PES Wind 4 2021

Natural Power Malin North Star Conference Call Ports and their infrastructure The benefits of offshore Heralding a new era Electric City 2021, as the fourth element in wind for the maritime sector in hybrid SOVs and WindEurope’s annual proposed projects daughter craft onshore and offshore wind event in Copenhagen, WIND lays the foundations for Europe’s electrified future All of the latest news, views, products and solutions from across the wind industry. Including in-depth articles, interviews with key players, insight, opinion and the newest groundbreaking innovations, on and offshore POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2021 TOWARDS NET ZERO © Vestas and Tristan Stedman

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EDITOR’S NOTE Natural Power Malin North Star Conference Call Ports and their infrastructure The benefits of offshore Heralding a new era Electric City 2021, as the fourth element in wind for the maritime sector in hybrid SOVs and WindEurope’s annual proposed projects daughter craft onshore and offshore wind event in Copenhagen, WIND lays the foundations for Europe’s electrified future All of the latest news, views, products and solutions from across the wind industry. Including in-depth articles, interviews with key players, insight, opinion and the newest groundbreaking innovations, on and offshore POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2021 TOWARDS NET ZERO Editor’s note © Vestas and Tristan Stedman Welcome to the final issue of 2021, and what a year it has been! While the turmoil POWER & ENERGY brought about by the pandemic has reached slightly less choppy waters, nonetheless SOLUTIONS the last 12 months have certainly been full of challenges for us all to navigate. Directors Even just the briefest of glances at the news headlines confirms that there is now a real Stuart Gillies drive and an urgency for countries to put the systems in place to avert dangerous Mark Smith climate change, with a recent UN Emissions Gap report stating that country pledges as Stefann Perrigot they currently stand will fail to keep the global temperature under 1.5°C this century. It is Client Liaison Manager clear then, that despite some ambitious pledges, there is more work to be done. Vikki Birch Editor For the wind energy sector in particular, it is full steam ahead as the world continues its Elaine Perrigot navigation towards carbon neutrality, with this strong focus on net zero goals really [email protected] driving a huge surge for wind power and an unprecedented push to pursue offshore Associate Editors wind farm opportunities. This in turn means that the onus is on the innovators in the Stephen Pearson industry to deliver and to really make the most of the opportunities available to them Zachary George in terms of technology and modernisation. Design Andrew Jenkins And with the market continuing to be led by price, that means taking full advantage of [email protected] cost-efficiency too, with artificial intelligent solutions, cloud-based platforms and Production digitalisation presenting many opportunities for reliability, accuracy and growth in this Paul Lawson sector. Far from just watchwords, these are the real challenges we face as an industry [email protected] and finding the perfect way to combine them for the best fit is akin to finding that Sales Enquiries golden pot at the end of the rainbow. [email protected] General Enquiries The wind energy sector may be perceived as being in its infancy, relatively speaking, [email protected] but as the years dash past in the blink of an eye, many turbines will be fast reaching the Media Partnership Enquiries end of their optimum service life. And as the turbines themselves grow in stature, [email protected] maintaining them to ensure performance levels are as they should be is vital, not to Advertising Opportunities mention challenging. Such practical matters are one of the focuses of this issue, where [email protected] we also take a look at the growing market for offshore accommodation, ensuring that PES is published by P&G Media Ltd the workforce in this sector is well catered both on and off the water. P&G Media Ltd Throughout the industry, huge strides continue to be taken to produce and maintain PO Box 310, Bristol, BS10 5WT, vessels to the highest standards possible, to maximise on performance, to put safety first and, ultimately, to push on towards a greener future for us all. United Kingdom We are delighted to showcase so many of the latest advances being made, together This publication is copyright © 2017 P&G Media Ltd and with expert opinion and exclusive interviews and hope you enjoy the issue. may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior permission of P&G Media Ltd. Sit back, relax and enjoy! While every care has been taken during the preparation of this publication, P&G Media cannot be held responsible for Elaine Perrigot the accuracy of the information published herein or any Editor consequence arising from it. From sustainably managed forests. For more information visit: www.pefc.org www.peswind.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 3

CONTENTS 112 Natural Power explores how ports and 130 The Malin Group asks what is 122 As wind turbine numbers grow, more their infrastructure are an important fourth holding the maritime sector service operations vessels will be element when assessing proposed wind back from using offshore wind to required. North Star Shipping takes farm sites, as construction, operations provide direct thrust to shipping a look at how the latest specialist and maintenance (O&M) activities are assets and would real world wind- high specification assets are being undertaken in these important hubs assist technology demonstrators built to accommodate the army of help to change the landscape? technicians working on wind turbines and substations Natural Power Malin North Star Conference Call 6 Conference Call Ports and their infrastructure The benefits of offshore Heralding a new era Electric City 2021, Wth the EU committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and the bulk as the fourth element in wind for the maritime sector in hybrid SOVs and WindEurope’s annual of its energy system likely to be electrified to meet this target, Electric City proposed projects daughter craft onshore and offshore wind 2021 will be an enlightening event. WindEurope’s annual onshore and offshore event in Copenhagen, wind event, in Copenhagen on 23-25 November, will gather all the actors WIND lays the foundations for involved in delivering this fundamental transition of Europe’s energy system Europe’s electrified future All of the latest news, views, products and solutions from across the wind industry. Including in-depth articles, interviews with key players, insight, opinion and the newest groundbreaking innovations, on and offshore POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2021 TOWARDS 10 As climate summit delegates gathered for COP26, PES NET ZERO takes a look at what the journey towards net zero may look like for the wind industry. How will ambitious targets be met and what role will technology, innovation and forward-thinking play in making these goals a reality? © Vestas and Tristan Stedman Ask the experts 78 H ans Gatzemeier, CEO of ELA Talking point 14 T iphaine Comby, Chief Marketing & Containers Offshore, Germany, 18 A mpelmann explores the new solutions talks us through the advantages of Communication Officer at Sereema container rentals and some options available that will hopefully make blade enlightens PES on the growth of digital for cost-effective, flexible nearshore maintenance and repair easier and help solutions in the wind industry and explains accommodation to overcome some of the common the benefits to be had from gathering challenges faced by drones and Blade independent data to monitor the 106 C BED General Manager Daniel Alon Access Platforms performance and optimization of turbines explains why ongoing energy efficiency 22 G avin & Doherty Geosolutions 38 Jim Hededal Nielsen, CEO & Founder of improvements onboard its offshore vessels are not just good news for examines how geotechnics can be used DECK1 found time in his busy schedule the industry but encouraging for the to identify and manage ground risks to to speak to PES about his view on the environment too offshore wind projects, a growing need challenge to secure qualified personnel as the scale and complexity of offshore to service these offshore wind farms, as 118 PES sat down with Evgenia Golysheva, seabed conditions in which wind farms the industry inevitably grows over the are developed changes next decade Vice President of Strategy and Operations at ONYX Insight, to discuss 26 Offshore energy may not be an old 42 J acoba Bolderheij, CEO of Port of Den the latest trends shaping the wind sector, from consolidation to digitalisation, and industry, but it’s not in its infancy either, Helder, explains why the location is learnt how wind stakeholders can build with many turbines currently in the suitable for adaptation to the effects of future-proofed digital strategies in a field reaching an advanced age Gurit energy transition, from gas to wind and rapidly changing sector explores the need for good blade repair whatever the future may hold too solutions for longevity and optimum service life 68 Carlos Blanco, CEO of Sparksis, explains to PES how digital technology is speeding up the inspection process for wind farm owners, with data collection methods that are already proving popular in France now making their way to the UK too 4 PES WIND

CONTENTS 64 86 30 In the wind industry in particular, Corporate focus 96 As the APAC region witnesses a large it is vital to consider how such 73 T he H-J Family of Companies explores increase in renewable energy project large structures as turbines will be development, DNV looks at how energy assembled, or dismantled for service the importance of customizing storage systems are on the path to operations during the design phase bushing designs for wind turbine MV delivering value by enabling fast-start Atlas Copco asks, is smart bolting transformer applications to deal with capabilities and peak shaving for VRES technology the answer? high ambient temperatures, high generation capacity transformer insulating temperatures, 48 Inspecting the entire global wind turbine frequent vibrations, small spaces, and PES essential costly possible repairs fleet once a year means analyzing 400 64 As the move towards carbon neutrality million pictures every single year. Here, Think tank Labelflow explores why AI matters gathers pace, PES looks at how hubs in visual blade inspections and how 82 Ingeteam looks at how digital twins like Denmark’s Port Esbjerg are high-quality training datasets can help playing a vital role in the shift towards the industry take better advantage of and SCADA data are being used as an green thinking, with opportunities for machine learning effective problem solving method for employment and prosperity all on board renewable energies, to meet the needs 54 Weather conditions can have an of all key stakeholders and explains why 100 W ith green energy remaining the biggest successful integration of state-of-the-art enormous effect on the construction and solutions into one single product is key opportunity in tackling climate change, maintenance and offshore wind farms. Miros looks at how IoT can be used to Radac explores how analysing wave data 86 With under-performance a key challenge leverage cost reductions and maximise in a new way can take the unknown out of performance, accuracy and efficiency forecasting and shares how it is enabling in the wind energy industry, WindESCo critical operations to take place on board looks at why collective thinking is the TetraSpar floating structure important, rather than viewing each turbine as a single module, for a positive 91 ZF talks about torque density and the impact on performance levels shifting to new acceptable limits in the 58 As turbines grow taller, power drive towards greater investment in renewable energy capacity performance testing and verification become increasingly important, as 126 P ES takes a trip to Denmark for a underperformance equates to reduced power output and lost revenue, Vaisala look at one of the world’s leading explores how the nacelle-mounted lidar manufacturing hubs for the offshore provides a complete picture of the wind wind energy sector, the Port of Aalborg. profile, enabling power output and profit It’s an inspiring place where knowledge, to be maximised innovation and world leading wind players thrive in unique coexistence WWW.PESWIND.COM 5

CONFERENCE CALL Electrifying Europe’s energy system with wind energy The EU has committed itself to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. To meet this objective, the bulk of Europe’s energy system will be electrified. Direct electrification, complemented by indirectly electrifying the hard-to-abate sectors, will be the most cost-effective and energy efficient way of cutting energy sector emissions to net zero. Electric City 2021 will gather all actors involved in delivering this fundamental transition of Europe’s energy system. ©Hamburg Messe und Congress Michael Zapf 6 PES WIND

CONFERENCE CALL Europe has set itself ambitious climate Transport, buildings and industry are each The report shows that industry could directly targets for 2030: 55% reduction in responsible for approximately 30% of electrify 76% of heat and power by 2050. The greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels. energy-related CO2 emissions. It is these report further finds that direct electrification And wind will be at the heart of this; it’s sectors that need to decarbonise if we want will be the preferred solution for individual expected to become Europe’s leading source to see substantial progress towards the net road transport, short distance shipping, rail of electricity shortly after 2025. zero target. and large parts of heating. And initial progress is being made in electrifying At Electric City 2021, WindEurope’s annual So how can electrification make a difference commercial road transport and aviation. onshore and offshore wind event in here? As it stands, electricity accounts for Copenhagen on 23-25 November, only a quarter of the energy consumed by As a result, the demand for electricity in the representatives from the wind industry and industry, transport and buildings in Europe. EU is set to increase almost threefold to 6,800 beyond will be coming together to break But there is great news: already today most TWh per year by 2050. Overall, we’re expected new ground. 2030 is around the corner; sectors in the EU economy could electrify to go from one quarter to three quarters of Electric City 2021 is an important their power and heating needs with electricity in the EU energy system. opportunity to lay the foundations of established and commercially available Europe’s electrified future. technologies. Aside from the 57% direct electrification, another 18% of final energy use will be Before we look at the event itself, we need to The European Commission says direct electrified indirectly through renewable put it in the wider context of European electrification should cover at least 30% of hydrogen and its derivatives. Renewable energy policy. For the EU to reach its stated final energy demand by 2030 and at least 57% hydrogen will only be used in hard-to-abate goals of climate neutrality by 2050, the EU by 2050. A recently published report by the sectors where direct electrification is either will need to abate the 3.5 Giga tonnes of CO2 European Technology and Innovation technically impossible or too expensive. In all equivalent it emits per year today. Platform on Wind Energy (ETIPWind), which other sectors direct electrification will be the portraits a net zero energy system in Europe preferred decarbonisation strategy. Energy use of various kinds is responsible for by 2050, is keen to stress this point. around three quarters of these emissions. But crucially, most of this transition will be powered by renewable energy sources. The growth of renewables and electrification won’t be mutually exclusive, one will complement the other. Only if the electricity that will power the heat pumps in Europe’s and fuel Europe’s electric cars comes from renewable sources, electrification can effectively reduce carbon emissions. The European Commission expects renewables to provide the vast majority of electricity in 2050. Wind energy will be the number one source of electricity shortly after 2025, supplying 25% of the EU’s electricity needs. By 2050 it will even supply half of the EU electricity mix; with onshore wind remaining the bulk of installed wind energy capacity. For electrification to succeed, we will need to approach it with an open mind and an appetite for new partnerships. That’s the starting point for Electric City 2021. The event is more than the leading on- and offshore wind energy conference. It gathers new partners on the transition to an electric energy system. Exhibitors and participants come from heavy industry, mobility, district and domestic heating, energy storage, hybrids, hydrogen, grids and more. Cross-sectoral cooperation won’t just be an aspect of the event, it will be part of the central message. And the wind industry does not have a hard time, convincing these players to come to Copenhagen for Electric City 2021. The demand for electrification and renewables is growing steadily. Back in the days the energy-intensive industries were sceptical about the reliability of wind energy. Today they embrace the transition to cheap and clean renewables. For the wind industry, this means new voices at the conference, debating changes we need WWW.PESWIND.COM 7

CONFERENCE CALL in policy, business models and technology to as all-encompassing as electrification can’t including some of the biggest movers and deliver the transition. be approached with broad strokes. Electric shakers in European wind, eager to meet, City 2021 will also have dedicated Feature share knowledge and do business. All told, It means new business partners and Areas onsite, an Innovation Park showcasing WindEurope is expecting more than 8,000 customers on the exhibition floor, including cutting-edge start-ups. A Safety, Skills and participants from across Europe and beyond people who haven’t engaged with wind Training Zone for leaders in all aspects of to join the event in Copenhagen over the before, but now want to. health and safety. And Global Markets three days. Theatre showcasing emerging markets for It means a unique event with a diverse renewables across the globe. What about the venue? Denmark has lifted all programme covering every aspect of its restrictions. The recently-renovated Bella electrification, demonstrations of new And the attendee roster is extensive. Ten Center in Copenhagen has already hosted a technologies, new thinking and new government ministers from across Europe, number of safe events in recent months. relationships to power the energy transition, as well as figures from industry, finance, WindEurope and the Danish hosts have put and Europe’s Green Deal. academia and R&I, all leaders in their together a comprehensive health and safety respective fields with an expertise to bring to protocol for the event, drawn up with the At the same time, the onsite conference and this debate. Danish authorities and leading exhibitors. exhibition in Copenhagen will be a key The organisers promise to do their utmost to milestone for the wind industry. A chance, And Electric City 2021 has over 360 ensure a responsible and enjoyable event for after two years of restrictions, to re-connect exhibitors in its specialised Exhibitors Hall, all participants. and get up to speed on everything that is going on in wind energy across Europe. One new fresh idea or perspective is all it Copenhagen has recently been named the could take to determine Europe’s safest city in Europe. electrification journey. Electric City 2021 will offer many of them, with the European The Danish Covid-regulations will allow for Union’s Fit-for-55 package and the full exhibition halls and lively side and momentum of COP26, there is so much to networking events. And if recent in-person discuss. But the fresh the perspectives, events have shown anything, it’s that they the better. are ideal both for the atmosphere and for ease of doing business. www.windeurope.org/ElectricCity2021/ So what’s on the agenda? The Electric City 2021 Conference Programme touches on crucial aspects of the electrification debate, particularly the future stumbling-blocks. Strengthening grid infrastructure, energy system flexibility, simplifying permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, concerns around cybersecurity, improving wind turbine circularity, electrification solutions for corporate consumers and much more. A chance to get our heads around future challenges ahead of time, and a chance to tackle them head-on while we can. But there will be much more beside the Conference and the Plenary Sessions. A topic About Electric City 2021 Registration for Electric City 2021 is open now. WindEurope’s annual onshore and offshore wind conference and exhibition will take place in Copenhagen on 23-25 November. The event is hosted in collaboration with WindDenmark and supported by the three official event ambassador companies Ørsted, Royal Dutch Shell and Vestas Wind Systems. 8 PES WIND

Join WindEurope’s Annual IN COLLABORATION WITH: Conference & Exhibition “Electric City” 300+ Electric City is an enhanced version of your classic WindEurope event: the entire on- and offshore wind industry will be there, and new partners looking to do business with wind will be there too! EXHIBITORS At Electric City we will welcome heavy industry, mobility, district and domestic heating, storage, hybrids, hydrogen and many more to form partnerships and help us deliver an electrified European economy. The next chapter of wind energy begins at Electric City… see you there! Find out more at: windeurope.org/ElectricCity2021/exhibition CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS INCLUDE:

PES ESSENTIAL 10 PES WIND

PES ESSENTIAL Towards net zero Words: K elly Lavender, Journalist, PES Climate summit delegates gathered for COP26 in November, making pledges to limit global temperature increases and changes to the climate. A shift towards renewable energy plays a large and important role, with the onus on wind, solar and hydrogen to help pave the way to a net zero future. As world leaders gathered in Scotland for to eliminate emissions altogether. COP26, the race towards carbon neutrality Technologies that remove carbon from the gathered pace. And with record atmosphere exist too, but these are not yet temperatures, wildfires, flooding and other commercially viable, and there are currently extreme weather events becoming more no technologies that can remove other the norm rather than an exception, this greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in a Climate Change conference in particular, similar way. So, renewable energy, including and the pledges made there, seem wind, solar and hydrogen, are currently the particularly poignant. most direct, feasible and effective path to net zero. With addresses to delegates at the United Nations conference including calls to act ‘for Wind farm growth our children and our children’s children’ and to ‘turn tragedy into triumph’, these seemed The wind industry, along with solar, will be more than simply powerful soundbites and one of the driving forces, no doubt, with more like a final plea for collective action. governments investing in and embracing new technologies to help realise its full The Paris Agreement six years ago aimed to potential. Rewind the clock 30 years, the limit the average global temperature rise to world’s first offshore wind farm was born, 1.5 degrees, but unless more is done, the capable of powering a couple of thousand planet is already on track to warm by more homes at best. than 2 degrees by the end of this century. COP26 is now seen by many as the world’s Today, the number and size of turbines in a last hope for meeting those goals. With the wind farm has increased substantially, with aim of reaching net-zero by 2050, COP26 is the latest farms capable of powering millions all about making plans to reduce carbon of homes. Thirty years from now, in 2050, if emissions, and with under 30 years left in carbon neutrality is to be achieved, these the race, many of these plans are likely to wind farms will be more substantial still, as be ambitious. the industry plays a vital role in decarbonising the future. Renewable energy leading the way To deliver this, there needs to be a significant Energy use is responsible for around 73% of scaling up of an industry that is still, despite the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so this remarkable growth, still in its infancy. If reducing energy demand by making energy the Paris Climate Accord targets are to be systems more efficient and switching away met, it is estimated that there needs to be an from fossil fuels to renewable energy are installed global capacity of 2,000 GW by effective ways to reduce emissions. 2050. This is unprecedented growth, not to mention at a time when other forms of Nature-based solutions can absorb low-carbon energy, like solar and hydrogen emissions to some extent, but planetary also need to be increasing in capacity. The limits prevent them from being reliable ways WWW.PESWIND.COM 11

PES ESSENTIAL ‘The best solution calls for innovative thinking when it comes to construction, operation and maintenance, something that we know the industry excels at.’ International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts Opportunities and challenges and solar fields where the real costs lie. Initial that solar power will increase 20 times and setup is no small task and does not come with wind power 11 times by 2050, with electricity There is no doubt that the stronger focus on a small price tag, and may even escalate also growing. net zero goals is driving a huge surge for wind further as the sites and the demand for clean power and, while wind power is not the only energy grows. And there is the far from small In the UK, a substantial acceleration of wind element needed to fuel the transition, it’s matter of maintenance to calculate too. farms will be required over the next decade role within the movement is huge. or so, to achieve what amounts to a near The best solution calls for innovative thinking quadrupling of current installed generation For wind energy providers, the when it comes to construction, operation from renewable sources. In some territories, opportunities are clear, but with them and maintenance, something that we know such as the UK and Germany, capacity is comes great pressure. Operations will need the industry excels at. Robotics, satellite likely to be the biggest challenge, with to be scaled up, business models applications and autonomous system off-shore wind already making up a big part reconfigured, systems streamlines and solutions are likely to play a key role in of energy generation. advanced technologies implemented. performance management of wind farms, while new technologies in the manufacturing With coal-fired power plants and nuclear The path to net zero process of turbines will also help. power stations set to be closed within the next 15 years in the UK, there will be an So what does the road to net zero look like for The challenge will be for the technology to increased reliance on renewable generation the wind industry in particular? As an keep up with the pace in growth of the to meet energy demand way ahead of 2050. untravelled path, the route may still be a little turbines, solar fields and wind farms And in emerging markets there needs to be unclear but it is likely to involve bigger wind themselves, and to not let cost outweigh the strong encouragement for the offshore farms, in deeper waters when offshore and benefits on our journey to net zero. Just as wind market to ensure that the world can operating more efficiently. Larger turbines the world leaders have come together to collectively manage these targets. will be located further from shore, with share ideas and make pledges at COP26, However, when you consider just how far the higher wind conditions, using state of the art collaborative thinking within the renewable wind industry has come in just a few O&M technologies. energy sector, among manufacturers, decades, it’s clear that it has the capabilities service providers and end users, may well be to rise to the challenge and even to All of this requires investment, of course. our smoothest path forwards. outperform expectations. Wind and solar energy may be among the cheapest forms of electricity production in www.pes.eu.com Europe, but it’s the installation of wind farms 12 PES WIND

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ASK THE EXPERTS Wind turbine data solutions for a digital age Tiphaine Comby, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer at Sereema, looks at the growth of digital solutions in the wind industry and explains the benefits to be had from gathering independent data to monitor the performance and optimization of turbines. PES: Welcome back to PES, Tiphaine, it’s portfolio pre- and post-acquisition, but a new data via the Windfit solution. great to catch up with you once again. It’s trend seems to have arisen. That is been a busy time for the wind market and I controlling the asset management process PES: How important is it, do you think, to hope for Sereema too since we last featured to better drive their investment through have access to independent data? your work? performance optimization. TC: Independent data brings an extra layer, Tiphaine Comby: I am happy to be back in PES: How are some of the ideas from the that add-on to complete operation, front of real people, rather than in front of a world of IT now helping to inform how we performance and maintenance strategies. screen on a laptop. And we can’t wait to monitor the performance and optimization Independence is a counter balance, meet our clients in Copenhagen and Salt of turbines? constructive in its essence, federative in its Lake City, as we are eager to introduce our application and disruptive in its new product line. TC: The tools needed to bring forth the full technological innovation. power of digitization already exist. Today, PES: With the industry as a whole cloud stream data processing, storage SCADA systems have always been more developing at a very fast rate, how do you capacities, big data mining and AI, already associated with maintenance than see digitization fitting in with this used in other industries and domains, are performance issues. Independent data progress? mature and can be applied to solve the wind sources enrich them with two objectives. industry’s performance issues. TC: All the players in the wind industry are Firstly, they bring a level of precision turning to digital solutions because that is We don’t face any technological barriers, but unequaled by SCADA. High frequency the only major leverage they have today, to we have work to do to adapt the wind analysis with Windfit for example, enables a get that extra margin to boost industry’s ‘analog’ processes to embrace the ten times factor analysis and finetuning. It is performance and extend lifetime, hence digital era. Digital DNA companies such as of the utmost importance for us to be able to the yield from their assets. It’s not Sereema already master these technologies. control the quality of the data, from surprising that in order to get that extra Adapting them is the core of our business generation to processing and analysis. The boost, owners need to get a better and where our value proposition is. expertise of our results directly benefits understanding of their resources. from that higher quality. PES: But these tools require data, lots Operators want to scale up their technical of data. Secondly, they invite an independent asset management while growing. Turbine third-party to the operations table, and manufacturers are developing their own TC: Indeed, the wind industry standard is enhance the raw data with expert added digital cells internally, to keep up with their SCADA data, but on its own, it’s not value: reliable and unbiased. clients demands. Their pace is somewhat sufficient to reach the real digitally-driven hindered by the fact that it’s not their core potential. Gathering data from multiple Both aspects contribute to the value know-how and they have to compete with sources, combining different systems proposition offered by SCADA decoupled digitally-DNA’d innovative companies. provides a highly efficient ‘raw material’ to systems such as Windfit. Technicity and feed those tools. That’s why we decided at independence are the two significant added Financial investors want to spruce up their Sereema to generate our own independent values brought by third-party solutions. 14 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: How is independent data affecting the mind that hardware would be unavoidable to Tiphaine Comby wind industry do you think and are we doing the whole independent process, one of the enough to embrace the opportunities? main concerns was to keep it as non-intrusive TC: Soon enough, but the challenge lies in and easy to install as possible. We wanted to guessing whether the trigger for such TC: The challenge comes on several levels. steer clear of all the inconvenience of a Lidar evolution will be the ‘market pressure’, by Players need to define what kind of data they installation for example, and designed a which I mean wind farm developers and want to use. But then again, data for data is dedicated 500g, 30cm sensor box to operators, or the perspectives given by the not important, the added value comes from minimize that hardware constraint. various technologies. It will probably be a the information extracted from it. mix of both and in less than a couple of Installing our equipment today takes less years, depending on how digital technology The potency of digital systems today lies in than an hour per turbine, with no structural adapts to the wind turbines. The machines their ability to adapt the utility of the same changes made to the turbine, on-site will be able to interact, communicate and raw data set to their very different users. technicians carrying the device in their self-optimize. Data is available for different purposes, backpack up to the nacelle and being teams and needs. The function of the data trained online and supported on mobile Beyond performance optimization, this will will vary, according to the operators’ needs. during their intervention. open up new operation strategies. For They can be oriented to fit the actionable example, we will be able to densify the levers of asset management, finance, due PES: Do you have any examples of the number of machines on a given site, reducing diligence, maintenance, etc. technology being used in the field? impact and tension on estate issues, significantly boosting revenue and profits, The various companies want different levels TC: Since Windfit was launched in 2017, with lowered strain on locals. of information, extracted from the very same we’ve monitored more than 900 turbines in data. The added value is derived by delivering 15 countries, mostly in Europe and very I see this evolution in the wind industry as the best fit information for its users’ needs. recently in the US. We analyze data from natural, but it also means adapting the onshore and offshore wind farms on a very machines so that they are digitally controlled. PES: To get that unique data, a common diverse client fleet. drawback is the need to equip extra PES: So O&M will play a key role in the hardware on the turbine. Or am I mistaken? One of the advantages of Windfit is its process. Do you foresee digitization taking agnosticity. So we actually have examples to off in a big way imminently in this market? TC: You’re right, additional hardware is show from the 14 WTGs brands and 70+ models Are O&Ms ready to make the digital switch? indeed a must have counterpart in order to we’ve already monitored. I selected a few generate independent data. At Sereema we illustrating this interview, but a more complete TC: Today, digitization is inevitable. It’s not made a point of sticking to this, because we view can be found on our website. really a question of timing, because it’s already believe in the power of our own generated happening. The question is at what pace? data. Windfit data is controlled data and we PES: Will there be a way for turbines to are thus able to ensure its quality. self-adjust and not rely so much on human In one of our previous pieces with PES, we intervention? compared wind with automotive industries. When Windfit was developed, keeping in It’s a good example when talking about pace. A decade ago, the first electric car manufacturer did not exist. In only 10 years, Tesla made it as the biggest stock market capitalization company in the automotive industry. More than 3 times the value of Toyota, 10 times that of Daimler, respectively ranking 2nd and 3rd. Whereas today, the Taiwanese company assembling Apple’s iPhones, Foxcom, have developed and produced their own electric car models. Today none of the autonomous car technology leaders came from the original car makers club! However, it doesn’t mean that ‘historical’ car makers won’t succeed in WWW.PESWIND.COM 15

ASK THE EXPERTS Fleet optimization will encompass new yaw digitally controlled strategy developing autonomous cars in the future. TC: There’s an issue today that could slow and press industry, with my background as a down the digitization growth path. Actors journalist, the switch to the wind sector was It’s amazing how digitalization, at different bringing innovative digital solutions to the as much driven by environmental and civic levels, is a major game changer for many market have it in their hands to uphold and concerns as by the dynamics and energy industries: space, health, finance. There’s no we need to be careful. flowing. It is so refreshing and satisfying to way the wind industry won’t be impacted too. be involved in accelerating the pace of the Credibility is of the essence here. Promises energy transition through digitization. A PES: Are you saying that new sold must be delivered. The whole digital small step, but I’m very happy to contribute. manufacturers could disrupt the market? community will be judged on this criteria. In the end, those solutions remain very I won’t lie, on the outside the wind industry TC: I don’t have a crystal ball showing me the technical and they can’t rely just on the seemed a little more stern than my previous future... but likewise digitization has a double marketing. This is key, do not sell experiences. But bonding over ‘making the effect for turbine manufacturers: something that is not there yet, because it world a better place’, as clichéd as it sounds, opportunity on one side, threat on the other. could and will discredit digitalization and is proving to be incredibly worthwhile, on a Digitization speeds up the pace of new slow down its progress. personal level. I’m actually very proud to be products entering the market, pushed by a working with Sereema’s team and I’m taking new player… or a competitor. PES: On a more personal note, what’s your this opportunity to thank all of them for vision of the wind industry? embarking on this journey with me. PES: So, in the end, do you think digitization is fast-paced enough in the wind industry? TC: To be honest, coming from the broadcast www.sereema.com WINDFIT RESULTS ON TURBINES FLEET 16 PES WIND

THE SOLUTION PROVIDER FOR THE WIND TURBINE INDUSTRY MOVING SOLUTIONS CLOSER TOGETHER TOOLING CORE MATERIALS KITTING REPAIR SOLUTIONS As wind turbines grow and the market moves closer, we offer comprehensive solutions to reduce cycle times in wind blade production as well as repair solutions for extended lifecycles. Learn more about Gurit‘s core materials, tooling automation, engineered kitting and repair solutions on www.gurit.com/wind www.gurit.com

TALKING POINT Motion compensation solutions enable floating blade maintenance and repair The E5000 system, with its full motion compensation, is able to transfer people and up to 5 tonnes of cargo in rough waters. © Jorrit van de Eerenbeemt 18 PES WIND

TALKING POINT The challenge of launching and returning a drone offshore, particularly in high sea states, cannot be underestimated, while Blade Access Platforms are also not without their difficulties. Fortunately, new opportunities are arising in terms of technology and practical solutions to make blade maintenance and repair an easier task. At least 5,000 wind turbines will be fully commissioned by the end of 2021 in Europe alone. Another 1,500 turbines have been granted approval to be built in the future. In addition, new markets are emerging, with Taiwan and the USA being among the main ones. Each turbine carries three blades and although the newer ones are becoming better and better, the majority of old ones do require steady maintenance and repair. The tip of each blade can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and anything that comes in their way can damage it. Lightning strikes, hail or bigger impacts can damage the blade heavily. Also, over time, smaller particles like sand or salt can damage the leading edge of the blade. Besides the normal maintenance, this requires repairs. Currently, those repairs are done by the use of drones, rope access, jack-up vessels or Blade Access Platforms. Current blade inspection methods Regardless of which inspection method is used, the goal is always to make sure that the process is as safe, time and cost efficient as possible. In one of its contributions to this market segment, Ampelmann, the Dutch offshore access provider, has developed a means to increase the workability of drones offshore. Drones, especially those used for offshore inspections, are expensive pieces of equipment that need to be handled with caution. Launching and returning a drone offshore is particularly WWW.PESWIND.COM 19

TALKING POINT © Van der Kloet positioning system so the E5000 could lift the Blade Access Platform to the turbine. With its wide range of motion compensated gangway systems, Ampelmann is able to support floating blade maintenance and repair campaigns Between its flagship A-type system, the E1000 and the E5000, Ampelmann serves the tricky in high sea states, which is why a solution on several turbines. The Blade Access Platforms needs of its clients throughout any scope in is being developed to counter this challenge. would then be lifted from the vessel’s deck to the offshore wind farm lifecycle. the transition piece and the team could start By using a downsized electric hexapod, the their work while the vessel moves to the next The A-type, Ampelmann’s first commercial company is able to compensate for the transition piece to lift another Blade Access product, can transfer personnel to and from vessel’s motions and keep the landing area of Platform onto the turbine. The workability is, an offshore platform in high sea states and the drone stable. This increases the thus, increased by the use of an E-type. operates according to the highest safety workability of the drone and makes the standards in the industry. After successful landing operation, in particular, a lot safer Since the weight of the Blade Access Platforms testing in 2020, the company launched the and more efficient. Additionally, the landing does vary and can be higher than what the A-hoist add-on, which enables clients to lift platform will be easily transportable and can E1000 can lift, Ampelmann has developed a up to 300kg with the existing A-type fleet. be carried without heavy machinery. larger system, with a cargo lifting capacity of up to five tonnes, while compensating for all six The E1000 is a heavier system, with a wider Rope access, in turn, is highly constrained by degrees of freedom of the vessel. The E5000, range, allowing it to operate in even rougher wind speeds, yet it is less costly compared to delivered in 2021, is the ideal tool to scale the waters, while ensuring the safe and efficient the use of a jack-up vessel. The jack-up can use of Blade Access Platforms for bigger repair access of both personnel and cargo. On the take down the full blade and repair it on the campaigns in offshore wind farms. market for over five years already, it is an vessel in a safe environment with the most adaptable access system that can transform appropriate temperature. However, the Greater cargo capacity, greater from a gangway into a crane boom to provide jacking process can take time, and jack-ups opportunities full logistical requirements. are usually quite expensive to run. Nevertheless, for a full blade repair Ampelmann holds a stellar track record in the The system is fully automated and employs campaign, they are still the go-to solution. offshore access industry, having enabled the remote-controlled hydraulic pin pushers to safe transfer of more than seven million fixate the gangway booms in less than one Blade Access Platforms are another way to people and close to 18 million kilogrammes of minute with a single push of a button. The perform inspections and are currently cargo to and from offshore platforms. system can safely transfer personnel and up launched by the use of a Crew Transfer Vessel to 1,000 kilograms of cargo in rough waters. and the davit crane located on the transition The E5000 system was a move by the piece. The launch and recovery procedure of company to further strengthen its position in The E5000, in turn, is the next step in this is very dependent on the weather as a the market. Based on the technology of the increasing its cargo lifting capacity and its Crew Transfer Vessel has a limited E1000 and with the ability to lift up to five ability to enable larger work scopes, including workability. The speed of davit cranes is also tonnes, it helps increase the work scope the lifting of Blade Access Platforms. rather low, which puts the Blade Access clients can deliver and improve the efficiency Platforms and Crew Transfer Vessel at risk of of W2W operations. While the system can improve the workability of clashing when lifting is being done. launching and recovering Blade Access This system turns any vessel into an all-round Platforms it does need a basis to operate on. In 2019, Ampelmann trialled the use of one of offshore tool and as a result, clients benefit Day rates for OSVs are expected to rise in the its E-type systems to enhance the workability from shorter campaign durations, increased future, so the overall set-up will still need to of the launch and recovery of a Blade Access logistical efficiency and a broader scope of prove itself as being able to operate Platform. The company increased the lifting work. Supporting blade repair projects is one competitively and effectively. Previous offshore capacity of one of its E1000 systems to be of its key capabilities. trials have offered a very positive outlook that able to lift a platform from an Offshore the scaled solution is a good alternative to the Support Vessel or Construction Vessel onto The E5000 fits well in Ampelmann’s strategy to use of jack-ups or rope access. the transition piece. offer a variety of different line products that can carry cargo next to enabling personnel On-site blade repairs are still sensitive to the The idea was to increase the number of Blade transfers. Applying the system’s technology outer environment, as they can only be Access Platforms that are deployed in a wind enables blade repair campaigns at offshore wind performed in certain wind speeds, farm in order to scale up the installation farms that do not need to have boat landings or temperatures and humidity. A closed Blade campaign, using several Blade Access Platforms davit cranes. The vessel would position itself Access Platform that can regulate these is next to the turbine with the help of a dynamic desirable. There are a few solutions that provide Blade Access Platforms, but only the minority of those have a closed-off platform, which naturally increases in weight. With different blade manufacturers and different turbine dimensions, the size of the blade does vary a lot as well. A system that is scalable to certain blade types and can cover most of the blade enhances the ability to undertake repairs of the leading edge of the blade, Ampelmann is looking into future possibilities to deliver a new type of Blade Access Platform that enables the repair on older and newer type of blades and that can offer a closed-off environment for an increase in efficiency and easily launchable from various types of vessels, too. www.ampelmann.nl 20 PES WIND

Effective solutions for offshore wind The right fit for any operation in offshore wind Whether it is commissioning, maintenance or a blade repair operation, Ampelmann has an effective solution fit for the job. With recent and upcoming innovations, the company continues to raise the standard in safety and efficiency of offshore access operations. Among these innovations are the E5000 and W-type, both of which facilitate the motion compensated transfer of personnel and cargo up to 5t and 2t, respectively. W-type 3.5m Hs Compensation: 28 or 32m Gangway length: 2,000kg Cargo capacity: Electric Actuation: To learn more, find us at WindEurope in Copenhagen at booth C3-C19 or visit www.ampelmann.nl.

TALKING POINT The role of the geotechnical consultant in derisking offshore wind projects Words: D r Indrasenan Thusyanthan, FICE CEng CMarEng MEng PhD (cantab) Director, Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions Net zero is currently one of the most discussed topics around the world, and renewable energy, and in particular offshore wind farms, are seen as a key part of achieving the net zero target. While offshore windfarms are not new to the renewable industry, the scale and complexity of offshore seabed conditions in which windfarms are being developed, have changed drastically over the last couple of decades. Vindeby Offshore Wind Farm, the first ranging from 24m to 37m. These facts for early windfarms were less complex in offshore wind farm in the world, erected in highlight how far offshore windfarms have terms of geological and geotechnical 1991 off the coast on the Danish island of come in terms of capacity and complexity. conditions, typically sands or clays, but sites Lolland, had 11 wind turbine generators for recent and future windfarms are complex (WTGs) with a total capacity of only 5 MW, in In an associated trend, the risk elements and have high variability e.g. varying layers of water depths ranging from 3m to 6m. associated with wind farms have also sand and clays, silty soils, rock etc. These Hornsea One, which is currently the world’s increased severalfold. While the first factors always increase risks inherent with largest windfarm, commissioned in 2020 and foundations were simple gravity foundations, offshore windfarms’ development and are located off the Yorkshire coast in the newer fixed windfarm foundations are linked to foundations and cables which need southern North Sea, has 174 WTGs with a typically monopiles, jackets, suction buckets to be designed to perform within the soil and total capacity of 1281 MW in water depths or drilled & grouted piles. The seabed sites rock conditions on site. 22 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Dr Indrasenan Thusyanthan how each stage needs in-depth geotechnical knowledge for risk managing offshore wind projects effectively. Stage 1,2&3. Desktop study, surveys & geotechnical testing Stages 1, 2 and 3 are associated with desk top studies, geotechnical and geophysical survey implementation, and geotechnical testing. Desk top studies provide an early indication as to the likely seabed conditions to be expected at the project site. During site surveys, seabed soils would be subjected to in in-situ testing and seabed soil samples would be further characterised by laboratory testing. The number of intrusive geotechnical tests required to characterise the offshore windfarm site would depend on several factors such as geology, accuracy and resolution of the available geophysical survey data, geohazards etc., and hence it cannot be Geotechnical consultants provide key the design of cable routes/protection and generalised. In general, soil conditions services at all stages of offshore windfarm help in planning and installing foundations cannot be assumed to be uniform across a development: conceptual design, FEED, and cables. All of these activities have site unless proven with geotechnical and details design and installation. These considerable risk associated with the project, geophysical data. services include concept and desk top therefore geotechnical consultants can play Therefore, knowing the seabed soil studies, site selection assessments, a key role in risk identification and mitigation stratigraphy at two locations does not planning and implementation of geophysical in offshore wind projects. necessarily enable one to interpret the soil & geotechnical surveys and associated Geotechnics in offshore windfarm projects stratigraphy between those two locations. laboratory test specifications. Since intrusive geotechnical testing has a Geotechnical consultants play a vital role in high impact on project schedule and cost, it is Further services can also be included, such as six key stages in offshore windfarm projects, often the case that the number of test the interpretation of resulting data to as shown in Figure 1. In each of these stages, locations is optimised to save cost and time. characterise the seabed soil and rock input from a geotechnical consultant is A geotechnical consultant is best placed to sceoanbdeiFtdiioganunsrd,eiidm1e.pnKlteeimfyyeisnntgatiggneegosrhiisnakzamanridtosigfiafnstthiohoner,easwindfcrairsriktmisctapolrioonjfiefdscehtnowtrifehyweinriegndagnpedroomtjeeaccnhtasng.iTcinahglegcforoonlluosnuwdlitnagnt’s uaindnpvduiestretioaskncertnihtipiscraoolpp.teirmlyis-atthioisncaasn-leifandotto well as designing the foundations for WTGs, sections highlight some technical insight into increased project risk. 1 2 3 4 5 6 DESK TOP STUDIES & SURVEYS GEOTECHNICAL SITE DESIGN INSTALLATION SURVEY SCOPING TESTING CHARATERISATION Geophysical & Design & Risk WTGs & Cables Conceptual studies & Geotechnical Surveys Soil properties from Soil classification & Identification/Mitigation installation survey specifications in-situ & lab testing design parameters undertaken at Site technical support Figure 1. Key stages in an offshore windfarm project where geotechnical consultant’s input is critical WWW.PESWIND.COM 23

TALKING POINT Stage 4. Site characterisation: insight into Figure 2. BS 5930 definition of coarse and fine soils • Faults soil classification and its impact in design soils, sand as per ASTM D2487, but it would be • Pockmarks There are three classifications systems that classified as fine soils, clay or silt as per BS are in practice today. These are ASTM D2487, 5930. The same issue would exist for soils • Presence of boulders BS 5930 and ISO 14688. BS5930 and ASTM whose particle size distribution is within the D2487 are the most commonly used ‘zone of contradiction’. Soils in these regions • Shallow gas standards in the industry. BS 5930 and ASTM are predominantly silts which can have clay or D2487 follow different methodologies when sand type behaviour. Design engineers are • Channel system: palaeochannels they classify the soils. often unaware that the classification standards followed in the project can have a major impact • Environmentally sensitive areas BS 5930 (2020) states that, where a soil, on the resulting soil classification. It is always omitting any boulders or cobbles, ‘sticks advisable that design evaluations and soil • Manmade Hazards e.g. Unexploded together when wet and remoulds’ it is behaviour is based on properties measured and Ordnance (UXO)) described as a fine soil: ‘clay’ or ‘silt’ not solely based on soil classification. dependent on its plasticity and when soil These geohazards need to be identified early does not stick together and remould, it is Stage 5a. Ground risks: geohazards in the project timeline and all identified risks described as a coarse soil: ‘sand’ or ‘gravel’ need to be managed using appropriate risk dependent on its particle size grading. BS Windfarms can cover hundreds of square mitigation mechanisms. This may include a 5930 (2010) stated that fine soil often kilometres of seabed, hence ensuring that modified or more stringent design, contains about 35 % or more of fine material, WTGs and cables are not exposed to micrositing WTGs locations or re-routing the however this statement was removed in the geohazards both during their installation and cable routes, change of installation procedure 2015 and 2020 version of BS5930 Figure 2, operational lifetime is vital. Below are the etc. It is acknowledged that some risks can because soils with even less than 35% fine most common geohazards that need to be never be fully eliminated, and residual risks material can stick together when wet and considered during design and installation; may need to be managed through design or remould. mitigated by some commercial mechanisms, • Seafloor slope such as insurance etc. As per ASTM D2487, if more than 50% of the soil is retained on No. 200 sieve, 0.075mm, • Landslides and earthquakes Stage 5b. Design: foundation design in rock the soil is classed as a coarse-grained soil, and if 50% or more passes the No. 200 sieve, As windfarm sites move towards rocky the soil is classed as a fine-grained soil. Note seabeds, drilled and grouted piles in rock are that the particle size boundary between fine becoming a common type of foundation. soils and coarse soils is different in these Therefore, insight into the skin friction of standards, in BS 5930 it is 0.063mm whereas drilled and grouted piles in rock is critical for in ASTM D2487 it is 0.075mm. optimised design. While there are numerous empirical correlations that provide shaft It is evident that BS 5930 and ASTM D2487 do friction in rock as a function of Unconfined not define the classification of fine soils (clay or Compressive Strength (UCS) of rock, they silt) and coarse soils (sand or gravel) in the same are mainly based on back-calculation for a way. This leads to potential uncertainty in that given set of data from a particular rock type the same material can be classified as coarse or or a selected range of rock types. The shaft fine soils depending on the standard followed. friction in rock is mainly dependent on rock This in turn can lead to engineers mispredicting mass modulus (Em), roughness height (Δr) of soil behaviour in design. The issue is highlighted rock socket and diameter of the rock socket. in Figure 3 with an example of soil particle size distribution which would be classed as coarse Figure 6 presents a new framework that demonstrates the effect of Em and socket ©Dr Thusyanthan diameter on the shaft resistance (Thusyanthan et al.2021). Unlike piles in Figure 3. Particle size distribution of a soil sample and how one soil sample could be classed differently by differ- sands and clays where larger socket ent standards diameters always provide larger pile axial capacities, larger piles in rock do not follow the same trend. If one assumes that the shaft friction of pile B is S, the shaft friction of pile 24 PES WIND

TALKING POINT ‘Unmanaged ground risks can have escalated impact on project cost and programme. Geotechnical consultant’s role in ground risk identification and mitigation is paramount for successful offshore wind projects’ qualitative method to ensure that cable burial depths are determined consistently using a risk-based approach. It should be noted that CBRA only considers hazards anticipated during the operational lifespan of the cable and does not capture potential risks during installation. Therefore, trenchability or ploughability assessment for cables needs to be undertaken to capture the installation feasibility and expected operation duration. There are several different methods for seabed intervention depending on the seabed conditions as shown in Figure 6. Conclusion If ground risks are not adequately mitigated in early stages of a project, their impact and ©Dr Thusyanthan consequences on project cost and Figure 4. A framework for skin friction of drilled and grouted piles in rock after Thusyanthan et al.2021(Shaft programme can be very high at later stages. friction of grouted piles in rock from new database of Pile load tests, ISOPE 2021) Thus, ground risks should be identified as soon as possible and mitigated early on through site investigation, ground modelling A could be 2S considering an inverse installation would lead to an efficient and design. diameter relationship. The shaft capacity of solution. Geotechnical consultants play a key role in pile A is 2S × (π × 0.5) × L and shaft capacity of providing safe and efficient design solutions pile B is S × (π × 1) × L, where L is the pile Stage 6b. Installation: seabed ploughing for foundations and cables in offshore wind length. Thus, both piles have the same axial and trenching for cable projects. Ground risks in the project can be capacity (SπL) even though pile B has twice identified and mitigated by the early the diameter. This demonstrates that careful All WTGs are connected via inter-array cables engagement of a specialist geotechnical assessment needs to be undertaken when and linked to an offshore substation via consultant. In-depth knowledge of site deciding on socket diameter for pile design in terminal cables. The offshore substation is surveys, geotechnical testing, seabed rock. Increased pile diameter in rock will not then connected to an onshore substation via classification, foundation designs and seabed lead to increased pile capacity. export cables. All cables need to be installed interventions are paramount for successfully at the correct burial depth to ensure they are derisking offshore wind projects. Stage 6a. Installation: pile foundation protected from natural and man-made damage risks. Cable Burial Risk Assessment www.gdgeo.com A foundation design that follows the (CBRA) guidance offers a standardised and optimum installation methodology leads to efficient foundation design and optimised installations costs. Pile installation methods in seabeds can be driven, drive-drill-drive or drilled & grouted. Seabed soil conditions determine which method is the most cost effective and has the lowest risk in a particular project as summarised in Figure 5.Figure 6. Recommended seabed intervention methods based on seabed condition. ©Dr Thusyanthan Selecting the appropriate installation ©Dr Thusyanthan method will lead to cost effective installation Figure 5. Recommended pile installation methods based on seabed condition of the campaign. Driven piles are common and cost effective very soft clays, loose sands Increasing seabed strength Rock in seabed conditions comprising sands and Seabed type Drilling/Cutting low to medium strength clays. In seabed sands & clays conditions where driving refusal risk is high, for example in dense sands or high strength Fluidisation Dredging Jetting/Ploughing clays or soft rock, drive-drill-drive methodology is more suitable. In high ©Dr Thusyanthan Seabed Intervention Methods strength clay and rocky conditions, driving could lead to pile fatigue damage and refusal. Figure 6. Recommended seabed intervention methods based on seabed condition In this situation, a drilled & grouted pile WWW.PESWIND.COM 25

TALKING POINT The growing need for efficient in-field wind turbine blade repairs Repairing a blade with Gurit’s RENUVO UV curing in-field repair system 26 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Kevin Cadd Klavs Weis-Fogh Mathieu Cariou The wind turbine repair industry continues to grow at pace, due to the high number of existing wind turbines approaching an advanced age in their service life and therefore in need of more frequent maintenance. Gurit, a leading supplier to the wind industry for over two decades, discusses its blade repair solutions designed to extend the service life of wind turbine blades. Wind is gaining an increasing share of the maintenance, which is a planned part of lightning or bird strikes. These events lead world’s energy market. Going forward, this operations, ensuring that the turbines are to unscheduled repairs and turbine growth will come about not only through kept in optimum working condition and that downtime, and often coincide with more and larger turbines being installed, costs are streamlined. This preventative inclement weather conditions. which have an expected lifespan of 20-25 approach addresses blade wear-and-tear, years, but also through the continued and such as leading-edge erosion which comes Repair solutions must in this case be often extended use of current turbines. The about through exposure to wind and carried out to the required standard in the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) Global temperature change, and has led to the shortest time possible and be workable in a Wind Report 2021 anticipates that over 469 increased demand for wind repair solutions for large weather window, both for efficacy GW of new capacity will be added in the next on and offshore wind farms around the world. and cost minimisation. five years. However, in some cases blade damage Gurit has a range of OEM-qualified and Over the life of a turbine, blade damage can cannot be predicted, such as that caused by certified, low toxicity epoxy materials for all occur in several ways: from handling, installation, weather conditions or Gurit’s Ampreg 3X low toxicity laminating system includes a range of resins and hardeners for different repair conditions environmental impacts. Deterioration during operation is most common, with lightning strikes, debris, wind and constant temperature changes battering the blades. This leads to surfaces eroding, critical bonding areas starting to separate, or sometimes more compromising damage to the composite structure. It is critical that problems are detected and repaired as fast as possible to keep the downtime of the turbine to an absolute minimum. According to CompositesWorld. com, an out-of-service turbine can cost between USD 800 and 1600 per day, with most repairs taking one to three days. If a crane is required to repair or replace a blade, the cost can run up to USD 350,000 per week. An average blade repair can cost up to USD 30,000, and a new blade costs, on average, about USD 200,000. Many wind farm operators now carry out regular preventative WWW.PESWIND.COM 27

TALKING POINT Gurit’s 20+ year experience of supplying epoxy laminating systems for wind blade manufacture has led to award winning complete repair systems including laminating, filling, fairing and adhesives in-factory blade manufacture, finishing and and as a member of the United Nations higher performing products and this will repair, including laminating and infusion Global Compact, which aims to drive change increase to over 90% by the end of 2021,’ resins, fillers, adhesives and gelcoats. across all areas of corporate sustainability, explains Kevin Cadd, Gurit’s Formulated Building on this depth of knowledge and to has made and will continue to make Product Manager. ‘Our ecological approach provide continued support to its customers, significant investments into a strong and to formulations is unique in our industry and their installers and repairers, the company sustainable material offering. This includes something we are extremely proud of.’ has developed new technologies and continually monitoring the chemicals it uses dedicated solutions for in-field maintenance, and where feasible, the most harmful Gurit’s Ampreg™ 3X is a great illustration of including laminating systems to suit two substances are removed from the product this: developed from an established and curing techniques: thermal & UV light. portfolio, going further than the proven system, it is a low toxicity thermally- requirements set out by regulatory bodies curing laminating system which meets the Putting health and safety first where appropriate. challenges faced during in-field lamination or in-factory infusion repairs in a safer and more Gurit is committed to improving the health ‘To date, two-thirds of the formulated sustainable way. and safety as well as the environmental portfolio have been replaced with safer, footprint of its formulated product ranges, The system includes a range of resins to 28 PES WIND

TALKING POINT Wave, current, and weather data are displayed on a user-friendly and customisable real-time dashboard for easy and secure ac- cess to sea state information. Gurit’s blade repair systems are OEM and DNV-GL qualified and available from the company’s numerous sites around the world target viscosity, drainage resistance, and trips, allows for completing several repairs in environmental technology. fabric impregnation, all of which can be a shorter time and reduces the cure time combined with the common range of Ampreg from hours to minutes. Supplied as either The programme is facilitated through 3X slow, standard or fast hardeners. The mono-component resin or a prepreg based UK-based global insight and software award-winning system has built-in UV system, RENUVO™ offers additional health solution advisory, Renewable Strategy, who stability for emergency repairs which don’t and safety benefits including reduced have reported that the participants have have the time for a topcoat and is suitable for handling and reduced risk of spillage. With been impressed with Gurit’s commitment to extreme weather conditions (including both systems suitable for use at +5°C to wind blade repair solutions and have found 5-10°C and high humidity). +30°C, they allow the user to perform repairs the products easy to work with. quickly in both hot and cold environments. Supplied in a variety of dispensing and ‘Gurit is pleased to support the GWO wind packaging options, the format of Ampreg 3X ‘With an increasing share of wind rotor parks blade repair training course with Ampreg 3X is continually being developed to minimise now reaching an advanced age, the industry epoxy laminating systems.’ says Klavs the hazardous waste and remove the is looking at solutions targeting increased Weis-Fogh, Gurit Sales Manager – Wind difficulty of dispensing, weighing and mixing average operation efficiencies as well as EMEA. ‘The Ampreg 3X systems offer during rope access repairs. extending equipment life,’ says Mathieu approvals for use on major OEM Cariou, Director of Corporate Development manufactured blades, as well as best in class In addition, the Ampreg 3X resins contain & Strategy at Gurit. ‘Our experience across health and safety labelling.’ Gurit Light Reflective Technology (LRT) as all aspects of blade manufacture makes Gurit standard, which causes the resin and mixed the prime partner for OEMs and wind park Extending the life of wind turbine blades system to fluoresce under UV light, operators for the development and delivery facilitating safer working practices and of solutions during the whole blade life.’ Utilising in-field repair solutions are an reducing the risk of user skin sensitization. effective way of extending the life of wind Partnering for success turbine blades, significantly reducing Repair time reduced from days to hours replacement costs and further enhancing the Gurit supplies its Ampreg 3X epoxy resin sustainability performance of wind energy. Gurit’s RENUVO™ system moves in-field systems to the Global Wind Organisation It’s an area where Gurit has been and repairs from a two-day operation using a Basic Technical Training program at Energy continues to be active in developing leading thermal solution, to a four-hour operation Innovation AS (now WindCo AS) in Egersund, solutions that are both practicable and cost using a new generation UV lamp. Modern UV Norway. This centre offers training, effective for wind farm operators and their lights have become compact and lightweight, certification, education, business contractors, whilst meeting, and exceeding, so UV curing is an attractive option today for development, innovation and R&D, with a the highest health and safety standards. both in-field and in-factory repairs. This focus on renewable energy and breakthrough system saves on up-tower www.gurit.com WWW.PESWIND.COM 29

TALKING POINT It’s time for Smart Tensioning Words: A shish Malhotra While designing a new product, the tightening of nuts and bolts in any industry is considered a bit late by the time the product is in development. In the wind industry in particular, it is vital to consider how such large structures as turbines will be assembled or dismantled for service operations during the design phase. Is smart bolting technology the answer? 30 PES WIND

TALKING POINT other end can easily eat up the savings if not temperature fluctuations. carefully thought through. It is increasingly challenging for manufacturers and tool The motor vehicle industry has taken companies to offer something which meets decades of continuous improvement to all the above criteria. reach the point of Industry 4.0 revolution. Where digitalization and data driven services There are options available, but we can are being used to omit any imperfections in clearly see a need for quicker, safer and the complete assembly process. This smarter ways of completing wind tower includes all elements of the supply chain, construction and service operations. starting from the point when metal is extracted from its ore, to the point where we Why do energy operations use less drive cars with kids sitting safely secured advanced tightening technologies than with a seat belt. All checked and tested not to other industries? fail even in one million cars produced. Large, fabricated structures need a large Since the development of turbines with more number of big bolts to keep the components complex designs and increased critical joints, intact, for example, some new wind turbine there has been a drive for innovation in bolting platforms have 6,000-8,000 bolts, starting technology. Any product development needs from M27 to M80 in bolt sizes. The load resources, volumes and commitment from required to hold those big size structures is buyers to drive this change. no less than 200-250 tonnes on each bolt. To imagine this load, think of five large container Now is the right time, when almost all top trucks within the load of each bolt holding the OEMs in wind are moving towards smart tower structure. bolting technologies, encouraging companies like Atlas Copco to transfer the Manufacturing such large size structures in a same quality of tightening as we offer in their uniform and repeatable way requires very factories and to bring that into the field. high precision machines which are expensive and increase the overall cost of production. To further drive this in an efficient and Even if the best machining and casting sustainable way, high end, top to bottom, long methods are used, by the time these large term cooperation is required. Atlas Copco is structures reach sites, which are often bringing this change to the wind industry with remote, the overall dimensions can distort or our smart connected tools across all bolting change due to reasons such as technologies such as continuous rotation, transportation, lifting, environment, or hydraulic torque and bolt tensioning. Often, space constraints are miscalculated against the practical possible size of the tool technology available to use on these joints. There are several examples of this in the oil and gas industry, dealing with high pressure vessels, heat exchangers, boiler feed pumps, etc, where it’s hard for the component manufacturer to know how piping and instrumentation will be built around it. To some extent, this also applies to the wind industry, where the size of turbines continues to get bigger and bigger, along with the size of the bolts. With the increasing cost of steel, often flange spaces between the adjoining bolts and distance between the centre of the bolt to the internal wall of the tower becomes too close for any standard tools to fit. At the same time, safety is paramount; operators are not very highly skilled to understand the dynamics of joints and time is money. If you try to save on one end, the WWW.PESWIND.COM 31

TALKING POINT Our continuous rotation tools like electric but the bulk and overall possible size of the onsite makes it hard for OEMs to control nutrunners or high torque battery tools gearbox with motor makes it impossible to fit friction due to environment, transportation provide a fast and flexible solution to bolt on cost saved flanges. This is due to the very and tightening activities conducted by third tightening, with the benefit of using limited space between the bolts and between party contractors. Friction factor varies a integrated transducers and sensors. the bolt and tower section wall. So, we are lot between the threads and face of the nut, However, cordless or electric motor driven left with two other options, hydraulic torque resulting in an inconsistent load between tools have their limitations of size and torque or bolt tensioning. the bolts on the same flange. This which it can cover. Sizes like M56, M64, M72, inconsistent load can eventually lead to the M80 are too big to handle with electric or a Hydraulic torque is a flexible way of falling of towers. cordless tool. tightening such large bolts, but involves friction losses, making the tool much bigger Why and when to use bolt tensioning Such tools can be designed and developed, in size, compared to tensioners. Working Bolt tensioning is the most appropriate option for large size bolts (above M48) to achieve required load in the most efficient, sustainable and accurate way. But this is only possible if the bolts are long enough to engage the bolt tensioner. The minimum required length of bolt protrusion above the nut has to be equal to the diameter of the bolt. So, if a bolt’s thread diameter of M48 stud is 48mm, then you need a minimum 48mm length above the nut to safely use bolt tensioners. Bolt tensioning is not new for wind construction, as almost all foundation bolts are tightened with tensioners. This is because the bolts on the foundation are long, and torsional forces make it hard for hydraulic wrenches or any continuous rotation tools to achieve the required load. Also, the blade to hub assembly carried out onsite is a very popular bolt tensioning application. This is due to the fact that the structure is very large and needs a uniform compression of joints to withstand a dynamic load that will be handled by blades up to 100m in length. With torque options, only 45-50% of bolt 32 PES WIND

TALKING POINT capacity was being used, but with bolt • Scans barcodes to link parameters, • M ost importantly is to ensure that the job tensioning, almost 75% of bolt yield strength operators and tools used done by the operator and eventually the is utilized, keeping the joint more safely held contractor is completed correctly together. This can potentially lead to saving • Keeps track of the number of bolts on bolt materials, washers and lubricants tightened while working • To perform a time and motion study to used in the torquing process. make the process efficient • Collects data at each step Opting for bolt tensioning over torque • To clear the audits from approving bodies helped OEMs to remove the calculation of • P rompts operator for product friction in estimating the applied loads. service checks • To reduce the service intervals over the Eventually, we were left with only estimating lifespan of wind turbines the difference between applied load and • Can be handled by a single operator residual load on the bolt if the procedure of • E nsure long term performance and quality tensioning is followed correctly. The system consists of: of turbine over a lifespan of 20-30 years So the demand was for smart tensioners, • Intelligent Hand Controller: an • R educe carbon footprints by using less which can give feedback and data collection industrialised electronic unit with software resources including operator guidance to avoid any built inside an ergonomic hand controller. errors in the process leaving the only one This fits easily in the hands of the operator To conclude, turbine design has become element to calculate, that is the difference to take complete control of the process. Its more complex, and more critical, and there between applied load and residual load. If we durability to handle continuous production has been a gap between the needs of turbine know the material of the bolt, clamping and present accurate results has been designers, and the technology available on length, thread diameter and pitch, it’s vigorously tested. the market. possible to very accurately predict the residual load left in the bolt after the • Smart Tensioner: a specially designed two Smart Tensioning System is the way forward tensioning process. This is the result of our or three stage tensioner, with integrated for critical, high-load bolted joint long history of testing over various materials, electronics and sensors with a very high requirements. This will not only improve joint sizes and thread types. load capacity. Our STT range of smart integrity and secure process quality, but it tensioners are capable of going up to will also improve safety and reduce the Smart Tensioning System (STT) 100% of yield capacity in 10.9 category overall cost of installing a wind turbine. bolts and designed to fit on tight spaces Atlas Copco’s smart tensioning system is the with size to fit coated bolts, which are The system can enable OEMs to plan longer first of its kind, highly intelligent, operator often used in wind turbines section bolts. intervals between services saving money on guided bolt tensioning system. equipment and manpower which is mobilised • Powerpack and accessories including a to check 10% bolts. This technology delivers This system: torque controlled battery nutrunner and consistent and accurate results, which manual torque wrenches. Together these enables turbine designers and engineers to • Guides the operator through steps of make a complete package calibrated to optimise fasteners and flanges, instead of tensioning deliver consistent results. building in a safety margin to compensate for friction effects, human error or • Measures pressure inside the tensioner Why we need data from tensioning environmental effects. operation • Measures torque and angle of nut rotation www.atlascopco.com There are several reasons for data collections. WWW.PESWIND.COM 33

TALKING POINT PES thought it would be interesting to learn on the system portal, OEM’s operational Ashish Malhotra more about the new Smart Tensioning managers can check that the job was done System, from Ashish Malhotra, Global satisfactorily, as per their expectations. All PES: Finally, do you feel this is only the Product Manager at Atlas Copco. this happens very fast for site managers to start for smart technology in bolt approve or not approve flanges for the tensioners? Where could you see it being PES: Ashish, can you tell us about how the safety of all. used next in the wind industry? development of the smart tensioning system started? PES: What do you think the smart AM: Smart or intelligent tooling with tensioner will help combat out in the sensors, process control and data capture, AM: We worked with one of our customers, wind farm? have been in use in manufacturing of who have been using our assembly industries such as automotive, aerospace, products in their factories for years. With AM: It ensures joint integrity and safety of or electronics for years, and now these proven technology and results in the wind turbine construction. It overcomes all industries are in the middle of Industrial factory, we were given an opportunity to friction, operator and joint related errors Revolution 4.0. develop something along the same lines, and ensures bolts are loaded correctly to however with more specific features on hold the tower sections in place. Operators We believe that the wind industry can bolt tensioning. are human beings and very likely to make benefit greatly from the experiences of errors, but the joints on which they work other industries, and the transformation in Hydraulic wrenches were not considered are very critical and any failure could lead to wind will be much quicker, not only because due to friction, and continuous rotation catastrophic failure. With this system we the technology now exists to make it tools were unable to cover all sizes on wind try to not let the operator make any errors happen, but because there is an turbines. So, to meet all criteria, bolt in the process of tensioning. acceleration of the wind industry growth, tensioning was decided as the solution. with important trends such as onshore to Working collaboratively with our customer, PES: There are similar technologies in the offshore, or ever larger turbine design with we were able to bring real innovation to the industry, but not quite like this; what are ever increasing demands to improve market by developing a highly user the biggest differences which set it apart? quality, safety and reduce cost. friendly, interactive, simple to use Smart Tensioning System. AM: As mentioned earlier, bolt tensioning The implementation of Industry 4.0 itself eliminates a lot of risks due to solutions across the wind sector is enabled PES: Can you tell us a bit about the smart friction. Standard bolt tensioning by using smart tools such as STS and so it’s technology in the tensioner, what is it procedures are very much operator or a very exciting time to be part of this. capable of? technician dependent and there are limited means to check final results due to AM: This system bridges the gap between the high loads involved. OEMs and operators working onsite. As operational managers cannot be at all sites The main difference with the Smart at one time, it’s very important that these Tensioning System is that it has integrated managers instantly know if the operator sensors to monitor the process and has an has performed the operation correctly, and intuitive interface for guidance to show the secondly if the joint or bolt were sustainable user not only what needs to be done, but to hold the required load. also the result of what has been done. The procedure designed and set in the Even more specifically, the system does system ensures that the operator this in a very unique way, with all the performs the job as it’s intended to be and software and guidance fully integrated into various sensors in the system ensure that the hand controller, eliminating the need any joint or bolt related issues are for additional PCs, or HMI screens. STS is highlighted to the operator for taking also the most appropriate tightening actions at the right time. solution for large size bolts, using the maximum capacity of bolt materials. Once the job completion data is uploaded 34 PES WIND

Smart Tensioning System The intelligent bolt tensioner, with fully integrated hand controller puts process control entirely in your hands. Quicker.Safer.Smarter atlascopco.com

2022OmUeTdiNaOdWata WIND POWER NOT HOT AIR WunderOcean DNV VertAx Ltd ABGI UK Natural Power Malin North Star Conference Call Womble Bond Dickinson Fraunhofer IWES TÜV SÜD Conference calls A look into sizing of wind South East Asia’s energy Steven Peace explains Graham Beck discusses Ports and their infrastructure The benefits of offshore Heralding a new era Electric City 2021, Demystifying the law Can hydrogen take all the The challenges of storing Previewing Global turbine generators demand looks set for where the offshore wind advancing wind energy as the fourth element in wind for the maritime sector in hybrid SOVs and WindEurope’s annual behind renewable glory for the decarbonization hydrogen for safe long Offshore Wind and explosive growth sector is set to expand science across all elements proposed projects daughter craft onshore and offshore wind investment and generation of our society? distance travel Offshore Energy Exhibition of the turbine lifecycle event in Copenhagen, & Conference, as they lays the foundations for make their 2021 return Europe’s electrified future WIND WIND WIND We are pleased to bring you some of the most recent All of the latest news, views, products and All of the latest news, views and pioneering innovation & product developments from the global solutions from across the wind industry. Including innovations from across the industry. Including show wind sector. We also look into some of the advances in in-depth articles, interviews with key players, previews, product updates, expert analysis, insights project installation & industry legislation. We are thrilled insight, opinion and the newest groundbreaking and opinions from the leading players. to bring you some views and insight from several industry innovations, on and offshore mainstays, as well as from more recent movers and shakers. PLUS, industry legislation, objective assessment on key issues and a huge amount of food for thought in PLUS, enjoy our latest objective assessment, opinion this evolving and exciting energy sector. & industry analysis POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 2, 2021 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 4, 2021 POWER AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS • ISSUE 3, 2021 SMART JUST TOWARDS GOT SMARTER NET ZERO An already intelligent sector is evolving further still. WORKING SMARTER WHILE WORKING HARDER © Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash © Vestas and Tristan Stedman WIND ENERGY’S ESSENTIAL MEDIA DESTINATION 18,000+ READERS EXTENSIVE ONLINE AND MOBILE REACH BIG NAME INTERVIEWS NEWS, VIEWS AND ANALYSIS UNMISSABLE FEATURES AND AGENDA-SETTING COMMENT email [email protected] today www.peswind.com



ASK THE EXPERTS © Boinet Xavier, courtesy of JIFMAR OFFSHORE SERVICES 38 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS Asset sharing for a more flexible offshore workforce We were thrilled that Jim Hededal Nielsen, CEO & Founder of DECK1, found time in his busy schedule to speak with us at PES. We wanted to hear his view on the challenge of securing qualified personnel to service offshore wind farms, as the industry will inevitably expand over the next decade. Working smarter and with more flexibility and even sharing assets could hold the key to success. PES: A very warm welcome back to PES providing users with options to be smart Wind Jim. By way of introduction would you about finding the optimizing solution while like to start by giving a brief insight into taking weather, availability, cost, CO2 and who DECK1 are and what it is you do? more into account. We believe it is essential that the industry find Jim Hededal Nielsen: We provide the ways to be smarter with their assets and more offshore industry with a digital marketplace. As one of the managers from Jim Hededal Nielsen SiemensGamesa Germany said regarding the offshore wind industry: ‘what got us here, will not take us there!’. New ways of thinking and operating are required to reach these ambitious goals. For us in DECK1 we couldn’t agree more. Inspections, services, repairs, new constructions, increasing cable network, etc, will still be required, just on a larger scale than today. To be able to accommodate this, new ways of thinking and operating need to materialize to be able keep a balance between demand and availability. We believe that having a transparent and digital service like DECK1 is essential to create the opportunity to be smarter with your assets and more flexible with your workforce. To add value, we have a roadmap with operational and analytical services, WWW.PESWIND.COM 39

ASK THE EXPERTS © Boinet Xavier, courtesy of JIFMAR OFFSHORE SERVICES flexible with their skilled workforce. If not, it PES: As I understand this, utilizing new having a pool of assets could be an option for will be challenging to continue expanding the technologies and flexible solutions is one larger O&Ms that then would be able to share industry at the predicted rate. suggestion to support the industry. But, do these assets and ‘SWAT-Teams’ between sites you think it is realistic to share assets in their own organization. PES: Do you predict a sellers’ market between offshore wind farms? situation? Or do you think it will balance out JHN: Realistically it is possible, but it will not Being able to utilize multiple assets across with new technologies? make sense in some places. Isolated or different business sectors will be smart on remote offshore wind farms are one example many levels. As an example, the relatively JHN: Yes. We attended a convention not too where it does not make sense. It needs to be routine shuttle with supply vessels in the long ago, where large service companies a logistical dense area, like many areas in the offshore oil and gas sector could be repurposed were already having trouble finding and UK, Germany, The Netherlands and alike. in the same manner in offshore wind, supplying retaining qualified workers. The same was If we split the logistical challenge into the materials, while helicopters or CTVs move true with buyers of services that charter manpower and transport assets, then I expect workers around between the wind turbines that vessels for long haul, just to have them the lack of skilled personnel could require the need servicing. This is one of many options we available, without actually utilizing them need to establish a sort of technical ‘SWAT think will be utilized in the future. optimally. This leaves a vacuum. team’ that can be moved between sites within those same operators’ wind farms. Even We see this as an important or even A vacuum in an industry, which is competing necessary development to keep the with the oil and gas and onshore wind, for the © Upteko momentum going for the next 10 years. same people and overlapping services. Moving towards a flexible service solution could prove a valuable strategic decision for many companies. Using new technologies would add value in several areas. As a software provider, we have a solution where it is possible to find an asset or a service directly and quickly. For example, carried out a demonstration of a drone versus manual inspection. By using drones, the new technology, an offshore wind farm could save 70,000€ on lost production, and save the world 420 ton of CO2, reducing inspection time by nine days. This is based on a realistic assumption on a German wind farm. By implementing the new technology, the same workforce will be able to work more efficiently. We can help companies highlight cases like this, and if required, we can also help them in their search for these new technologies with DECK1. 40 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS farms. Some of the functions are already happening in other business sectors today. We actually believe we have a unique solution in this regard, and would happily demonstrate this to all that are interested or considering moving to the new ‘normal’. Some large companies have similar sharing systems in place today. Either pooling assets between offshore wind farms internally or using service companies to provide this level of service and flexibility for them. We are making a digital version of it, leveling the playing field between all companies, but still enabling service companies and O&Ms to have operational control and execution. © Boinet Xavier, courtesy of JIFMAR OFFSHORE SERVICES The sharing and bundling functions in DECK1 can be used with many types of services. We are currently working with a couple of service companies to enhance the solution, so they can support larger O&Ms and reduce their administrative workload for future operations. Unfortunately, this is not a realistic option for have a platform that makes it easy to find PES: Where do you see this going over the many wind farm operators. Sharing a vessel and negotiate even short charters. Before next one or two years? across different wind farm owners will be the end of December, we will also support challenged by company policies, asset sharing between business units for JHN: With the immense focus on CO2 competitions clauses, etc. the larger companies internally, enabling reduction, Power2x development and general smarter usage of their current assets expansion of offshore wind, there will be a PES: What do you see as the biggest without the individual stakeholder risking natural shift into new and innovative solutions, drivers for companies to start working as their position in their organization. as other industries have experienced time and you describe? time again throughout history. It will be a transparent solution that splits JHN: One big driver is always money. Saving the cost fairly between the individual We believe that DECK1 has a role to play, by money on operations, enabling high revenue business units, and has a low threshold on making a true digital solution available to all from the wind farm and being able to activate many parameters. in this industry. This will enable efficient idle assets will always be a high priority. utilization of assets and flexible movement We also provide an opportunity for smaller of workforces. CO2 focus is another driver. Investors in offshore wind farms to have the same offshore wind are driving another trend with opportunity for sharing services, on A skilled workforce, in the right location, at their demand for green investments, CO2 certain levels. the right time, with the right tools will create monitoring and focus on digitalization. Large great value for companies in the offshore funds have declared in the last couple of Sharing a seat on a vessel or a helicopter is industry. With a ten times increase in months that they have new demands for not considered a viable solution yet, but offshore capacity, this workforce will either future investments, which includes CO2 as a sharing on a trip by trip basis is in many have to be increased 10 times as well or consequence of their investments. Money, cases. Services such as drone inspection, utilized smarter. We enable the latter. CO2 and the rate of expansion are what I helicopter emergency services etc. can consider the biggest drivers. easily be shared between individual wind www.deck1.com Once the first movers have discovered smarter ways of operating, others will follow. It requires bigger players to take the lead and show responsibility, even though it is often challenged internally and requires months or even years to be approved and tested. They rarely have budget, or time to focus on this type of shift in operation, which is necessary for new models of transportation. Saving money and reducing the total CO2 footprint on large scale operations would be a big incentive for leading companies in the market to ensure their position, since the predicted lack of skilled personnel will drive cost on recruiting and retaining personnel, and consequently could result in delayed service campaigns or increased downtimes on wind turbines. But the first steps may be slow. PES: Will you be able to provide this service © Boinet Xavier, courtesy of JIFMAR OFFSHORE SERVICES through a platform like DECK1? JHN: We can facilitate collaboration. We do WWW.PESWIND.COM 41

ASK THE EXPERTS 42 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS Location matters as offshore energy changes with the tide Ideally situated for logistics, operations and maintenance for offshore energy, how is the Port of Den Helder adapting to the effects of the energy transition, from gas to wind, and inevitably green hydrogen? Jacoba Bolderheij, CEO, gives PES an overview. PES: A warm welcome to PES, Jacoba, it’s PES: Can you tell us a bit about your location lovely to have you with us. Perhaps we and what makes it suitable, strategically should begin with a short introduction to and logistically for offshore energy the Port of Den Helder and its current role operations and management? within the wind energy industry? JB: If you google Den Helder and find it on Jacoba Bolderheij: Thank you so much. It is a the map, you will immediately see our central pleasure to be with you and to have this location at the North Sea. Napoleon called it opportunity to inform your readers about Gibraltar of the North and started his naval Port of Den Helder. base just because of the central location in the North Sea. Let me begin by saying that we are quite an unusual port. We have a very specific focus as In modern times and offshore, distances play a pitstop port. For more than 40 years this a very important role, as time is money. port, our tenants and service providers have Looking at the offshore gas assets, it is clear offered logistic services for offshore that Den Helder is in an excellent location to maintenance and supply activities in the serve as a pitstop port with quick turn- North Sea. around times. As such, we differ from other seaports in the Over the years, all service providers have sense that we do not have a transit or optimised their ‘product’ and logistics to be transhipment function for large volumes of able to offer optimal service concepts. As a cargo, whether in bulk, liquids or containerized, port authority we do our utmost to offer the to be transported to our hinterland. maximum when it comes to providing berths and space and clear communication and admin. Our port and our community are mainly busy with offshore energy production in the North And we have a top-notch heliport around the Sea and has become a very prominent corner. The airport is five minutes away from offshore operation and maintenance hub in the port and is the largest in western Europe, the Netherlands and around the North Sea. fully equipped and experienced for the offshore sector. Of course, with these activities a large maritime community with all kinds of PES: The port and its harbour are steeped in services, including ship repair, has found its history, aren’t they? Energy transition is home base in Den Helder. the latest mission, but it has witnessed WWW.PESWIND.COM 43

ASK THE EXPERTS quite a few changes and turbulence through PES: Are there any particular challenges Jacoba Bolderheij the years. How has the transition to focus that are quite commonplace? How does the on energy come about? Port of Den Helder help to overcome these? supply chain/vessel train where gas, wind and in future h2 logistics will be integrated, JB: The port and the city are indeed steeped JB: I am convinced that space is key. Quays including concepts of unmanned sailing and in history. I invite all readers to come and visit for berthing of ships, but also square meters. other modes of transport, e.g. helicopters. the area. Remnants of a past long ago are still In the installation phase of the wind farms visible and visitable. Den Helder is also the and in the operation and maintenance phase. We hope to start this research project, led hometown of the Royal Dutch Navy. But we Luckily these wind parks will not be there by TNO research, one of the most can also build on half a century of expertise in overnight, so we can adjust our distinguished research centres in The the offshore energy sector. infrastructure over the years to come. Netherlands, this autumn. Decades of experience in logistics, At the moment we can accommodate a PES: With sustainability and environmental operations and maintenance of gas assets couple of operations and maintenance hubs factors being at the heart of the offshore offer an excellent base to service the energy for offshore wind. But for the future we have wind industry, how big a part does transition. The transition of our port takes calculated with TNO Research that we need sustainability play within the Port itself? place at the same pace as the energy at least 6 hectares to serve the industry. transition towards sustainability. Space is a challenge more ports are facing. JB: We look at three levels of sustainability and environmental policy: energy, emissions, PES: Focusing on the present day now, I PES: The Port is supported by the Royal circularity. In our own operations, we obviously would imagine the Port is a hive of activity Netherlands Navy with this, is that right? use green electricity, focus on electric driving, as the offshore supply base for the North What role does the navy play? improve the energy label of our office building Sea. How has this changed or developed and support sustainable procurement. over the last couple of years or so would JB: With local and regional governments and you say? the Royal Navy, we have embarked on a ‘ports transition path’ called Maritime Cluster. We JB: Indeed we are a hive of activity. But we are working on a rearrangement of see the effects of the energy transition. The infrastructure in the port so that growth of North Sea will become less of a location for both the Navy and commercial activities can gas production and eventually gas will be be accommodated. replaced by wind offshore energy production and we believe green hydrogen as well. PES: Wind energy is notorious for carrying a high cost, something that many of the Of course this is not immediate. North Sea business leaders we speak to are gas will play a substantial role in the transition continually striving to bring down. How do and is needed in that transition, no doubt, but you see the Port helping with supply chain the speed of developments is mind boggling. costs, which are always a major factor? Until 2030, 20GW of wind power is envisaged to have been erected at the North Sea, just JB: Based on so many years of offshore on our doorstep. experience, I am convinced that our supply chain comes with even more efficient To realise those ambitions, we are convinced concepts to serve the sector. As a port we that all ports large and small are needed. With are supporting those efforts. our current facilities and developments in the future, the Port will play a significant role. We took the initiative to start research on a 44 PES WIND

ASK THE EXPERTS © PressOffshore On the second level, we focus on the topic after their operational life span, which is if a turbine can become 100% circular. availability of shore power and clean bunkers. after about 20-25 years. Various options are We do not have much industry in Den Helder there: repowering, life time extension and, at Nowadays, 85-90% of a dismantled wind and are blessed with very clean air. But when the end, decommissioning. It would be great turbine can be recycled, as most of the it comes to shipping there are steep materials are made of concrete, steel and iron, ambitions. We have to comply with Fit for 55 ambitions and while being a Waddenzee Port, we have even higher goals. Green shore power is high on our list of priorities. To be able to receive the clean/green ships of the future we put our utmost effort into projects regarding shore power and hydrogen bunker stations in our port. We aim to contribute to zero-emission mobility on road and water. One of the projects includes a sailing demonstration vessel that is propelled entirely by green hydrogen. On level 3, in the future we trust we can play a role in the circularity of offshore wind components and decommissioning of gas infrastructure. PES: As many offshore windmills come to the end of their life-span, how big a challenge is the dismantling and recycling of these, in a sustainable way? Will the Port play a role here too? JB: Dismantling of wind farms becomes a WWW.PESWIND.COM 45

ASK THE EXPERTS ‘I trust that by 2030 the Port will be a bee-hive with ships sailing in and out of our port.’ © PressOffshore for which materials there is an active economy already mentioned the hydrogen tank station The facility will be engineered for a in Europe. However, the materials in the and bunker station in the port. On a larger production of 550 tonnes of h2 per day. The turbine blades are more complex and markets scale contributing to the CO2 targets in our CO2 reduction will be around 2 mega tonnes are not yet matured. We are still exploring how partners are currently working on a annually, which is 14% of the industrial we can play a role in the dismantling. decarbonized hydrogen factory. target. We trust that by the end of the year we can start with the next phase of the PES: With the offshore industry developing Den Helder is the gateway for the majority of project, which is the financial and technical rapidly, what plans are in place to further gas produced in the Southern North Sea. We feasibility of this project. the development of the port and its have the ambition to play that same role economy? when h2 is produced at sea in future. Our PES: How do you see the future of the focus is to realise a landing point in Den offshore wind sector developing from here? JB: Together with our partners the Navy and Helder for green hydrogen production at sea. What will the Port of Den Helder look like in local and regional governments we are 2030, do you think? developing a breeding ground, a Maritime Our main asset today is the pipeline Cluster, where Navy, offshore operations and infrastructure, which is currently used by JB: I believe that by 2030 the Port will still be ship repair can excel. the offshore gas operators in the North a bee-hive with ships sailing in and out of our Sea. We envisage those pipelines being port. Ships serving the gas sector, wind We believe that the combination of high tech used for green hydrogen molecules in the offshore and h2 activities, like green activities at sea by the Navy, with the high tech future. There are some promising projects hydrogen and hydrogen with CCS produced environment of the offshore energy sector and I hope that we can be part of those at the North Sea. forms an excellent environment to further plans in future. develop our port and the port community to It will be crazy busy with ships transporting strengthen our regional economy. In the meantime, scientist argue that people, project materials, but also with ships decarbonized hydrogen is a necessary step in need of maintenance and repair and other PES: What about the future hydrogen towards green hydrogen. In our H2 gateway services. Maybe we will be servicing new economy? Are there plans being made for project a decarbonized hydrogen production energy islands and I foresee new logistics the Port to support this, should it be the facility is being studied, which converts gas concepts combining and pooling many modes game-changer that many are predicting it into hydrogen, while the CO2 will be pumped of transport including helicopters and drones. might be? back via existing pipeline infrastructure into depleted gas wells. www.portofdenhelder.nl JB: We have several projects running. I 46 PES WIND

Your offshore energY operations & maintenance hub o&M basis airport kooyhavEn kooypunt sEaport plots of flexible size, with or withoUt qUAY more thAN 20 hA AVAilAble offshore pit stop port KooYpUNt AND KooYhAVeN • ExcEllEnt gEographical location in • coMpEtitivEly pricEd plots (rEnt, purchasE, rElation to offshorE EnErgy activitiEs in lEasE) thE north sEa • flExiblE plot sizEs • opEn sEaport, accEssiblE 24/7 in all wEathEr • various plots availablE up to and conditions including EnvironMEntal catEgory 5.2 • fully opEratEd hElicoptEr airport • plots availablE with own quay sidE • locatEd dirEctly on thE noord-hollands • EstablishEd offshorE supply chain for opErations & MaintEnancE activitiEs canal • public quay up to 6 tons pEr M2 • various (MaritiME) knowlEdgE institutEs • all ElEctric kooyhavEn businEsspark and training and Education facilitiEs • vEry good accEssibility by watEr, • currEnt fish auction availablE for road and air offshorE wind dEvElopMEnt (sEE box) • 1 hour drivE froM schiphol airport NV Port of DeN HelDer Port of Den Helder is participating in Het Nieuwe Diep 33 1781 AD Den Helder P.O. Box 4058 1780 HB Den Helder the Netherlands +31 223 61 84 81 [email protected] portofdenhelder.nl www.portofdEnhEldEr.nl

TALKING POINT AI is mature, it’s time to focus on clean datasets for the wind industry Is a lack of high-quality training datasets holding the industry back from taking full advantage of the many benefits to be had from machine learning and Artificial Intelligence? Why does AI matter in visual blade from the ground, using high resolution Did you know that inspecting the entire inspections? cameras, telescopes and binoculars. Over global wind turbine fleet once a year means the past five years, there’s been a huge analyzing 400 million pictures every single The global wind fleet is set to increase to 3.7 development in drone inspections, year? This would result in hundreds of TW by 2024, meaning more than 1.2 million facilitating the capture of high quality images experts working full-time on this topic wind turbines in operation. Traditionally, wind whilst minimizing turbine downtime. considering you need more than two minutes turbine blade inspections were performed 48 PES WIND

TALKING POINT per image. This is clearly not a viable option. inspections paired with subject matter datasets are holding the industry back. experts and drone pilots can usually reduce Artificial Intelligence plays a key role in inspection times by up to 60 or 70%. Improving the quality of training datasets is reducing the overall inspection time, now the absolute key to improving computer improving the efficiency and safety of wind What’s the status of AI for visual blade vision capabilities, rather than fine-tuning farms on multiple levels. Centralized data inspections in 2021? the structure and parameters of the neural platforms, paired with automated drone network, as there are now a number of inspection flights and AI assisted defect There’s been a shift recently in the machine benchmarks that can already validate the detections can help to significantly reduce learning community. Qualifying data and the robustness of architectures. the time from image capture to detailed pipelines to improve the performance of the inspection report delivery, thus reducing AI has become more central than the In layman’s terms, a training dataset is an maintenance and repair times. machine learning algorithms themselves. initial set of data, which is used to help a Since the field has reached a certain level of program understand how to apply Specially trained AI for visual blade maturity, the lack of high-quality training technologies such as neural networks to WWW.PESWIND.COM 49

TALKING POINT learn and produce results. In the case of wind requires multiple stakeholders and a from wise user feedback. Over the last few turbine inspection software with the software platform to facilitate the work. This years, LabelFlow technologies have objective of pre-labelling inspection images, typically involves creating and modifying supported dozens of projects, labeling more the dataset will consist of expert-labeled labels, merging labels into a larger dataset or than 250,000 wind turbine images. images of wind turbine defects. even merging multiple datasets, amongst other actions. Data is dynamic, and should be AI is just a tool, industry leaders have What makes a good dataset and how can continuously updated to maintain its understood that the whole inspection value you improve the quality? integrity and relevance. chain is important. Here are four aspects which will allow you to LabelFlow build the GitHub for visual data, Over the past few years, multiple start-ups create great datasets: with the mission to facilitate and accelerate have entered the wind turbine inspection the development of AI at scale, thanks to space, with varying focus points in order to High volume of data top-notch labeling tools and a dataset capture different parts of the market. marketplace. No secret here, you need a high volume of These industry leaders all successfully labeled images to obtain great outputs with Launched in September 2021, designed integrated AI, be it for automated flight your machine learning model. Image around the smoothest user experience planning software for drones or to automate augmentation can help you virtually increase possible, we also opened our code on GitHub turbine blade defect detections, but their this amount of data. to empower the community and also benefit biggest success is to have this integrated Balanced dataset Size matters, but classes and homogeneity as well. If you have 1,500 labels for leading edge erosion and only 40 for lightning strikes, your model will probably fail at detecting this underrepresented class. Training pipelines and toolings in place A training pipeline needs to be set up to reach a virtuous circle for your AI. The process could be as follows: machine learning models create detections, or labels, on raw images. Human experts and labelers correct what’s wrong or inaccurate, thus improving the training data quality. The machine learning models can then be trained once again on the improved quality dataset, and repeat. Collaboration Preparing a high-quality dataset often 50 PES WIND