PES Wind 2 2021

TALKING POINT In November last year, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr Boris Johnson, announced an ambitious 10 Point Plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’, which is hoped will create and support up to 250,000 jobs. This plan covers clean energy, transport, nature and the use of innovative technologies. The plan will allow the UK to make a positive contribution to global climate change by eliminating the country’s contribution by an anticipated date of 2050. It is ambitious and will need continued The UK already generates more electricity manufacture and installation and for their support from the UK government and allied from offshore wind than any other country, continued efficient and safe operation. stake holders and will undoubtedly be harnessing the wind power our seas are well Whilst wind turbines require an energetic amended and updated as it develops. Under placed to produce. Government support to atmosphere to work effectively, the change this plan, investment into green energy unleash the potential of this industry has in global weather patterns resulting in more solutions is key and increasing the pace of been partly responsible for the two thirds frequent and more powerful storms has installations of, for example, on shore and off cost reduction in offshore wind power increased the risks posed when installing shore wind turbines, will be required. generation in the last five years. By 2030, the them and whilst operating them. UK aims to produce 40GW of offshore wind, including 1GW from the innovative and very New and existing meteorological sensors new floating offshore turbines in the windiest and measurements are becoming ever parts of the seas. more important for their installation and maintenance, whilst continuing to This new technology will open up new areas offer safety for passing maritime vessels of seas and oceans, where the deep water and aircraft. has not allowed the existing technology to be employed. This is an exciting development The importance of measuring visibility and for the installation of offshore wind local weather technologies world-wide. All wind turbine parks are equipped with To integrate clean technologies like offshore aviation obstruction (warning) lights, which wind, we must transform our energy system, for several years created light pollution and building more network infrastructure and led to residents objecting to wind farm utilising smart technologies, such as energy development. To combat this, Germany has storage. Additionally, use of extra had legislation in place since 2004 requiring equipment on turbines that can monitor developers and manufacturers to install visibility, warn of the approach of severe turbines with visibility sensor-controlled weather and lower health and safety risks obstruction lights. These visibility sensors must also be considered. constantly monitor the local meteorological conditions and when the visibility varies, the These new structures bring with them both light intensity for the warning lights is new engineering challenges for their automatically adjusted. BTD-350 Artwork SWS-200 SWS-250 front right WWW.PESWIND.COM 51

TALKING POINT For example, on clear days where the Warning of approaching thunderstorms UK to determine whether such thunderstorm visibility is greater than 10km the light detectors can be successfully mounted onto intensity is reduced to 10%. When the In many applications, a thunderstorm detector the nacelles of the turbines and thereby visibility is measured at 5km or higher, the is used to help protect people and equipment offering better local area detection and light intensity is set to 30%. At all other times from the dangers of a lightning strike by removing the need to install equipment onto of lower visibility, it is set to 100%. providing advanced warning of a storm’s (sometimes) other owners’ equipment. approach. This is especially true of tall These trials and evaluations should continue In addition to visibility, data being used to structures sited on either exposed or flat during the summer lightning season in the UK control the obstruction light brightness on landscapes where they are likely to initiate a during May to September 2021. wind turbines, present weather sensors are lightning strike, as is the case for wind turbines. often installed to enhance the readings. With wind farms set to occupy sea footprint These sensors output the specific weather Systems which rely on simply detecting the size of London and power 3.4 million conditions being experienced by the sensor lightning are only effective if the storm is homes, it is vital that the structures are utilised at the top of the turbine in addition to the already producing lightning at a distance to track weather conditions to not only keep visibility information. before moving closer towards the site. If the up the efficiency of the turbine but to ensure thunderstorm develops overhead, the first the safety of staff who may be on site. With a This is important when the turbines are lightning strike of the storm will be very local renewables future already under way, it is subjected to freezing conditions and the and as there is no advanced warning and so hoped that more is still to come in terms of blades can become coated in ice. Ice can they offer no real protection. what can be done with these structures, the greatly reduce the efficiency of the turbine next few decades are set to be very exciting. and energy generation and in most cases, In wind turbine applications, advanced the turbines must be shut down and the warning of overhead lightning is of enormous www.biral.com blades de-iced before they can re-start. benefit for installation teams as well as for Having real-time weather data allows the operation and maintenance staff located About Biral operators to either plan for this eventually on-site. Turbines are prone to lightning more proactively or to start their blade strikes and all staff on-site need to be warned Established in 1975, Biral specialises in heating systems to reduce the ice build-up of a storm’s approach to make their way to a the design, manufacture, and more effectively. safe area. The same is true of off-shore wind distribution of high-quality farms where the support vessels require meteorological sensors for the The challenges with off-shore turbine warning of approaching storms to allow them professional market. installations include their marking with to make their staff and operations safe. beacons to meet national and international Biral manufacturers a range of visibility maritime laws to show other vessels the These thunderstorm detectors are currently and present weather sensors as well as location of this potential obstruction. Once being installed onto the off-shore transformer the unique thunderstorm detectors. again, visibility sensors located towards the platforms that sit alongside the wind farms. The meteorological products are used base of the turbine can control the These platforms then feed the generated in the most demanding applications brightness of these lights and can also be power back to shore and for connection to the such as aviation, offshore platforms and used to initiate fog warning sounders too. local electricity grid network. wind energy. Some research is currently underway in the 52 PES WIND

“We do it right” Founded in 1996, Durham Lifting provide a Over the past twenty five years the Multi-Sec range total lifting equipment solution for companies of lifting systems have supported many industry throughout the North East and UK wide. sectors, including Offshore Wind and we • Extensive experience in rigging design, including the use of Dyneema will continue to support (HMPE) Slings, Wire Rope Slings, Spreader Beam and Lifting Frame this sector into the future arrangements. with our innovative product developments. • Engineering expertise for complex lifting arrangements within tight time-scales, designing and building to Noble Denton/DNV Standards, Amanda Gardiner, Managing Director British Standards and European Standards. • Fabrication and welding services include vessel mobilisation and structural component manufacture, (eg. sea fastenings, on-deck support, NDT etc.). • Engineering inspection, testing, and certification services on all types of equipment which require a thorough examination under LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998. • Carry an extensive range of the highest quality lifting and handling equipment and have worked hard to ensure that our hire fleet can meet your demands. www.durhamlifting.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERTS Moving with the times 54 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS PES Wind love the fact that Amanda Gardiner, Managing Director at Durham Lifting, grew up around engineering. She is rightly proud of the company’s place in keeping Teesside’s heritage alive. Embracing change and innovative technology, loving a challenge and doing things right, this team is here to stay. PES: Welcome to PES Wind Amanda. It’s selling overseas and that certainly promotes Amanda Gardiner great to have you with us, particularly as international and nationwide trade. Durham Lifting is marking its 25th systems and solutions does Durham Lifting anniversary. Can you take us back to the PES: How did the move into the offshore specialise in to ensure standards are met? beginning with a brief history of the wind sector come about for Durham Lifting company and how it all began? and how has your extensive experience in AG: Durham lifting follow the slogan ‘we do it rigging design helped with this? right’, staff are trained to cope with difficult Amanda Gardiner: My father had an situations and make the correct decision to engineering and fabrication company in AG: Being a manufacturer of beam and crane ensure everyone is safe. The company has Teesside and traded in oil and gas. The sector systems for many years, the move into interested me, we put together a company offshore wind was natural, clients were based in Co Durham, to provide local requesting similar items, but the size and companies with lifting equipment. scope changed significantly. The team loved the challenge to learn about new products PES: Twenty-five years is a long time in and extend their product knowledge into a business and things will have looked very new and exciting sector. different in 1996 to what they are today. Amanda you personally have over 30 years’ PES: Against this changing landscape, some experience in the lifting industry, so you will challenges remain ever-present of course, have seen these changes first hand? what are some of the most common obstacles you come across? AG: The business in 1996 was stable and supported by loyal customers, who valued AG: Financially supporting the projects when our expertise, qualifications and advice, they were worth in excess of £1.5 million was clients take a hard line approach to pricing a new and challenging chapter for the and cost savings. business. As the old man said, ‘cash is king’. We have moved into a digital era, nothing like PES: Safety is obviously a very big factor, 1996, the introduction of mobile phones, and often in unpredictable climates and online shopping opens a whole new world for changeable weather conditions; what WWW.PESWIND.COM 55

ASK THE EXPERTS AG: Modular spreader beams provide the ideal solution for an array of lifting built its reputation for providing quality operations. They are versatile and cost craftmanship and completing even the most effective. Their modular construction allows difficult of tasks safely. for so many configurations, providing loading PES: Tight timescales also need to be capacities from 1 to 5000 tonne, spreading adhered to quite often, particularly when the load and reducing the rigging weight is a dealing with offshore applications; how can factor when utilising offshore/deck cranes. your expertise help here, even when the lifting arrangements are complex? We first introduced modular beams in 1986 AG: Having worked in the sector a long time, and have since developed this into the short delivery timescales are like second current MultiSec range of products. nature to myself and the team, complex lifting arrangements can be engineered in a PES: We would like to hear about Testbed. Is couple of hours. Goods are prepared and it true it was originally used for testing the shipped to the client even in the shortest of girders used on the Sydney Harbour Bridge? delivery requirements, having an extensive stock on site helps us achieve tight deadlines. AG: Oh yes, the testbed was built in 1926 by PES: Rigging too, presents its own set of Dorman Long a famous bridge building challenges; can you talk us through the company based in Teesside in the early process of designing rigging for offshore 1920’s. Structures from the Sydney harbour energy and the elements involved? bridge were loaded and produced here on AG: The company employs qualified Teesside. The testbed was originally steam engineers with knowledge and expertise in driven; this was changed to hydraulic circa rigging design, most requirements are fast, so 1950. It’s a great historic building. we need to work with the equipment we have got and put together a calculated rigging plan that supports the client’s needs. We take the time to ensure suitable products are selected, wide body shackles when needed to protect equipment from damage and can calculate many standards and factors to promote a safe lifting environment. The team have years of product knowledge and provide suitable solutions for complex rigging arrangements. PES: There have been a number of firsts and innovations for Durham Lifting since the company was founded, including being one of the first manufacturers of modular spreader beams. Can you talk us through what this is and its main benefits when used offshore? 56 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: How big a role does testing of Rampion was a personal favourite using Multisec Range of products, and look for an equipment play in your day-to-day work? dyneema slings for the first time, sourcing international base for supply, we have two products well in excess of 1000tonne. new products coming through for offshore AG: Testing offshore equipment is at the Watching ourselves and suppliers break the and subsea work. It will be very interesting to heart of everything that we do, equipment is mould with new technologies and working at see how these are utilised in the marketplace. tested in line with British standards, loads never seen before is extremely exciting. whether it be equipment that we have PES: What are your predictions for what the manufactured, or clients’ goods that require PES: An anniversary is always a good time wind sector might look like in 25 years from testing before use. to look ahead, as well as to reflect - for the now, when Durham Lifting celebrates its land-based and offshore energy markets half-centenary? In fact, we are very proud to be keeping such what innovations are you seeing coming a large part of Teeside’s heritage alive. through now? What do you think will be the AG: Offshore wind is definitely here for the next big thing in lifting for this sector? long term. It will continue to develop and The PES: From bridges to energy, Durham North East of England will remain a Lifting has supported multiple large scale AG: Green energy is still a huge driver for UK significant global player. There will be wind projects in the UK now. Can you industry. It will be interesting to see the extensive decommissioning of older plant, describe one or two highlights you’ve been developments of wave technology. The current which in fact has already started and the particularly proud of to date? level of government investments should introduction of more efficient wind farms. hopefully see companies continue to invest AG: We have worked on some of the largest into the UK, and emerging technologies. Climate change pressures will enhance the wind farms in the UK and have a proven track demand for sustainable, non-fossil fuelled record that spans 15 years, we have put PES: And for Durham Lifting in particular, energy. Durham Lifting aims to be at the together some technically difficult lifting what will be your next focus? heart of this for the next 25 years. arrangements working with new products, such as synthetic ropes. AG: We are continuing to develop our www.durhamlifting.co.uk WWW.PESWIND.COM 57



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TALKING POINT Offshore wind targets: what might stop us hitting them? Words: C hris Towner, energy partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson If everything goes smoothly, then the UK’s offshore wind industry should be well on track to hit the Government’s target of 40 Gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity by 2030, but this is not an industry that’s accustomed to everything going smoothly. Chris Towner, Partner and renewable energy specialist at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, looks at what needs to be done to ensure targets are hit. 60 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Chris Towner The innovation and determination of the UK with capacity to spare. that remain in the way of these projects. If we offshore wind sector has been proven time have ambitions to hit the 2030 targets, and and again and has seen our windy little island We saw more good news from our wind farms also to go beyond that and achieve net zero become the undisputed world leader in over the May 2021 bank holiday weekend as a as a country by 2050, then many offshore wind generation. new record for wind power generation was improvements must still be made to the way set in England, Scotland and Wales. Even if the industry operates, from project inception An optimistic assessment of the UK’s that relied on very strong wind conditions, it to completion. offshore wind capacity, including current shows the capacity is there and we really are generation capacity, around 10.4GW, on the right track. And now is the time to start: with so many projects that are ‘underway’, plus the, GW of generation still yet to be installed, 8GW-worth of R4 projects, suggests that However, a pragmatic assessment of the task here are some things to consider. we ought to hit the 40 GW/2030 target in hand would point to the many obstacles Can supply meet demand? At the moment, there is greater demand for low carbon projects ready to invest in than there is supply, we need a regulatory regime that brings more clean energy innovation projects swiftly through the system, to attract this investment to the UK and help to accelerate our decarbonisation goals. The private sector is the key in all this, developers can deliver within the timescales, but only if a regime that enables this to happen is in place. Consenting offshore wind projects Key current concerns for projects include consenting risks, highlighted by the recent quashing of consent for Vattenfall’s Norfolk Vanguard offshore wind farm and certainty over the scale and timing of support from the Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime. It’s no secret that securing consent for offshore wind farms is the most problematic aspect of the process. Project economics, technical constraints, supply chain capacity, social impact (aesthetics and amenity) and environmental impact must all be accounted for as part of the consenting process. It’s a complicated process that can cause significant delays, or cancellations, to projects as well as hugely increasing the risk for investors. It’s also far from a new issue: the rate at which consents are secured has always hamstrung the UK offshore wind sector and threatened progress. WWW.PESWIND.COM 61

TALKING POINT Due consideration absolutely must be given accumulated to date, finding that balance The sheer size of the scale-up required to the impact that offshore wind farms have should be faster, not slower than for – whether that’s on the marine bed, the previous projects. UK offshore wind capacity went from around animal, marine and bird life around them, 1GW in 2010 to just over 10GW by 2020. the point at which they connect to the land, Without major improvements to the way Undoubtedly great progress, but that effort the people that live nearby… but this can consenting is handled for offshore wind farm needs to be more than trebled over the next and must be done with more speed and less projects, the 2030 target could be missed. nine years to hit the target. Aurora Energy obstacles than it currently is. There does Many of these barriers can only be overcome Research suggests this will require the need to be a balance between all of these with improved collaboration between equivalent of a 10-12MW turbine to be interests; with the experience we have industry, consultees, and regulators. installed every weekday throughout this decade, along with around £50bn of investment and a further 20GW of leasing rounds within the next few years. We’re going to need more rounds The offshore wind projects currently underway is almost certainly going to be enough to hit the 2030 target, barring any hitches, but more rounds would still be beneficial to the industry and will contribute to whatever targets are set beyond 2030. It’s unrealistic to expect that they will all be on the same scale as R4, especially bearing in mind the value of the bids involved there, so perhaps a ‘micro’ approach to leasing from The Crown Estate will be the way forward, offering more frequent but smaller rounds. Infrastructure: both onshore and offshore The current system whereby each array connects to the land via its own infrastructure, complete with onshore substation, isn’t sustainable. Some of the biggest consenting issues focus on the 62 PES WIND

TALKING POINT onshore connection points and Scottish Ministers grant or refuse consent intended to be pessimistic; instead horizon communities. The most likely solution to under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (up to scanning and looking at the challenges ahead reduce the number of points at which our 12nm from shore) and the Marine and as we continue to support projects across offshore wind farms have to make landfall lies Coastal Access Act 2009 for projects the UK is intended to help the post pandemic in the development of an offshore grid 12-200 nm from shore. rebuild to be carried out in a sustainable way. network but, again, this will require colossal Improved collaboration by all stakeholders investment and collaboration. It would certainly be simpler for everyone if and a willingness to have open and honest these differences could be ironed out, but in discussions about what needs to be done and Likewise, the rest of the onshore grid isn’t the current political climate it’s unlikely to be the balance of interests, and acting upon currently geared up to support offshore resolved quickly. those conversations, should get us over the generation: significant investment in the line. Private sector funds are available to onshore infrastructure is going to be required Skilled worker shortage drive innovation for renewables forward and to ensure that the power being generated can will play a big part in continuing the UK reach people’s homes and businesses. Much Most industries are battling skills shortages success story as world leader. of the work that we do at Womble Bond right now, and offshore wind is no exception. Dickinson revolves around land purchases for As we transition away from traditional Oil and It’s also worth remembering that 2030 is not linear infrastructure schemes, including Gas-based power generation, the need to the end goal here. The greater challenge is complex, multiple-landowner projects, so we bring through new, skilled labour, a green- lifting our sights to the 2050 net zero target have seen first-hand the delay and disruption ready workforce, is placing even greater onus and the likely doubling of demand for this can cause. on schools, colleges, and universities to electricity that will entail, as domestic deliver in STEM subjects. heating and transportation is electrified. Can the CfD scheme cover its own Tackling each of the issues mentioned obligations? What can be done? above, will only help the UK to achieve that greater ambition. The CfD scheme has played a major role in This is just an overview of some of the the success of our offshore wind industry to challenges that the offshore industry faces www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk date, but Aurora Energy Research also as it seeks to hit those 2030 targets. It’s not estimates that increasing installed capacity to 40GW would cost a further £2.6bn per year in CfD top-up payments, almost five times the allocated budget, in the initial years of those CfDs. This shortfall could be a political challenge as the cost will be funded by consumers. The evolution of the CfD scheme will be of major focus to the industry over the coming years. There are proposed changes aiming to ensure only competitive renewables projects receive government backing. If the strike prices for offshore wind remain at around £40/MWh, that is still substantially lower than the costs of nuclear (£92.50/MWh) and the projected costs of carbon capture and storage. It remains to be seen, however, whether the price certainty offered by a CfD, so valuable for investors, will offset the potential for wasted development costs in meeting CfD criteria but not being successful in the auction process, particularly for smaller scale technologies. Some onshore wind and solar projects may opt not to participate in the process. We also await details of the overall budget allocation and how this is to be split between pots. Regional offshore wind differences Largely due to the differing legal regimes in the devolved administrations in the UK, the process involved in securing consents varies greatly depending on the nation in which you’re applying. In England, a Development Consent Order is granted under the Planning Act 2008. This Order incorporates a number of consents, including a marine licence and onshore consents. In Wales the marine licence is determined by Natural Resources Wales. In Scotland, Marine Scotland examines applications for the offshore works while WWW.PESWIND.COM 63

TALKING POINT Offshore wind: ©VertAx Wind where next? Words: S teven Peace, Director and the Chief Technical Officer, VertAx Wind Ltd. VertAx Wind’s 10 – 15 MW offshore turbine 64 PES WIND

TALKING POINT The pace of the clean energy revolution is speeding up in an international effort to curb global warming and offshore wind power is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the CO2 reduction targets of many of the world’s coastal countries. It is widely perceived that offshore wind is set to grow by around 9,900% through to 2050 which, according to IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, will take currently installed capacity of just over 10 GW to nearly 1,000 GW by 2050. This is a view widely shared by industry monitors, such as, DNV and the Global Wind Energy Council. So, the future for the industry is looking 220m rotor diameter and a single blade volume of wind it can capture. Larger good, but using current technology will they length of 107m; while the Vestas 15 MW turbines mean that fewer are needed to really be able to achieve these ambitious machine is being designed to have a rotor achieve a given power output and that targets? According to WindEurope, the diameter of 236m and a single blade length of equates to: fewer foundations, less inter average size of wind turbine currently being 115.5m. Each blade takes 2 days and 100 men array cable connections, lower installation installed offshore is 7.2 MW; that would mean to produce and with their nacelles the size of costs and fewer machines to maintain. 137,500 machines would be needed by 2050, a house and weighing in at around 600 or nearly 4,600 every year. It is true that the tonnes; they are relatively slow to produce, Although there are other options, Horizontal three main turbine manufacturers (Vestas, averaging 1 complete machine a week. Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT’s) are currently the Siemens/Gamesa and GE) all have machines configuration of choice. Resembling a ranging between 14 – 15 MW in the pipeline, The high level of demand, together with the propeller on a tower, these machines’ blades but these are not expected to be desire to reduce costs further are the driving rotate on a horizontal shaft connected via a commercially available until 2024/25. factors for the industry to continually try to main bearing to their drive train housed within develop ever larger machines. A wind a nacelle. The nacelle is mounted on the top of The machines currently in development are turbines power output is directly related to their support towers and needs to be rotated huge; with the GE 14 MW machine having a the swept area of its blades and in turn the into the direction of the wind by means of a © GE Wind GE’s Haliade-X 12 nacelle WWW.PESWIND.COM 65

TALKING POINT yaw mechanism. To regulate the blades © GE Wind of Energy funded further research led by rotational speeds and to optimise power Professor Peter Musgrove of Reading output, the blade’s pitching angle is adjusted GE’s 107m long blade University into a straight bladed version of using positioning motors; which together with the Darrieus machine. The idea was to the yaw system, power generation, power achieve the high targets set and contribute simplify and reduce fatigue in the blades, but conversion, nacelles environment and system towards the curbing of climate change? Musgrove’s first prototypes had complex monitoring functions, are controlled by a variable geometry mechanical blade computerised system. There is an alternative but lesser-known feathering (reefing) mechanisms to try and technology, that of the Vertical Axis Wind regulate their rotation and prevent them from The loads exerted on the structural Turbine (VAWT). First conceived by over speeding. After extensive testing of a components of HAWT’s are complex. The Frenchman, Georges Jean Marie Darrieus, in few prototypes, it was found that a straight blades for example, have a constantly 1925.These machines rotate around the bladed machine with a fixed geometry could reversing gravitational load (55 tonnes each vertical axis of their support tower, more like self-regulate through the dynamic stall of the for the GE 14 MW machine), huge centrifugal a carousel on a tower. The Darrieus blades. These machines are now commonly forces on the blade tips and bending moments aerodynamic lift, as opposed to drag type known as H-Rotor VAWT’s. as the force of the wind tries to bend them VAWT, originally had curved foil blades that back. All of these loads, together with the attached at the top and bottom of a rotating Although originally considered to be less weight of the nacelle, are transmitted to the column support tower, with a generator aerodynamically efficient (hence the much supporting tower and foundation with most of located at the bottom, looking rather like an slower uptake in the development of the the wind load being exerted on one side of the egg whisk. technology), the efficiency differences are tower at any given time. now considered marginal with modern These types of machines were extensively designs. The H-Rotor version of the machine The incredible size, weight and strength of used by a company called Flow Wind in particular, does have a number of significant the latest HAWT machines pay homage to International on wind farms in the US during benefits, some of which are only now being the leaps made in material technology and the 1980 – 90’s. realised with advances in the technology. engineering. A few years ago, it wasn’t even conceivable that blade technology would In the UK during the 1980’s the Department For starters, they are omnidirectional, not evolve enough to produce blades over 100m needing to be orientated into the direction in length. But now, utilizing the knowledge of the wind and therefore do not hunt for gained, it is possible to produce blades in two direction in turbulent wind flows. Their thin glass composite half shells with rotors and blades have a constant imbedded carbon fibre stiffeners; which are gravitational load and due to their generally then bonded together to produce one single lower rotational speed, they have lower blade of up to 115.5m long. centrifugal forces. The more manageable loads created by their blades are then more However, many believe we are nearly at the evenly distributed across their supporting end of the road for the advancement of this structures, resulting in a lower centre of technology, as although it may well be gravity and overturning moments. technically possible to stretch individual blade lengths beyond the 120m mark, the Apart from their use in the turbulent wind increased use of carbon fibre, the additional flows found in a built-up environment, none logistical problems and the extra loads on the of these benefits are significant on machines turbines drive train and support structure, smaller than a few megawatts, but these are likely to make HAWT’s beyond 15 – 17 MW differences can be very significant and come commercially unviable. into their own when looking at machine sizes of 10 – 15 MW and above. So what next? Is there an alternative that could help us Dr P. Musgrove’s variable geometry VAWT 450 machine 66 PES WIND

TALKING POINT ©Vattenfall turbulent and in turn this has a detrimental MW or more could be installed within a wind effect on the efficiency of other downstream farm with spacing’s similar to those of a Horns Rev wind farm turbines in a wind farm array. single 12 MW HAWT today. A higher density of wind farm would not only provide cost The final report produced by Musgrove’s work On a typical HAWT, the wake spirals out from saving benefits, but it would have a reduced (later VAWT Ltd) for the UK Department of the whole circumference of the machine’s impact on the seabed’s ecosystem and be Energy in 1991, concluded that H-Rotor blades and funnels for some distance. less disruptive for both shipping and radar. VAWT’s would become more viable with scale Eventually the wake dies down and a more The British company, VertAx Wind Ltd, is one and that their future lies in multi-megawatt stable wind flow returns; providing the steady of the companies working in the multi- offshore wind farms. A view which was flow required for the efficient operation of the megawatt offshore VAWT arena. Their reinforced by the UK’s Energy Technologies next wind turbine in the farm. patented conceptual design is for a fully Institute in its final remarks on its offshore modular wind turbine that utilizes largely wind studies in 2011, when it said that; ‘the Current spacing of HAWT’s in an offshore common components to assemble machines future is far offshore, deep water, floating wind farm is typically between 8 – 10 wind in the 10 – 15 MW + range. multi-megawatt (i.e. 15 MW plus) VAWT’s.’ turbine diameters apart. With the latest The machine incorporates many innovations HAWT’s having rotor diameters of 220m or including sectional blades supported by two, or Modern designs of VAWT demonstrate that, more, that could amount to a distance of more hubs, each with its own novel segmented given the greatly different way in which a over 2 km between machines taking up a ring generator. The size, weight and modularity VAWT functions when compared to a HAWT large area of seabed. of its components will allow VertAx to move and its generally consequential lower and away from the traditional supply chains and to constant loads, their blades can be far The wake from a VAWT is different, insofar as mass produce the machine’ components, in simpler. They can be made to a uniform the disrupted air flow is in the vertical plain relatively normal sized factory units, using aerofoil profile with parallel leading and and is predominantly created by the half of the largely mechanised methods of production trailing edges with no twists or tapers. They machine where the blades shed vortices in the and generally lower cost materials. can be produced in sections and downwind part of their rotation. Studies show The machines’ components would then be manufactured using mechanised production that in this scenario the wind recovers quicker, easily transported for assembly at either a methods with lower cost, lightweight and therefore theoretically, VAWT’s in a wind land-based site, or on a floating platform materials. If supported at more than one farm setting can be spaced closer together, foundation at the quayside before final point over their length, there is little typically 4 -5 rotor diameters or less. deployment offshore. These machines have technical reason that limits their size and been designed with longevity in mind and will studies have shown that VAWT’s of up to Furthermore, there is a growing body of offer unprecedented levels of redundancy 30 MW rated output are likely to be possible. evidence from a number of recent studies*, and ease of maintenance. which suggest that counter rotating VAWT’s Furthermore, their lower centre of gravity sited close to each other in clusters can www.vertaxwind.com and overturning moments make VAWTs ideal interact positively, so increasing the * F or example: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/ for use on floating platform foundations. performance of the individual machines. The wakes from these counter rotating machines about-brookes/news/vertical-turbines- There is another reason why the industry combine, and to some degree, cancel each could-be-the-future-for-wind-farms/ and should seriously look at a change in other out; potentially meaning that the https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ orientation…wind turbine wake and overall spacing between clusters of VAWT’s on a s10546-018-0368-0 wind farm density. wind farm can be further reduced. Bio A wind turbine’s wake is the disturbed air flow Therefore, it is conceivable that in the future, Steven Peace is a director and the Chief that is the result of the wind blowing through clusters of 3 machines producing up to 90 Technical Officer of VertAx Wind Ltd. its rotating blades. After having passed He has over 30 years’ experience in wind through a turbine’s rotor, the wind has a and other renewable energy industries lower velocity, is very disrupted and and is one of the founding architects of the VertAx wind VAWT concept. WWW.PESWIND.COM 67

PES ESSENTIAL Using lidar to solve the challenges of offshore wind farms Words: M atthieu Boquet, Head of Products & Offerings for Leosphere, Vaisala Mathias Regnier Product Manager, WindCube Offshore for Leosphere, Vaisala Elvira Aliverdieva product and marketing specialist for Leosphere, Vaisala WindCube Scan 400S in Italy. Courtesy of University of Genoa and the ERC Project THUNDERR As global interest in wind energy continues to grow, an increasing number of projects are looking out to sea, where the vast ocean expanse allows offshore wind farms to cover more area, erect larger turbines and generate more energy. Offshore wind is expected to constitute 20% Although offshore wind farms can produce gauge winds for inland farms are difficult, if of total wind energy installations by 2025. more energy and don’t have to deal with the not impossible, to install and maintain at While Europe and Asia are leading the way, terrain issues and residential opposition offshore sites due to the harsher conditions the United States is making its own waves in some land-based farms face, operating on and remote locations. They also may be less the offshore wind market, with developers the open ocean presents its own unique set accurate for the much larger turbines used at planning to implement about nine gigawatts of challenges. sea, making getting reliable wind of offshore wind by 2026. characteristic assessments one of the The traditional measurement towers used to 68 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL biggest challenges to maximizing the Bigger is better measure to the full height of the larger potential of offshore wind farms. And turbines without mathematical considering offshore wind farms can cost Offshore wind farms have evolved to keep extrapolation, which leaves room for error. 10 times as much as their onshore pace with market demands. They cover counterparts, getting the most out of more expansive areas, are located great With bigger turbine capacities and bigger the turbines is key. distances from the shore and use larger, areas of operation, even small errors in data taller turbines than their land-based for offshore wind farms can lead to Enter lidar technology. Light detection and counterparts, all of which contribute to significant economic impacts compared to ranging equipment use pulsed laser light to increased power generation. smaller onshore operations, and even slight remotely measure characteristics of the inefficiencies can impact a project’s success. wind flow and data such as wind speed, wind But the scale of operations for an offshore Taking into mind the costs of offshore wind direction, and turbulence. All of this in real wind farm comes with complications when it farms, a difference of decimal points could time and using technology that is more comes to accurately assessing wind mean millions of dollars. versatile and adaptable to the various phases characteristics as well as obtaining precise and needs of an offshore wind farm. wind data at long ranges from the shoreline. When working on the much larger scale that offshore wind farms require, accurate data Let’s dig a little deeper. Even if met masts were feasible in offshore during the production forecasting phase and conditions, none would be large enough to WWW.PESWIND.COM 69

PES ESSENTIAL Matthieu Boquet Mathias Regnier Elvira Aliverdieva monitoring and performance testing once a reduces uncertainty to support the feasibility Scan provides rich data from one strategic project is up and running, is crucial. Lidar is and bankability of the wind farm project. It is vantage point, while the WindCube Scan Dual able to precisely measure wind marinized to match the offshore harsh Lidar Ready offering provides an even more characteristics and data up to 300-plus conditions, providing a versatile solution to comprehensive picture of the wind resource meters in height using vertical profilers, assess proposed offshore wind farms at profiles. Today it is considered one of the key 700 meters in front of turbines with almost any location. innovations to reduce the cost of offshore nacelle-mounted lidar and 10-plus WindCube Scan scanning lidar can be wind energy. kilometers from the shore or from a mounted on a fixed platform or placed platform with scanning lidar technology. onshore at the coastline. It allows for full, In addition, different lidar technologies can 3D spatial mapping of the wind field affecting be mixed and matched to provide developers Turbine manufacturer Siemens Gamesa in multiple real or potential turbines. With a and operators with the most comprehensive May 2020 announced the launch of what will range of more than 10 km and up to 19 km, site data possible to reduce uncertainty. be the world’s largest offshore wind turbine, scanning lidar can provide wind data of an featuring a 222-meter rotor and offshore site from the shoreline, where it is When a proposed wind farm location 14-megawatt capacity, and for years the much easier and more cost-effective to becomes reality, lidar can still play a key role. company has been using nacelle-mounted operate and maintain. A single WindCube Vertical profiling lidars can be used during lidar in place of met masts to conduct power craning and mounting operations to help performance testing. WindCube nacelle ENGIE Versatility and adaptability Every offshore wind farm is unique and presents its own unique challenges, so versatility is key for developers as a project moves through its various stages, from conception to construction to care. Lidar is the most comprehensive offshore measurement technology available, with a solution to support every phase of an offshore project, from wind resource assessment and operational power testing to permanent wind monitoring, research and development, and prototype testing. Before a wind farm can ever begin harnessing energy, a lot of work goes into figuring out exactly how to design and layout the turbines using the most accurate data possible. As an example, the WindCube suite of lidar solutions can help with this important first step in a number of different ways. WindCube Offshore vertical profiling lidar is mountable on existing platforms, such as oil rigs, sub-stations, islands or lighthouses. In situations where there is no platform or the platform is too far away from the shoreline, the WindCube Offshore can be integrated on a vessel or buoy (Floating Lidar System). This lidar provides direct wind assessment and 70 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL ensure accurate placement and installation. which can allow developers to act and to maximize the economic impact of an In addition, scanning lidar enables users in protect turbines from undue strains. offshore wind farm. the construction or commissioning phases to conduct power performance testing (PPT) Companies looking to build and operate www.vaisala.com/en/wind-lidars/ of multiple turbines with just one lidar unit. offshore wind farms must research the lidar wind-energy Nacelle-mounted lidar is also commonly manufacturer’s warranty and service offerings, used to perform PPT and continuous including ongoing training and its global www.windcubelidar.com monitoring of active wind farms, which is key support infrastructure and service centers. to verifying performance or validating repairs www.vaisala.com/en and upgrades. It also troubleshooting and A big part of operational continuity is also identifying underperformance since it is trusting the solution has been validated and About Leosphere, a Vaisala company quick and affordable to deploy and provides certified to reliably work, and that the solution reliable data in real time. is backed by a reputable company. WindCube Leosphere is the iconic and trusted gold Lidar technology is validated and accepted by standard in wind lidar and its WindCube During manufacturing and prototyping the world’s leading independent experts and product suite offers innovative, reliable, stages, lidar can be used as a testing aid that research institutes, including DNV, DTU Wind powerful and turn-key solutions that are can lead to better design decisions and Energy, UL, Deutsche WindGuard, NREL and key to harnessing the power of the wind improve manufacturers’ understanding of AIST, and the equipment meets the latest on any offshore wind farm. operational performance. Plus, lidar data can international verification standards and is be used to reduce fatigue and extreme loads compliant with IEC standards. Bio on critical components, increasing the lifespan of a turbine design. Harnessing the power of the wind Matthieu Boquet is Head of Products & Offerings for Leosphere, a Vaisala Unlike met masts, lidar requires little to no Offshore farms are more expensive to start company. In this role, he drives permitting, can be erected in less time and up than inland ones, and there are challenges Leosphere’s WindCube® lidar offerings with less manpower than traditional and risks to starting one. But it appears the to meet the industry’s high-level measurement towers, and can be moved future of wind power lies beyond our shores. expectations while helping customers from site to site or repurposed depending Lidar can save time and money while also continually generate value from on needs. providing the type of accurate data needed their lidars. Operational continuity Mathias Regnier is the Product Manager for the WindCube Offshore lidar at Offshore wind farms operate in harsh Leosphere, a Vaisala company. As such, environments far from maintenance he continually evaluates customer resources. Fixing a problem at an inland wind needs in order to develop lidar product farm might require someone to simply drive strategies and solutions for the booming out to the site. Maintenance at an offshore offshore wind market. wind farm, on the other hand, requires a boat and waiting for the right weather in order to Elvira Aliverdieva is a product and even access the turbines. marketing specialist for Leosphere, a Vaisala company. She participates in Since accessing a wind farm location can be the evolution of the company’s onshore expensive, risky and time-consuming, and offshore wind product strategy, operational continuity is key to a project’s with a primary focus on the booming success or failure. offshore market. Lidar systems are comprehensive and easy to deploy and repurpose throughout the life cycle of an offshore wind farm project and can adapt with a project or developer as needs change. Lidar has also proven capable of providing 5-10 minutes of advanced notice for approaching wind disruptions and storms, © Jacques Vapillon AKROCEAN GEPS Techno WindCube Buoy offshore WWW.PESWIND.COM 71

TALKING POINT Tech disruption in offshore wind © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative 72 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Think of a future where the offshore wind supply chain connects in real time. Picture a wind turbine technician installing, maintaining, and fixing components with the support of shore-side staff connected through their eyes and ears. The experts are supporting the technicians through every step of a critical job. Envision the crew of a CTV conducting an on offshore projects for over twenty years. reliable, capable, and can operate down to underwater visual inspection of the Varnell is the founder of V2 Subsea, a 305 meters. The kit has already been used foundation and transition piece, then technology solutions provider based in successfully on U.S. offshore wind farm sites automatically storing the video footage. It is Newport, Rhode Island in the U.S. for subsea inspection. Also, it is the fraction seamlessly uploaded to the cloud then of the cost of a traditional work class ROV. quickly reviewed by the manufacturer V2 Subsea is using video and media engineering team. These capabilities are a technology in a new and innovative way to V2 Subsea also offers a globally accessible reality through IoT technology, and they are empower the offshore wind industry. ‘We are media platform that allows companies to available now. using video and data to complement store and categorize media for training and/ A downtime event can cost millions of enterprise systems like SMS (Safety or assessment purposes. ‘We design a dollars and last days, sometimes weeks, Management Systems) and CMMS customized and integrated program by use where the wind turbine is not operating. An (Computerized Maintenance Management case for real-time communication and video expert might need to fly in from another Systems). We see that this will significantly data storage,’ says Varnell. ‘Our goal is to country to fix the problem. Not only is this impact retaining knowledge and providing our minimize the friction of video flow as a costly and time consuming, but it also leaves customers with informed decision-making.’ service.’ He continues. a carbon footprint: a roundtrip flight from Logan International Airport in Boston to Two years ago, Dustin began collaborating This solution takes video and data sharing Heathrow, London, for example, emits with a V2 Subsea partner organization called and collaboration beyond tools like email and approximately 1.53 tonnes of carbon Blueye Robotics, a Norwegian company, to Dropbox by simplifying the workflow, while dioxide into the atmosphere. develop a solution that empowers ship’s openly integrating with existing software Now, imagine a trained technician putting crew, engineers, and scientists to conduct solutions to provide a single centralized on a pair of glasses that allow an entire underwater inspections. The Blueye secure source for digital assets. resource team to see what he or she sees, underwater drones can inspect anything and they can assess the problem from from the ocean floor to a ship’s propeller. Not too long ago, Varnell met Thomas wherever they are in the world and Lougborough, a strategic market developer potentially fix the problem. ‘We are working with Blueye Robotics to for RealWear at Innovate Newport, a This is how V2 Subsea is planning to disrupt develop a reliable solution where anyone co-working space and entrepreneurial hub the usual way of business in wind energy. with basic training and experience can on Aquidneck Island, where they both live. Dustin Varnell is a master mariner and conduct underwater visual inspections,’ RealWear’s flagship product is the HMT-1®, dynamic positioning operator certified by says Varnell. ‘Our partnership with Blueye a rugged, head-mounted, Android-class The Nautical Institute. He has been working fits with our goal of providing the best-in- tablet computer. class equipment for video and data capture.’ © GE Wind He continues. Both Varnell and Lougborough saw an © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative opportunity to implement the HMT-1® This underwater robotic equipment is RealWear technology into remote inspections, where the operator could be streaming the video to an expert, thus creating a more efficient and cost-effective workflow for the industry. ‘RealWear is a technology that empowers offshore workers to capture and transfer visual data while performing their job tasks,’ says Varnell. ‘You can capture photos while you work. You can record yourself performing certain tasks so they can be documented and stored for future reference.’ He continues. This, Varnell says, could save companies millions of dollars a year. ‘RealWear connects the knowledge of subject matter experts so that they can advise and help workers in real-time. That is powerful and the industry is starting to see it.’ Says Varnell. He believes that the partnership between V2 Subsea and RealWear will ultimately drive down costs for the wind energy industry, which could help us achieve the eventual goal of carbon neutrality quicker. WWW.PESWIND.COM 73

TALKING POINT © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative ‘There are companies that have ROVs, aerial Loughborough and Varnell’s idea couldn’t offshore wind power by that year. In drones, and visual data services. But I don’t have better timing. The Biden President Biden’s first week in office, he know of any other companies that are Administration announced that they will half signed an Executive Order calling for the focusing on the connected worker solution carbon emissions by 2030 and it is clear that country to develop a clean energy economy and video data integration for offshore wind.’ wind energy is a major component to that with the expectation that it will create He continues. goal with a plan to deploy 30 gigawatts of millions of jobs, and many of those jobs will be in the offshore wind industry. © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative For Loughborough, he believes that V2 Subsea, utilizing RealWear tech, can elevate Rhode Island’s position as the East Coast hub for the Blue Economy. ‘Our goal is to transfer the knowledge from European companies and engineers who have a vested interest in seeing the American wind farms be built efficiently by American citizens,’ Lougborough says. He believes, through training in RealWear technology, a whole new workforce can build and maintain the infrastructure needed here in the U.S. with the guidance of experts overseas. V2 Subsea and RealWear are working with a local Rhode Island company, Gorilla Rigging, to build a connected IoT service center headquarters for their joint operations. Gorilla Rigging has been one of the primary textile rigging companies in Rhode Island for decades, providing equipment and services to high performance racing teams and companies with industrial rope access needs around the world. 74 PES WIND

TALKING POINT © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative © Johnathan Clancy from Clancycreative Gorilla Rigging’s owner, Jim Stone Jr., saw their customer-first focus. and improves work methods. an opportunity when Lougborough approached him about joining forces to SimplyVideo is a software platform that SimplyVideo successfully used the platform pivot towards the wind energy market, after provides better video meetings and offers to revolutionize a rehearsal of concept all, rigging will be an essential part of the the option to add immersive communication (ROC) drill for the Ørsted Hornsea 2 project. nascent wind energy industry. tools to your existing meeting. It can They now look to the U.S. market with V2 connect the RealWear HMT-1) and other Subsea to revolutionize offshore wind Loughborough says that Varnell’s expertise augmented reality platforms to programs construction and O&M through remote in underwater ROVs and media management like Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, even mentoring. With 5G networks expanding, along with Gorilla Rigging’s established at low bandwidths. even to offshore wind farms, Sims sees live presence in the Rhode Island marine industry streaming video from oceans to offices as will position them as the go-to experts for This means video streaming from an offshore the future. training in RealWear and ROV inspections, as wind turbine into an office in a city becomes a well as media and tech management. whole lot easier and can create a more ‘Because we are at the beginning stages of immersive experience for training or renewable energy in the northeast, we are at However, Lougborough and Varnell’s vision problem-solving purposes. what I like to call the discovery phase,’ says for the future requires a software integration Loughborough, which means that there is strategy. SimplyVideo is one of the software ‘I suppose the strategy behind SimplyVideo plenty of room for innovation and disruption. vendors in the RealWear partner network when we started was to make video calling that specializes in low bandwidth and communication more than just heads With the Blue Economy expanding along the communication and integration to other and shoulders in boxes.’ says Sims. Northeastern Seaboard in the U.S., and the more commonly used platforms such as need for training and infrastructure Teams or Google Meet. SimplyVideo allows multiple camera angles increases, it looks like these entrepreneurs to be viewed simultaneously, creating an will have plenty of work coming their way. In January, Loughborough met George Sims, almost in-person experience for the viewer. the Chief Strategy Officer at SimpyVideo, a ‘We wanted to bring in more views into video The V2 Subsea + Gorilla Rigging jointly video platform company in the UK. calls so people could triage problems and fix operated IoT service hub will open in the Loughborough connected the software them quickly,’ Sims says. ‘It’s game changing summer of 2021 and will be up and running to company with V2 Subsea and they are technology.’ He continues. support the first U.S. full-scale offshore wind working together on several international farm. The facility will be in the heart of the maritime projects that include IoT- When used in the offshore wind industry the U.S. offshore wind energy corridor located connected solutions above and below the platform improves situational awareness for on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. waterline. The two companies have found technicians and remote mentors which synergy in their capabilities and overlap in ultimately reduces the health and safety risks www.V2Subsea.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 75

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THINK TANK Positioning South East Asia for the energy transition The energy transition is shifting national agendas and is cutting across all industries and markets. As a global hub for innovation, Singapore has built a vibrant ecosystem to advance today’s efforts on energy and climate change. With South East Asia’s energy demand forecasted to grow by 50% by 2050, alternative energy sources need to be explored quickly to move on the decarbonization pathway. 78 PES WIND

THINK TANK Transforming our energy systems Building momentum government is helping power generation companies improve the efficiency of First, the energy transition will bring large Second, Singapore’s energy journey their power plants. changes to South East Asia’s energy system in highlights how governments can play a key the next thirty years. Fossil fuels will continue role in accelerating the energy transition 2. Solar energy: the Singapore government to play a dominant role in the region’s energy towards more sustainable energy sources is ramping up solar energy production in supply, which will see gas continue to increase. while maintaining energy security and the country by setting ambitious solar Solar PV and wind will both record strong affordability. The Singapore energy strategy targets of 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by growth as a result of the massive rise in end rests on four pillars which are comprised of: 2025, 2GWp by 2030 and an energy user electrification and the electrification of storage target of 200 MW beyond 2025. vehicles and industry. Renewables 1. N atural gas: while natural gas will remain development will also expand offshore. as Singapore’s dominant fuel, the 3. Regional power grids: Singapore is exploring ways to tap on regional power grids to access cost-competitive renewable energy produced in other markets. 4. Emerging low-carbon alternatives: Singapore is also looking into emerging low-carbon solutions through public-private partnerships that have the potential to help reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint. These technologies include carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies and hydrogen. Elsewhere in South East Asia, energy ministers agreed last year to set a target of 35% in installed power capacity by 2025 to improve the renewable energy capacity in the region, take advantage of RE’s lower costs and stimulate their pandemic-hit economies. This agreement paves the way for an additional 35 to 40GW of renewable capacity by 2025. Vietnam currently leads the region in renewables. Vietnam today has an installed base of 16.5 gigawatts for solar PV, far exceeding its 2020 target of 850 MW. Its success in solar has been largely attributed to its feed-in-tariff program for renewable energy. Aside from solar PV, Vietnam’s energy transition includes investments in wind, hydropower and biopower. In June 2020, the Vietnamese government formally approved 7 gigawatts or almost a hundred new wind power plants, putting it on track for a total wind power generation capacity of nearly 12 GW by 2025. Under the National Power Development Plan 2021- 2030, the government plans to build 50 GW in power capacity from onshore and offshore wind and solar energy by 2030. In Thailand, the government aims to source at least a third of the country’s power requirements from renewable sources by 2037 under the 10-year Alternative Energy Development Plan. Solar is expected to dominate with a capacity of 15 GW, followed by biomass, wind, hydropower and waste energy. State-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand said a portion of their new capacity will be sourced from renewable power generation facilities in Taiwan and Laos. They own 25% of Yunlin Holding GmbH, which is developing the 640MW Yunlin offshore wind farm project in Taiwan. In Malaysia, the government intends to WWW.PESWIND.COM 79

THINK TANK continue the good progress they’ve made In terms of power generation, solar, wind and green and novel shipping technologies, and with a target to increase RE’s share in the energy storage systems should be scaled up game changing CCUS and hydrogen energy mix to 20% by 2025. To minimize the while the consumption of fuels which have a technologies will transform our energy financial impact of the pandemic on the very high carbon footprint such as coal future. Hydrogen applications for economy, the government issued a 1GW solar should be scaled down. decarbonization, e-mobility, fossil fuel tender this past June under the fourth round replacement look particularly promising. of its Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme. Investments for grid upgrades are required in order to integrate and balance these energy There is no silver bullet that can Moving on to the Philippines, the National systems in the overall energy mix. single-handedly solve the energy dilemma. Renewable Energy Plan 2020–2040 aims to The heightened demand for electrification will have at least 34GW of renewable energy But this technological shift must be require a combination of solar, wind, hydro and installations by 2040. In October last year, accompanied by a cultural change. gas power generation in the next decades. the government announced a moratorium on Company-wide mindset changes will be new coal-fired power generation and needed so that the staff gain a shared A number of breakthrough technology work is revealed plans to allow 100% foreign understanding of clean technologies and also taking place in Singapore. DNV is proudly ownership of renewable energy projects. decarbonization and the benefits they and closely involved in both the Centre of provide. In addition, an upgrade of skill sets Excellence in Additive Manufacturing and the The Philippines also has significant wind and the re-training of staff will also be Centre of Excellence in Maritime resources and currently has an installed required. Engineers will need to learn new Decarbonization and Autonomy. In both onshore wind capacity of 426.9 MW. Offshore tools to help them decarbonize their cases, DNV aims to combine Singapore-based and onshore wind farms with a combined processes and systems. competence with its business objective to capacity of at least 1.5 GW are being help customers and society at large tackle developed in northern and central Philippines. With the current geopolitical power shift, major transformations. South East Asia is poised to play a larger role Considering the urgency of climate change, in the global supply chain. By taking on this In the maritime space, Singapore is an market forces alone will not always be more prominent role, the sustainability excellent hub for the design, innovation and sufficient to provide the pace needed in the standards by which South East Asian certification of vessels. With the transition to transition. It is key that governments in the companies are measured against are raised. decarbonization, Singapore can play a key region invest in new technologies focusing This forces them to improve their role as a major world marine and offshore on the further expansion of renewables, sustainability processes and align their marine decarbonization centre. power grid expansion, decarbonization of practices with best-in-class global standards. existing assets and the integration of these Similarly, governments and regulators have While LNG will remain important as a transition systems to enable a cleaner and more announced plans committing to Net Zero fuel, ammonia, bioethanol and hydrogen as a sustainable transition. goals. These frameworks include an industrial building block for carbon-neutral fuels offer component which will mandate companies to bright prospects for the future. Many hydrogen Shifting mindsets conform to stricter emissions targets. and ammonia developments are being pursued today but before these technologies can be Third, on the role of the private sector, Enabling the energy transition with science made commercially viable, safety companies are increasingly taking an active and technology considerations will have to be addressed. stand in limiting their carbon emissions and are taking steps to decarbonize their supply Fourth, we need to embrace new technologies All these emerging technologies will advance chain. Companies have become more to advance the low-carbon transition. the carbon neutrality of fuel sources which engaged and have been making an effort to will also make available sustainable and better understand their carbon footprint. Technology has been a major enabler and affordable energy solutions. accelerator that has shaped the However, a stronger response to the threats decarbonization agenda. A number of Pushing ahead towards a sustainable future of climate change is required as the time companies have been looking at window for action is very tight. The world technologies that are at the forefront of the Fifth, cross-sector collaboration and needs to keep reducing its energy energy transition. Developments in floating partnerships across the value chain are consumption by 8% every year if climate offshore wind, new PV panel technologies important enablers to accelerate the energy change is to be tackled. (lightweight PV, organic PV, bifacial cells), transition. By working together, the industry’s best ideas can come together. Partnering with like-minded companies can boost collaboration and will yield better outcomes than by working in isolation. As decarbonization has become a shared imperative across industry players, partners can cooperate on R&D, the reduction of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and the development and commercialization of new technologies. To conclude, technology is facilitating the advancement of decarbonization practices. Harnessing these technologies through global cooperation, government policy innovations and a mindset change look set to change the energy landscape. But only with a coordinated response can industry take more meaningful action to reduce its carbon footprint and accelerate the energy transition. www.dnv.com 80 PES WIND



THINK TANK Firmware development methodology designed to simplify wind turbine converter validation and certification Words: E duardo Sanz, Technical Services Product Manager, Ingeteam Wind Energy As more wind energy is connected to the grid, ensuring the correct electrical performance of the wind turbine is critical, to maximise production and also ensure the safe operation of the grid. The power converter is the active component connecting the turbine to the grid. As the interface between the two, the power converter is designed to function to meet the needs of the generator side and the grid side. Following power converter installation, sequences, fieldbus communications, Eduardo Sanz unwanted firmware behaviour can have dynamic behaviour, power quality (PQ) serious consequences, from impact on response, fault ride-through (FRT) and production, leading to reduced revenues, to dynamic response. non-fulfilment of grid code requirements. It can even lead to damage to other turbine - E nables determination and defining of the components, resulting in higher operational proper validation environment for every and maintenance costs. stage of the development and functionality of the power converter, Ingeteam’s robust firmware development allowing for testing of functionality, from methodology has been developed to individual code debugging to partial code minimise onsite validation and certification software-in-the-loop (SiL) simulation, to and has several key benefits: full controller testing in hardware-in-the- loop (HiL) simulation. - E nables the ability to track the desired functionality from specification - Allows automation of test execution to to validation. ensure the validity of a solution upon multiple external conditions, such as - A llows for establishing requirements for grid variations and grid code fulfilment various functionalities, including for example. converter protections and emergency 82 PES WIND

THINK TANK Through this methodology process, any Figure 1. Validation procedure, from request to release issues found during the validation stage are quickly fed back into the development stage the automation tool, which performs the After the test cases are executed, the results to be corrected. execution of the tests. Based on the target are post-processed in order to check that the defined in the previous step, the correct acceptance values are met for each of the test Validation procedure system is launched, meaning that the tool cases, independently of the targeted system. launches the SiL model or the HiL system The firmware development is based on a based on the pre-definition for each of the All the post-processed information is used to procedure where the focus is set on the tests. It is important to note that the issue an acceptance report, which definition and successful execution of the targeted system must have a dedicated API acknowledges the fulfillment of the validation tests. The ultimate goal is to verify available for this purpose. performed test cases. and demonstrate that the customer’s requirements are fully met. Therefore, the procedure highly relies on the definition of the tests and on the platforms used during the validation. The present article focuses on steps 2 and 3, where the iterations for the firmware qualification are performed. Test definition and execution As a test-based validation approach, a critical aspect of the procedure is the correct definition and tracking of the requirements and the test sequences. The replicability of the test plans is essential for an iterative validation of new firmware releases and must be automated as much as possible for this purpose. The first step involved in the validation procedure involves the definition of the tests forming a test plan, and the programming of the execution of such tests. For that purpose, Ingeteam has developed a web-based test automation tool that manages the execution of the tests. The first step involves the definition of the test cases, based on a database where the test requirements, project-specific parameters and test acceptance values are indicated. An important part of this step is to define the target system where each test will be executed, being SiL or HiL the available targets. Once the tests are defined, they are fed into Figure 2. Test Automation Tool steps WWW.PESWIND.COM 83

THINK TANK Figure 3. Overview, test categories and target system Software-In-The-Loop validation an EMT model, where the main control • Low-level debugging routines are compiled into an Ingeteam targets this validation through executable library (i.e.: .DLL) with the • Flexible modelling non-dependent on Software-In-The-Loop (SiL) models for the exact same source code that is hardware limitations critical control software components and deployed in the converter. through Hardware-In-The-Loop (HiL) • Multiple controller instances simulators for full software + hardware SiL modelling allows for detailed debugging (controller) integration testing. down to individual breakpoints on the source • Start from snapshot code, supporting an in-depth testing of - S iL modelling consists of a detailed DSP’s control routines. • E xecution from library component - representation of the converter, no need for any hardware equipment generator, grid and control logics inside SiL validation advantages include: (controller) Figure 4. Post-processing of results for the same test case, executed both in HiL and SiL systems 84 PES WIND

THINK TANK • D irect integration in other platforms or Figure 5. SiL EMT model overview higher-level models (i.e.: wind turbine models, wide-area grid models) SiL validation limitations are: • Non-real-time execution, long simulation times required, depending on model complexity • P artial coverage of original source code. Focused mainly on the validation of the electrical control algorithms and modulations, not all the original firmware layers can be included in the executable library. Hardware abstraction layers, fieldbus communications, HMI and high-level logics, for example, are not part of SiL validation. An accurate representation of the control dynamics is achieved by the flexibility of the time step selection, which typically ranges from <1µs. to 50µs., in a compromise between execution speed and electro- magnetic transient precision based on test requirements. For example, in the case of high precision requirements such as harmonic spectrum compatibility, a low time step is required to obtain representative results: Figure 6. Harmonics compliance SiL test case, based on IEEE requirements WWW.PESWIND.COM 85

THINK TANK Hardware-in-The-Loop validation Figure 7. HiL system overview To overcome the limitations of SiL validation, a Real Time Simulation platform is included in Ingeteam’s validation procedure, thus incorporating the real Converter Control Unit (CCU) for a full HiL validation. The clear advantage of this step is that the firmware tested is exactly the same as the one released to production, running exactly in the same controller that is installed inside the converter. HiL validation advantages include: • Full coverage of converter firmware. • F ull coverage of controller’s hardware (Digital & Analog I/Os, Fieldbus communications, encoder signals, HMI interfaces, etc.). • R eal Time execution. Two systems available depending on the required precision for the test under execution: Figure 8. Ingeteam’s dynamic response under SIL & HIL simulation for a three phase 120% overvoltage (left) - P rocessor-based models: Average time and 30% undervoltage (right) cases. step of 40-50µs. 86 PES WIND - F PGA-based models: Average time step of 1-2µs. Correlation of results For both SiL and HiL models to be trusted and to ensure that the compiled library component used in the SiL model and the real controller have an equivalent behaviour, the results of both models are always correlated to each other under the same test conditions. This ensures that the library component can be fully trusted when a HiL system is not available for controller integration. The following example shows the correlation of a 120% overvoltage and a 30% undervoltage fault cases. Conclusions Reliability is a key factor in all of Ingeteam’s converter developments, and the validation process has been designed to ensure the highest level of reliability and optimization at every stage of firmware development. With the increasing complexity of the firmware programmed in the converter controller, a detailed step-by-step testing and validation process is essential to guarantee a reliable firmware integration, prior to field deployment of the production code. Ingeteam’s robust firmware development methodology ensures that the controller and the production code are fully tested throughout the development stages, drastically minimizing the on-site validation and certification phase, reducing the time to market, and reducing the overall cost of the wind turbine. www.ingeteam.com

ENABLING THE FUTURE OF OFFSHORE WIND Six out of ten offshore wind turbines in Europe are shipped from the port of Esbjerg in Denmark. As such, the port of Esbjerg plays a crucial role in realising the EU’s ambition of installing offshore wind turbines with a capacity totalling 60 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050. Achieving these ambitious targets will require close and smart collaboration across the supply chain. From production and storage to shipping. This is exactly where Port Esbjerg can contribute, because all this already takes place at the port today. Port Esbjerg is a reliable partner and the facilities at the port are scalable and sustainable. Together we can make the future greener. PORTESBJERG.COM

TALKING POINT Enabling emission reducing wind solutions with smart green shipping In October 2020, the UK government announced a target of 1GW of floating offshore wind by 2030, which combined with a 60% target for local content set by the UK Offshore Wind Sector Deal, sets manufacturing sites around the UK with a requirement for a significant scale up in fabrication. This provides a real challenge for the sector, as well as an opportunity to innovate and collaborate. Offshore wind can be used to provide direct thrust for ships, effectively deploying wind power using 21st century materials and digital technologies, with an offshore wind turbine in effect a modern development of an 18th century windmill. Both harness wind power with modern solutions. 88 PES WIND

TALKING POINT This article reviews recent work conducted between Smart Green Shipping and the Malin Group, who together are working to take the SGS Fully Automated Sail Technology FastRig from an engineered design into a finished fully operational product. The FastRig concept is being driven by draft new mandatory measures to cut the carbon intensity of existing ships, which have been agreed by an International Maritime Organization (IMO) working group, marking a major step forward, building on current mandatory energy efficiency requirements to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. These proposed amendments to the MARPOL (The International Convention for Prevention of Marine Pollution for Ships) convention requires ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. This is in line with the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. The amendments were developed by the seventh session of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, held in October 2020. FastRigs are designed to save 20% fuel and represent a significant and attractive commercial proposition regardless of regulation. Feasibility Analysis Smart Green Shipping (SGS) is an award-winning systems design house, who specialise in the development of system solutions to enable the rapid reduction of emissions from the global shipping industry. With a mission to create renewable powered ships, the first step is to retrofit existing shipping with FastRig autonomous, intelligent, retractable, recyclable wing sails, which can augment any powertrain to save fuel, reduce mechanical wear and generate emissions credits. The organisation has created a partnership with Malin Newbuild, part of the Malin Group, who have a shared ambition to demonstrate and implement the SGS WWW.PESWIND.COM 89

TALKING POINT FastRigs technology to the global shipping may also be operated by an on-board ships Independent modelling and analysis by fleet. Once achieved, this ambitious goal engineer operating a control panel to extend Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and represents a significant leap forward, and retract the units as required. Ultimately Industrial Architecture, established that the toward the decarbonisation of shipping. the optimal power call off will be via an AI system, when installed onto a Panamax system being developed by SGS with dry-bulk cargo ship produced at least 20% FastRigs, as illustrated in the figures, are European Space Agency support. fuel savings per annum on a Liverpool – Baton folding and automatically actuated sailing Rouge and return route. rigs that allow vessels to harness wind power A recent report for the Department for to augment their primary propulsion system. Transport estimated that between 37,000 With the design and environmental case for They are fully automated, hydraulic cylinders and 40,000 ships in the global fleet are FastRigs complete, SGS turned to Malin, as a move them into the vertical position, when in suitable for wind systems. Fastrig’s systems, fabrication and installation marine services operation and retract them, into the which can be retrofitted, provide a partner with experience of bringing horizontal position, when not in use, for cost-effective emission reducing solution. preliminary designs to a production ready example in periods of heavy weather or in The FastRig technology may also be used for status through multi-disciplinary port for loading and discharge. the development of future new-build, 100% engineering and production quality control. renewable powered vessels, combining with The result will be a demonstration FastRig to Once the FastRigs are installed, no additional hydrogen to mitigate the cost and energy be installed on a working ship. This crew is required to operate or maintain the density challenges of this zero-emission fuel. demonstrator enables the two organisations systems. As they are all linked to a In short, the benefits of the system are wide to test, verify and rapidly scale-up centralised control system which is installed ranging and easily applied. production and installation roll-out. at the time of inception of the project, they 90 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Malin Newbuild, with over 100 years of allow them access to the deep-water channel promoted in global markets. This renewed marine engineering experience, through the on the Clyde via a shared marine facility from vigour and focus, combined with SGS’s Malin Group, draws on multi-disciplinary their own base of operations. innovative technology, signals a technically, engineering expertise, especially in taking commercially, and environmentally sound renewable energy projects from drawing This new collaborative approach will lower and sustainable route to the rapid board to delivery, across the group, and the barriers to accessing the open sea from decarbonisation of shipping commensurate combines this with its extensive fabrication an open-access focal point for marine with the challenges of a climate emergency. capability. Thus, offering one of the largest manufacture on the Clyde. It will kick start covered fabrication facilities in Western new growth industries which will both build Malin has already identified and prioritised Scotland at over 20,000m2. Longer term, the and develop existing talent and skills in the clear and detailed workstreams, Group have an ambitious plan to deliver the Scotland while simultaneously attracting dependencies and milestones required in a Scottish Marine Technology Park (SMTP) at new talent from overseas. It will attract three-year plan to get FastRig operating in Old Kilpatrick. This park will provide an Scotland’s next generation of engineers, the global shipping market. accessible option for any business looking to scientists, and technologists into the marine expand into the marine manufacturing sector sector, leverage existing planned public The overall plan is to build the FastRig on the West coast of Scotland, and it will expenditure and help Scotland build a demonstration unit in Scotland in year one, lucrative export offering that can be retrofit a unit to prove the commercial solution to one or more working ships in year two and harvest data from these demonstration units on working ships in year three, to physically demonstrate the product – as well as offer insight for continual refinement and improvement. SGS have an agreement in place with a shipping company which they are confident will verify the fuel savings predicted by Wolfson and serve as operational proof of concept. The vision is ambitious; it will create new jobs on the Clyde, and further afield across Scotland in the development of modern low-emission materials, digital systems, and ‘green’ financing; this vision, through collaboration, may be achieved and represent a step towards achieving the Government’s commitment to a Net Zero economy by 2045. www.malingroup.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 91

TALKING POINT Supply chain success is critical for offshore wind 92 PES WIND

TALKING POINT As applicants prepare submissions for Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind programme, the leasing round for offshore wind farms in Scottish waters, our industry must sharply turn its attention to the formation and delivery of successful supply chain partnerships that will enable us to apply our knowledge of developing wind power whilst taking learnings from the long-established oil and gas operators. Words: Rick Campbell, Head of Offshore Markets at Natural Power Crown Estate Scotland reviewed the energy to drive our economy and society Rick Campbell ScotWind option structure in February and forward, we must continue and accelerate March of this year in response to the new the incredible technical and operational establish their position through market dynamics of the offshore wind sector achievements of the offshore wind energy strategic partnerships. following the result of The Crown Estate’s sector. However, to achieve this growth, auction for sites in waters around England we must convince many more UK businesses We want to develop a sustainable supply and Wales. to commit to the sector and build the chain, built on first-hand research and supply base required to support the industry experience, whilst building the skills and In summary, ScotWind Leasing will retain the going forward. capability of a wider range of SMEs. They same basic pricing structure for option should be able to benefit from opportunities agreements, but the maximum fee that The UK has proven to be a great place to emerging from the development of low might be paid has increased from £10,000 per innovate for many other sectors and we carbon energy infrastructure in the UK, km2 of seabed to £100,000 per km2. should now encourage businesses to particularly offshore wind, bringing increased Furthermore, the threshold of Supply Chain embrace the opportunities in offshore growth, competitiveness and productivity. Development Statement commitments that wind, establish knowhow and global applicants must meet to request a lease has competitiveness to create enduring As the pressure has been mounting on fossil been increased from 10% to 25%. The employment and export revenues as the fuel producers to make more immediate closing date for applications will be worldwide market opportunity accelerates. moves to tackle climate change, this has 16th July 2021. opened up whole new raft of welcome In view of the very ambitious scale and cost partnership opportunities. Such Earlier this year when The Crown Estate targets now being set for the offshore wind partnerships allow organisations to access announced six newly proposed offshore wind sector, UK business needs to step up and and combine resources, providing projects in the waters around England and provide a competitive offering and opportunity to accelerate growth. Wales as part of its Round 4 leasing round for complement the existing supply chain. To offshore wind, the successful applicants facilitate this, UK companies need to be There are three principal advantages that included two joint ventures and a consortium encouraged to offer innovative and arise from such partnerships; property including global oil and gas majors forming cost-effective services and technology to rights, or intangible asset advantages, which strategic partnering with established the sector. If this can be achieved, UK allow for efficiency and an increase in market renewable energy specialist – demonstrating businesses and the overall economy can power, for example access to capital or the importance of supply chain relationships greatly benefit from the substantial offshore resource; common governance, which for success in offshore wind. wind export opportunities that are now improves the effectiveness of the opening throughout the world. organisation; and institutional advantages, These six projects together represent just under 8 GW of potential new offshore wind Offshore wind can provide a cost effective capacity, which could deliver electricity for and low carbon route to providing at least more than seven million homes. 50% of the future electricity demands of the UK. The offshore wind sector has matured Here in the UK, we live on a densely rapidly over the past few years in the waters populated island with windy, shallow, seas around the UK and it is now capable of surrounding us, and consequently the providing a reliable supply with proven opportunity to lead the world in the technology. Opportunities exist through deployment of offshore wind energy is these new leasing rounds to build on this obvious and exciting. platform with new and emerging technological solutions. The UK already has the world’s largest deployment of offshore wind energy and it is Globally, the industry is growing at between now established as the lowest cost route to 18-21% year on year. This has attracted many large scale low carbon electricity generation. new developers and investors to the market, If we (the UK) are to meet our carbon and these new entrants are looking to emission reduction targets and provide the WWW.PESWIND.COM 93

TALKING POINT such as local knowledge, which improve diverting finance or other resource and states that firms seeking to enter a legitimacy and trust. limiting exposure. partnership should concentrate on complementarity and compatibility, and seek Partnerships can fall into one of several Key to successful license agreement activity to address the preferences, opportunities categories: is appropriate management of quality, as this and constraints of one another by has the opportunity to undermine both the considering the values each is seeking. A joint venture (JV) product and organisation where quality of offering does not match expectations. Technical, operational and cultural Can provide many advantages including compatibility positively correlate with combining skillsets, limiting financial Mergers and acquisitions performance. Technical and operational exposure, allowing economies of scale, and compatibility focus on the practical and enabling local content. Cross-business The main advantages of mergers and procedural capabilities of the firms whereas learning, and the opportunity for increased acquisitions are an increase in value creation, cultural compatibility considers the goals and capacity are also good corollaries. JVs are an increase in market share and improved values of the organisation. particularly appropriate where projects efficiencies and economies of scale. include high levels of uncertainty, costly Successful mergers and acquisitions have The Triple Bottom Line paradigm encourages technological innovation and high levels of positive long-term benefits, in particular organisations to consider social, information costs. However, difficulties can control over quality of output and over environmental and financial implications also arise in areas such as cross-partner activities. of a strategy. This can be used to evaluate management, cultural differences, access to suitable partnerships by focusing on finance, and appetite for risk, which can lead However, these can be countered by high the social and environmental values of to instability in the longer term. establishment costs, acquisition on behalf of each organisation. the acquiring organisation of ‘non-desired License agreement assets’ and a merging of cultures and For offshore wind, greenwashing, the operating practices which carries a risk of practice of adopting the environmental By licensing use of a product or technology a being unsuccessful. Cultural integration policies of another organisation to avoid firm may allow an independent organisation forms one of the key explanations for failure environmental accountability, is considered a (generally with some specialist or local of mergers and acquisitions, and often risk that may undermine the environmental knowledge) to produce or distribute the insufficient attention is paid to this during values of both the industry and individual product. This provides a collaborative, the integration of teams. organisations. However, if the industry is to flexible approach to firms with a specific accommodate market entrants with a product to expand their market without In selecting a partner, conventional wisdom 94 PES WIND

TALKING POINT background in thermal or oil and gas, the criteria for success at an early stage. knowledge sharing helps align partnership task, and partner, related distinction is an Differing objectives between partners is a objectives and improve relationships effective method. key reason for failure. Impacts of a between partners at all levels of the partnership should be considered beyond organisation, thereby reducing instability To establish the basis of a successful the scope of an individual project or activity, and risk of failure, and maintaining quality partnership from the outset it is useful to in particular ensuring that strategic of output. consider criteria for success. objectives of parent organisations are preserved. The offshore wind market is at an exciting Organisational performance improves where stage and will play a major role in the Just knowledge transfer is prioritised. It is Thirdly, prioritise knowledge sharing Transition towards an environmentally obvious that an organisation seeking to enter between partners. Knowledge sharing is a sustainable economy, and the global a new market will look to acquire knowledge. key aspect of partnering. It is not uncommon recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. By To ensure stability in a partnership and for an organisation to prioritise internal seeking to attract new entrants to the maximise competitive advantage it is knowledge transfer whilst seeking to avoid market and develop knowledge sharing important that outward transfer of transferring knowledge to partners. Such opportunities, there is an opportunity to knowledge – that is, sharing knowledge and practice creates an imbalance, which can develop long term investment and supply information with your partner – is also given undermine levels of trust in the relationship. chain benefits. Understanding, evaluating due focus. Developing a consistent position on and establishing approaches to partnerships is a key step in this process, providing Shared value systems are identified as a structure and accountability which will key influencer on the likely success of a enhance the likelihood of success. partnership. Rather than seeking to avoid acknowledgement of differences between www.naturalpower.com partners’ corporate values and/or backgrounds, these should be emphasised. In particular, attention should be given to how parent companies’ organisational values influence the project(s), and the effect the partnership may have on the parent companies. When seeking a new partner to enter or expand into the offshore wind market, it is useful to consider several key factors. Firstly, the organisation’s social and environmental values, as well as its access to resources. The renewable energy industry, and offshore wind in particular, is rapidly expanding and attracting investment from organisations lacking in positive environmental credentials. Whilst this should not pose a barrier to partnership in itself, it is an opportunity to engender a change towards alignment with a green agenda. Secondly establish roles, responsibilities and About Natural Power Natural Power is an independent consultancy and service provider that supports a global client base in the effective delivery of a wide range of renewable projects including onshore wind, solar, renewable heat, energy storage and offshore technologies. It has a global reach, employing more than 400 staff across 14 international offices. Its experience extends across all phases of the project lifecycle from initial feasibility, through construction to operations and throughout all stages of the transaction cycle. WWW.PESWIND.COM 95

THINK TANK In search of carbon-neutral maritime transport The Danish shipping company MHO-Co is heading a consortium focused on developing green solutions for the future of the entire maritime industry. In partnership with Danfoss, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S, Sterling PlanB, Stuart Friezer Marine and research engineers from Aalborg University, they will test fuel cells and new battery technology on the shipping company’s advanced hybrid vessels. 96 PES WIND

THINK TANK ‘Every day, our clients in the offshore wind Mik Henriksen industry produce environmentally friendly power, but they need solutions to store transport, are now working on how fuel cells electricity, and the maritime industry has and hydrogen can become part of the future yet to come up with a CO2 neutral of the maritime sector. propulsion. Our aim is to develop environmentally friendly technology to Another contributor to the project is Sterling replace fossil fuels and dominate the PlanB, who engineer safe and robust energy maritime industry in the future.’ storage systems in support of emission reduction. A concept that is both Mik Henriksen, CEO of MHO-Co, has had a cost-effective and sustainable. green agenda, since he founded the Danish shipping company in 2015. Now he is ‘We are grateful to have such innovative stepping up his green game as head of the partners in the project. It will generate consortium, and MHO-Co has joined forces significant key advances in the fuel cells and with Danfoss, Ballard Power Systems Europe the batteries, because we are able to test their A/S, Sterling PlanB and Stuart Friezer Marine system and technology under real maritime as well as with research engineers from conditions,’ continues Mik Henriksen. Aalborg University in search of carbon- neutral maritime transport. Floating test platforms Over the next three years, the six partners This summer, MHO-Co is introducing the have an ambitious plan to develop and test a next generation of vessels custom-designed propulsion system for maritime transport to service the wind turbine and offshore that does not emit carbon dioxide. The industries. MHO Asgard and MHO Apollo are groundbreaking project has a total budget of EUR 4.5 million, of which EUR 2.15 million are grants from the Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP). ‘With the EUDP grants as well as with knowledge and innovation from other participants, we will set new standards for what is possible in the maritime industry,’ says Mik Henriksen. Fuel cells and batteries During the project, a range of green propulsion technologies will be tested, especially fuel cells and liquid cooling system batteries. Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S, which have experience with fuel cells for heavy MHO Asgard MHO Apollo WWW.PESWIND.COM 97

THINK TANK the world’s first crew transfer vessels with of 225 kWh, and in the beginning of 2022, tailored specially to our new vessels, and hybrid propulsion. These two vessels will be the hydrogen tanks and fuel cells, with a Volvo Penta has named their advanced the focal point of the project. capacity of 200 kWh, will be installed on the electric propulsion system after us, calling it other vessel. the MHO hybrid. This is a great honor, and we ‘Our two new vessels are built as floating cannot wait to see it all come together on our test platforms. They are designed to be During 2022, the two vessels and the new vessels,’ enthuses Mik Henriksen. adapted to the environmentally-friendly partnering companies will test and evaluate energy systems of the future, simply by the use of the batteries and fuel cells, and With the innovative and unique combination replacing engine and propulsion packages. they will constantly measure the of gensets and the electric IPS, the electric And since the vessels are catamarans, we consumption of fuel and hydrogen. motors will reduce CO2 emissions and have four platforms providing even better eliminate discharge of particles when idling. conditions for testing and comparing Tailored prototype The large battery capacity makes it possible different sustainable solutions,’ Mik to stay offshore overnight in hybrid mode, Henriksen explains. Just like the previous MHO vessels designed not burning fuel for up to eight hours and by Mik Henriksen, these are two unique and without anchoring or mooring to a buoy. When the vessels are fully in operation, state-of-the-art hybrid CTVs. In the design they will be equipped to test the different process he partnered up with Incat Crowther, Worth the hassle technologies. Stuart Friezer will estimate who has expert knowledge in catamarans. the requirements for hydrogen storage and The two hybrid CTVs are being built at the determine suitable installation options for What makes the two catamarans truly AFAI Southern Shipyard in Guangzhou, all components. This includes hydrogen special is the Danfoss Editron hybrid motor. China. The largest shipyard in Asia tanks, Ballard Fuel cell, PlanB batteries The permanently magnetized electric specializing in the development, design along with associated mounting and motor saves both weight and space on the and construction of high-performance connection details. CTV while consuming less fuel and giving aluminum vessels. higher efficiency. In the fall of 2021, the large extra batteries The large vessels have a length of 35 meters will be installed on one vessel giving it a total ‘This propulsion line is a prototype from Volvo with a 110m² fore deck and a 15m² aft deck. Penta and Danfoss Editron. The system is MHO Asgard in China 98 PES WIND

THINK TANK MHO Asgard MHO Apollo Each of them is fitted with a large lounge Fitted with Z-bridge Facts about MHO-Co area, eight cabins and holds up to 24 passengers and 57 tons of cargo. Apart from their innovative hybrid MHO-Co is a Danish shipping company propulsion, the new CTVs can be equipped specializing in the service and transport Due to Covid-19 and ensuing restrictions; with Z-Bridge’s motion-compensated of crew in the offshore wind industry. the process has been different from previous bring-to-work transfer system on the front The shipping company was founded in building projects. Progress and technical deck. In October 2020, MHO-Co tested the Esbjerg in 2015 by Mik Henriksen and details were discussed by email and Z-bridge system. commands a number of vessels including inspections made via video link. Trips to the twin vessels Gurli and Esbjerg, which, China were prolonged by quarantine periods ‘The test with MHO Esbjerg in Breskens in each measuring 39 meters, are the in hotels. The Netherlands was huge success, and we world’s largest Crew Transfer Vessels. are ready to put the system into work on the ‘It is not easy building ships from a distance. hybrid vessels making them even safer and The vessels have specially designed But it has definitely been worth the hassle. All more efficient,’ asserts Mik Henriksen. fenders that protect the turbines. parties have lived up to their best Despite the size of the vessels, they only performance, and I am happy to say that we This Z-bridge will improve safety and allow push on to the turbine tower with a max are on time and also very eager to see the four technicians to transfer in a trolley of 250 kilo newtons. vessels finished,’ declares Mik Henriksen. directly from the CTV to the platform. The elimination of climbing up the towers will The green ambitions are great, and the The two new vessels are scheduled to be increase workability and improve the transfer goal of MHO-Co from day one has been to put into operation in Europe before the time, all in a safe manner. service the offshore industry with reliable summer holidays 2021. During the first vessels with high performance and safety, year, they will service the Hornsea Project Fully functioning the system will give the where environmental and fuel-economy 2 offshore wind farm for Ørsted, based out vessels even more days of operation, with a considerations go hand in hand. of Grimsby, UK. limit higher than 2 meters h/s. Visit www.MHO-Co.dk to learn more. WWW.PESWIND.COM 99

THINK TANK Challenges in evaluating drone data Words: D I Christian Raml, Head of R&D at Aero Enterprise GmbH Nowadays there is apparently almost no problem that cannot be solved with AI. If cars can even drive completely autonomously, should it not be easy then to find defects and other abnormalities on images from rotor blades of wind-turbines? However, where is the algorithm that detects defects in real time, qualifies them and gives a recommendation for action? 100 PES WIND