PES Wind 2 2019

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ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION Temporary, customised configurations for client needs and crew comfort Offshore wind farms are growing both in size and number. The engineers and technicians can be at sea for long periods of time and their living conditions and comfort are top priority. Crew conditions contribute to the smooth execution and completion of projects. So, it was a pleasure for PES to catch up with Craig Marjoribanks, Sales & Marketing Manager, at HB Rentals Ltd, to get an update on their solutions. Craig Marjoribanks 52 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION PES: Hi Craig, welcome back to PES Wind, it’s good to talk to you again. It’s been a while since we heard from HB Rentals. Would you like to begin by giving us a brief overview of your company? Craig Marjoribanks: Hello it’s good to be back and give you an update on HB Rentals. We are a global provider of offshore modular temporary living quarters (TLQ’s) and welfare facilities for all types of offshore installations. From accommodation modules to galleys, mess rooms, locker, laundry, gymnasiums and more, we have a large rental fleet in excess of 300+ modules between our Aberdeen and Abu Dhabi facilities to meet our clients’ requirements. We also have facilities across the United States of America, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and Saudi Arabia allowing us to serve our customers from various industries on a global scale. PES: We know that you have a variety of different types of containers on offer, could you tell us about them and give us some examples of their use by your customers? CM: We have various sizes within our fleet however, our core product line is our 32ft long x 11ft wide accommodation and welfare modules. These modules can either be standalone or form part of a larger complex, depending on the clients’ requirements. They come with a built-in internal corridor and en-suite cabin on either side, making it possible to link multiple modules together, to form a self-contained complex. You can also link welfare modules with the accommodation, so that it’s possible to move from the cabin to the mess / recreation room / offices etc. via the internal corridor, without going outside. As well as linking, these modules can also be stacked forming a complex over multiple levels. We also provide enclosed staircase modules to supplement the accommodation, which can be stacked and linked onto the TLQ complex, allowing workers to move between each level of the complex without going outside. To HB Rentals, client comfort and safety are paramount. When we designed our 32ft offshore accommodation and welfare modules, we considered numerous factors, thus ensuring that our equipment meets a broad range of regulatory compliances and certifying authority requirements. With worker safety and comfort at the forefront, some of the primary drivers include HSE Guidelines, DNV 2.7-1 certification, SOLAS / IMO regulations and most recently, the ABS Guide for Portable Accommodation. This enables us to supply equipment for a multitude of applications and configurations from standalone bedroom modules to large, multi-level accommodation complexes complete with welfare facilities and auxiliary services. WWW.PESWIND.COM 53

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION ‘We pride ourselves on the service we provide to our PES: Do they come fully equipped, ready to customers and that’s why they continuously come use or can the customer decide on the layout? back to us for their TLQ requirements.’ CM: The modules come equipped with everything the client needs and are ready for use as soon as they are installed and commissioned on-site. However, although the general design of the modules stays the same, our clients can choose to customise based on their requirements. Whether the cabins need to be single occupancy or sleep 4 persons, have a desk space for working or a lounge seating area for added comfort. All this would all be developed with our client from the initial enquiry phase. PES: Could you tell us about your most challenging solution in the wind industry to date? CM: Our two most high-profile offshore wind projects to date were mobilised simultaneously for the hook-up and commissioning phase of an offshore HVDC converter platform in the German North Sea. HB Rentals installed a 20 POB (personnel on board) accommodation complex on-board during the physical platform installation, to provide additional accommodation and welfare facilities for our clients’ technicians. Concurrent with the HVDC converter platform TLQ installation, we had 96 POB installed on a jack-up barge, supporting the hook-up and commissioning phase of work. At this time, HB had a total of 69 rental 54 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: ACCOMMODATION accommodation modules installed across provide to our customers and that’s why they Most recently, we mobilised a 28 POB two installations for the same project, all continuously come back to us for their TLQ Accommodation Complex on-board an ABS mobilised and delivered within our client’s requirements. classed subsea support vessel going to schedule. operate in the Danish North Sea. Faced with a By having all the design, engineering, tight project schedule, as our standard rental PES: Describe HB Rentals ability to technically regulatory expertise, project management units required customisation to meet client execute a TLQ complex installation. and logistics performed by our designated and project specific requirements, however in-house teams, at each of our global facilities, we succeeded and we delivered on time. CM: We have a defined process for we can control the project from start to finish. supporting an offshore accommodation We also provide our own qualified technicians We have also tendered for a large number of project. Since each project is a custom to perform the installation, hook-up and global projects due to commence in the near engineered solution, we adhere to a commissioning of the complex on-board the future, so it is clear that there is a high demand methodical approach in qualifying our clients’ clients host installation. for temporary living quarters in the offshore requirements, which is very similar to a FEED market and everyone at HB Rentals is looking (Front End Engineering Design) study. PES: We are already almost halfway through forward to the rest of 2019 and into 2020. the year, how has 2019 been for you so far? It is essential that we maintain rigorous www.hbrentals.com quality assurance throughout the entire CM: The first half of 2019 has been a great process, from requirements definition to year so far for us. We have seen a high Company profile engineering design, fabrication, shipping to demand for additional accommodation site, usually a port and installation. modules in the North Sea, mainly on-board HB Rentals Limited is a superior energy Walk-to-Work (W2W) type vessels servicing services company, which specialises in Given the nature of short-term rental Oil & Gas Platforms and offshore wind farms. DNV & ABS certified temporary offshore projects – that they tend to support specific accommodation solutions, Zone I / Zone work for a short duration, we are frequently II hazardous area service modules, and contacted in the latter stages of the project’s workshop and refrigeration containers. development and subsequently have less time to plan and respond. It’s not uncommon We are a global organisation with key to receive RFQs and project requests in operating and service facilities located which a custom TLQ complex needs to be in strategic markets around the world designed, engineered, delivered and installed including Scotland, USA, UAE, Saudi within weeks of initial contact. Arabia, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. We have been based in Aberdeen for Due to these industry demands, we set up over 25 years, servicing oil & gas, our internal processes and operations as offshore wind and maritime customers such so that we can quickly respond to the with a hire fleet in excess of 300+ DNV & opportunity with internal engineering, ABS certified, A60 rated modules and design, regulatory, fabrication, logistics, providing customised solutions installation and commissioning expertise. We according to specific requirements. maintain tight control over these resources to ensure our ability to respond to client Our UK & Middle East facilities are needs based on their schedule – not ours. accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 quality, environmental, PES: There are many companies offering on and health & safety management board accommodation and storage, why systems respectively and we strive to should customers choose you, what makes maintain the highest industry standards HB Rentals stand out from the competition? and certification available in the market. CM: We pride ourselves on the service we WWW.PESWIND.COM 55

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ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS Offshore surveys can be very challenging Franklin Rîd PES caught up with Nils Ingvarson, the CCO at MMT. He was happy to tell us about increased revenue, new clients and improved efficiency leading to cost savings. The company has a lot of experience in the oil and gas industry and intends to bring photogrammetry to the offshore wind sector. NIls Ingvarson for purpose in the current market. So far, this and what difference has this made to the seems to be working well. end user? PES: Hi Nils, welcome back to PES Wind, it’s good to talk with you again. Please could In 2018 we had a revenue increase of around NI: Our current survey operations are you bring us up to date with any changes 300 MSEK and we have been working for new continuously improving. For example, the since we last spoke with Per-Oof Sverlinger, major clients in the industry. Round 3 wind farms in the UK are in the main not long after he took over as CEO? further offshore and require larger vessels, Nils Ingvarson: We are continuing on the set PES: Has there been any subsequent change which very much suits our current fleet plan and aiming to make even more in your offers to the offshore wind operating in this area. adjustments to ensure the organisation is fit industry? We have several on-going development NI: We have won more contracts for surveys projects, especially for monitoring during the with 2D and 3D ultra-high-resolution (UHR) operation phase of the windfarms. We are seismic equipment, which is very positive for looking in to bringing in the techniques of us. The data we collect is very useful and the photogrammetry, which we developed for requirement for data processing is high spec, the oil and gas industry. Considerable costs so this suits us well. have been saved, by using much higher quality data to improve engineering PES: How have your surveys changed over efficiency. the years, what new technology is available 58 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS This methodology would also be useful in NI: The routines and competence with renewables, for saving costs on structure regards to inspections, excavations and inspections. We are also preparing identifications are important and our Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and teams are great when it comes to well- ASV solutions, which will also be suitable for organized campaigns. the renewables industry, too. Since 2011 we have disposed of hundreds and PES: We were wondering how much hundreds of UXOs, with our EOD discussion and planning are needed before a contractors. Each time we sharpen our survey? Could you tell us about your most procedures and methods to be more challenging survey to date? resourceful and save costs for the client. NI: Currently we are involved in several PES: We’d love to hear about some of your interesting projects. The type of challenge current and ongoing work. varies, but I would say that the planning is key to a job well done. The scope and most of all, NI: We operate in several segments: the understanding of the client’s goal in renewables, interconnectors and the oil and carrying out a survey, are the most important gas. Globally we have worked mainly for the factors. It’s necessary to put extra effort in, oil and gas sector conducting survey and to ensure we are all on the same page and can pipe line inspections. We have also carried discuss the operational challenges together, out some great depth work in the west with the clients. Shetland area. One example of a challenge is a geophysical The Surveyor Interceptor, the world’s fastest survey operation in the wintertime in remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) exposed areas. We have a wide range of developed by MMT and Reach Subsea, has platforms in our fleet, we arranged, through been used for geophysical and environmental discussion with clients to use a bigger vessel, site surveys and we are very happy with the which is not normally used, due to the higher quality of data. We have also had very positive cost. This was necessary, in an exposed area responses from our clients as well. in bad weather. The work was completed on time and within the expected budget due to PES: Have there been many changes in the decreased weather exposure. Health and Safety procedures and if so, how have they impacted on your work? PES: UXO surveys continue to be in the headlines, have you been able to further NI: We have taken HSE seriously for a very improve the process or service here? long time now and are confident in the safety of the work we do. Of course, working Offline processing Stril Explorer WWW.PESWIND.COM 59

ASK THE EXPERTS: SURVEYS ROV control room Stril Explorer. MMT and partner Reach Subsea with UXOs it is also a very important for our considering improving the progress of saving in time. teams that the risk mitigation process is inspections by implementing 2 ROV’? Is this done properly. an option that you are still looking at? PES: What makes MMT stand out from the Thus, we have worked out a very useful and competition, why should customers clear line of checklists, which includes criteria NI: Yes, that operation was tried out with one choose you? that has to be ticked off, before we do any of our clients with good results. This method seabed sampling. It does not restrict the is good when there are numerous targets to NI: Our employees are really great and we work we do and the criteria is adapted to the inspect in smaller areas. Therefore, the have maintained our positive drive to do our conditions at each work site. validity has to be evaluated for each project. best both in the field and in the office. I think PES: We recall that last time you were The cost for the operation increases per day, what stands out is our Swedishness. For us but if done effectively there is a significant it’s how we work, but very often our Planning prior to start operations Stril Explorer international clients tell us that we are easy to work with. Our focus on completing the work well is the number one priority at all times, which is also very important to clients. PES: We are already almost halfway through the year, how has 2019 been for you so far? NI: 2018 was a record year for us in terms of turnover, we had several large mainstay projects. These were solid and we managed to include more work, without compromising the quality. We have had to spread out our inhouse competences in more projects, but our team stepped up and did a good job. 2019 started a bit slow, the orders only began to pick up properly in the second half of April. A lot of potential contracts were pushed back to the summer. We know we have a lot of work coming up at the beginning of the third quarter, which is positive. We have our fingers crossed for enough work during July and August. So far, we are planning everything we can to be able to do as much as possible. www.mmt.se 60 PES WIND

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No strings TALTKHININGKPTOAINKT attached Wireless technology has Wireless technology transformed the way brings the industry we live. Every day, together people depend on wireless systems to communicate at work, at home and when on the move. WWW.PESWIND.COM 63

THINK TANK SURVEY AS A SERVICE Full collaboration between offshore ONSHORE and onshore survey teams OFFSHORE Maximize - Onshore support Minimize Offshore personnel Minimize offshore survey crew and maximize onshore support - 24/7/365 remote monitoring and support - Multi channel video streaming & audio intercom - Reducing vessel POB, improving logistics and overall operational safety In fact, with advances in technology, it from an onshore location, reducing the required an extremely quick turnaround. wouldn’t come as a surprise if in a few number of people required offshore and decades from now, we were all living in a limiting downtime. Utilising nCentric’s communication node on virtually wire free world. board eight vessels, crews were able to The technology was a key component in the stream more than 10 live ROV video images The potential benefits of wireless systems clean-up operation following the Deep Water to the offshore command centre, as well as for offshore applications are clear. Long- Horizon disaster in 2010. The U.S between one another and create a reliable range radio modems and gateways have Government identified that increased communication link. The wireless mesh enabled people to communicate in even the visibility and enhanced communication were network also accommodated ongoing world’s most challenging, far-flung seas. needed in order to monitor the operation. vessel movements and possible The fast-track nature of the project obstructions, whilst tolerating interference Through the development of its own patent-based communication products nCentric can offer disruptive technology and has a well-defined competitive advantage, both in term of technology and commercial contribution, compared to other competitive telecommunication technologies e.g. satellite and classic operators. However, it’s not just on land that we rely on this ‘no-strings attached’ approach, nCentric’s wireless networks are now widely deployed and used to provide fast, reliable and cost-effective broadband communications between assets and vessels and onshore facilities. It’s nCentric’s goal to supply seamless video streaming and data transmissions for large-scale, wireless dynamic mesh networks from its offices and partners across the globe. The nCentric technology can be used to monitor offshore operations, increase communication and can relay high definition footage from Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in real-time. The system can be configured remotely and can be monitored 64 PES WIND

THINK TANK from multiple frequencies without affecting equipment to seamless data transfer and nCentric’s Nova Node is different to existing its performance. video security. systems currently on the market. It features The industry relies on anywhere, anytime a range of license free radios from 900MHz As companies venture into increasingly communications and amidst the backdrop of -2,4 GHz -5,8 GHz and can be linked up with remote and isolated locations, tough operating conditions, technology which 3G - 4G and even 5GpLTE modems for communication lifelines are vital to manage can enhance the speed and safety of projects reliable remote connectivity. fleet and vessel operations as well as is key. The need for an infrastructure that For Belgium and part of the Netherlands maintain crew safety. allows all assets, whether fixed or in motion, to nCentric holds the license to this 5GpLTE connect and communicate in real-time, at all band and acts as an offshore operator in this A wireless mesh network allows the industry to times is growing. This means that the industry frequency. Other countries on request. The connect and collaborate on a project, bringing must be open to adopt new or changing systems also have iridium on board for together all parties involved to exchange real network technologies to increase productivity remote monitoring from the Bruges or time IP data and video images across large, and communicate without interference, Houston office. hard-to-reach geographical areas. interruption, or manual intervention. Finally, it also includes a GPS tracking device so Technical focus – nCentric Nova Nodes vessels and other assets can be located at any By providing seamless mobility, critical Several products are available from the time, no matter where they are in the world. applications like VoIP, video streaming and standard Nova Node 4, Nova Node 2, Nova Technical focus – Seehub data, transmissions are not interrupted as Sector and Nova panel, which will operate as With Seehub, another nCentric solution, they move through the network, the an access point whilst the Mobi-node is a engineers can now monitor and assist technology can specifically address the small mobile unit the size of a deck of cards offshore operations from any onshore overall communication requirements of providing you internet connectivity offshore. location. The network is highly responsive, platforms, vessels and other assets ensuring voice, video and data can quickly operating in remote areas. Therefore, NovaNode front internal Combo and securely flow between all field providing high bandwidth with extremely low coverage nodes in the network and latency communication solutions, delivering shore-based locations. more efficient and safer operations. nCentric’s Seehub was originally designed to support ROV streams on any vessel. As the industry faces more challenges and greater complexity than ever before and the Nova Node Combo world’s energy demand continues to grow, it’s important that companies increase both their discoveries and the efficiency of their operations. By transitioning to the digital windfarm, utilising seamless, high- bandwidth communication services, the industry can revolutionise the way they carry out projects and create opportunities to make better decisions faster. Today’s technology will only get more sophisticated as time goes on. The range of applications supported by wireless technology is virtually unlimited, from remote monitoring of wind farms and WWW.PESWIND.COM 65

THINK TANK ‘The main goal of the ‘offshore 5G ready partnership’ is to give the offshore users a more reliable, high speed, high capacity, low latency internet link which covers the full Belgian North Sea.’ The streaming solution consists of onboard quickly be installed on an as needed basis for Not only wind farm installation projects but encoders and a web-based interface that both long and short periods of time. also marine security & safety, search & means it’s possible to visualize the streams rescue, towing, dredging, as well as survey from the office or any other location. Secure A Belgian partnership consisting of the operation applications or even crew well-fare access is available through the Internet or offshore wireless network operator nCentric, will benefit from this new network and its clients’ private networks, providing instant 5G license owner, sister company Citymesh innovative capabilities. access regardless of analysts’ or viewers’ and offshore integrator Engie Fabricom is locations. Why send people offshore if you currently undertaking the roll-out of a full The roll-out will be done in several phases have remote access from onshore…. blown 5G ready, internet connectivity in the starting with the installation of 2 network Belgian North Sea. stations offshore, on the substations of Windfarm solutions and 5G pLTE in the existing wind farms, currently already Belgian North Sea The main goal of the ‘offshore 5G ready covering all Belgian offshore windfarms, partnership’ is to give the offshore users a followed by 4 systems onshore and another The wind farm has a high concentration of more reliable, high speed, high capacity, low offshore. This will enable the full 5G ready vessels, working around the installations, latency internet link which covers the full coverage in the entire Belgian North Sea. supplying equipment or just sailing in and Belgian North Sea. This will be a unique and out. Any of these vessels may require data very powerful solution, drastically On top of this, nCentric’s mesh will act as a connectivity, which is traditionally offered by decreasing communication costs and redundant system for backup reasons. The VSAT, often not available for the smaller increasing operational excellence. end users will be able to connect to the vessels due to the cost. Furthermore, this is a private, dedicated network by the use of dedicated network SIM capacity of high speed, network where no card within a small connection unit, with low Still, flexible data connectivity is a interference is possible, ensuring a fast route hardware and installation cost. requirement for all of the vessels. An easy to to digital transformation (IOT) wireless free. mobilize system is needed, which can be www.ncentric.com 66 PES WIND



ASK THE EXPERTS: DIGITALISATION Credit: Emma Sukalic www.exion.no From the traditional to a futuristic digital business Morten Huseby, CEO at Wirescan, shares his enthusiasm for their new digital service with PES. The company is set to launch its Wirescan Digital platform and Wirescan GO!. These are exciting times and the beginning of a new era for this dynamic, forward thinking company. Morten Huseby PES: Hi Morten, welcome to PES Wind traditional ‘box-pushing’ to a digital magazine, it’s good to talk to you. Would you service-based business model, with the 68 PES WIND like to begin by giving us an overview of capability of collecting test data from Wirescan and how it has changed over the de-energized and energized cables. past 12 months? Wirescan can now offer condition assessment Morten Huseby: Wirescan is changing from a and monitoring services throughout the

ASK THE EXPERTS: DIGITALISATION Credit: Emma Sukalic www.exion.no whole cable lifetime. The ability to gather and been doing in terms of cable testing and parameters reach a certain level. This forms structure huge amounts of data is opening a condition assessment. Technologies and test the basis of proactive maintenance. whole new world of possibilities within systems, such as TDR, IR, CR, HV, OTDR, predictive analysis. DTS and DAS are all welcome in our Wirescan The ability to move from reactive to Digital platform, together with the LIRA data. proactive maintenance affects the end user Look at the Tesla autopilot accident in several ways. Wirescan Digital provides prediction module. By ‘replacing’ the human Once we have centralized, structured, information which supports decisions in mind as the decision maker, Tesla’s autopilot correlated, and synchronized the available day-to-day operations, maintenance and gathers huge amounts of real time data, which data, we turn it into important information investments. The results can be measured in is processed to keep the vehicle not only on based on big data analysis, machine learning the reduction of unwanted events leading to the road at the right speed, but also to assess and artificial intelligence. We believe these downtime with all associated costs, such as complex traffic situations to automatically technologies are the cornerstones to the failure location, repair campaigns, and of predict and avoid any unwanted events. This is future of cable condition assessment and course lost revenue. what Wirescan is doing for the cable industry. monitoring. PES: What stage have you reached in this We believe that the industry transition into PES: Do all these changes mean you have a process, have the trials been completed, are the digital domain is the best way to ensure new goal in mind? there any projects you can tell us about our customers extract maximum value from either completed, ongoing or about to start? our products and services. We translate data MH: The primary goal remains the same, we into valuable information and have want to help our customer from fail and fix to MH: In March 2019 we completed a Wirescan established a new industry standard enabling predict and prevent. Digital Online trial at Bornholm where it had the transition from ‘fail and fix’ to ‘predict successfully monitored cables in operation and prevent’. PES: We would love to hear more about the for 15 months. Wirescan Digital solution and portfolio, how PES: We know there are further changes will this benefit the end user? We are currently launching our new data coming, are you able to share any of the acquisition tool, Wirescan GO! It is a details with us? MH: By knowing more about the state/ simplified system, where we have automated condition of their cables, end users will some of the key features in our data MH: Progressive movement and innovation benefit from Wirescan Digital in many ways. acquisition software, to lower the user are a part of our DNA. We aim to make the For example, in a cable delivery process there threshold and increase quality of the seemingly impossible a reality, and every are many stakeholders involved and keeping acquired data. It provides a set of instant test step we take today has this ambition. For track of all the test data produced during the results to the user, and can upload the test instance, we don’t tell the operators to turn different stages, can be a challenge itself. results to the Wirescan Digital platform. their back on what they have traditionally Here the data is further analysed, and more We can help to organize all test data and valuable information is generated. The make it easily available in one place. This analysis results can also be viewed and reference can be utilized in the future for compared with reference to results from portfolio evaluation and be used as a decision other test methods. support tool for maintenance planning. We are currently working on establishing the Another example is cable condition Wirescan Digital Online system, for condition monitoring in operation, or online monitoring energized electric (monitoring of monitoring as we call it. Together with a energized electric cables) cables, at one of solid reference, established during Total E&P’s offshore facilities in Qatar. The commissioning, online monitoring can system will be installed in the autumn of 2019. detect and keep track of changes in cable health indicators, and with comprehensive These days we are moving into commercial analysis, Wirescan Digital can predict when projects and we are finalizing several WWW.PESWIND.COM 69

ASK THE EXPERTS: DIGITALISATION Credit: Emma Sukalic www.exion.no agreements and deals with significant We are aiming several workshops at our and monitoring. operators to establish the Wirescan Digital current and new customers, primarily those solution for onshore and offshore wind who have started to use Wirescan GO! In PES: We were wondering about your facilities and power distribution networks. these workshops we demonstrate the geographical reach and if you have plans to Due to confidentiality we cannot share more Wirescan Digital platform and collect expand into other areas? details at this time. Stay tuned for our customer feedback. Implementation of basic upcoming press-releases. and some advance features are ongoing. MH: Offshore wind and distribution grids in Northern Europe are our current target PES: Is it true that some of the major We are looking at some exciting markets. However, our customers and the players in the industry are interested in arrangements for the launch and will offer confidence in LIRA in the market, open up Wirescan Digital, if so who and are there any something more rock’n’roll than the usual opportunities in the Middle East, South East confirmed takers? reception and dinner. Stay tuned for more Asia, and North American markets. The focus information and invitations! This will be is still on Europe, but our dynamic customers MH: Over the years, LIRA has been utilized in published on our web pages and through our and partners may help us to expand our many industries, primarily in offshore wind, social media channels, Facebook, LinkedIn geographic reach sooner than we anticipate. power distribution and transmission, and the and Instagram. nuclear sector. Our list of existing PES: We are already almost halfway through customers, who we are talking to about PES: This is all very exciting. Please tell us the year, how has 2019 been for you so far Wirescan Digital, includes TenneT offshore, what you think makes Wirescan stand out and how is the rest of the year looking? Parkwind, Nexans, Total Eren, Boskalis, EDS from the competition, why should HV, Ørsted, Vattenfall, Siemens, London customers choose you? MH: So far, 2019 has treated us well in many Array, to mention a few. ways. Our technology and business MH: The unique combination of our cable development efforts are moving along faster The interest in Wirescan Digital is significant, expertise, cable testing experience, and than planned, we see a significant interest in and as stated above, there will be several strong drive to push things into the digital Wirescan Digital, and we have some really targeted press-releases in the near future. future, makes us different from the exciting partnerships coming up! traditional cable testing industry. PES: How and when are you planning to For the rest of 2019, we will focus on launch the full project to the public? We have a wider value based on the establishing customer relations based on combination of cable test data and Wirescan Digital. MH: We will be focussing on the official digitalization efforts. This opens a whole release of Wirescan Digital at the Offshore new world of insights into cable health 2019 will mark the year when Wirescan Digital Energy 2019 in Amsterdam and at the indicators, a new industry standard. This is changed the cable assessment and Offshore Wind Europe 2019 in Copenhagen. the future of cable condition assessment monitoring game. We are working on launch preparations now. www.wirescan.no 70 PES WIND



TALKING POINT The next decade of the global offshore wind market Offshore wind market is reliant on key global markets Words: Jesse Broehl, Senior Research Analyst, Navigant Research The offshore wind power industry continues to grow at a steady pace. It is expanding to new markets as cost reductions in the technology and demand for renewable energy become increasingly attractive to governments, power utilities, and other stakeholders. While the onshore wind market is larger in terms of total megawatt plant capacity added annually, offshore wind is growing quicker and offers a unique value proposition. Jesse Broehl 72 PES WIND

TALKING POINT It is an abundant clean energy solution for Netherlands follows with 1,483 MW, France, Belgium, and China. These countries many coastal load centers where a greater Germany with 1,080 MW, Denmark with 1,011 are augmented by minor capacity in some proportion of population and energy demand MW, Belgium with 370 MW, Taiwan with 120 select countries where development is located—often areas where the onshore MW, and South Korea with 60 MW. Globally, ambitions are being matched with supportive wind resource is more difficult to develop. over 30.3 GW are in advanced planning policy and development. These countries Other key factors for offshore wind project stages, and these are projects considered include Taiwan and the US, which are both on development include higher wind speeds, highly probable to reach final investment the cusp of a large takeoff. higher plant load factors, more stable power decision and be built by 2028. generation, and rapidly declining costs. The global offshore wind market is expected to Policy Support Still a Key Driver for install over 69.8 GW from 2018 to 2027. The This article provides forecasts and insights Offshore Growth compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is into the offshore market through 2027. As of modest at 5.7%, reflecting a slightly bell- mid-2019, Navigant Research estimates Unlike onshore wind, which has made inroads shaped installation curve. Some large projects there to be over 14.9 GW of offshore wind into many countries, the higher cost, risk, in Europe (primarily the UK and Germany) are capacity in various stages of construction and complexity of offshore wind dictates expected to go online between 2022 and 2025, globally. This includes over 6 GW in China that its markets are driven predominantly by and overall construction is projected to where, after years of delay, the offshore countries that enact specific policy and subside slightly as the many new large projects sector is reaching the massive scale regulatory drivers for wind. This narrows the satisfy medium-term electricity demand. expected of this market. The UK also has a current market for offshore wind to under a Germany, for example, intends to support no large amount of capacity, with 4.8 GW in dozen countries. Among these are the UK, more than 800 MW, on average, annually after various stages of construction. The Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, 2025 compared to the 1,231 MW constructed WWW.PESWIND.COM 73

TALKING POINT in 2018. France will see the highest growth rate wind market, with around 700 MW or more in size reduce the number of foundations since it has no large projects online and expected online each year beginning in 2020. needed, reducing overall CAPEX. These projects around the 500-plus megawatt level South Korea and Japan’s markets are less highly sophisticated turbines with 170-plus will be built annually starting in 2020-2021. The certain but trending in the right direction. meter rotors are achieving capacity factors UK represents around 20% of the global Navigant Research assumes that both above 45%-50%. These turbines are market at 14.1 GW, followed by Germany with markets will put incentives into place to grow arguably the largest and most sophisticated 8.8 GW and 13% market share. small but steady markets in those countries turning machinery on earth and, coupled with beginning in 2022. effective policy incentives, are guaranteeing Other European countries such as Ireland, offshore wind as an important and Poland, Sweden, and Finland may see offshore India has expressed interest in offshore wind foundational part of the energy sector in a wind projects come online, but Navigant and has shown it can install substantial growing number of countries worldwide. Research’s forecast does not include this onshore capacity, but it has been left out of capacity since none of those markets have yet Navigant Research’s forecasts because the www.navigantresearch.com implemented effective policy regimes for country’s goals for offshore wind are vague offshore wind. Ireland and Poland are the most and not yet supported by a concrete policy Jesse Broehl is senior research analyst likely to see tenders in coming years since their and incentive regime. contributing to Navigant Research’s offshore wind resources are world class and Generation service, with a primary focus their governments have shown an increased Price Declines and Larger Turbines Pushing on global wind energy markets. He is the interest in developing offshore wind resources. Market Forward lead author of Navigant Research’s annual World Wind Energy Market Update The US has more new projects expected Offshore wind will play a growing role in the report, which for over two decades has online in 2021 and progressively larger broader global energy transition to a more provided benchmarking and analysis of projects weighted more heavily in the later diverse and flexible energy economy global wind installations by country and part of the forecast period. Around 3.9 GW is supported by more renewable energy by all wind turbine vendors. Broehl also expected to be installed through the forecast resources. In the first-mover markets in leads or contributes to other wind period, with the majority installed between Europe, the offshore industry has tackled research in the areas wind turbine supply 2025 through 2027. There is nearly 15 GW of risk and cost to bring the price down chain, offshore wind, drones for wind offshore capacity in site leases allocated to considerably over the past decade. Projects blade inspection, wind policy, market many capable developers rapidly advancing that once needed more than $200/MWh to forecasts, and consulting engagements. toward construction phases. secure investors are now agreeing to power purchase agreements (PPAs) at half or below Prior to joining Navigant Research, In Asia, China is ramping up to be a 2 GW or those levels. Broehl was an advisor at MAKE more per year offshore wind market for the Consulting, providing research and forecast period; the country will likely Some developers are so confident in market intelligence, predominantly on represent over 20.5 GW, or 30% of the global improvements in offshore wind economics the North American wind energy market. total for the forecast period. This is a market that they are willing to take no guaranteed In past roles, he led editorial coverage of that can install a remarkable amount of price and instead take fluctuating market the US and Latin American wind energy onshore wind capacity. It exceeded 31 GW in wholesale prices. One of the first PPAs markets for Windpower Monthly the record year 2015, and 21.2 GW in 2018 is secured in recent years in the US for two 400 magazine as its US editor. Prior to that, considered an average year. That massive MW phases at the Vineyard project in Broehl covered all renewable energy scale effort is now underway for offshore Massachusetts is asking for only $65/MWh in sectors as the managing editor of wind. China’s enormous energy demand levelized cost. That is the range of pricing RenewableEnergyWorld.com. Broehl is coupled with offshore wind resources seen in the onshore sector a decade ago. fluent in French and holds a BA in located near coastal load centers makes journalism from the University of offshore wind a national priority. Size and scale of the offshore sector and New Hampshire. accumulated expertise has also played a key Taiwan will become a large regional offshore role. Larger turbines exceeding 8 MW-10 MW 74 PES WIND

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TALKING POINT Knowledge is power - can a false sense of security put workers at risk? Words: Mark Lant, technical expert at ProGARM, arc flash specialists 76 PES WIND

TALKING POINT For those working in the wind sector, the risks of Treatment for those that survive an incident arc flash incidents have always been better can require years of skin grafts, hospital understood than in many other industries. Working stays and rehabilitation – they may never with extremely high voltages and large currents on recover sufficiently to regain their lifestyle, a daily basis, means that knowledge across the so it’s safe to say that wearing appropriate sector is noticeably higher compared with similar PPE is key when it comes to arc flash safety. industries that are also at risk of the danger. Flame Retardant or arc flash resistant? However, it appears that there’s a new danger identify a short circuit and automatically trip a emerging when it comes to arc flash, which switchgear to avoid an arc flash incident within While many could be forgiven for thinking takes the shape of a false sense of security. just fractions of a second. that flame retardant (FR) PPE can also provide protection in an arc flash incident, What is an arc flash? While such highly effective safety devices are this is not the case. Arc flash protective welcomed developments, these advances clothing is designed to not only protect Most of us in the wind industry are familiar also pave the way for increased complacency operatives from fire, but from the thermal with an arc – an electric luminous bridge when it comes to further protection. energy generated by an arc flash, which can formed in a gap between two electrodes – Understandably, the introduction of such also cause external and internal burns. but its severity and danger are often technologies means that some workers overlooked. An arc flash occurs during a fault, could be lulled into a false sense of security, There are in fact separate safety standards for or short circuit condition, which passes by thinking arc flash risks are now mitigated arc flash clothing, which go further than the through an arc gap, and can result in and no longer a serious threat. ones for fire resistance, meaning that the level devastating results if the correct equipment of protection provided by FR clothing does not isn’t being worn. However, no matter how innovative the match that of arc resistant PPE. Indeed, fabric technologies, with the ever-present risk of a used in arc resistant garments must meet Arc flashes can occur for several reasons, malfunction, it’s vital that teams are still higher tear resistance and tensile strength and their frequency is somewhat alarming. protected by appropriate PPE to provide than those used for fire-resistant clothing. From being initiated through accidental potentially lifesaving protection in the event contact or equipment that is underrated for of a technology failure. Treated vs inherent fabric the available short circuit current, to contamination or deterioration and corrosion Last line of defence There are two types of fabrics used for of equipment, these are just a few of the manufacturing arc flash PPE, ‘treated fabric’ many causes of an arc – making the risks An arc flash incident has the potential to burn and ‘inherent fabric’, and understanding the higher than many first think. an operative’s skin within fractions of a difference between these is crucial. Treated second, meaning PPE really is the last line of fabric is made from fibres which are not flame While awareness around the dangers of an defence for workers. Reaching temperatures retardant by nature but have undergone a arc flash incident is on the rise, a concerning of up to 35,000ºF, which is more than four chemical process to add a fire-resistant number of people are still unclear on the hard times hotter than the surface of the sun, the quality to them. The protection given by a facts. In fact, according to research extreme heat can instantly burn unprotected treated fabric relies on that treatment not conducted by ProGARM and the BSIF, a operatives, evening when situated five or six being degraded or worn off in any way during concerning 63% of professionals across the metres away from the arc flash event. its lifetime. However, washing or long-term six sectors most at risk (wind, power use can reduce the protection these safety generation, industrial electrical, rail, utilities, garments offer, which is why this type of and petrochemical) aren’t clear on what clothing is generally cheaper. Governmental guidelines provide guidance on how to work safely when arc flash is a Inherent fabric, on the other hand, refers to threat, while 80% of those that were aware material which has fire retardant properties felt the guidelines were ambiguous. as part of its natural make-up. In other words, they needn’t undergo a chemical process to Thought to be the first national research exercise of its type ever conducted into this phenomenon, the research also uncovered an alarmingly high rate of first-hand arc flash experience, with 57% admitting they, or someone they work with, has suffered a strike themselves. Technology – is it a friend or a foe? In recent years there have been huge advances in the technology used across the industry, meaning that safety risks associated with day to day processes are constantly reducing. One example of this is the technology developments which are now available to help detect circuitry faults. These developments mean that it is now possible to WWW.PESWIND.COM 77

TALKING POINT become flame retardant, as the polymers which make up the clothing are inherently so. Inherent fabric does not lose any of its protective qualities after long periods of wear or washing, but does tend to be more expensive due to its durability and increased levels of protection. To provide the most comprehensive protection, the material used to create the garments should have inherent, rather than treated, fabric to guarantee a long garment life in terms of its protective qualities. However, it’s also important to remember that it’s not just the fabric that needs to be arc flash resistant. To provide the ultimate protection, garments should have every stitch, button, popper, zip and press-stud as flame resistant to provide enhanced and effective protection, as well as durability. In fact, the most protective garments feature fastenings which are made from military- grade materials, are also used by NASA, meaning that, should the worst happen, every inch of the garment will provide protection. Protection in layers When it comes to arc flash protection, layering is key. The material worn beneath an arc flash protective jacket is just as crucial to protecting from the event as outer clothing. While the outer garments are key components for providing protection, they are not enough to match the risk posed to an operative’s safety and effective base layers are needed to defend against the risk of an arc flash, meaning arc flash PPE base layers should be worn at all times. This is because, while the flames caused by an arc flash may not actually come into contact with skin through the protective outer layers, the extreme heat from the they choose not to wear the garment event can in fact melt the materials used to correctly. Every feature must be designed for manufacture everyday undergarments, comfort as well as protection. including nylon, cotton, and polypropylene, underneath the outerwear. This will inflict Bulky and rigid PPE is frequently worn burns on an operative and potentially cause incorrectly - it’s all too easy to wear an non-arc flash protective undergarments to everyday belt, to roll sleeves up or undo a melt into the skin underneath their PPE. jacket when a garment is uncomfortable, but all this seriously compromises the When it comes to layering up, it’s important safety of an individual against an arc flash. to ensure all base layers are arc -resistant – However, uncomfortable PPE can now be a everything from base layer leggings and tops thing of the past, as garments made with to even the underwear! inherent fibres instead of a coating added post-production, allow movement, Comfort is crucial breathability and moisture management. The fabric readily absorbs sweat and then Arc flash protective clothing has historically dries quickly, not only providing cooling in been thought of as uncomfortable. This is hot, humid conditions, but doesn’t leave primarily because in the past, the clothing was sweat running down the skin. typically made from fabrics that provided great protection, but were often heavy and For more information on how to keep your stiff, that were rough against bare skin. team fully protected against the risks of arc flash, visit: A garment can offer the ultimate protection, but if an operative does not feel comfortable www.progarm.com/arc-flash-protection/ wearing it, that protection diminishes when 78 PES WIND

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TALKING POINT Offshore wind isn’t the future - it is here What once seemed like a pipedream has become reality. Offshore wind projects worldwide have increased in number, and are now becoming more of the norm. What has not gone away is the citizen opposition to wind farms, which now has spread to offshore projects worldwide. Recent studies on global offshore wind show strong growth. If the headwinds of opposition can be tampered on projects, more and more will gain approval and go online. Opponents seem confident about slowing projects down, and are coming from all areas and vantage points with their vocal opposition. 80 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Al Maiorino Take for example the Atlantic sea scallop. For fishing lobby there. The ‘Star of the South’ the northern Atlantic area of the United offshore wind farm project in Port Albert, States, there is an area called the New York Australia is delayed, and the local maritime Bight, which contains hundreds of millions of union is blaming it on opposition from the dollars of fish, of which around 80% are federal government that opposes scallops. Fisherman in this area are cautious, renewables. Zero Carbon Marine believes however early stakeholder outreach can yield they will build a large offshore wind farm in positive results. Opposition also to the the Bristol Channel; however, opposition cables going onshore with power have felt does await. their presence in Happisburgh, with the Norfolk Vanguard project off the coast of As we can see, opposition can come from England. This is the second project in three fossil fuel competitors, fisherman, those who years that is in need of land to run cables live near the view shed of turbines in the through, and some residents are banding water, and numerous other areas. The together to stop this. opposition has a goal to stop a project, however many know that by simply delaying In the Great Lakes area of the U.S., Murray offshore wind projects, it could cause Energy Coal is funding opposition to an companies to reconsider or just slow their offshore wind farm there. Japan is struggling growth. Stalling has become the number two to build offshore wind due to the powerful desire of wind opponents, after stopping. WWW.PESWIND.COM 81

TALKING POINT Numerous tactics can ease the entitlement Stakeholder Relations Hold community forums or charettes of offshore wind if companies have an organized plan to promote their project, and Often what is perceived as the greatest To explain wind energy to skeptical residents not just counter opponents. threat to a wind farm project can become the will take a public education campaign, and no greatest ally, with just the right amount of better place to start this than with a Polling early outreach, education and community forum, open house or charette. understanding. Stakeholder mapping, and Showcase your wind farm proposal. The old saying ‘a poll pays for itself’ is never education is critical to the success of any truer than on large projects such as large project, especially when large swaths of Have miniature samples of wind farm blades, offshore wind development projects. By ocean are being used for offshore wind, and detail how wind farms work. Invite key knowing the issues and the right messaging which often affect large swaths of mainland stakeholders and residents, along with ahead of time, it allows you to target and near the location of the turbines. elected officials. Also invite the media, so focus your message, thus saving that they can report on what resident’s felt at advertising dollars and reducing the risk of Developing a large, concise stakeholder the event, and what was stated by each of the opposition growing stronger. Why do database, and scheduling early meetings project team leaders. residents oppose offshore wind? What and outreach to these stakeholders, is demographic most opposes? What items crucial. For offshore wind, fisherman for These events are a great way for one-on-one would it take to sway opposition in favor example are not just stakeholders, they are communication with residents and those (further distance from shore?)? Would you critical components of education for the who live right onshore, or who may feel they support more wind farms after the current wind companies assessing their needs, and are more impacted. Most important, alleviate plan is built? A good poll will lead to a the fisherman understanding the projects concerns by explaining the facts versus the messaging document to guide the project they think will affect them. Business myths early on in the process. These through completion. Focus groups can also groups, tourism associations, shipping meetings can be frequent or one off. be conducted with smaller groups, companies, are others, along with dozens However, it is critical that outreach in this concentrating on detailed issues to help more, of stakeholder that need to have manner takes place, in a controlled determine community sentiment. relationships established. environment by the wind energy company. 82 PES WIND

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TALKING POINT ‘Announce your project in a smart way, follow up with an outreach plan, disseminate factual information and stay above the noise and fray that is so often seen on these projects.’ Creating a digital platform mailing. Direct mailing is cost effective when there is a supportive voice. targeted to specific demographics, for Five years ago, most renewable companies example, invitations to public hearings or Public hearings did not even have a website for their projects. open houses to supporters, once they have Now, by creating a website for your project, been identified. Once a campaign for your wind farm project you can disseminate information easily. You has been launched, there should be a can add videos, drawings and maps. You can Sending a direct mailer that corrects myths meeting prior to the public hearings. After have residents who visit the page contact and clarifies misconceptions could sway twenty-four years in this business, I can tell elected leaders or the company showing those who have not taken a stance in your you that rarely will a person speak in support support. You can link a project Facebook, favor. ‘Snail mail’ may sound old fashioned, of a wind farm project, unless they have first Twitter or even Instagram page to it. but it can be very useful. In many areas of the been met by the company, thanked for their world direct mail is still a chosen method of support, and asked to speak. If they cannot Videos can be produced to populate content communication as well. A database of all speak out publicly, perhaps they can write a on social media, with local residents residents along the coastline who feel the letter to the paper or to elected officials. speaking out in support. You can run web most impacted should be created. In the ads with provocative messages to point areas where cables are coming ashore, those Remember that all land use, and in this case, people to the website. residents should be educated with meetings, water use, is local. Building support from the and direct mail and ads. ground up is often a good way to have In regards to your social media platforms, a offshore wind farm projects approved in a Facebook page or Twitter handle allows you Media relations timely and more cost-efficient manner. to advertise messages and gain ‘likes’ and Announce your project in a smart way, follow ‘followers’ and also to update them on the It often seems that articles written about up with an outreach plan, disseminate factual process. It also means you are able to seek wind farms proposals are slanted negative. It information and stay above the noise and out and find core supporters who will attend is critically important that wind farm fray that is so often seen on these projects. A public meetings to benefit the wind farm developers take the time to meet with little outreach goes a long way. project. Social media items such as these reporters and editors of local newspapers, to should all be announced on the same day. best describe the project, and keep an open www.publicstrategygroup.com line of communication open between the Site visit periodicals and the development company. Al Maiorino started Public Strategy Wind farm project managers should submit Group, Inc. in 1995. In the water? Why not. Perhaps key editorials describing the benefits of the wind stakeholders and elected officials would like farm project, along with notifying members His company has developed and to see exactly where these offshore turbines of the media of upcoming community forums managed multiple corporate public are going, and just how far they are from the or open houses. Also, stakeholders and affairs campaigns in a variety of coast. This is one field trip that may be worth supporters should be made available to the industries such as gaming, cable the cost. media to speak out in support of the project. television, retail development, auto When meetings are held and supporters of racing, renewable energy and ‘Snail’ mail and news ads the wind farms attend, it is important that residential projects, in twenty-seven they are pointed out to reporters, so states and three countries. While social media campaigns will still reach a whatever article is written on the meeting, wide audience, it is imperative to account for those who will benefit more from physical 84 PES WIND

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TALKING POINT From data to profits Words: NEM Solutions The use of digital technologies such as cloud computing, big data management and predictive analytics are changing the status quo of the energy market. An increasing number of wind farm operators are starting to implement these techniques, so as to control their costs. But, if the implementation of predictive maintenance is one of your digital business transformation goals, how will you make sure it works? Early stage failure detection by real-time predictive analytics When talking about predictive analytics, one of the core features is detection. Beyond that, the real need is data reliability in order to detect failures and relevant anomalies to schedule a maintenance intervention. But, is the required wind turbine data quality good enough? Let’s start with an overview of the wind energy market grading. This analysis has been carried out by taking a representative sample of data coming from European wind farms. The following figure represents the wind industry grading mix from a typical European utility, which represents the sample for the analysis of this article. This grading takes into consideration the evolution of wind industry technology both, on turbine operations and the data variety needed for big data and predictive analytics services. 90% of the wind turbine technology mix comes from assets with less than 2MW capacity per turbine, where the developments at data variety measurements have evolved from 20-80 variables on the 1st generation turbines, up to 45-130 variables on the 2nd generation. The other 10% turbine are a mix from the 3rd generation turbines and represent the latest industry developments in wind turbines technology and data variety, 86 PES WIND

TALKING POINT where it keeps a similar amount of • L ist of tasks to implement after a warning / six weeks, in this way highlighting the measurement variables as the 2nd generation, alarm detection importance of domain knowledge in because some systems have decreased their advanced analytical solutions. sensor base or increased the number of • Common tracking of incidents measurements, like the rotor (pitch), the Beyond a shadow of doubt, we can say that, gearbox and the converter. • O verview of the performance of the the A.U.R.A. system for optimal and efficient services companies maintenance guarantees an increased useful Nevertheless, independently from the wind turbine life-cycle, and, due to this, different turbine generations, there are two • Data acquisition issue detection reduced operational and maintenance costs. data quality issues that appear across the 3 different groups (SCADA data which exclude • Overview of the evolution of the Also, one of NEM Solutions latest projects cumulative and counter measurements), communication problems has been with CGN Europe Energy. NEM which are: Solutions patented technology A.U.R.A. NEM Solutions case studies Diagnostic is used as its predictive analytics • Sensor failures: frozen sensor: example: provider for their wind farms. bearing temperatures at ‘0’ or at ‘999’ value We are a leader in the digital transformation and out of range: example: generator amongst the biggest companies in the CGN Europe Energy is the owner and speeds at 5000RPM Energy sector. In one of their latest success operator of 850MW of installed wind power stories, for one of the top three European capacity in Europe. The wind farms are • Data reception: communication lost or Utility companies, they have been able to located in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, ‘data gaps’ increase failure detection rate by 12% in just Taking all this information into account, NEM has created the wind turbine data quality quadrant, where the different OEM ranking positions in regards to the data quality required for a successful predictive analytic can be easily classified: In addition, the connection between the data issue and the OEM is quite remarkable*: The turbine data quality issues are a challenge for implementing big data and predictive analytics services, and so this is why it is important to rely on a partner, that has experience in the typical issues related to the different wind technologies and the methods to provide a service even in challenging conditions. What is the next step once quality data is achieved? What should the O&M plan be after detection? Detection reliability is, as important as its integration in your maintenance plan. NEM Solutions makes sure that after a clear diagnosis you get specific actions to improve and solve the failures that the wind turbine may have. How? By having access to: • Executive view of the asset health status • E xecutive view of the evolution of the alarms WWW.PESWIND.COM 87

TALKING POINT ‘Our aim is to improve early stage failure detections in order to better maintain and operate our assets. The flexibility shown by their service and technology will allow us to build critical knowledge in house and improve our operations.’ Ireland and the UK. The company’s objective NEM Solutions has succeeded in meeting the availability in operational strategies and is to reach 3GW by 2022. The fast-growing expectations for best technical grade and maintenance. installed capacity leads to several challenges high quality of product and service. associated with: Finally, the operator assumes total data ‘NEM Solutions A.U.R.A Technology is control and enables the decision-making • Increasing turbine fleet in different already being used by some of the largest process and the follow-up of set locations utilities, owners and operators in the world. objectives, in real time, a global vison of the Our aim is to improve early stage failure fleet situation. • N umerous turbine manufacturers with detections in order to better maintain and different monitoring systems operate our assets. The flexibility shown by NEM Solutions is currently analyzing more their service and technology will allow us to than 15,000 wind turbines, with more than 11 • W ind farm characteristics: build critical knowledge in house and improve manufacturers and 30 platforms in our operations’, says Olivier Texier, Head of companies such Innogy or Siemens Gamesa. - Turbines from 1 year to 12 years old Engineering and O&M at CGN Europe Energy. Please feel free to contact us via email at - From 850kW to 7.5MW ‘It is great to be able to work with CGN [email protected] Europe Energy. The forward-thinking - Different environmental conditions company commitment to grow their www.nemsolutions.com analytical knowledge makes the perfect The main motivation of CGNEE is to increase timing for both companies to work together. * T his study is based on the knowledge early stage failure detection, which could We are excited for the opportunity to help on generated by NEM Solutions after spending lead to a reduction of the O&M costs by the the transformation of CGN Energy Europe’ 10 years analysing and monitoring wind implementation of a SCADA-based says Idoia Iceta, CEO at NEM Solutions. turbines all over the world. More than predictive analytics to minimize the effect of: 80,000,000 operating hours monitored in Total data control A.U.R.A. back us up. Plus, in the case of • Corrective maintenance of catastrophic NEM expertise, our wind energy data failures leading to large downtimes By combining domain knowledge and scientist team is aware of the different real-time diagnostics, NEM Solutions can operational challenges the customers are • Failure detection of major components at detect deviations in each of the wind turbine facing, when managing wind energy assets. early stage subsystems. Through data, it increases • Production losses due to unscheduled maintenance activities 88 PES WIND

Offshore For more Accommodation information 20 ft ELA Offshore Accommodation Container for NON-HAZARDOUS areas ELA Offshore containers are certified according to the highest quality standards. ELA Container Offshore GmbH Zeppelinstraße 19-21, 49733 Haren (Ems),Germany, Tel: +49 5932 7323-500, Fax: +49 5932 7323-510, E-Mail: [email protected], www.ela-offshore.com

CORPORATE FOCUS Assembly and welding solution for tubular structures 90 PES WIND

CORPORATE FOCUS Automated production solutions for offshore wind tower and foundation manufacturing Meeting today’s demands As the sizes of wind turbines grow, towers need to be built bigger and made out of heavier structures. This means increasing heights, diameters and plate thicknesses, which naturally brings more challenges and a headache for the production line. In order to get the most out of the offshore Today, offshore manufacturers are able to winds, it is crucial for tower manufacturers to find extensive turnkey solutions that include team up with an experienced technology each essential process, from plate joining partner that is capable of providing and section assembly to implementation and automated heavy fabrication solutions. production services. During the past couple of years, welding and production automation providers have Enabling efficient plate joining focused on developing advanced applications in order to meet the production demands of When working with diameters this big, the offshore foundations and towers. challenge of having plates long enough becomes inevitable. Pemamek has gained WWW.PESWIND.COM 91

CORPORATE FOCUS PEMA CM55 Milling machine extensive knowledge, in designing and Pemamek provides conveyor, plate turning, due to its high-quality standards. Milling is an implementing different types of plate joining plate manipulation, pre-heating and welding integral part of the production as it provides lines thanks to 25 years’ experience in applications that can all be integrated into joint preparation, increases welding numerous shipbuilding projects. one solution. efficiency and minimizes defect rates. As a result, Pemamek has managed to Integrated milling of weld bevels To secure fast running production flow, it is develop and refine its technologically important to integrate a milling application advanced plate joining solutions for the Without exception, offshore wind tower into production lines. As an example, the offshore wind energy sector. For plate joining fabrication requires precisely milled bevels ‘semi-narrow gap bevel’ is milled immediately after the first side is welded. In order to PEMA LM55 Milling machine efficiently weld this type of bevel, it requires special equipment for seam tracking, but also control for welding and workpiece handling. Semi-narrow gap (SNG) welding groove geometry minimizes the volume of the weld joint and ensures geometrically correct and clean groove edges, which especially in case of thick material often is for the second side (external side of the tubular structure) welding to maximize the efficiency of the welding process. Pemamek offers specialized machines for this milling process for both longitudinal and circular seams. Using milling technology from the same source as welding and material handling makes it possible to optimize the whole manufacturing process with respect to quality and efficiency. As an example, PEMA Longitudinal milling machine LM55 and circular milling machine PEMA CM55 uses PLC controlled software. This allows storing of important milling 92 PES WIND

CORPORATE FOCUS parameters to memory slots, as well as PEMA Plate lengthening station process, companies need to see the recording of the performed work for quality production chain as a whole, where each step control purposes. Circular milling process elements, such as monopiles, the roller beds has an effect on the entire procedure and benefits of communication and safety have the special self-aligning feature. overall productivity. When optimizing one integration with material handling equipment. process, it needs to be done in respect of the An assembly line that is based on PEMA PU next production step. Adaptive seam tracking roller beds provides the fastest and safest way to efficiently assemble even the largest wind When the goal is to achieve higher PEMA welding platforms, equipped with towers and foundation structures. Together production efficiency, automation is the only several welding heads, include adaptive seam with PEMA Column & Boom, PEMA roller beds, option. Thanks to today’s advanced welding tracking and welding control, which is PEMA milling, and PEMA welding platform, the and production automation technology, specifically developed for automated assembly line comprises an extensive time-consuming work phases, such as multi-pass welding. automated production line that is capable of milling, can be integrated into the wind tower manufacturing wind towers or tower production line. This guarantees a dedicated This enables maximized productivity level foundations with diameters up to 12 meters. process for the welding process and and minimized defect rate even if demanding minimized defect rate, but also a significant semi-narrow gap bevel was in use. The higher Significant increase in total profitability increase in total productivity. the level of automation, the faster the through-put times and fewer welding In heavy tubular production where welding is More information on PEMA solutions for wind processes are needed. involved, instead of optimizing just one tower and foundation fabrication, can be found on: Self-aligning roller beds with PU coated wheels w ww.pemamek.com/welding-solutions/ wind-energy/ Over the years, wind tower fabricators have used polyurethane-coated wheels in roller beds due to their significant advantages. When compared to conventional steel roller beds, the PU coated wheels are far gentler for the workpiece resulting in higher production quality. Nevertheless, employing PU wheels for tower foundation handling has not been possible before due to the wheels’ too small load capacity. Pemamek has deployed PU coated wheels in its handling solutions for years. Although, in order to also better serve its offshore wind tower and foundation clients, the company has extended its selection of PU roller beds up to larger capacities. In addition to having the maximum capacity of 1500 tons and capable of handling even the heaviest Assembly and welding solution for tubular structures A typical turnkey solution for offshore wind tower and foundation fabrication: • Self-aligning roller beds with PU coated wheels for stable and safe handling • Plate lengthening line • R obotized welding station for jackets parts • F lange mounting and welding with flange fitting station • Integrated milling for longitudinal and circular joints • Double-headed welding platform and assembly line for section fabrication Contact Pemamek: [email protected] WWW.PESWIND.COM 93

TALKING POINT Impact testing of WindShield prototype samples. Superhero protection for the future of turbines, reducing impact damage Andrew Wickham, Managing Director at Buoyant works, has been involved in impact protection design, engineering and manufacture for the past 25 years. Developing and creating brands such as Hippo Marine and Manuplas, both long standing manufacturers of fendering, booms, buoys and other impact absorbing structures, has pioneered a new design. WindShield is a long-term protection system for the boat landing piles on offshore wind turbines, using established seaworthy materials that will work with the bow fender systems of the Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV). 94 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Andrew Wickham together to create the safest possible potentially hazardous or fatal to an engineer environment. Operations need to be who may be stepping off the vessel. Coating failures on the landing piles of efficient and effective to avoid untimely offshore wind turbines are beginning to cost delays and hit weather windows accurately. Andrew’s focus was to concentrate on 4 key O&M firms increasing sums of money to Creating an engineered relationship between areas: maintain and repaint. These are critical the bow fender and the landing pile, to enable structures used to facilitate the safe transfer safer transition from vessel to ladder, is one 1. Provide sufficient wear protection for the of maintenance crews onto the turbines. The possible solution. designed lifespan of the turbine. failure of a coating can result in corrosion of the steel structure, accelerating wear and Driving the bow of the CTV into the 2 vertical 2. Provide an energy absorbing structure to reducing its lifespan. Crew transfers may landing piles and holding it in place with help protect the turbine from shock become compromised, potentially unsafe skilled piloting, is the accepted practice and loadings. and could lead to further damage of the means that technicians can step from one to turbine and the crew vessel. another. By applying engine power, the 3. Increase the contact area between the compressive bow fender structure on the landing piles and bow fender to help The three participants in the crew transfer vessel develops friction and grips to these generate more grip with lower contact process are the crew, the turbine and the piles. Once sufficient grip has been forces. This will also have the added pilot vessel. All of them need to work generated, the vessel will remain stationary benefit of increasing the weather window while an engineer steps off the bow and onto that a turbine can be accessed in. the central ladder. 4. Help reduce the amount of marine growth The reverse of this process happens when an that accumulates on the boat landing piles. engineer comes down the ladder and then back onto the bow of the vessel. This is what Choosing to manufacture WindShield from a is causing the coating systems to breakdown, high-performance polyurethane, processed despite meeting ISO 8502 standards, as the with precise material properties, ensures testing process simply does not cover the the landing piles have the ultimate real-life application of the coating, which protection. Impacts absorbed through the leaves repainting as the only option. complex patented geometric design, Maintenance of the monopiles and transition significantly reduces the loads transferred pieces now represent more than half of the to the landing structures. service life costs. WindShield brings together a proven material Coupling this operation with typical that can withstand the harshest of offshore unpredictable offshore working conditions, environments and an impact absorbing being subjected to both wave and wind action structure giving complete protection to the can be treacherous. A sudden loss of traction existing coating and turbine core. In simple against the landing piles can lead to a CTV terms WindShield is a sizeable fender. being knocked off the wind turbine, Andrew started designing and manufacturing CVT bow fender systems in 2003 with Visual showing WindShield sections installed. Onshore lifting trial of full size WindShield prototypes. WWW.PESWIND.COM 95

TALKING POINT Windcat. He went onto develop manufactured bow fender solutions for companies such as Northern Offshore Services, Turbine Transfers, MPI and Dalby Offshore. Historically the majority of fender solutions had a foam core and then a heavily reinforced spray applied polyurethane elastomer skin. These type of fender solutions created quite a soft impact, but were prone to changing performance over time and had an unpredictable lifespan due to wear and skin damage. Andrew has now developed alternative high-performance technologies that can increase energy absorption whilst retaining the key elements of robustness. This relies on high performance polymers and an energy absorbing internal structure to achieve the same function. Polymers come in many forms and over 25 years, Andrew has built up a lengthy CV of product design, manufacture and polymer processing. Buoyant Works has invested in the state-of-the-art processing equipment, which enables precision control of its manufactured products. This ability is critical in producing consistent and uniform pieces that make up a full WindShield product. We have the ability to fine tune the material properties to ensure the correct balance between grip and wear resistance. Too much Close up visual showing WindShield installed. Wind Turbine visual showing WindShield installed. resistance gives a higher risk of sudden violent movement of the vessel nose. Too 96 PES WIND much grip can be as bad as too little. For example, as you get down to the same hardness as rubber, grip levels can increase substantially, however surface wear rates also increase. WindShield optimises wear resistance rather than the level of grip. Along with the increased contact area, grip levels will increase but the level of thrust applied by the vessel can be reduced as a result thereby not increasing the risk of sudden violent movement of the vessel nose. Technical summary: Using high performance polyurethanes creates products with the following key benefits: • Excellent dynamic performance. • High wear and abrasion resistance even under extreme conditions. • Retention of physical properties at elevated temperatures. • L ow heat build-up under load and repeat deformations. • C hemical and moisture resistant at elevated temperatures. • D evelops lower levels of marine growth and exhibits superior fouling release properties.

TALKING POINT Cross-section of WindShield design. Tensioned securing band. The product itself consists of 6 x 4m lengths, applied per strap, fitted with a torque Andrew has further plans to extend the each weighing approximately 250kg. The controlled manual tension tool. design to include an innovative slip sensor pieces are secured in place using high warning system to increase safety even strength, reinforced nylon straps extensively WindShield has moulded recesses to fit further for the crew transfer operation. A used in oil and gas applications. There are around the horizontal supports on the load sensor embedded in the WindShield typically eight hidden strap locations per 4m landing pile. It has been designed to be protection sleeve would trigger a warning length with up to 1.4 tonnes of tension retro-fitable on existing structures as well as when grip and traction is lost during the for new-build installations. If necessary, berthing process. With digitalization WindShield can also be detached from the omnipresent in the communication of landing piles. turbines to operators, it would be a step in the right direction to get the turbine Backed by the support of Catapult, the communicating with the vessels docking on Marine-I Challenge Fund and the Carbon them. Buoyant Works is hoping to lead the Trust, WindShield’s prototype is gaining way in the future helping to reduce interest and momentum. Plans are in place maintenance costs, increasing safety of for first phase monitoring and inspection, the crew transfers and improving turbine results of which will be closely followed by the structure protection. Offshore Wind Accelerator forum. Everyone is keen to see positive results. The Buoyant Works will be exhibiting at development plan will allow for both onshore SeaWork 2019 and at the Global Offshore and offshore trials with the first phase of Wind event 2019. testing due this summer. www.buoyantworks.com Development timetable • Q1 2019 – Full size prototype parts manufactured for land-based development work. • Q1 2019 - Trial installation work on land based 5m long boat landing pile. • Q2 2019 – Agree locations for first offshore installation trials. • Q3 2019 – First offshore installations of WindShield. • Q4 2019 - Data gathering and performance analysis of first installations. • Q1 2020 – Full commercialisation of WindShield. WWW.PESWIND.COM 97

TALKING POINT Taking grid connection to the next level A quick and easy AC solution, or a highly sophisticated connection using DC technology? The best transmission solution for offshore wind parks depends on both distance and output. But cost is key: for both technologies, Siemens is putting all its development efforts into downsizing and standardization, in order to minimize installation and operational costs. It started off as the most expensive turbine foundations and construction. offshore wind will have a similar if not even renewable energy solution, but offshore wind Industry association WindEurope estimated greater impact on LCOE,’ says Andreas has experienced many improvements to its that, combined with other technology Barth, Head of Grid Access in Large efficiency over the last ten years. improvements, this may account for at least Transmission Solutions at Siemens Gas and Innovations in the turbines themselves, for 20 percent of the levelized cost of energy Power. ‘We’re minimizing platform size for example, more optimally sized rotors and a (LCOE) by 2030. grid connections, and our transmission links higher hub height, have significantly account for lower energy losses. Ultimately, increased their annual energy production and ‘Current innovations in electrical our customers can expect a 30 percent led to substantial savings in the cost of the transmission and grid connections for reduction in installation and operation costs 98 PES WIND

TALKING POINT with our solutions!’ reducing space and weight. This which saves costs and also shortens standardization effort resulted in the installation time by about 20 percent. The As the market leader in every aspect of wind offshore transformer module (OTM), which operator uses the equipment that’s already technology, Siemens is currently connecting replaces the conventional substation and out at sea, and only needs to construct one 7,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore power to acts as a distributed transmission asset. extra pole at most. ‘This isn’t a fancy platform; the grid. Another 4,500 MW is under ‘Installing our AC substation OTM on the rather, it’s a solution for the reliable, cost- contract. Most of these connections are same foundation – just like the wind turbines, efficient transmission of energy, no more and made with alternating current (AC) either on top of a jacket or even on a wind no less. It should convince all operators who’re substations, the first choice for wind farms turbine generator monopile – significantly interested in minimizing their project costs close to the shore with an output of up to reduces offshore installation costs. Less and risk,’ affirms Barth. 1,000 MW. This is still the scenario for most transportation and fewer installation vessels, of the projects in the North Sea. faster operation, and decreased risk easily Scottish offshore wind power plant Beatrice, account for up to a €10 million reduction in with a generating capacity of 600 MW, was To make offshore AC connections even more capital costs,’ Barth explains. the first project equipped with the new cost-efficient, Siemens has been developing technology in 2016. Since then, several more important methods for reducing the total By cutting substation weight by 40 percent, have been installed in the North Sea. The grid access cost: the construction, transport, the OTM is small and light enough to be latest is the Moray East offshore wind farm, installation, operation, and maintenance of mounted with a turbine on the same located 22 kilometers off the coast of the platform. That’s why Siemens focused on foundation. This eliminates the need for a Scotland. It’s the eleventh offshore wind the core electrical equipment and removed a special heavy-lift vessel and extra operations, farm to be connected to the mainland by number of optional ancillary systems, Siemens in the UK. Moray East is also the largest offshore grid connection in terms of transmission capacity and order entry that Siemens has delivered for the UK to date. The wind farm will have an installed generation capacity of 950 MW after its completion, which is scheduled for April 2021. Siemens’ scope of supply covers all the necessary components, including the OTMs that will transform the output of the wind turbines from 66 kilovolts (kV) to the transmission voltage of 220 kV and the onshore station that will transform the electricity to 275 kV for feeding into the national transmission grid. Moray East proves for the first time that the OTM is also appropriate for large wind parks: several OTMs that are nominally rated in incremental 250MW blocks, were linked together to provide the required transmission capacity. Siemens is also responsible for the entire onshore substation and will install a 30-km underground export cable to the onshore substation for the generated power. The whole project will set a record for the cost of delivering renewable power. Moray East will generate power at GBP 57.50/MWhr, which is less than half the price of power generated by offshore wind farms under construction today. However, what’s the solution when wind parks start to move farther and farther out to the sea? For example, the UK’s ‘Round 3’ development zones like Dogger Bank, Hornsea, and East Anglia are located up to 200 km off the coast. ‘Connecting these offshore wind farms to the grid will only be possible with high-voltage direct current transmission technology,’ Barth believes. ‘This isn’t just because of the great distance, it’s also the result of the large generation capacity: 1.2 GW and more can’t be connected using AC substations.’ A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link consists of a converter station where the conventional power grid’s AC voltage is converted into direct current (DC) voltage, a transmission line, and a WWW.PESWIND.COM 99

TALKING POINT second converter station where the voltage already proven its worth in the OTM, could be More cost-efficient HVDC technology is converted back to AC. achieved in platforms too? Barth’s segment offshore will also facilitate the development is currently focusing on exactly that task, of an international grid infrastructure – in the An HVDC transmission link using a submarine especially in the light of the bidding for the form of offshore grid connection hubs that cable over a long distance has energy losses of ‘Round 3’ projects. They’re working on a help support the exploitation of wind energy. less than three percent in total, including functional platform that’s free of everything Interconnecting the national grids has been cable and converter losses. What’s more, the that’s not absolutely essential. ‘For example, declared a 2030 objective for the European cable onshore to the substation, which can be there’s so much we could get rid of if a Union, and this will be a focus for both as long as 40 km, depending on the project, is project only needs to generate 1,200 MW. We operators and suppliers like Siemens. only 10 cm wide when HVDC cables are used. could easily cut the weight in half and thereby This is an important argument when the cable reduce at least 30 percent of investment and HVDC offshore wind-farm links to a number of passes through protected landscapes or close operational costs!’ jurisdictions may be used as an to urban areas. interconnector, which will increase the flexibility and utilization of transmission lines. In the German North Sea, Siemens has Integrated grids can compensate for regional already put in place four HVDC grid fluctuations in the production or consumption connections for transmission systems of electricity. Onshore projects like Nemo Link operator TenneT and two more are under (England-Belgium), Inelfe (France-Spain), and construction. Together they bring 4.7 GW of BritNed (UK-Netherlands) are some of the wind power to the shore and then to five successful realizations of HVDC million households. interconnectors across borders. The HVDC Plus technology used in these With the momentum of their EU offshore projects is less complex and extremely successes, Siemens and other key players compact, which predestines it for use in are keeping a close eye on the second biggest sea-based applications. In contrast to the growth market after the UK. The United standard HVDC technology used in the vast States is currently investing hundreds of majority of land links, systems equipped with millions of dollars into developing offshore HVDC Plus feature network stabilization, clusters. ‘There are so many bids for U.S. which is key to reliably transmitting volatile projects in our pipeline: it’s all happening wind power. over there,’ says Barth. For the near future, his team is investigating grid connections for Offshore wind parks, especially those that smaller wind parks close to the east and are far from shore, are certainly one of the south coast shoreline that would produce up biggest drivers of this technology. However, to 400 MW – typical AC projects. offshore platforms for HVDC are currently huge and expensive. With sophisticated However, with the current speed of technology, five to ten decks, crew quarters, innovation and investment volumes, the helipads, and cranes, they can easily weigh team will certainly be implementing the first up to 20,000 tons. This means a costly and DC connections in the U.S. in just a few years. complex installation and increased capital and operational costs. What if ‘cutting down’ on facilities, which has www.siemens.com 100 PES WIND