Shifting gears: the evolution from wind energy development to operations excellence

As the wind industry matures, the focus is shifting from rapid turbine development to maximizing performance and reliability. With OEMs emphasizing standardization and efficiency, new opportunities are emerging for technologies that enhance existing assets. From advanced blade protection to predictive maintenance and technician safety, operational excellence is now the industry’s top priority, and key to wind energy’s long-term success.

One of the benefits of hosting the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast is the ability to connect with the wind industry’s technical leaders. Over the last decade, rapid expansion coupled with accelerated growth in rotor diameters has burdened OEM engineering staff with an impossible task: to deliver increasingly complex turbines while simultaneously reducing material costs. The industry’s response today is clear: to slow down development and focus on performance. OEMs are undergoing a massive internal shift towards standardization and operational excellence.

This has created unique opportunities for companies with technology or processes that can enhance existing wind turbines by squeezing out additional power while reducing downtime. Operation and maintenance (O&M) companies continue to deliver innovative solutions addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Advanced blade technologies

Leading edge erosion remains one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. Several innovative companies now offer solutions OEMs would be wise to consider offering directly from their factories. At least, they should provide information on those that are most compatible with their systems.

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