Posted on October 14, 2024
Agrekko says persistent power issues in offshore wind calls for robust energy supply chain partners to bridge the gap and drive growth
The challenge of powering up the offshore wind sector without a solid energy supply chain backbone is becoming evident.
Energy specialist Aggreko highlights this in its Race to Renewables study.
According to consultancy firm McKinsey, the global installed offshore wind capacity could surge to 630GW by the mid-century, from 40GW in 2020, illustrating an intense growth trajectory.
This burgeoning sector harbours the capability to redefine global power production. However, the assurance of its triumph hinges on knitting a stronger energy supply chain to mend current shortcomings.
Unpacking offshore wind’s main obstacles
The survey of 855 offshore wind industry professionals from Europe by Aggreko revealed a notable consensus: 39% pointed to the scarcity of temporary power solutions as a critical hindrance to progression.
The study says the adoption of cleaner technologies poses another significant bottleneck. Likewise, complexities in transport and logistics were highlighted by another 39% as an issue in power accessibility.
Challenges such as equipment handling times were flagged by 34%, showcasing how access to power spans the entirety of the development phases, crucially during construction phases for activities like cable laying and lifting operations.
Aggreko’s Race to Renewables study highlights barriers in offshore wind
The wind sector must look at the barriers that are stopping greener technologies being used, alongside the issues around securing power for projects
Michel Maaskant, Sector Sales Specialist for Offshore Renewables at Aggreko
Michel Maaskant, Sector Sales Specialist for Offshore Renewables at Aggreko, says: “Despite the huge growth across the industry, there are still barriers that could cause issues if they’re not tackled.
“To ensure continued expansion, especially considering the targets set out by bodies across Europe, the wind sector must look at the barriers that are stopping greener technologies being used, alongside the issues around securing power for projects.”
Michel Maaskant, Sector Sales Specialist for Offshore Renewables at Aggreko
Fianncial setbacks to sustainable energy
Costs persist as a considerable barrier.
The industry stares down the barrel of a pronounced skills divide relating to emerging technologies, as declared by over 41% in Aggreko’s survey confessing a void in technical know-how and experience.
The skills shortfall in the energy sector, particularly offshore wind, stands out starkly. Efforts to usher individuals into green careers are counterbalanced by an inflating skills gap in the sector. The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) notes that the UK market alone is in need of filling 70,000 new roles by 2030.
Aggreko’s study emphasised the skills gap in offshore wind
Projected figures suggest employment within this sector might surpass the 100,000 mark for the first time before this decade’s end, underscoring an urgent need for workforce expansion.
Despite these stumbling blocks, the offshore wind arena is experiencing a marked upturn. Europe is preparing to funnel over €5bn (US$5.6bn) into the wind sector to facilitate advance payments and offer guarantees on new undertakings.
Aggreko’s Energising Change sustainability framework
Aggreko’s sustainability blueprint, Energising Change, commits to aid economically feasible energy transitions.
It champions the growth of renewable infrastructure, keying on areas such as expanded grid capacity, the commissioning of fresh wind farms, grid stabilisation services, and energising transport network developments.
Michel added: “Energising Change is all about helping industries make the switch to more sustainable energy solutions. However, they can only do this if they are given the correct support and guidance.
“In the wind sector, this knowledge gap is something that must be tackled if growth is to be achieved. This is where strategic partnerships between energy solutions providers and offshore wind companies will come into play to help develop sustainable supply chains and reliable energy provision.”
