Welcome to this new issue of Evolution, which looks at ways of reducing environmental impact while at the same time working with the environment to our advantage. A number of exciting projects are under way now that use the latest in design and technology.

   A Dane built the first electricity-generating wind turbine in 1891. This is understandable, given that conditions around the North Sea are among the best in the world for wind, wave and tidal power. Now wind power is a mature industry, recognized as an exciting and vibrant entity.

   According to the European Wind Energy Association, wind power is making a significant impact on the energy scene in Europe. It’s a high-tech industry, and 90 percent of the world’s wind turbine manufacturers are European, with a combined turnover of more than 1 billion euros. It is also developing into a major export industry to the United States, India, China and South America.
   Current wind energy projects provide electricity for the needs of
5 million people in Europe, with goals set to fill the energy needs of
75 million Europeans by 2010. For more details about the development within the wind power sector, please see our trend article, “Energy in the Air,” on page 10, and its related case story on ScanWind AS, page 14.
   Modern utility-scale wind turbines are not easy places to visit. Offshore wind farms in the rough waters of the North Sea are difficult to maintain, even in favorable weather conditions. To ease this problem, the Norway-based ScanWind Group AS is in process of developing turbines that need maintenance only once a year.
   This issue of Evolution continues its environmental focus with an article on Atlas Copco in Belgium. Ongoing concern for the environment has earned that company an ISO 14001 certificate. (SKF is the first major bearing manufacturer to be certified group wide.) Terrence J. McManus, director of environmental health and safety technologies for Intel Corp. and self-confessed pollution problem solver, is the focus of our profile.
   We can all take positive measures daily to protect our environment. I hope this issue will be an inspiration. And join us also for our next issue, which focuses on maintenance and reliability.
   If you’re not receiving a personal print copy of Evolution, you can order one at evolution.skf.com. Here you can also search Evolution archives for past articles. If you would like more information about the solutions and services featured in this issue, please contact your nearest SKF office, dealer or distributor, who will be pleased to assist you. And I would be delighted to hear your comments on Evolution, too. Take care and see you soon.
Rachael Smythe
  
Editor-in-chief