Archives: Exclusive Articles

Navigating offshore challenges

With offshore wind projects in the US facing logistical challenges due to the Jones Act, William Cline and Nicklas Berg, Senior Fuel Suppliers and Team Leaders at Dan-Bunkering, explain how the company is addressing these hurdles, streamlining operations and enhancing cost-effectiveness. From mitigating regulatory obstacles to optimizing fuel management and reducing CO2 emissions, a comprehensive… Read more »

Managing growth: new industry-wide guidelines for accurate Wind Resource Assessment with dual scanning lidar

Winds of change are gusting in the field of wind energy. Driven by advancing technologies and unprecedented policy momentum globally, wind is poised for significant growth in 2024. As wind energy development accelerates, the need for accurate and reliable wind resource data is greater than ever. Since the turn of the century, the average hub… Read more »

Offshore wildlife protection: acoustic monitoring and AI detection

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology has been used by offshore wind farms for more than a decade to monitor underwater noise. Underwater environments, despite their apparent inaccessibility, are territories of life, and exceptional scientific wealth. They are full of acoustic events that offer a window on crucial phenomena, such as seismic movements, behaviour of marine… Read more »

Switching to dry-mounted wave radars: why and when?

From enhancing safety and reliability to streamlining operations and optimizing maintenance, the advantages of dry-mounted wave radars in wind energy are poised to revolutionize the industry. Miros explores the intricacies of this transition and the impact it could make on the future of offshore wind operations.

Aligning for success: the high-stakes mission facing turbine installers

As the world races to meet the urgent demands of climate change, wind energy stands at the forefront, poised to provide a significant portion of global power by 2030. Yet, behind the scenes, a battle against physics is being waged to ensure these giants not only stand tall but also align perfectly with the winds… Read more »

Our wind, our value

Thought leaders, environmental impact groups, innovative investors, and those with a deep interest in the future of the EU energy sector will gather for WindEurope’s annual conference in Bilbao, Spain. Based on previous attendance, participants can mingle with some of the greatest minds in modern energy, as at least 12,000 attendees are expected from across… Read more »

Harnessing the wind

The Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm, managed by SSE Renewables, stands as an epitome of innovation in the offshore wind energy sector. Since its initiation, the 504 MW facility has been powering over 400,000 UK homes, marking its significance in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. In 2020, SSE collaborated with XOCEAN, leading to an ongoing… Read more »

Clarity through comprehensive wind turbine audits

In the realm of wind energy, downtime is the nemesis of productivity. Maintenance audits act as the first line of defense against unexpected breakdowns, minimizing downtime and averting the need for unplanned repairs. By addressing issues preemptively, audits keep turbines spinning steadily, maximizing their uptime and energy output. PES spoke to Garrett Calaway, CEO of… Read more »

Redefining rugged: next generation mooring connectors for challenges offshore

Mooring hook up and tensioning are critical factors for the success of all Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) projects. For commercial-scale projects to meet delivery goals, developers will need to install floating foundations offshore as quickly, and as safely, as possible. In some instances, the aim is to install one wind turbine every week, or even… Read more »

Unlocking the potential of training for an empowered future

As wind energy continues to gain traction as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, the importance of training within the industry cannot be overstated. From ensuring safety standards to optimizing efficiency and fostering innovation, training plays a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of wind power. Here, Wind-ON takes a closer look… Read more »

Changing the game for lifting systems on and offshore

PES Wind had the opportunity to speak with Kent A. Johnson, CEO of CLS Wind, as the company unveils its innovative wind turbine automated assembly solution, suitable for onshore and offshore installations. Kent discusses the company’s journey, emphasizing reduced costs, faster installation times, and environmental benefits. Its patented elevating platform system promises to reshape offshore… Read more »

Harness the sun

Henkel is committed to innovating materials that provide solar system developers with formulations that support sustainable practices. Why? Because it believes that power conversion and energy storage reliability hold the key to solar power’s advantage. Human flourishing depends on three things: water, food, and energy, and their affordable access. The last element of this nexus,… Read more »

Image quality matters

Crystal clear inspection images. That is what blade experts need to consistently deliver accurate rotor blade damage analysis and effective blade O&M. Our clients wanted it. We got it done. Blade experts know that image quality matters more than anything else. Inspection providers are only as good as the images they provide, some even say…. Read more »

In deep water 
with tension leg platform design

The installation procedure of the ECO TLP® system for floating foundations, which is designed for extra-large (XXL) wind turbine generators in deep water, is a patented innovation capable of operating in water depths of up to 2000 meters. PES was keen to gain insight into the technology and the benefits it brings to the offshore… Read more »

Corrosion prevention is better than cure

2023 has been a remarkably productive year for Easy-Qote in the renewable energy sector. The company has participated in numerous events as both exhibitors and attendees, witnessing the undeniable enthusiasm for wind power development. Ensuring the longevity of these assets is crucial for the sustainability of this energy form. Implementing protective measures from the beginning… Read more »

Real-time data on the crest of a wave

Offshore wind farm operations are hugely affected by weather conditions. Finding the right weather windows and suitable sea states is a challenge and often it’s a race against time to finish the operations within safe conditions. Radac explains how real-time wave data can help.  The weather has a huge role to play in offshore wind… Read more »

Taking up position with heavy load handling

PES sat down with Darren McQuillan, Vice President, Global Business Development, at Bardex Corporation, to find out more about the company’s positioning as an engineering solution provider and how it brings together all aspects of project management, execution, contract management, and everything else associated with floating offshore wind. PES: Thanks for taking the time to… Read more »

Offshore blade test challenges: infrastructure and methods

Blades for offshore turbines have long since passed the 100 m threshold, and there is no end in sight. With increasing sizes and loads, the structural reserves of blades are being squeezed ever further by design engineers. Consequently, thorough validation at full-scale level is of the utmost importance to ensure reliability over the entire lifetime…. Read more »

Strong tailwind in one of Denmark’s most important wind energy hubs

Aalborg and its port have become major players in the international wind energy industry, as a leading hub for production and blade testing. PES caught up with Michael Rosenkilde Lind, Chief Commercial Officer at Port of Aalborg to understand more about how it came to hold this position and the kind of industry partnerships it… Read more »

Revolutionising offshore wind farm inspections: the power of underwater robots

Underwater inspections are critical to offshore wind farm operations. They help determine whether an area is suitable for development, gathering geophysical and geotechnical information. They also keep offshore wind monopiles, turbine jackets, and foundations safe and functional. Offshore wind farms are home to harsh aquatic conditions, including strong currents, tidal erosion, and marine growth. These… Read more »

Empowering wind turbine owners

The global push towards sustainable energy sources has led to a significant surge in wind power adoption. As the industry evolves, ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of wind turbines becomes paramount. Recognising the critical role of turbine blades in harnessing energy, a pioneering project named Owners Requirement Phase 2 is bringing together wind turbine… Read more »

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH): challenges in drivetrain development

As onshore wind turbines are installed closer to urbanised areas and in ever-increasing numbers, wind turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are faced with increasingly stringent noise regulations. To date, this situation has been mostly restricted to the European continent, but other regions in the world are starting to follow this trend very rapidly. Turbine and… Read more »

Establishing floating lidar as the standard for offshore wind resource measurements

Today, Floating Lidar Systems (FLS) are considered to be the established and de facto standard technology for offshore wind resource assessment measurements in the wind industry. Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES has accompanied this development from the beginning, not only as an expert in the development of guidelines and recommendations, but also by… Read more »

Switching up to 5G

This autumn, a unique offshore wind ‘living lab’ in Grimsby, UK, was switched on to launch what is being heralded as a new digital future. It is hoped that the £2.8m project will accelerate the development of a new generation of digital technologies that are essential to the huge expansion of offshore wind farms. PES… Read more »

Going for gold in offshore wind: preparing for success

In these challenging times, access to detailed data, insight and tools within the wind energy sector can make the difference between success and failure. As the profile of offshore wind continues to grow, companies with significant experience and resources gained from other industries can make substantial contributions toward enhanced efficiencies across the offshore wind development… Read more »

Launching a green future at sea

With two new buildings currently in the process of the final details at a China shipyard, Danish offshore shipping company MHO-Co already has the next generations on the drawing board. ‘Go green or go home’, the founder bluntly stated in a previous article and he and his staff continually practice what they preach. Following a… Read more »

Be a good neighbour and keep the lights off

Following up on its ‘avian monitoring on the radar’ article in the last edition of PES Wind, DeTect makes a welcome return with an introduction to Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems. How is the technology being used to monitor airspace around wind farms while reducing light pollution? An Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) is a sensor-based… Read more »

Lightning monitors: a shockingly vital investment

This year’s lightning season in the northern hemisphere is thankfully ending. Early reports from the field indicate that a significant proportion of lightning strikes caused blade damage. One disturbing fact is becoming clear: there is a tremendous lack of knowledge about which types of lightning strikes are creating damage. Nor is there a significant amount… Read more »

How to meet worldwide manufacturing and service capabilities with a global technology partner

PES had a conversation with Xabier Irure, who currently holds the position of Global Commercial Director at Ingeteam Wind Energy. Its primary focus at the moment is expanding its global presence. The conversation centered on the potential for growth and the challenges associated with sustainability in a highly competitive environment. PES: A warm welcome to… Read more »

Oceanic insights

As commercial maritime activity moves further offshore into more challenging environments, secure and accurate operational current data is essential to safely optimise vessel operations. The Nortek VM Operations Series is an important and timely innovation, providing real-time oceanographic data for the offshore market. The Nortek VM Operations Series helps map the sub-seabed for a new… Read more »

First things first with wind measurement

It’s not exactly rocket science, but now that wind is measured with lidar, it’s worth taking a breath to actually think about what can be done first on a site. Not surprisingly as a lidar manufacturer writing this article, at ZX we say measure the wind first. But, when the goalposts have changed it really… Read more »

Intelligent production concepts for offshore wind foundation pipes

Harnessing wind energy through offshore turbines frequently necessitates the use of monopiles as integral foundation components. These structures have now grown to such vast proportions that novel manufacturing techniques and equipment are essential. HAANE is a company that addresses these evolving demands by offering a variety of welding systems that ensure stability and dependability.  HAANE… Read more »

How efficient is your PV system?

‘Home-grown’ solar energy from a roof-mounted system provides greater independence, saves energy costs, and contributes to climate protection. However, dirt, technical defects, or shading from vegetation and roof structures can impair the efficiency of PV systems. Regular servicing, maintenance, and inspection ensure sustainable safety and reliability of the electrical installations, help to optimise their energy… Read more »

Advancing wind farm performance with aerodynamics and AI

Over the last three years, artificial intelligence or AI, has boomed, with the release of language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Its ability to sustain coherent conversations about any topic has captured the imagination of people across the globe. This increased awareness of the capabilities of AI, has created the largest demand to adopt a… Read more »

Increasing the certainty in offshore wind

Given the multitude of challenges currently facing the offshore wind industry, project developers will appreciate having one less thing to worry about. Increasing costs, grid issues, and logistical bottlenecks are all things that are largely out of a company’s hands. But certainty over waves and weather measurement need not be left to chance. Renowned globally… Read more »