Carbon Trust launches wind turbine safety competition

Today’s wind farms are typically less than 20km from shore in relatively benign sea conditions. However, ’Round 3’ offshore wind farms erected from 2014 will consist of up to 1,500 turbines, located up to 300km offshore where they will operate in much harsher conditions – excellent for generating electricity but challenging for operations and maintenance.

Charles Hendry, minister of state for energy, said: ’As developers seek to get wind turbines into deeper waters, where the wind blows more wildly and the waves are stronger, it is vital that access and safety are maximised and costs minimised. This competition will help turn ideas into reality, and successful applicants will see their solutions power the next phase in the UK’s offshore wind expansion.’

Turbines are typically available to generate electricity for 90 per cent of the time. They require planned and unplanned maintenance during the year and this is performed by personnel who step off boats onto ladders on the side of the turbines. While this works effectively and safely in calm seas, conditions in future wind farms may be so rough that transfers may only be possible 160 days a year. If safer, more reliable transfers were possible, it would increase the window for performing maintenance activities, which would boost the operating hours of the turbines and improve the overall economics of the wind farm.