Aggreko: Offshore Wind Growth Hindered by Power Challenges

The offshore wind pipeline faces a power dilemma without a robust energy supply chain.

This is what energy solutions specialist Aggreko warns off the back of one of its latest studies, Race to Renewables.

Consultancy McKinsey predicts global installed offshore wind capacity is expected to reach 630GW by mid century, up from 40GW in 2020.

This rapidly growing industry has huge potential to revolutionise power generation worldwide, but to ensure its success a more capable energy supply chain needs to bridge existing gaps.

What power hurdles stand in the way of offshore wind expansion?

Of the 855 offshore wind professionals across Europe surveyed by Aggreko for the study, 39% identified the lack of temporary power solutions as the primary barrier to growth. 

The integration of greener technologies also emerged as a key factor blocking industry expansion, the report found.

Transport and logistics difficulties were also cited by 39% of respondents as the main challenge for accessing power. 

On top of this, 34% pointed to equipment turnaround time as a problem. 

These power access issues affect the entire development process, particularly during construction when power is crucial for cable laying and supporting heavy lifting vessels.

Michel Maaskant, Sector Sales Specialist for Offshore Renewables at Aggreko, said: “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.”

As emphasised by Michel, the report highlights a growing desire for greener technologies among decision-makers aiming to reduce emissions during development. 

Other challenges offshore wind faces

Cost remains a main barrier. 

A significant skills gap surrounding new technologies also impedes uptake, with more than 41% of those responding to Aggreko’s survey admitting a lack of technical knowledge and experience.

The skills gap in energy — particularly offshore wind — is a clear obstacle.

For example, although there is an increasing drive to get people into green jobs, the skills gap continues to grow in offshore wind, with the UK alone needing 70,000 additional jobs in this space alone between now and 2030 according to The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC).

It also forecasts that jobs in offshore wind will exceed 100,000 for the first time and a dramatic surge of workers is needed before the end of the decade.

Despite these challenges, the offshore wind industry is experiencing a serious upturn.

Europe is set to invest over €5bn (US$5.6bn) in the wind industry to secure advance payments and provide performance guarantees for new projects.

Aggreko’s Energising Change sustainability framework

Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change, aims to support commercially viable energy transitions.

It focuses on developing renewable infrastructure, with a central part of the framework being the development of renewable infrastructure for the future such as additional grid capacity, commissioning new wind farms, grid balancing services and providing power for building transport networks.

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.”

Make sure you check out the latest edition of Energy Digital Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024

Energy Digital is a BizClik brand.