In a bid to access stronger and more stable winds, wind farms are moving ever farther from the shore, with current planned projects up to 210km or more out to sea. The challenges associated with increasing wind farm output, however, are many, raising flags at every stage of the wind farm lifecycle. From project delays to overrunning costs, crew safety and even damage to assets, it’s all to play for when the whim of the local environment spells the difference between success and failure.
Though it’s true that many unpredictable factors conspire when it comes to weather and wave conditions, by undertaking real-time measurements, performing relevant analyses, and developing appropriate risk assessments, decision-makers can be supported in mitigating – or eliminating altogether – the challenges that come their way.
Decision-making support at every step of the way
The lifecycle of a wind farm is long. In fact, it can last up to 30 years or more. Within this expansive timeline there are any number of opportunities for leveraging real-time sea state data to drive operational efficiencies and benefit the triple-bottom line. No matter the activity, picking the opportune moment to activate personnel is key, and easy access to real-time, local, environmental data can support the knowledge of when that critical moment arises.
