Mingyang Smart Energy recently contracted TÜV NORD to certify the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbine, the MySE18.X-260.
Mingyang Smart Energy contracted TÜV NORD to certify the world’s currently most powerful offshore wind turbine. (Courtesy: TÜV NORD)
The certification according to the internationally recognized standard IECRE OD501 covers the rotor-nacelle assembly (RNA). “With the new design, Mingyang is setting the benchmark on the international market for rated capacity and rotor diameter. We are looking forward to working with Mingyang on this ambitious project,” said Alexander Ohff, executive vice president Renewables at TÜV NORD.
The turbine, which is developed for international markets, is characterized by its high output of 18.X MW and a rotor diameter of 260 meters.
With the type certification, TÜV NORD is verifying the design and performance of the Mingyang turbine meets the demanding international standards and guidelines. This includes a detailed evaluation of the technical documentation, the analysis of the structural integrity and the mechanical systems, and the inspection of the electrical systems.
In addition, the safety aspects of the turbine are thoroughly checked. TÜV NORD inspects the manufacturing to evaluate whether the production of the main components and the final assembly of the hub and nacelle of the offshore wind turbine is in line with the design requirements and is ready for series production.
The RESQ Solo X is a pocket-sized lifeline, effective up to 300 meters, designed for high pressure situations.
RESQ Solo X is a fully automatic device similar to constant rate descent devices. (Courtesy: Safety Technology USA, LLC)
The Solo X represents a leap forward in technology and safety. As turbines become taller, a new approach to personal evacuation and rescue was demanded and the results are the Solo X.
“We wanted a device that was lightweight, simple to use, and capable of meeting the demands of taller turbines. The Solo X does just that — it’s designed for a single person, so it’s as easy as connect and go,” said Poul Parning, Senior EQS PPE Specialist, Siemens Gamesa. “The Solo X checks all those boxes — it’s functional, reliable, and looks great, too.”
The Solo X is made from materials that can withstand harsh working environments, including extreme weather conditions. It has been crafted for the harshest Nordic conditions, and certified for use at minus-40°C to 60°C.
The Solo X kit includes a high-performance line that is 4.8 mm in diameter and only 16.5g/m.
Aerones has completed offshore technology tests in Scotland and now offers a technologically and financially viable solution for offshore turbine maintenance.
“We are thrilled to see our technology succeed in offshore conditions,” said Dainis Kruze, CEO of Aerones. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our engineers and everyone involved in this achievement. Great things are made by great people, and the Aerones team is the most incredible group I’ve had the pleasure of working with. This milestone is a game-changer, not just for our company but for the entire wind-energy industry. Our mission has always been to deliver the perfect combination of speed, quality, and reliability, and today we’re one step closer to making that a reality.”
Aerones has completed offshore technology tests in Scotland and now offers a technologically and financially viable solution for offshore turbine maintenance. (Courtesy: Aerones)
“Innovation in inspection and repair technologies for the offshore wind sector will be a critical enabler of the global expansion in the renewable sector in the coming years. It presents a global opportunity for this type of innovative robotic solution, in this case, initially developed for onshore wind installations, to be brought to market for the offshore wind sector,” said John Walker, ORE Catapult engineering manager, development, and operations.
During the tests, Aerones deployed its advanced submersible winch system, enabling the company’s robots to conduct inspections and repairs on offshore wind turbines. The system, featuring submersible anchors, was developed over the past year to securely elevate, position, and operate the robots in challenging offshore environments.
Partially funded by the European Union’s BLUE project, the testing was conducted at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult facility near Levenmouth, Scotland, on October 7 and 8. The entire test was completed in a single day.
Aerones’ submersible winch technology is specifically designed to overcome these obstacles, allowing robots to perform their tasks safely and efficiently in harsh marine environments.
Aerones’ successful offshore tests represent a critical advancement for the wind-energy sector, especially as global demand increasingly shifts toward renewable energy sources.
The ability to maintain and repair turbines in remote and challenging environments is essential for improving the efficiency and longevity of offshore wind farms.
With the successful tests at ORE Catapult now complete, Aerones’ next objective is to begin offering its services for commercial offshore wind turbines.
Evident has released the OmniScan X4, its newest OmniScan™ phased array flaw detector. With multiple ultrasonic technologies and powerful imaging capabilities, the OmniScan X4 is designed to allow inspectors of all skill levels to detect damage mechanisms in a variety of infrastructure assets.
OmniScan X4 is a lightweight inspection solution engineered for speed, simplicity, and versatility. (Courtesy: Evident Scientific)
The result of more than two decades of product development and enhancement, the OmniScan X4 is the latest evolution in Evident’s OmniScan line, a field-proven series of portable, ultrasonic flaw detectors that meet inspection challenges across a wide range of applications. A lightweight inspection solution engineered for speed, simplicity, and versatility, the OmniScan X4 is equipped with a full range of phased array ultrasonic testing capabilities in an easy-to-use interface that enables accurate detection of even the most challenging flaws.
All OmniScan X4 models include advanced total focusing method (TFM), phase coherence imaging (PCI), and plane wave imaging (PWI) technologies, allowing quick flaw detection and characterization.
“We’ve equipped the OmniScan X4 with the power it needs to perform the complex processing required for TFM, PCI, and PWI,” said Émilie Péloquin, executive director of Global Advanced NDT Product Support at Evident. “Having these techniques in addition to phased array can be a huge help in making a definitive determination about the extent of certain damage. With access to a variety of techniques, you are far more likely to make the right call; more tools mean less doubt.”
The new OmniScan X4 is an advanced multi-technology flaw detector equipped with TFM, PCI, and PWI inspection capabilities.
“What also differentiates the OmniScan X4 is that it’s designed to evolve,” Péloquin said. “We are continually making it smarter, enhancing its onboard software and adding new features that target specific industry needs. Many of the improvements we make are complimentary to OmniScan X4 users through quarterly software updates.” With a 1-TB solid-state storage drive on all models, the OmniScan X4 allows inspection technicians to work longer and inspect larger parts without having to stop to transfer files.
And with expanded RAM, optimized MXU software and a more powerful processor than its predecessors, the OmniScan X4 delivers nearly instantaneous reaction and refresh for common operations.
“At Evident, we understand how important speed and efficiency are to productivity in the field,” said Karen Smith, president of Evident’s Industrial Division. “The OmniScan X4’s enhanced processing power and data storage deliver immediate, easy-to-characterize results, which translates into cost savings for asset owners. It also offers a compact, lightweight footprint, which enables inspectors to move, configure, and operate their equipment with ease and agility.”
Floating docks, pontoon structures, pilings, and offshore platform caisson legs are a normal part of the marine environment. Corrosion inside these tubular voids or steel floats is a natural, yet insidious, response to these often damp, sometimes high-chloride conditions.
Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors are a good match for floating structures and caisson legs, which are at high risk for rusting from the inside out. (Courtesy: Ecocortec)
As such, floating structures and caisson legs are at high risk for rusting from the inside out, while at the same time being difficult to protect. Fortunately, Cortec’s Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors are a match for these interiors, offering effective protection that is easy to apply.
While it is difficult to apply coatings or other traditional rust preventatives inside dock floats or caisson legs, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors solve the problem by helping to apply themselves. Similarly, to an air freshener or diffuser whose scent gradually spreads out and pervades the whole room, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor molecules condition an enclosed space by vapor diffusion.
They are attracted to metal surfaces where they adsorb and form a hydrophobic molecular layer that inhibits corrosion reactions in the presence of moisture and chlorides. Being water-soluble, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors can protect metal surfaces above and below residual water that might have collected at the bottom of the float.
Workers can apply Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors by fogging them into the void in liquid or powder form or by suspending breathable pouches containing Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor powder.
Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors have been satisfactorily used in a variety of floating and structural marine voids.
Vaisala, a leader in measurement technology, has launched a new measurement product, MGP241, that measures CO2 and humidity and is designed to bring transparency to CCUS projects. Both governments and private companies need CCUS to reduce and offset carbon emissions if they are to meet their reported decarbonization targets. However, with current technology still not ready for widespread use, constant, and accurate measurement of captured carbon is vital to ensure its continued development.
The MGP241 promises a 10-plus year lifespan. (Courtesy: Vaisala)
“No one knows yet if CCUS will indeed grow to be a significant solution in our fight against climate change. The technology is still in its early stages. What we can solve now is how to make measuring these projects as transparent and efficient as possible to leave no room for guesswork or sugarcoating the results – our numbers don’t lie,” said Julia Salovaara, strategy and business development manager at Vaisala.
The success of CCUS technology is critical for hard-to-abate industries such as materials manufacturing, energy production, and the chemical industry. With high emissions and few other significant solutions beyond improving their energy efficiency, these industries experience increased pressures from regulators and the public to decarbonize their operations.
MPG241 measures carbon dioxide and humidity in point source and direct air carbon capture processes, and in different carbon utilization and storage projects.
Unlike traditional gas analyzers, Vaisala’s MGP241 requires no expensive calibration gases, needs less maintenance, and promises a 10-plus year lifespan in heavy-duty use. The compact size and in-situ design of the instrument has allowed for competitive pricing, about a third of the price of most common solutions in the market.
“Our new probe measures directly in the gas flow and shows test results in real time. This level of transparency and proof is essential for process optimization, building trust with stakeholders, and demonstrating genuine commitment to sustainability,” Salovaara said.
Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA), a cooperative provider of electric services in Alaska, is advancing its renewable energy efforts with the help of wind Lidar technology to remotely sense the available wind resource at prospective wind-farm locations.
As part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions, GVEA is exploring opportunities to expand electric supply from renewable energy sources, particularly wind power. To enhance its wind-resource assessments, the cooperative is using the ZX 300 Lidar. Under the guidance of DNV, Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) deployed the ZX 300 wind Lidar, paired with a Mobismart Hybrid Clean Power Trailer, northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Despite the area’s extreme weather — ranging from 85°F (30°C) in summer to minus-36°F (minus-38°C) in winter — the Lidar has been successfully operating autonomously, powered reliably by the off-grid Mobismart Hybrid power trailer, ensuring a continuous and compatible energy supply and wind profile from the site.
“We are thankful for the funding provided through the Renewable Energy Fund at Alaska Energy Authority to allow this project to commence as the state strives toward promoting renewable energy development,” said Keith Palchikoff of GVEA. “To date, we are delighted to have experienced no downtime whatsoever since the Lidar and power trailer were installed. Alaska presents unique weather challenges, and it’s great to have technology that operates autonomously in such conditions. At GVEA, we are committed to exploring every opportunity to provide sustainable power to our customers.”
Data gathered by GVEA from the energy assessments is expected to be made public, encouraging private developers to submit proposals and potentially enter long-term power purchase agreements.
“We are thrilled to support GVEA with a remote off-grid power solution for this project,” said Irene Efston from Mobismart. “Our HYBRID solar with integrated fuel cell power trailers are designed to work seamlessly with the ZX 300 wind Lidar because they’re easily deployed and will provide autonomous and dependable power 24/7, while monitored remotely in various environments and extreme climates. To support the growing demand for wind measurements, our power trailers can be available within six weeks from order, allowing fast deployment of the Lidar on site.”
Logisticus, a transportation logistics, project management and technology company, recently acquired rail logistics leader KingSize Rail and Logistics. This acquisition enhances LG’s capabilities in project logistics.
This strategic move is set to expand LG’s presence in the renewable energy space, enabling the company to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to its customer base.
Logisticus has acquired rail logistics leader KingSize Rail and Logistics. (Courtesy: Logisticus)
“We are thrilled to welcome KingSize Rail and Logistics to the Logisticus family,” said Vikash Patel, co-founder of LG. “This acquisition aligns with our long-term strategy to enhance our capabilities in the project logistics space and provide innovative solutions for our clients. KingSize brings a wealth of expertise and a strong track record in rail logistics, which will greatly complement our current offerings.”
Founded in 2019, KingSize has built a reputation for creating tools that allow the wind-energy industry to move large components via rail. Founder Chris King has nine patents related to wind-energy component transport on rail. These patents help to increase the number of components transported by rail and paved the way for wind distribution centers that could handle multiple customer’s products.
“Logisticus’ vision for growth and its commitment to customer service made this a perfect fit,” King said. “I am excited to join forces and leverage our combined expertise to create even more value for our customers.”
Founded in November 2012, Logisticus Group, a certified Minority Business Enterprise, serves projects throughout North and South America.
The development of the giant SeAH Wind factory on the Teesworks industrial site recently reached a milestone with the arrival of the first vessel to supply raw materials for production trials to the factory.
From left: Bill Draper, general manager at ASCO, quayside operator at Steel River Quay; Peter Ivey, chief operating officer at SeAH Wind; and Steel River Quay operations director Garry O’Malley with the first ship unloading steel for the SeAH Wind factory at Teesworks. (Courtesy: SeAH Wind)
The Jalonborg, an 89-meter-long supply ship, arrived with a 2,578-ton cargo of steel plates for the SeAH Wind factory, a few hundred yards from the quay on the south bank of the River Tees. Thanks to its deep-water capabilities and substantial storage facilities, the quay will also perform a crucial role for the SeAH Wind factory’s output hosting the vessels that will eventually transport the giant monopiles out to sea once they are completed.
“We are thrilled to enter the next phase with the arrival of 2,500 (metric) tons of raw material, which we witnessed being unloaded from the vessel here at Steel River Quay,” said Peter Ivey, SeAH Wind chief operations officer. “This marks the first significant material delivery, enabling pre-production trials to commence and reducing risk ahead of commercial launch in 2025.”
“This marks another important milestone in the development of the Teesworks site and is the perfect example of the importance of the Steel River Quay and its facilities to companies setting up their operations here,” said Martin Corney, Teesworks CEO. “We are delighted to see this first shipment arrive for the SeAH Wind factory and look forward to seeing many more come in to dock over the coming months and years.”
All 50 wind turbines have been installed at the 476 MW Baltic Eagle wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. A joint venture between clean energy companies Iberdrola and Masdar, Baltic Eagle is already connected to the national grid. When operational, Baltic Eagle will supply about 475,000 households with renewable energy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 800,000 tons per year.
50 wind turbines have been installed at the 476 MW Baltic Eagle wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. (Courtesy: Iberdrola)
The 50 installed wind turbines, each with a unit capacity of 9.53 MW, were supplied by Vestas and installed by the shipping company Fred. Olsen Windcarrier. Baltic Eagle is Masdar’s first project with Iberdrola, its first in Germany and resulted in the company’s largest euro-denominated financing.
“The completion of turbine installation at the Baltic Eagle wind farm is an important milestone in what is a record year for Iberdrola’s offshore wind activity. With this project, Iberdrola is on track to have nearly 5,000 MW of offshore capacity globally by the end of 2026.” said Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola’s executive chairman. “Once fully operational, Baltic Eagle, the second offshore wind farm in our Baltic Hub, will make a considerable contribution to Germany’s energy transition, providing homegrown clean energy to almost half a million homes, whilst reducing emissions. This landmark milestone has been reached thanks to the strong partnership forged with Masdar, who share our vision of harnessing offshore wind energy to accelerate green energy security in Europe. It has also been made possible by the expertise and tireless commitment of the teams on site.”
“This achievement also strengthens Masdar’s partnership with Iberdrola, driving significant expansion in our offshore wind portfolio and advancing the global energy transition. Our collaboration, underscored by the 15 billion euro agreement signed at COP28 in the UAE, reaffirms our joint commitment to helping to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030,” said HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology, and Masdar chairman.
“Offshore wind is a vital technology for the energy transition, and Masdar looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Iberdrola that will deliver more transformative utility-scale projects, supporting the journey to net-zero in Europe and beyond,” said Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi.
Masdar and Iberdrola signed a partnership to jointly invest in Baltic Eagle in July 2023. At COP28, the two companies announced a further 15 billion euro agreement to explore the joint development of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects in key markets such as Germany, the U.K., and the U.S.
Masdar has a long-standing commitment to advancing offshore wind projects across the globe. It is aiming for a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100 GW by 2030, supporting the target set in the historic UAE Consensus to triple global renewables capacity by the end of this decade.
As the global push for sustainability intensifies, industries are increasingly under pressure to innovate solutions that minimize environmental impact. The wind-energy sector, while championing renewable energy, faces its own set of environmental challenges, particularly in managing the disposal of materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP).
In order to deal with this growing challenge, new methods must be developed in order to offer the wind energy industry a sustainable pathway to material reuse and energy production.
The inability to effectively recycle GFRP has been a major obstacle in the wind-energy industry’s sustainability efforts. (Courtesy: Shutterstock)
The Challenge of GFRP Disposal
GFRP is a composite material widely used in the wind-energy sector due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. These properties make GFRP an ideal material for manufacturing wind-turbine blades and other critical components. However, these same properties also present a significant challenge: GFRP does not degrade easily and is notoriously difficult to recycle. Traditionally, end-of-life GFRP has been disposed of in landfills or incinerated, both of which have significant environmental drawbacks. Landfilling GFRP contributes to long-term waste accumulation, while incineration releases harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, further exacerbating the climate crisis.
The inability to effectively recycle GFRP has been a major obstacle in the wind-energy industry’s sustainability efforts. With wind-turbine blades often exceeding 45 meters in length and a growing trend for taller turbines such as those found offshore, blades can span as much as 80 to 90 meters. It’s an industry that is growing rapidly, which means the volume of GFRP waste is set to increase substantially. Addressing this issue is not just a matter of environmental responsibility but also a necessity for continued growth and public acceptance of wind energy as a sustainable alternative.
Pre-cut pieces of wind turbine wings, 3×5 cm. (Courtesy: Fiberloop SIA)
A Time Critical Issue
The first wind turbines began life in the mid-to-late 1990s and so are now approaching their 25-year lifespan. Austria, Finland, Germany, and The Netherlands have already banned the disposal of wind-turbine blades to landfill, and by 2025, more European countries are expected to follow suit. GlobalData has estimated there are, at present, more than 329,000 active turbines around the world making it time-critical to find a greener pathway to deal with recycling retired GFPR from this renewable form of energy.
A Breakthrough in GFRP Recycling
To help battle this industry challenge, for example, a new process has been developed by Global Gateways Ltd. called Fiberloop. Global Gateways specializes in developing carbon-negative solutions.
By recycling GFRP, this process has the potential to offer the wind-energy industry a sustainable pathway to material reuse and energy production. This patented, chemical-free mechanical process is specifically designed to recycle GFRP efficiently and sustainably. Fiberloop offers a twofold solution: It separates and recycles fiberglass to near-virgin quality and converts the extracted plastic resins into e-fuels such as methanol and hydrogen through a carbon negative waste-to-energy process.
Liberated fiberglass, ready to be circled back into new plastic compound applications. (Courtesy: Fiberloop SIA)
How Fiberloop Works
The Fiberloop process begins by shredding the old material into 3- to 4-square-centimeter pieces before the mechanical liberation of fiberglass from the plastic resin matrix that binds it. Fiberloop’s sorting process removes components such as balsa, foam, resins, and metals, creating a clean fraction of fiberglass. Unlike chemical recycling methods that can degrade the quality of fiberglass, Fiberloop preserves the integrity of the fibers, resulting in recycled fiberglass with near-virgin characteristics.
During performed laboratory tests where Fiberloop’s recycled fibers were used as reinforcement in a polypropylene matrix, the recycled fibers demonstrated similar characteristics as the reference composite using virgin fibers. This high-quality recycled fiberglass can then be looped back into different manufacturing processes, allowing it to be used in the production of various new GFRP products. Since the recycled fibers only consume a minimal fraction of CO2 when produced, compared to the manufacturing of virgin fibers, they contribute to Fiberloop’s already carbon negative process. For the wind-energy industry, this means old turbine blades can be transformed into new components, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimizing waste.
In addition to fiberglass recovery, Fiberloop addresses the challenge of resin disposal. The resins, which are often considered waste in traditional recycling methods, are instead fed into a patented carbon negative waste-to-energy process. Here, these resins are added to a mix of municipal solid waste (household black bag waste) where they are broken down and converted into valuable e-fuels such as methanol and hydrogen. These e-fuels can be used as clean-energy sources, further reducing the carbon footprint of industries. The resulting biochar from the process is then used to refill abandoned open-pit mines, thereby storing the CO2 back in the ground.
Liberated resins, ready to be processed into e-fuels. (Courtesy: Fiberloop SIA)
Environmental and Economic Benefits
A carbon-negative solution: One of the most compelling aspects of Fiberloop is its carbon-negative impact. By recycling GFRP and converting waste resins into e-fuels, Fiberloop not only reduces the carbon emissions associated with traditional disposal methods but also contributes to the generation of clean energy. This positions Fiberloop as a key technology in the fight against climate change, offering the wind-energy industry a way to manage its material lifecycle in an environmentally responsible manner.
Economic efficiency: From an economic standpoint, Fiberloop offers substantial cost savings. The ability to recycle fiberglass to near-virgin quality reduces the need for expensive virgin materials, while the production of e-fuels from waste resins creates an additional revenue stream. These economic benefits, combined with the environmental advantages, make Fiberloop a highly attractive option for companies in the wind energy sector.
Technology readiness: As of early 2024, Fiberloop has actively addressed potential clients not only in the wind industry, but also other industries such as leisure boat manufacturing or industries that produce GFRP waste in their manufacturing process. The message has been well received and volumes have started to build up.
Currently, Fiberloop is prepared to receive feedstock from the market at its industrial scale production facility in Ventspils, Latvia. The facility has excellent production capabilities, large scale storage, and streamlined logistics.
Conclusion
Fiberloop technology represents a transformative solution for the wind-energy industry’s GFRP waste challenge. By offering a patented, chemical-free process that recycles fiberglass to near-virgin quality and converts waste resins into clean e-fuels, Fiberloop enables the industry to close the loop on GFRP materials, supporting both environmental and economic sustainability.
As the wind-energy industry continues to grow, the adoption of new technologies such as Fiberloop will be critical in ensuring this growth is sustainable. By embracing this innovative approach, the industry can reduce its environmental impact, conserve valuable resources, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
What does cooking rice have to do with protecting wind turbines from dangerous lightning surges?
The answer to the question boils down to how time and an unlikely invention steered a company on its course to become a leader in lightning protection technology. Sankosha, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has been in operation for 94 years, and began life with the invention of the first electric rice cooker.
A wind turbine is made up of a lot of delicate equipment that can be disrupted at best and destroyed at worst by a lightning strike, so protection is paramount to prevent costly damage. (Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Lightning Protection
Since then, the company has greatly expanded its original focus to gas discharge tubes and surge protection technologies, the latter of which is a much needed “insurance policy” to protect large structures such as turbines from catastrophic damage caused by lightning strikes.
“Our main technology is lightning protection, so all our products are lightning-protection and surge-protection oriented,” said Jerry Schroeder, general manager and director of sales and engineering for Sankosha U.S.A. “Sankosha is a company from Japan with our HQ in Tokyo. We also have a large technical center there.”
Sankosha strives to provide lightning and surge protection for all industries, including wind, according to Schroeder. This could mean sectors such as power, communication, transportation, home use — anything that might need some type of surge protection, especially tall structures exposed to the elements.
“Anything sticking up in the air has the potential to get hit by lightning,” he said. “With lightning, you don’t need a direct hit because lightning is such a powerful event that it creates a big magnetic and electrical field around it. Just being nearby can induce current and voltage in a nearby metal object just by being in that field. Even if lightning hits the ground next to the tower, you could have surges in the tower.”
‘Grounding is key’
A wind turbine is made up of a lot of delicate equipment that can be disrupted at best and destroyed at worst by a lightning strike, so protection is paramount to prevent costly damage, according to Schroeder.
“Grounding is key,” he said. “If you don’t have a good grounding system, nothing’s going to work. The surge has got to go somewhere, and you have to control it.”
A key protection offered by Sankosha is its SAN-EARTH M5C Conductive Cement, according to Schroeder. Invented and patented by Sankosha, SAN-EARTH M5C Conductive Cement is used to build conductive concrete grounding electrodes. It is environmentally friendly and designed to make excellent contact with the soil, protect copper embedded in it from corrosion for more than 25 years, and is a theft deterrent for copper thieves. When it comes to earth grounding, many people only care about the resistance of the grounding system and don’t realize that the inductance and capacitance are also super important, especially for fast and power events like lightning surges. SAN-EARTH M5C was developed with all this in mind so that it would provide the best protection.
“I know that it has helped a lot of businesses because I’ll go to a convention and I’ll be sitting in the audience and listening to people give presentations, and a lot of them will talk about problems that they’ve had in the past,” he said. “And they’ll say, ‘Oh, we had this project, and we used the San-Earth product, and we didn’t have any equipment damaged from lightning strikes since.’ That’s the greatest advertisement we get when people say, ‘We had a problem; we used SAN-EARTH M5C and it fixed it.’”
Company Expansion
Sankosha has been operating mostly in Japan and Asia for decades, and Schroeder said the company is expanding and offering its surge protection technology across the globe. The company has been doing this by acting on a simple, but seemingly obvious, philosophy: “Protecting what we take for granted every day.”
Sankosha has been able to do this by being in touch with the needs of growing technologies around the world, including wind energy, according to Schroeder.
“Whenever a new technology or a new type of communication or a new kind of system is developed, our engineers work hand-in-hand with all the customers who may need some kind of protection,” he said. “That’s how a lot of our products get started is they’re custom-made for somebody who was working on something cutting edge. So, we’re working with customers, and we have a lot of people who are working for the latest standard committees, and we’re promoting and implementing those standards. Making products that meet those standards and keeping up with them is important.”
Invented and patented by Sankosha, SAN-EARTH M5C Conductive Cement is used to build conductive concrete grounding electrodes. (Courtesy: Sankosha)
Superior Product
A point of pride with Schroeder is the superiority of Sankosha’s conductive cement product and how the company proves that.
“We are the original creators of conductive cement,” he said. “There are others making it now who have tried to copy ours, but when we test it, we’re still the best. Others seem to not understand the science behind it. And one thing that does set us apart from others is, in Japan, we have six or seven very, very large machines that generate lightning. We are testing our products with real lightning levels. We’re actually testing it as if it got hit by lightning. None of it’s theory.”
And that certainty is especially appreciated when compared to other surge alternatives on the market, according to Schroeder.
“We may be a little high end, but if you go to Amazon and look at some of the protectors on there, they’re from these no-name companies,” he said. “We get these, and we test them; many of them fail to even meet their specs because the problem is, lightning comes in a huge range of power. Some are very weak; some are very powerful. So, when you’re hit, how do you know how strong that lightning was? We have a strong philosophy that our products work, and our customers that use our products don’t have problems. We’re by far the No. 1 company in Japan for lightning protection. Unfortunately, we don’t have the name recognition in the United States, but people who use our products come back.”
Making Inroads in the U.S.
Schroeder said that, although Sankosha is not yet well known in the U.S., he has hopes that will soon change.
“Right now, in Japan and Asia, they use different ac voltages and frequencies than here in the U.S.,” he said. “A lot of our power protection products and specs are geared toward the Asia markets. We approach a lot of potential customers and say, ‘Try using this.’ And they look at the specs and say, ‘We don’t see U.S. levels.’ We want them to give us a chance. That’s a challenge for our office in the U.S. here is that we have to get the approval of the engineers in Japan to adjust the specs, and that also involves a lot of testing.”
Schroeder said Sankosha is ready to face those challenges because he believes in the products Sankosha offers as well as the fact that Japan’s history and technological place in the world is a high bar for others to jump over.
“As I said, we protect the things that most people don’t think about every day such as picking up the phone and getting a dial tone or turning the light switch and the lights come on,” he said. “For example, Japan is very train oriented. We provide all the lightning and surge protection for all the train companies in Japan; that’s one of our specialties. We work with all the companies. You’ll see in our catalog a lot of stuff designed for trains and things like that. When lightning hits somewhere in Japan, there’s probably a train track or something nearby, so it’s a big thing for them.”
Making Japanese Efficiency Known
And Schroeder said he wants to bring more of that Japanese efficiency to the U.S. and other parts of the world in order to make sure all industries — including wind — get the surge protection technology they need.
“The U.S. has gotten a lot better recently, but in the past, we used to have a lot of the internet going down,” he said. “We’d have a storm come through, and services would go down; the cable would go down, and the power would go out. But when you visit Japan, they have typhoons and storms and stuff like that all the time, and everything works. Having stuff that actually works and protects is the most important thing, I think, to Sankosha. And our customers see that.”
The U.S. offshore wind industry already has created thousands of jobs in American factories, ports, and shipyards, driving billions in new investments across the nation while supplying reliable power to help meet our country’s growing electricity demand. Today, the U.S. offshore wind supply chain spans 39 states and had garnered more than $24 billion of investment into ports, shipyards, research, shared transmission projects, workforce development, and manufacturing facilities.
Welders, engineers, shipbuilders, technicians, and vessel operators bring this industry to life. They are thriving in factories where components are manufactured, where shipyards are crafting purpose-built vessels, and where ports are being transformed into hubs of activity –– from the Northeast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. This is a story of success, momentum, American ingenuity, and grit.
New deep-water ports, such as the Portsmouth Marine Terminal, are essential for supporting the installation and operation of offshore wind farms. (Courtesy: Oceantic Network)
An American Port Revival
Ports are the lifeblood of the offshore wind industry, providing the necessary infrastructure for the construction, assembly, and maintenance of wind projects. The development of offshore wind ports has already led to significant economic benefits for waterfront cities along the East Coast. The New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal in Massachusetts and the Port of Providence in Rhode Island have become key hubs for offshore wind activities, supporting hundreds of jobs and attracting substantial investments.
The New Jersey Wind Port is another critical development, expected to sustain 1,500 jobs once fully operational. This port will serve as a major manufacturing and assembly hub for offshore wind projects, highlighting the long-term economic benefits of investing in port infrastructure.
One significant development in recent years is the construction of new deep-water ports, particularly in New England. These projects are essential for supporting the installation and operation of offshore wind farms, able to accommodate the large components required. In Massachusetts, development of the $300 million Salem Offshore Wind Terminal is underway on the site of a former oil- and coal-fired power plant. This terminal is set to become the largest offshore wind port in the region. Also in Massachusetts, the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal completed construction of its deep-water berth, enabling docking for large capital vessels. This development is part of a broader expansion of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, supported by a $15 million investment from SouthCoast Wind. In Rhode Island, construction has commenced on a new pier at Quonset Business Park’s Port of Davisville. This pier will berth crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for various offshore wind projects, facilitated by $31.3 million in federal and state funding. These investments in port infrastructure are vital for the efficient and effective deployment of offshore wind projects, ensuring that the necessary support facilities are in place to handle the increasing scale of operations.
Vessel Capacity Continues to Grow
Announcements of new vessel launches and manufacturing facilities have also been key milestones for the industry over the last several years. Four new CTVs were launched recently, two from Gulf shipyards and two from New England shipyards. This brings the total number of CTVs launched in 2024 to 10, highlighting the growing capacity of the U.S. maritime sector to support offshore wind operations. The first U.S.-built service operation vessel (SOV), the ECO Edison, also launched earlier this year, further enhancing the industry’s operational capabilities.
Despite the steady stream of vessel launches, there has been a noticeable slowdown in new vessel orders in 2024. Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming federal presidential election led to a deceleration in private investment to some extent. However, there have been significant investments in manufacturing facilities that will support the offshore wind industry in the long term.
Known for its work in the offshore oil and gas industry, Otto Candies has retrofitted several of its vessels to support offshore wind projects. (Courtesy: Oceantic Network)
Manufacturing Facilities See Continued Investment
The U.S. offshore wind industry continued to see investments in new manufacturing facilities in 2024. One of the most notable recent announcements was that of a new $681 million manufacturing facility by LS GreenLink in Hampton Roads, Virginia. This facility, supported by a $99 million federal tax credit, will produce high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables essential for offshore wind projects. Once operational, the facility is expected to employ more than 300 people, contributing to the local economy and the broader supply chain for offshore wind.
Progress in the construction of new facilities and vessels has been bolstered by strong support from both federal and state governments. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has played a pivotal role in advancing the offshore wind industry, maintaining a steady course in permitting and auctioning new lease areas. BOEM has approved construction plans for 10 commercial-scale projects, representing more than 15 GW of generation capacity. This milestone underscores the federal government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the offshore wind sector.
States Drive the Market Forward
At the state level, several states have made significant strides in advancing their offshore wind projects. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland are actively pushing forward new offtake agreements and procurement rounds. Massachusetts and Rhode Island’s joint procurement round awarded provisional contracts for three offshore wind projects totaling 2,878 MW. Massachusetts allocated 2,678 MW across Vineyard Wind 2, SouthCoast Wind, and New England Wind 1, while Rhode Island awarded 200 MW to SouthCoast Wind.
New Jersey’s fourth round sought between 1,200 and 4,000 MW and received proposals from four projects representing capacity that could exceed the state’s upper limit. Similarly, New York’s Fifth Round was oversubscribed with proposals representing 6,870 MW from four projects. These procurement rounds are crucial for securing the necessary off-take agreements that will drive the construction and operation of new offshore wind projects.
Companies Pivot to Support Offshore Wind
New York has also been a significant player in the offshore wind supply chain, with numerous companies contributing to the development of new facilities for the industry. The state’s supply chain network includes manufacturers and fabricators who have mobilized to fill the demand for turbine components. Riggs Distler, a local Tier 1 supplier for secondary steel, has been instrumental in building components for Ørsted’s Sunrise Wind project. This project — 30 miles off the coast of Montauk Point, New York — is a prime example of how local companies are supporting the offshore wind industry.
Ljungström, a New York-based steel fabricator, has also played a crucial role in advancing the offshore wind supply chain. The company has transitioned from supplying components for coal-fired power plants to manufacturing advanced foundation components for offshore wind projects. This shift has not only revitalized the company but also brought economic benefits to the town of Wellsville, New York, where it is based. The company’s investments in facility upgrades and workforce training have ensured it can meet the demands of the offshore wind industry while providing high-quality jobs to the local community.
Louisiana-based Otto Candies LLC is another example of how companies from traditional energy sectors can successfully transition to offshore wind. Known for its work in the offshore oil and gas industry, Otto Candies has retrofitted several of its vessels to support offshore wind projects. These retrofitted service operation vessels (SOVs) have been crucial for projects like South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind. The company’s innovative approach, which includes outfitting vessels with walk-to-work gangways and portable accommodation units, has provided cost-effective solutions for the offshore wind industry.
The first U.S.-built service operation vessel (SOV), the ECO Edison, launched earlier this year. (Courtesy: Edison Chouest Offshore)
The Path Forward
While the U.S. offshore wind industry has made significant progress, it still faces several challenges. Rising costs and global economic instability have led to the alteration or termination of many project offtake agreements signed between 2017 and 2022. This has necessitated the renegotiation of agreements and the search for new offtake partners.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for the offshore wind industry remains positive. Federal and state governments continue to provide strong support, and the industry is poised for impressive growth. The continued construction of new ports, manufacturing facilities, and vessels will be critical for maintaining this momentum and ensuring the successful deployment of offshore wind projects.
These steps can only be achieved by spreading the word about success and momentum of the U.S. offshore wind industry, and the thousands of jobs it has created and continues to create. It’s a story that must be told at every opportunity. The industry as a whole must resolve to speak with elected officials and showcase its successes on social media and in the press. Continuing progress requires everyone to take an active role in demonstrating the massive economic value of an industry that is advancing the nation’s economy, combatting rising costs, and delivering more domestic energy.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Defense (DOD) to support the coordinated development of wind-energy generation on the nation’s outer continental shelf. The agreement will help further institutionalize the collaboration between BOEM and DOD ensuring that offshore wind lease areas and project plans strengthen the nation’s energy security in ways compatible with military operations.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will work with the Department of Defense to support wind energy and development. (Courtesy: Shutterstock)
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein and Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations, and environment, signed the MOU during a ceremony at the Offshore WINDPOWER Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“BOEM is dedicated to establishing a strong offshore wind industry that supports communities and co-exists with other ocean uses,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “Our collaboration with the Department of Defense is crucial to ensure offshore wind development is carried out efficiently and sustainably, while minimizing impacts to military operations.”
“DOD is committed to working across the U.S. government to accelerate the ongoing clean energy transition, which is critical to ensuring access to reliable and resilient energy sources in order to fulfill our mission,” Owens said.
“We will continue to work with BOEM and our other interagency partners to find solutions that enable offshore wind development while ensuring long-term compatibility with testing, training, and operations critical to our military readiness.”
DOD and BOEM share responsibility for ensuring offshore wind-project plans consider military preparedness requirements. The agreement will clarify the duties of both organizations during leasing and project review. This approach also includes participating in intergovernmental renewable energy task forces.
The MOU calls for DOD and BOEM to collaborate as early as possible in the offshore wind leasing process, regularly communicate and exchange information at the staff and leadership levels, and determine what areas should be deferred from leasing to enable the performance of DOD activities on the outer continental shelf.
University College Dublin and Codling Wind Park, which will be off County Wicklow, are launching a new research project that aims to promote and enhance marine biodiversity along the Irish coast. The research partnership will explore the potential for restoring native oyster reefs and seagrass beds, both in the Dublin Bay area and at selected sites along the coastline.The research project, which will be funded by Codling Wind Park, will also investigate how eco-engineering approaches, a form of nature inclusive design, can increase native habitats for native species.
A new research partnership will explore the potential for restoring native oyster reefs and seagrass beds in the Dublin Bay area and at selected sites along the coastline. (Courtesy: Codling Wind Park)
Codling Wind Park, Ireland’s largest Phase One offshore wind project, will be approximately 13 to 22 kilometers off the County Wicklow coast between Greystones and Wicklow Town. If approved, it will generate 1,300 MW of clean electricity, enough to power more than 1 million homes.
Assistant Professor Paul Brooks of UCD’s School of Biology and Environmental Science said that, in the face of growing environmental challenges, researchers were increasingly focusing on the concept of using nature-based solutions to address various societal and ecological issues. He said one of the aims of this project was to broaden understanding of the uses of nature-based solutions (NbS) in restoring and promoting biodiversity.
“NbS utilize the inherent power of nature to provide sustainable and multifaceted solutions to complex problems. In partnership with Codling Wind Park, UCD researchers aim to investigate and assess the value of NbS, with a particular focus on eco-engineering approaches and the restoration of oyster reefs and seagrass beds along the Irish coast,” Brooks said. “In addition, we aim to emphasize the ability of NbS to promote biodiversity, mitigate climate change, enhance ecosystem services, and foster resilience in the face of environmental change. Gathering this data will help broaden our understanding of NbS and will help underpin the direction of future research in an Irish context.”
Scott Sutherland, project director of Codling Wind Park, said the partnership with UCD forms a key element of the first phase of the project’s Biodiversity Strategy.“Codling Wind Park will supply over a quarter of Ireland’s 2030 offshore wind target and displace up to 1.7 million tons of carbon, contributing significantly to the country’s national climate targets. We recognize, however, that in parallel with the current climate crisis, we are facing a global biodiversity emergency, and that it is our responsibility to develop the project in a manner that protects and, where possible, enhances biodiversity,” Sutherland said.
As part of the Energy Systems Integration Group Fall Technical Workshop, Vibrant Clean Energy, Pattern Energy, Catalyst Cooperative, and GridLab recently released the Resource Adequacy Renewable Energy (RARE) Power Dataset, which provides an open-source solar and wind dataset for power systems planners helping to fill a void in the modeling world.
A graphical representation of a Vibrant Clean Energy dataset. (Courtesy: Vibrant Clean Energy)
“The availability of public and quality high-resolution renewable datasets is one of the most important requirements for planning a reliable clean power system,” said Debra Lew, ESIG executive director. “Pattern Energy is filling an important void by making this data set available and addressing an important need for modeling high renewable future power systems.”
With support from GridLab, Catalyst Cooperative will host and distribute the renewable energy dataset. The data includes hourly solar, onshore, and offshore wind production published at a county granularity by aggregating 3 kilometer data for the contiguous U.S. The first release contains data for 2019-2023, while a further release in Q1 2025 will contain data for 2014-2018.
The foundation for this dataset are weather variables produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s high-resolution rapid refresh operational numerical weather prediction model. The approach has been used to inform real-world processes, such as developing a dataset for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator in 2020.
“Without quality renewable datasets that are coherent with the weather conditions and load, we are flying blind with respect to planning for an energy system powered by renewables. This contribution from Pattern Energy is a step forward in filling the gap and will help enable more accurate power system analysis,” said Justin Sharp, who has a doctorate in atmospheric sciences and is an EPRI technical lead focusing on the intersection of meteorology and energy.
“The Pattern team and I recognize that there is benefit to all consumers, as well as the power system broadly, by making this data publicly available,” said Christopher Clack, Pattern Energy vice president of integrated systems planning and CEO of VCE. “One of the main challenges that modelers run into when designing robust future clean-power systems is the lack of availability of granular quality renewable datasets for multiple weather years. The partnership with Catalyst Cooperative moves us one step closer to a clean and reliable grid.”
“The models that energy planners utilize to power our world are only as good as the information provided to that model. Modelers have been operating with only a part of the picture, which is a risk to reliability for all consumers. The release of RARE Power Dataset will help the collective community to build a stronger grid for everyone,” said Ric O’Connell, executive director of GridLab.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently announced the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed SouthCoast Wind Project. If approved, this project could generate up to 2.4 GW of offshore wind energy, enough to power more than 800,000 homes.
The SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC proposal includes up to 147 wind turbine generators. (Courtesy: SouthCoast Wind)
“Tribal nations, federal and state agencies, local communities, ocean users, and key stakeholders have been instrumental in informing BOEM’s detailed environmental review of the proposed SouthCoast Wind Project,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “Completing this environmental review represents another major milestone in the administration’s commitment to achieving clean-energy objectives that will benefit local communities.”
The SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC proposal includes up to 147 wind turbine generators, up to five offshore substation platforms at a maximum of 149 positions, and up to eight offshore export cables potentially making landfall in Brayton Point or Falmouth, Massachusetts. The lease area covers about 127,388 acres and is about 26 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 nautical miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
During the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior has approved more than 15 GW of clean energy from 10 offshore wind projects, enough to power nearly 5.25 million homes. It has also held six offshore wind-lease auctions, including the first-ever sales offshore on the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Earlier this year, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced a schedule of potential additional lease sales through 2028.
In an era defined by the urgent need for sustainable resource management and the reduction of carbon emissions, wind power has emerged as a vital player in the global renewable energy landscape. As governments worldwide set increasingly ambitious climate goals, wind energy is positioned to play a pivotal role in transitioning away from fossil fuels. With a goal to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in international climate discussions during COP28, the wind-energy sector is experiencing rapid growth. In the United States, this momentum is further supported by legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers substantial tax credits and financial incentives to foster investment in clean energy technologies.
Wind energy has proven to be one of the most effective solutions to meet the growing global energy demand. In 2023, wind power accounted for more than 8 percent of the world’s electricity, and this figure is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, global wind energy capacity is expected to increase by nearly 680 GW between 2023 and 2027. As the scale of wind projects increases, so do the number and scale of the logistical challenges linked to transporting the components required for setting up a wind farm.
As the world moves toward ambitious renewable energy targets, the wind power sector must address its logistical challenges head-on. (Courtesy: Nefab US West)
What are the logistical challenges linked to transporting wind-power equipment?
Size and weight of the equipment: Wind turbine components are massive. Nacelles—the housing for the turbine’s generator—can weigh up to 300 tons, while blades often exceed 100 feet in length. Transporting these oversized components requires highly specialized equipment and routes. A single wind turbine can require up to eight truckloads just to move from the manufacturing site to the installation location. This creates logistical bottlenecks, especially in areas with limited infrastructure or challenging terrain.
Remote Locations: Choosing the location for a wind farm is a complex process that involves evaluating various factors. High wind speeds are essential, but other considerations, such as the terrain, topography, and environmental impact, are equally important. Since wind farms are often in remote areas with limited infrastructure, transportation routes need careful planning to allow bulky equipment to be transported smoothly. Additionally, the existing grid interconnection capabilities must be assessed and possibly upgraded to accommodate the wind-farm’s power output.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Adverse weather events such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds can significantly complicate equipment transportation. These conditions make roads and access routes more challenging to navigate and increase the risk of accidents and damage to the equipment. High winds, in particular, can pose a danger when transporting large and sensitive components such as turbine blades, which require careful handling and balance.
Delivery Delays: Coordinating the delivery of essential equipment is crucial in keeping wind-farm projects on schedule. The arrival of the significant components to the site must all be synchronized for a timely installation. Any delays can significantly affect project timelines and disrupt the overall construction flow.
Transportation Damage: Given the scale and weight of wind-power components, transportation damage is a common challenge that must be addressed. Heavy equipment such as tower sections, which can weigh as much as 150,000 pounds, are particularly vulnerable to damage during transit. Damage can occur in several ways. Vibration and improper handling during transportation can cause components such as blades or nacelles to become misaligned. Bearings and other sensitive parts can be skewed, leading to mechanical issues that may not be immediately visible. Furthermore, cage damage, such as cracked or bent housing, can result in significant delays, as these parts often require special handling or repair before installation.
Cost Implications and Risks of Delays
Wind farms are expensive investments, with a single onshore wind turbine costing between $2 million and $4 million, depending on size and capacity [1]. The financial stakes are high, not only due to the cost of the turbines themselves but also because of the substantial risks associated with project delays. Any delay in delivery or installation can also have significant financial implications. Developers estimate that delays in wind-energy projects can lead to losses of up to $200,000 per MW. This means that for a 100 MW wind farm, a single day of delay could result in losses exceeding $20 million. Furthermore, the total sunk costs for canceled or delayed projects can reach $7.5 million, creating a financial burden that developers and operators must avoid [2].
What can be done to boost logistical efficiency?
There is no doubt that transporting wind-power equipment can be pretty challenging, and any setbacks can result in considerable financial losses. With the stakes this high, effective planning and continuous monitoring are not just beneficial — they’re essential for success. Many companies embrace the critical path method (CPM) to keep their projects on track and avoid costly delays. Coordinating the delivery of large equipment and all required components is no small feat and often requires a dedicated team of engineers and project coordinators. The complexities of the transportation and installation processes demand meticulous logistical planning and complete visibility throughout the transportation process.
Transporting wind-power equipment requires meticulous planning at every stage to ensure success. (Courtesy: Nefab US West)
Importance of Proper Planning
Transporting wind-power equipment requires meticulous planning at every stage to ensure success. Advanced planning tools allow companies to model the entire transportation process, covering everything from packaging optimization to task sequencing. Packaging optimization, for instance, is often overlooked but plays a vital role in protecting equipment from shocks, vibrations, moisture, and other environmental factors, ultimately minimizing damage and maximizing space within transport vehicles. Meanwhile, task sequencing facilitates a smoother installation process by ensuring equipment is packed and delivered in the correct order, aligning with the installation sequence. This careful coordination helps prevent bottlenecks during installation, contributing to timely and efficient project completion.
Adopting the ‘First-Time-Right’ Approach
The “First-Time-Right” approach focuses on using data and statistics to minimize errors in transportation and delivery. By ensuring everything is done correctly the first time, this method helps avoid delays and costly rework, leading to project success. By adopting advanced technology and real-time data, companies can better anticipate challenges and ensure smooth coordination and efficient delivery of the equipment to the installation site.
Leveraging Technology and Data for Precision and Efficiency
Digital modeling tools, real-time tracking systems, and predictive analytics help optimize wind-power logistics and ensure efficient transportation of turbine components from manufacturing to installation sites.
Digital modeling and planning: Advanced planning software can simulate packaging configurations, optimize transport routes, and sequence tasks, which helps identify potential bottlenecks early on. This comprehensive modeling of the entire journey allows logistics teams to ensure all components are accounted for and risks are mitigated before issues arise.
Data integration for coordination: By connecting data from various touchpoints, companies can create a more coordinated logistics process, significantly reducing the likelihood of miscommunication or errors that could lead to delays. Predictive analytics and historical data further enhance this approach, enabling companies to proactively anticipate logistical challenges and adjust their strategies. This ensures components arrive at installation sites exactly when needed and in optimal condition.
Real-time monitoring technologies: Real-time tracking systems and IoT devices provide full visibility into the transportation process. These technologies enable logistics teams to monitor the movement and condition of the components continuously. They can quickly identify potential issues such as route disruptions, weather challenges, or equipment damage. Sensors can detect vibrations, impacts, or temperature changes during transport, and instant alerts allow for swift corrective actions, such as rerouting shipments or repairing components.
Last mile delivery challenges: The last mile of wind-turbine delivery is often the most challenging due to the remote locations of many wind farms and rugged terrain. Installation Management uses real-time data and route optimization tools, equipping transportation teams with the necessary information to deliver massive turbine parts safely and on time. This strategy not only improves delivery accuracy but also reduces the high failure rates that often occur during initial installation attempts. Additionally, collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders can streamline logistics and facilitate smoother access to remote sites, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Incorporating these advanced technologies ensures all components are accounted for and minimizes the risk of missing or incorrect parts. This aligns with the First-Time-Right methodology, which maintains the integrity of sensitive equipment throughout the logistics journey.
As the scale of wind projects increases, so do the number and scale of the logistical challenges linked to transporting the components required for setting up a wind farm. (Courtesy: Nefab US West)
Sustainability and Financial Gains Through Data-Driven Efficiency
Beyond the financial benefits, optimizing wind-power logistics also contributes to environmental sustainability. Minimizing transportation damage and optimizing delivery schedules can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting wind-turbine components. In turn, fewer replacement parts, less rework, and more efficient delivery leads to lower emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. In addition, switching to optimized packaging materials that are easily recyclable within local waste streams supports environmental goals. By integrating technology and data into logistics processes, the First-Time-Right approach maximizes efficiency and promotes eco-friendly practices, thereby aiding the global shift toward reduced carbon emissions.
The Path to Efficient Wind-Power Transportation
As the world moves toward ambitious renewable energy targets, the wind power sector must address its logistical challenges head-on. Transportation of wind-power equipment is a complex, resource-intensive process, but the proper planning and technology can overcome these challenges.
The First-Time-Right approach, supported by advanced planning, real-time monitoring, and efficient last-mile optimization, ensures wind-power projects are completed on time and within budget. By adopting this approach, wind-power developers can reduce costs, improve project timelines, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. In the race to meet global renewable energy goals, ensuring the efficient and timely transportation of wind-power equipment is not just a logistical challenge — it’s a necessity.
Companies must continuously innovate to maintain their competitive edge in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape. The wind-energy vertical is growing again and becoming more competitive. Even when an enterprise has systems in place and is keeping pace with the competition, it cannot rest on its laurels.
Sustaining a market position demands that we embrace emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront. This article outlines how to strategically integrate AI into existing operations to enhance predictability, efficiency, and profitability in the wind-energy sector.
Sustaining a market position demands that we embrace emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront. (Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Strategic Implementation of AI
The proposed strategy leverages AI to address critical challenges and capitalize on opportunities in two primary areas: improving the predictability of return on investment (ROI) for new wind farms and gaining insights into market volatility for electricity trading.
1. Enhancing ROI Predictability
A wind farm’s performance is pivotal to the industry’s (hereafter, the farm industry will often be referred to as The Group) margins. Currently, if all projects met planned expectations, The Group’s margins could be 20 percent higher. AI offers a solution to achieve this by refining wind studies and reducing construction cost overruns. As an industry, wind energy can use its extensive confidential data on wind prediction and construction to train machine learning models, resulting in more accurate algorithms for these predictions. By doing so, companies can significantly reduce the risk of underperforming wind farms and avoid costly investments in unsuitable locations.
2. Automating Market Volatility Insights
Market volatility presents both risks and opportunities in electricity trading. Leveraging AI, The Group can create advanced models that provide actionable insights into market fluctuations. By integrating revenue data with real-time market information from a pricing partner, enterprises can develop robust rules and algorithms for spot market operations. This will enable the ability to automate trading decisions, optimize profitability, and reduce exposure to market risks.
Using historical data from wind farms, enterprises can develop AI models to predict the true cost of planning, pricing, and contracting construction projects. (Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Current Technological Landscape
Currently, most companies employ basic machine learning for predictive maintenance on wind turbines. Usually, a proprietary database collects sensor data and uses historical failure data to predict necessary actions, helping to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Additionally, wind-farm planners use proprietary and off-the-shelf wind flow models that analyze data from anemometers at proposed locations. These models, which compare predictions against actual performance, are crucial for determining the feasibility of new wind-farm sites.
Market pricing models such as MarketWatch™ are also used to estimate electricity market pricing, aiding in strategic trading decisions.
AI-Driven Strategic Enhancements
By implementing AI, the industry can revolutionize predictive models in three key areas:
1. Construction Planning and Costing
Using historical data from wind farms, enterprises can develop AI models to predict the true cost of planning, pricing, and contracting construction projects. This will provide a more accurate financial outlook, enabling better budgeting and cost control. With advances in AI development, the building of these models has been reduced significantly. While The Group has pored over project plans and wind analysis on underperforming wind farms, these AI solutions have yet to have natural language processing (NLP) to use all the human language sources such as e-mail, SharePoint files, etc. Adding these data sources can provide valuable insights into where projects go wrong earlier and what was missed in the baseline plan. This insight might even change the direction of a build.
2. Wind Data Analysis
AI has the potential to refine wind-prediction models, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts for wind-farm production. This can be achieved by analyzing extensive data sets from past projects, leading to more reliable predictions of kilowatt-hour output. In this instance, using machine learning (MM), the discrete data of the two data sets can create an ever-evolving wind analysis that will outperform anything in the market. In fact, it will specialize to an individual entity. Using the NLP tools mentioned previously, the industry can look at the reports of the analysis and find missed predictions and how to fix them, which might influence the location of a proposed wind farm.
3. Revenue Forecasting
Integrating AI with existing market pricing models, revenue forecasts can be refined by comparing predicted and actual prices over as many years of data that is available. This will improve the ability to anticipate market trends and adjust trading strategies accordingly. Again, this would use machine learning against all discrete forecast data and actual results. The result will be a personalized forecasting tool specific to the enterprise.
AI has the potential to refine wind-prediction models, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts for wind-farm production. (Courtesy: Triumphus)
Challenges and Future Directions
While AI holds great promise, there are challenges to its widespread adoption in the wind-farm industry:
Data quality and availability: High-quality, extensive datasets are crucial for training effective AI models. Ensuring the availability and reliability of such data remains a challenge. Although, as highlighted earlier, the data is there.
Integration with existing systems: Integrating AI solutions with legacy systems and ensuring interoperability can be complex and costly. Be sure to take the time to get the right tools for all systems.
Regulatory and ethical considerations: The use of AI raises regulatory and ethical concerns, particularly regarding data privacy, security, and decision-making transparency. Across the AI industry, many uses require us to worry about these things. However, in this use case of AI, enterprises should worry about protecting their proprietary data from disclosure to the public.
Despite these challenges, the future of AI in the wind-farm industry looks promising. Continued advancements in AI technologies and growing investments in renewable energy are expected to drive further innovation. As AI systems become more sophisticated and accessible, their impact on the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of wind energy will continue to grow.
Conclusion
Integrating AI into an enterprise’s operations will elevate its ability to predict, plan, and execute wind-farm projects with greater precision.
By focusing on construction costs, wind data accuracy, and revenue forecasting, companies can enhance their profitability and maintain a competitive edge. This strategic use of AI aligns with the core principles of cost leadership and focus, ensuring enterprises can continue to thrive in the dynamic wind energy sector.
