable in Alaska where over 20 wind-diesel systems have been implemented in the last few years. Interest is also expanding rapidly throughout the Pacific, Canada and in the Caribbean. System implementation and expanded investigation are also occurring across the size spectrum, from small rural communities such as Kokhanok, Alaska, to whole island nations, such as the Galapagos and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Following on a very successful Workshop in Ottawa, Canada in 2009, the 2011 International Wind-Diesel Workshop will again move back to Alaska and take place March 8^th – 11^th, 2011 in Girdwood, outside of Anchorage. As with all of the workshops in previous years, this one will focus on the current status of wind-diesel technologies, what has worked and what has not, and bring the wind-diesel community together to share and discuss the current status of the technology and provide insight on what areas of improvement are still required.

Additionally the Alaska Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, “Fur Rondy” for short, will be held this year from February 25^th to March 6, in the weeks leading up to the Workshop. This 75 year Anchorage tradition celebrates Winter in Alaska and the famous Iditarod sled dog race that traces the 1100 mile path from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.   Filled with winter fun and festivities, it’s a great way to expand the Workshop into a family vacation fit for all. More information on Fur Rondy festivities can be found at: http://www.furrondy.net/

On Tuesday, March 8^th, 2011, a series of wind-diesel related short courses will be offered. The class schedule has yet to be defined but will include the traditional introductory Wind-Diesel 101 for those new to wind-diesel technologies but this year will be expanded to cover more detailed topics as well as power system modeling. These short course are targeted to those who have interest in developing more specific experience in wind-diesel power systems and will be taught by experts in the field. The introductory session provides people new to wind-diesel applications with knowledge to enable them to take an active role in the Wind-Diesel Workshop. Please check back for more detailed information on these short courses and how to pre-register.

Due to the expanding number of topics we have lengthened the Workshop schedule a half a day to incorporate a two and a half day agenda. Following the opening reception the evening of Tuesday the 8^th, the 2011 Wind-Diesel Workshop will run from Wednesday March 9^th through mid day Friday March 11^th. Specific topics to be addressed include the latest information in operating experience, design concepts, system components, related research and development, discussion of emerging markets, and description of institutional issues and perspectives based on the experiences of operating systems in Alaska and around the world. This year an expanded effort will be placed on developing an open dialog on each topic, reviving the original Workshop focus to develop a better understanding of how the market must progress given the changing world dynamics. The workshop dinner will be held on Wednesday evening.

As in previous years field trips to operational wind-diesel power systems are being planned for Saturday and Sunday, March 12^th and 13^th. Although expensive and time consuming due to the travel constraints of rural Alaska, these trips have been reviewed as one of the highlights of past Workshops. These field trips allow participants to experience first-hand operational systems and talk with local operators and village leaders on the operations and value of retrofitting diesel mini-grids with wind turbines and associated controls.