Operations & Maintenance
RSS feedNews & in-depth analysis of wind farm and turbine operations & maintenance, including turbine & blade failure, access, monitoring & control systems, health & safety, refitting, repowering, wind monitoring and site security.
Senvion collapse could contribute to 'modest' turbine price gains
New analysis predicts onshore wind turbine prices could see a "modest" increase in the early part of the next decade, in part due to the collapse of Senvion.
Up for grabs: a queue forms for Senvion's servicing deals
Following the loss of the servicing contract at the 203MW Trianel Borkum Windpark II site in Germany, Windpower Monthly takes a look at where other deals could be made.
Deutsche Windtechnik replaces Senvion at Trianel site
Deutsche Windtechnik will service 32 Senvion turbines at the 203MW Trianel Borkum Windpark II project in the German North Sea, replacing the embattled manufacturer as operations and maintenance (O&M) provider.
News and Analysis
Wind pushing UK renewables past fossil fuels
Renewables will soon provide the largest share of the UK's electricity generation mix, according to official figures, with the growth in wind -- lately in offshore -- driving the sector to a tipping point.
More job losses as Vestas cuts Danish and German workforce
Roughly 590 manufacturing jobs will be cut from Vestas' blade manufacturing facilities in Germany and Denmark as the company "evolves" to meet customer demand. This follows Siemens Gamesa's announcement it is also cutting 600 jobs in Denmark to "address challenging market conditions".
Regulatory support 'needed' for lifetime extension
A severe lack of regulatory support is in place to help wind farm owners repower or upgrade components of the 65GW of European onshore turbines reaching their end-of-design-life by 2028, according to new analysis.
Acoustic monitoring trial launched
Software company Ping Services will install 55 monitoring devices that use acoustic analysis, machine learning and internet-of-things technology to detect damage to wind turbine blades at a project in Victoria, Australia.
Chinese wind owners 'face growing O&M pressure'
Share prices of key Chinese wind players have been hit by an unexpected surge in operating and maintenance (O&M) costs, according to new analysis.
In depth
The innovations that are changing the face of the O&M market
As turbines grow taller and blades get longer, keeping them in working order throws up new challenges. We look at the trends in the service sector and pick out some innovative new solutions.
Devising O&M strategies for floating offshore
Should repair and replacement of major components on floating turbines be carried out at the project location, or in the still waters of port after tugging the unit home?
Determining the true cause of premature bearing failure
While modern manufacturing practices and techniques such as predictive maintenance have helped make premature bearing failure a rare occurrence. However, it can still happen and when it does it can have a catastrophic effect.
Why investors should now be banking on longer life
Now that the first megawatt-scale turbines are operating beyond their certified 20-year design life, it is time to take stock and review the tools and procedures the industry needs to navigate up to and beyond this fixed design life assumption.
Why structural stability is key to life extension
When wind turbines approach the end of their design life, an assessment for lifetime extension determines whether a turbine is suitable for continued operation. Christian Schumacher and Florian Weber of certification body TÜV SÜD outline the process and how operators can prepare.
Follow us: