COMMUNICATION HUB FOR THE WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY

Ecology Mitigation for Birds

Spotlight on Blyth Training - Confined Spaces

Money Matters Bolting & Fastenings

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 - ISSUE 21 | £7.50 INTRODUCTION Lead article a subsidiary company of linking two separate Offshore Wind EPC Fabrication renewable Magazine and website interaction – QR codes Yet another reminder that we have Delivering all your offshore wind fabrication needs changed our pink and green flashes energy sectors indicating more information online. QR codes have been substituted in the printed • Wind Turbine Jacket Foundations Our parent company Green Energy Blyth feature version which means that you can scan Publishing have taken the bold step Our ‘Spotlight on…’ feature focuses on the code with your smart phone and it in introducing a new magazine for Blyth in the North East , one of the many will direct you to the featured company • AC/HVDC Transformer Substations the wave and tidal sector. I have regional areas which have evolved to serve or organisation micropage held within our been given the added responsibility the needs of the industry. website, so that you can learn much more • Substation Jacket Foundations for been editor of this publication in all sorts of formats. as well. The port houses some of the leading • Met Masts operators in the industry and also Narec These have already become very popular We launch the publication at the leading Research & Development as they link to the magazine in a very RenewableUK’s Wave & Tidal Event Centre. interactive way – a great marketing tool for held in Belfast later this month. our decision making readership to find out Stoke & Staffordshire about products and services following the The title of the publication is Wave & We also turn our spotlight on Stoke & reading of an interesting article. Tidal Energy Network and its business Staffordshire featuring a surprising number model will be identical to that of Wind of companies and organisations who sit Energy Network – we believe that the well within the supply chain, given that industry deserves an industry specific they are relatively distant from offshore magazine and website which is solely activities. dedicated to that industry and not tagged on to some other renewable There are however perfectly suited publication as a sort of afterthought. companies with facilities ready-made to serve the wind energy industry both on As the wave & tidal industry has and offshore as you will find within this crossover with that of wind, I am feature. pleased to reflect this too in our lead industry article. Features – get involved The magazine continues to grow and it The lead industry article has been is now commonplace to see separate written by Trident Energy’s CEO Steve features on all sorts of areas within the Duncan McGilvray Packard whose company work in industry. These features emanate from Editor | Wind Energy Network both sectors – we hope you find it of our discussions with leading experts in the interest. industry during our visits to conferences www.windenergynetwork.co.uk and events, as well as our editorial team bringing up subject areas when looking at the industry as a whole.

Please feel free to contact us if there is any subject area which you think may be of interest to our readership and we will Scan/click this link to find out how to do the rest – there is never any charge for get involved in this magazine genuine editorial.

You will find our ‘Forthcoming Features’ tab on our website in the magazine Engineering Procurement Construction section.

T: 0191 295 8700 E: [email protected] W: www.ogn-group.com www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 01 WIND ENERGY NETWORK CONTENTS

cont Editor’s welcome e Fugro OCEANORnts Planning feature 4 ?

6 Cover story ? Money Matters Research & Development ? Contents ? EEEGR SNS 2014 Conference ? Industry lead article – Linking preview separate renewable energy sectors ? Training – Confined Spaces ? Your Industry News section starts here ? International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) ? Ecology – Mitigation for Birds ? Bolting & Fastenings ? Business Development ? Planning Issues ? Spolight on Blyth ? BPP Cables on cable vibration ? Training – Skills Gap ? Lubricants ? Fred. Olsen Interview ? Problem Solved ? Legal Eagles ? Research & Development ? Tidal Transit at Sheringham Shoal

? Coatings and Corrosion

? Spotlight on Stoke & Staffordshire Ecology Mitigation for Birds Green Energy Publishing Ltd (Northern) Green Energy Publishing Ltd (SOUTHERN) T 01765 644224 Ecology, a subject area dear to my Regular/one off features The Oaks, Oakwood Park Business Centre, OrbisEnergy, Wilde Street, W www.windenergynetwork.co.uk heart. Continuing our ecology theme Amongst the features within this edition we Bishop Thornton, Harrogate Lowestoft, Suffolk E [email protected] with some very interesting articles also focus on Blyth, Stoke & Staffordshire, North Yorkshire HG3 3BF NR32 1XH E [email protected] within this edition relating to mitigation Planning, Coatings and Corrosion and for birds. Money Matters to name but a few.

Training Duncan McGilvray Two separate features on training this Editor time – both for confined spaces and some Wave & Tidal Energy Network Wind Energy Network magazine is happy to accept unsolicited contributions for consideration. Editorial opinions expressed in this general training articles from providers far magazine are not necessarily those of Green Energy Publishing Ltd and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising and wide. content. The publishers cannot accept any responsibility for omissions or errors. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written permission.

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Diesel generators – risks and linking costs Currently, the most widely used source of Through extensive research and auxiliary power for offshore wind turbines development, in conjunction with partners two separate are diesel generators. Whilst these are including the University of Cambridge, a proven solution, the logistic costs of Trident Energy has successfully developed refuelling and maintaining diesel generators technology that can maximise the energy renewable energy offshore are high - this opex cost can that can be harnessed from each wave. account for over 90% of the cost of The technology, successfully demonstrated New providing auxiliary power. at our testing facility in Lowestoft, Suffolk, sectors allows for the real time control of a linear approaches With the running costs of operating generator. Our lead article in this edition is very diesels offshore reaching more than five relevant to our latest initiative – it to providing times what it is onshore, the complexities This offers a reliable and highly controllable links two separate renewable energy of transportation and operations out at means of converting motion directly into sectors; wind and wave/tidal. offshore sea, diesel generators come with cost electricity. The ability to control a device and safety issues. With future offshore in real time is an important enabling Our now well established publication power wind farms being built even further out at technology for the commercialisation of will now have a sister publication - reducing sea, these issues will become even more wave energy, this has the potential to Wave & Tidal Energy Network which is prominent. be hugely beneficial to the offshore wind being launched at the RenewableUK risk, industry as it can be used to provide new Wave & Tidal event in Belfast in late solution – adjoining wave- auxiliary power solutions. February 2014. reducing powered linear generator The solution to reducing the risks and Reducing risks and costs We are pleased to feature Trident cost costs for offshore auxiliary power is to It reduces the risks and costs associated Energy, one of the industry leaders use the sea to provide the necessary with auxiliary power solutions solely in both wind and wave/tidal, as our Offshore wind turbines are helping energy. Whilst there are many wave dependent on diesel generators, by contributor in this edition – Steve the UK meet its energy capacity energy devices in development, most introducing a diverse, autonomous power Packard, CEO explains… needs and to meet its carbon targets. use hydraulics or gearing to convert wave supply and reducing the diesel refuelling However, without a secure and cost motion to electricity. These are inefficient challenge. effective source of auxiliary back due to their inability to maximise the power up power, the commercial viability extracted from every wave due to their slow Through our innovative research of offshore wind turbines could be responsiveness. programme we have been able to undermined. This is because one of develop a new solution for the challenges the basic needs of a wind turbine associated with the provision of auxiliary is the provision of auxiliary power, power to offshore wind turbines. Our real especially before it is connected to time control technology has the potential to the onshore electricity grid. Wind play an enabling role in the future success turbine warranties can be voided if of this vital industry and renewable energy the turbine is without power for more source. than a few days, radically altering the risk profile and hence insurance Steve Packard requirements of the wind farm. CEO Trident Energy

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Contract start DONG Energy In the first half of 2015, the company DONG Energy is also pleased about the will commence installation of a total upcoming project in Germany. of 97 turbines from Siemens, each of 6MW/154m rotor, with a total capacity of Trine Borum Bojsen, Managing Director in It’s all about 582 MW. When completed, Gode Wind Germany said: “We are looking forward to 1 and 2 will be the largest contiguous realising our biggest offshore wind farm offshore wind farm in Germany to date. project in Germany, Gode Wind 1 and 2.”

Important contract win Largest investment A2SEA’s CEO Jens Frederik Hansen is very “It is our biggest investment ever and will satisfied with the contract: “It is no secret cement our leadership position in offshore that there are only a few offshore wind wind. Until 2020 we are aiming to install projects until we expect a slight increase 6.5 GW offshore capacity in Europe. On in projects from 2017. completion of Gode Wind 1 and 2 we will be one step ahead, DONG Energy will Big contract win “And naturally we are interested have built a total of approximately 3.5 GW in keeping our vessels deployed of offshore wind.” in Germany with continuously to keep costs down and be installation of able to contribute to the industry’s goals Installation vessel to reduce the cost of energy. A2SEA will deploy their second generation Gode Wind 1 & 2 offshore installation vessel SEA INSTALLER Offshore Wind “Furthermore, we see the agreement as on Gode Wind 1 (330MW) and Gode Wind an acknowledgment of our previous work 2 (252MW). Farms and I believe we have shown our worth YOU! with e.g. the installation of 235 turbines SEA INSTALLER has previously installed A2SEA has signed a contract with in 2013. Last but not least it is a very turbines on the Gunfleet Sands Extension DONG Energy to install 97 turbines on positive signal from the German market and West of Duddon Sands. Gode Wind 1 & 2 in the German area that offshore wind is back on the agenda of the North Sea. and prioritised.” Gode Wind 1 & 2 are expected to be fully commissioned in the second half of 2016.

A2SEA

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Martin Moon, Managing Director at Subsea Innovation, said: “The new building will Pharos Offshore delivers engineering Subsea Innovation allow us to build bigger machines and solutions for subsea cable installation, carry out increased testing, so we don’t Offshore UTV1200 maintenance and repair and work with have to use external facilities. The fact the clients across the offshore Oil & Gas, expansion new facility will have extra height means trenching ROV ready Submarine Telecoms and Renewable we can install larger cranage and it will Power industries. Subsea Innovation, one of the world’s New development also allow us to develop the research and Pharos Offshore acquired an SMD Detailed specification leading subsea equipment suppliers, The new development will be double the development side further too. built 1200HP cable burial tool in July Engineering and design has been In-house expertise has officially started work on its new size of Subsea’s current base and opens up 2013, since then the vehicle has completed on a complimentary mechanical In-house expertise includes highly skilled headquarters, which will potentially the potential to double its workforce to more “I always envisaged the company would undergone extensive modifications chain cutting package in co-ordination and experienced offshore technical help secure larger contracts and than 70. It will also enable the company to double in size, and by increasing it means that have enhanced the configuration with spoil reduction from the cutting face professionals and onshore engineering create more jobs in the North East of handle larger demands from the oil, gas and we can look at larger work. Last year, I to provide a more effective post lay/ and the base of the trench formation management and operational support England. renewable energy industries. believe we would have got a big A-Frame installation burial vehicle. immediately astern of the cutting tool. teams. Pharos Offshore develops subsea cable handling and burial solutions, Meeting client requirements Product handling is accomplished by including vehicle and handling systems, Modifications to the vehicle have been means of two elliptical manipulators to with a proven track record in taking made at the Tees Offshore Base, in place the product in the cable highway, projects from concept design, delivery, Middlesbrough. The UTV1200 has a which also incorporates an automatic cable testing and on-going support. combination of jetting tool packages discharge system. Modular by design, to meet client requirements where the integration is by means of two flange Innovative engineering jetting assembly has been relocated faces; reconfiguration between jetting and The company delivers innovative engineering within the core vehicle frame, where the mechanical trenching may be performed on solutions by combining state-of-the-art centrally mounted jetting swords optimise location within 36 hours. technology with knowledge gained from steering and handling as well as cable real operational experience. Pharos acquisition capability, thus allowing 10m Modification needs offshore personnel are experienced in all radial manoeuvrability during jet trenching Chris Gamble, Director of Operations, major manufacturers of Remote Operated operations. With a rated production speed believes the previous configuration of Vehicles, Plough systems and Launch and greater than 300m/h at 1.6m trench depth UTV1200 (LBT1) allowed for concurrent Recovery Systems. Their multi-disciplined for jetting of sands greater than 50KPa. trenching (mechanical and jetting) of a pre- team have an extensive track record in loaded product, however after carrying out subsea trenching, survey and ROV support. Modifications also include the removal of research the integration of a pre-loaded the cable reel system which has reduced product was deemed too specialised in Pharos Offshore Group the centre of gravity by reducing the height the current market, driving the equipment of the lift frame, greatly improving the modifications. SMD vehicle stability. UTV1200 can be provided on project specific terms or through a long term lease, in co-ordination with the company’s expertise, they can offer operational teams to undertake all trenching project requirements.

The Darlington based company is building Once finished the Darlington headquarters order from a client if we had a bigger a new factory and office space after its will cover 40,000sq ft and is expected to be facility, so this move is a very positive expanding operations outgrew the capacity completed in August. one.” of its existing Faverdale North site. The construction work is being carried out by Increased turnover Future strength local contractors J and RM Richardson and Subsea Innovation’s annual turnover “We wanted to stay in the region and was designed by Darlington’s Architects exceeded £10m for the first time in its looked at other places, but Darlington Design Group. history in 2013, up from £7.5m in 2012. had everything to keep us local. You have The company designs and manufactures to be flexible and ready to move rapidly offshore equipment handling systems, in this industry, and such an investment pipeline repair systems and subsea sealing will allow us to do that and strengthen systems. our future. It is all about getting your customers and keeping them for life.”

Subsea Innovation

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East Anglian coast He added: “Anyone who is familiar with A project milestone was achieved the often unfriendly weather conditions Golden Eagle living quarters recently of the final heavy lift on the our remarkable vessels face in the waters Golden Eagle Living Quarters module, off the East Anglian coast will appreciate currently under construction on 20,000 this achievement.” Sembmarine SLP’s Lowestoft Yard. Even in calm seas, transferring personnel Single lift safe passenger from vessel to turbine is one of the most The single lift of the 70 tonne Cantilevered potentially hazardous processes faced by Helideck was positioned adjacent to the top those working in the young offshore wind deck of the six storey offshore structure. transfers energy industry. It is a tribute to the design of Tidal Transit’s vessels, and the Health The LQ module which is due for completion and Safety procedures of both Tidal Transit and load out in early May of this year is and the offshore wind energy companies currently undergoing final stages of fitting to which it charters its vessels, that 20,000 out. transfers have been carried out with a 100% safety record. Significant step Sembmarine SLP’s Managing Director Growing fleet Paul Thomson said yesterday “This is a Ginny Louise and Eden Rose have been significant step in the completion process in use on both the construction and of our current project for Nexen UK. The operational phases of offshore wind farms project team and yard personnel are to since their arrival in the UK in 2012, and Tia be commended for the continuing high Elizabeth joined them in September 2013. standards of safety in this In April next year they will be joined by a difficult but incident free fourth vessel, Kitty Petra. operation.”

Specifications Sembmarine SLP The specification of these vessels greatly exceeds the current fleet being used for the same purpose in the UK. The vessels MCA Cat 1 coding and 10,000 litre fuel tanks allow them to work up to 150 miles offshore, well within the range of the UK’s Best innovation award for C Speed forthcoming Round 3 offshore wind farms. C Speed has collected the 2013 Best First of its kind world’s largest wind developers and Each vessel provides four crew members Innovation Award for its LightWave Mr. David A. Lysack, President & Chief leading consultancies. It is especially and twelve passengers with comfortable Radar at the Scottish Green Energy Executive Officer, C Speed, LLC stated meaningful to win this award in Scotland beds, bathrooms, galley, internet access Awards recently. “It is the first and only radar of its kind in while being included in a group of and entertainment facilities, allowing wind the world that has finalists that included Nautricity, Offshore farm engineers and support technicians been purchased and Wind Accelerator and Samsung Heavy to live and work offshore for up to several installed at an airport Industries. We extend our congratulations days at a time. to mitigate wind to each of these impressive finalists, and turbine clutter and our best wishes in 2014.” Being of rugged GRP construction enables provide air traffic Tidal Transit’s vessels to operate in rough control that enabled First and only mitigation radar seas - a major advantage when working a wind power system in the North Sea. Twin V12 MAN engines developer to receive LightWave Radar remains the first and facilitate speeds of up to 27 knots when the discharge of a only mitigation radar system that does not carrying twelve passengers, the crew, planning condition require terrain screening that has been and their on-board cargo. Massive cargo from the Department purchased, installed, and integrated to decks fore and aft can accommodate up to of Energy and provide air traffic control in the United 10,000kg of tools, equipment and spares, Climate Change and Kingdom…and the world. and the Guerra crane on the fore deck progress its plans.” On 10th December 2013 Tidal Transit people realise the scale of offshore wind has a lifting capacity of 1,025kg at 6.9m, With multiple installations of LightWave celebrated the completion of 20,000 farm operations that now takes place off which caters for long reach loading and Mr. David L. Radar in the United Kingdom and the safe passenger transfers from its the shores of East Anglia every day. This unloading. Cranes can also be deployed for Colangelo, Chief United States, the issue of wind turbine three personnel transfer vessels sector of the renewable energy industry camera surveys and grab sampling. Marketing Officer, C clutter is now officially over. [PTVs] to wind turbines situated in the is growing at a phenomenal rate. Our Speed, LLC added North Sea. vessels - Ginny Louise, Eden Rose and Tidal Transit “We also extend C Speed Tia Elizabeth - sail to the wind farms on our appreciation Notable achievement most days from either Wells-next-the-Sea Timely recognition to Scottish Renewables for this award Announcing this notable achievement, or Great Yarmouth to transfer wind farm It is an especially timely recognition of and our many thanks to those that Tidal Transit Commercial Director Leo maintenance technicians and their tools.” LightWave as C Speed is delivering, under nominated LightWave and evaluated it Hambro said: “I suspect that very few contract, the first LightWave Radar system during the adjudication process which to Manston, Kent’s International Airport. included representatives from the

10 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 11 INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS Obstruction light showcase European champion at EWEA

AREVA accelerates its development pooling personnel & technology Consolidation Orga is delighted to offer attendees an exclusive peek of by creating a European champion with AREVA and GAMESA will pool personnel “By choosing to create a European its new smart aviation obstruction light for wind turbines GAMESA to become a leading global and offshore wind related technologies and offshore wind champion with GAMESA, at EWEA 2014, Europe’s premier wind energy event, taking player. assets to the JV… AREVA is playing a key role in the place March 10–13 in Barcelona. • For AREVA, the German Bremerhaven consolidation, already underway, of the Recently AREVA and GAMESA announced (turbine assembly) and Stade (blade offshore wind sector, and confirms its Optical engineering at its best, Orga’s patent-pending fourth- the entry into exclusive negotiations to manufacturing) plants, as well as long-term commitment to renewable generation medium-intensity obstruction lighting solution builds create a 50/50 joint-venture company in offshore wind technology and energies,” declared Luc Oursel, President on the success of its predecessors, bringing a host of innovative the field of offshore wind power. commercial contracts and CEO of AREVA. features to continuously follow the latest market requirements, all • For GAMESA, existing multi-megawatt in one single, smaller and lighter unit. The offshore market represents one of the technologies applicable to offshore, “This agreement with AREVA allows most promising areas for the development the 5 MW platform and Arinaga turbine GAMESA to position itself as a market of renewable energies, particularly in the prototype, as well as offshore related leader in the offshore wind industry. coastal countries of northern Europe, engineering, operation and The JV will provide GAMESA with an where the installed base should reach over maintenance capabilities additional profitable growth platform 25 GW by 2020, and in Asia. • Additionally, the JV will enter into a complementary with its 2013-2015 preferred supplier agreement with Business Plan and which shall create Global leading players GAMESA for some key components material synergies with our onshore By joining forces, AREVA and GAMESA will wind activities.” declared Ignacio Martin, enable the JV to become one of the leading best-in-class Chairman of GAMESA. players in the global offshore wind market, The JV will develop a best-in-class product contributing to the development of this portfolio aimed at covering offshore market “Likewise, this joint venture will pave the growing sector through… needs… way for the creation of a leading and • Expertise, innovation and investments • 5 MW – the JV will continue to cutting-edge company in the offshore in R&D to develop competitive and market AREVA’s M5000 turbine, segment with know-how across the end- reliable technologies of the future which benefits from a strong track- to-end wind energy value-chain.” • Industrialization capacity and expertise record. Moreover, an enhanced 5 MW 40 years experience in the development of a supply chain, generation turbine will be developed The definitive agreements concerning the With 40 years of experience and knowledge in design, developing both internal and external in the short-term benefiting from the creation of the JV will be and manufacturing smart obstruction lights, Dutch company Orga • Application of efficient onshore full potential of GAMESA’s multi- has taken its obstruction warning solutions to new heights. Its practices into offshore activities megawatt cutting edge technologies new microprocessor controlled white and red LED and IR system • 8 MW – acceleration in the boasts cutting edge optics, automatic day/night sensor, integrated significant synergy development of the next generation of signed within the next few months following monitoring and a self-contained power supply in a compact design This JV will benefit from significant turbines, benefiting from investment final negotiations between the parties and for easy use and installation. synergies… efforts undertaken to date by both discussions with personnel representative • On the one hand, the experience parties and from the technological bodies at AREVA and GAMESA. “We’re excited to have this opportunity to showcase our new gained by AREVA since 2004 across synergies of the JV smart obstruction light, which will be available later in 2014, several wind projects, notably through to this year’s EWEA attendees,” says Orga Business Manager the ongoing installation of 120 5 MW Client confidence Matthieu Scheffers. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to turbines in the North Sea From its launch, the JV will enjoy the our stand.” • On the other hand, GAMESA’s confidence of numerous customers, AREVA & GAMESA JV comprehensive technological including Iberdrola*, which selected the International and national regulatory capabilities in onshore and offshore, M5000 turbine for its offshore farms near *Iberdrola has a 20% stake in Gamesa standards leveraged on its 19 years leading Saint-Brieuc in France, and Wilkinger in Scheffers reveals, “By consolidating hardware solutions into track-record in the industry throughout Germany. just one model, our latest system is a certified obstruction the wind value chain. The company lighting solution for our global customer base. It has been also has a strong capacity for The JV will fulfill existing industrial expertly engineered to meet international and national regulatory industrialisation, based on its proven development commitments both in the UK standards, whilst maximising reliability and minimising cost of knowledge and experience supply and France, that have up until now been ownership.” chain development. led by AREVA, which notably include the creation of a turbine assembly and blades Orga’s smart aviation obstruction lights are manufacturing plants at Le Havre and designed for long life and will provide years of the implementation of a network of sub- cost-effective and maintenance-free operation. contractors and partners. Orga BV

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Hybrid electric SWATH Gwynt y Môr design advances following Offshore Windfarm feasibility study A feasibility study around a hybrid The introduction of an electric motor to FRP composite An agreement was finalised and Framework agreement powertrain SWATH, commissioned handle the load during low power demand CTruk builds high-speed vessels using signed recently between CT Offshore To carry out the post lay burial of the this year by CTruk, has given the periods allows the boat’s engines to be resin-infused FRP composite, a robust and Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind cables in scope, CT Offshore has entered company further impetus in its ongoing turned off or run as generators at a more material that is around 40% lighter than Farm Limited, covering free-laying, into a framework agreement with Fugro RWE npower renewables’ Gwynt y Môr development of a hybrid electric optimised power rating. As well as the aluminium. These vessels are therefore installation and burial of 63 cables of Subsea Services Limited, as principle Project Director, Toby Edmonds, said: offshore wind support vessel design. obvious fuel savings incurred, this reduces well able to take the extra weight of the the in total 161 inter-array cables at subcontractor. They will bring in the vessel “This contract will see CT Offshore and hours and wear on the engines, a key additional drive train needed for hybrid one of Europe’s largest offshore wind SALTIRE to bury the cables subsequently its subcontractor, Fugro, install 63 array CWhisper SWATH point for commercial marine vessels which operation, a small price to pay for the farms. using their Q1400 trencher. cables at Gwynt y Môr. The study was based on the CTruk typically require engine services every few resulting greatly reduced running costs CWhisper SWATH, a 20m craft fitted with weeks. The life expectancy of an engine possible over the vessel’s lifetime. The twin Cummins QSM-11 marine diesel could be increased dramatically if the craft unique belt drive transmission system engines and Rolls-Royce Kamewa FF41 ran electric during idling downtime, as currently being fitted on CTruk’s latest waterjets. The feasibility report concluded these craft can idle for up to 50% of a shift SWATH build will be included on all that the implementation of a parallel offshore. Resulting reduced maintenance subsequent CTruk SWATH vessels, future- hybrid solution would result in substantial and direct costs also represent significant proofing these craft by allowing for the operational cost savings on this particular savings. retrofitting of a parallel hybrid solution. vessel, an attractive prospect coupled with the already well-documented advantages Cost-efficient workboats of the SWATH hull form in offshore wind Jim Cutts, director of engineering at CTruk operations. commented, “CTruk has always strived to offer more cost-efficient workboats Offshore wind support sector and the reduced fuel consumption of our Marine craft in the offshore wind support lighter, composite vessels has been a key sector typically have two major transit factor in achieving this aim. We envisage periods each day, with the rest of their time that the significant further reduction of at sea spent idling or slow manoeuvring fuel usage on a hybrid electric vessel with the occasional high speed peak. This will see CTruk’s product range thrust usage profile makes OWSVs ideally suited forward into the future of offshore wind to a hybrid configuration. construction and O&M, a future where efficiency and cost reduction reign.”

CTruk

Installation CEO at CT Offshore, Frank Hansen says: Offshore construction, eight miles off The cable laying and installation will be “CT Offshore is very content with the the North Wales coast in Liverpool conducted by the company’s own cable agreement made with RWE and we really Bay, is progressing well with 113 of laying vessel SIA, which has already arrived look forward to joining the Gwynt y Môr the 160 turbines now in place, first at Gwynt y Môr and will start the cable project. Following our latest success in generation achieved last August and installation once fully mobilised. the Irish Sea on West of Duddon Sands, only 11 foundations left to be installed. we feel confident that with the Fugro Construction is on schedule to be team alongside, we will accomplish well completed later in 2014.” and in due time.” CT Offshore

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Forthcoming features Events and what’s new next edition Apr/May 2014 We continue to feature some of the most important events in the calendar, so that you can, at a glance, consider which events to support. A more detailed Issue 22 (editorial deadline 5th March 2014) listing is available online. • Spotlight on The Tyne Sponsored by Invest North Tyneside EEEGR SNS 2014 IWEA Annual Conference 2014 When 5 - 6 March When 27 - 28 March • Legal Eagles Where Norwich, UK Where Dublin, Ireland CONTACT www.eeegr.com CONTACT www.iwea.com Sponsored by Andrew Jackson EWEA – Annual Event 2014 NZ Wind Energy Conference & Exhibition 2014 • Project Management When 10 - 13 March When 14 - 16 April Where Barcelona, Spain Where Wellington, New Zealand - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE CONTACT www.ewea.org CONTACT www.windenergy.org.nz • Focus on South Humber Scottish Renewables Annual Conference 2014 AWEA Windpower Conference & Exhibition 2014 Sponsored by Able UK Ltd When 18 - 19 March When 5 - 8 May Where Edinburgh, UK Where Las Vegas, USA CONTACT www.scottishrenewables.com CONTACT www.awea.org • Gears - Sponsored by ZF Services • Money Matters - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE To advertise your course or event for only £100 contact [email protected] • Research & Development Sponsored by Narec STCW 95 Wind Power Forum for Engineers When 10 - 14 March When 3rd April 2014 • Lessons from the Oil & Gas Industries Where Whitby, UK, Where Capenhurst Technology Park, Chester - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE CONTACT www.whitbyfishingschool.co.uk CONTACT www.eatechnology.com/news-and- resources/events/wind-power-forum • Rope Access Sponsored by heightec Supply Chain Register • Problem? – Solved! Looking for a specialist service provider in the wind energy industry? - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE Visit our extensive online Supply Chain Register where circa 1200 companies specific to the wind energy industry are listed. • Ecology: Turbines and Biodiversity action Plan Habitats - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE W www.windenergynetwork.co.uk • Spares & Repairs T 01765 644224 E [email protected] Sponsored by Renewable Parts • Hydraulics - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE • Oils and Lubricants Sponsored by Hydac • High Voltage Inter-Array Cabling Sponsored by CGI’s Ltd

• Training: First Aid - SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

Please contact us if you would like to contribute to any of these features.

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Pro-active approach Ecology feature Beyond the requirement to simply mitigate impacts, though, the best developers now adopt a pro-active approach to habitat restoration and enhancement, as part of their overall development plans.

Perhaps this is no more evident than in the Robust predictions, monitoring upland settings in which wind energy has Mitigation and record keeping for obvious reasons focused. Any consultancy must deliver robust predictions that satisfy planners and Restoration work environmentalists. Naturally, construction Carefully planned habitat management Against a background of shrinking public staging can also be planned to avoid in such areas can involve the restoration funding, onshore wind farms thus represent building activity during high-risk periods. of the UK’s critically important peatland an increasingly important route to such for birds habitats. This leads to net improvements restoration work. Thereafter, carefully planned monitoring to historically damaged bird habitats and and record keeping at operational sites will biodiversity in general, as well as to the Leading advocate discharge planning conditions and reveal management of carbon dioxide, as properly Atmos Consulting is a leading advocate of future solutions to projects further up the restored and re-activated peatlands will this approach and of sharing best practice. pipeline. Freely sharing the findings will begin once again to act as carbon stores. It is active in several projects that tie wind benefit the industry as a whole. energy developments to habitat restoration plans that offer more than like-for-like Scottish Windfarm Bird Steering mitigation. Group At present, the Scottish Windfarm Bird Perhaps the benefits of such schemes will Steering Group, whose stakeholders help planners to re-evaluate some of the include RSPB, SNH, and Scottish historic concerns about wind farms and Renewables is working on collating all bird bird populations? data from wind farm construction and post-construction into a single database to Atmos Consulting better inform the industry.

This database, when launched into the public domain, will provide a valuable resource, feeding back into the process of impact assessment and mitigation design at future developments. Naturally such an exercise is dependent upon input and collaboration from wind farm owners.

The perceived threat to birdlife is one of the most high-profile risks to onshore Long-term process wind energy development, yet it can usually be managed through objective Mitigation must be viewed as a long-term assessment and effective mitigation. Mitigation measures range from site process, not a one-off construction event. layout and turbine height, to habitat protection and management. This need not necessarily involve major expenditure, nor impact overall energy production.

The layout and operational plans of a proposed wind farm can be optimised to minimise risk, with minimal commercial impact for developers. Field observation, coupled with GIS and collision risk modelling technology.

10 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 11 Ecology - Mitigation for Birds Ecology - Mitigation for Birds

While it is possible to access lists of Powerful message… ‘sensitive’ bird species from the RSPB or but easily implemented Ecological survey species ‘protected by special penalties’ RSPB now flying Harry Huyton, RSPB Head of Energy under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Policy, said: “Switching to a green energy this information on its own is not enough. company like Ecotricity is one of the most preparation is vital on 100% green powerful and easy steps that individuals For example, specific surveys are required and businesses can take to speed the James Patmore, Head of Ecology Therefore, if you are unlucky, even for certain species and there are defined transition to a low carbon economy. We’re at ADAS UK Ltd looks at the applications for single wind turbines can windows of opportunity for conducting electricity from proud to have Ecotricity as our supplier and importance of allowing sufficient be delayed for up to a year. It is therefore these. Bats, which are legally protected, would encourage anyone to do the same.” time for ecological surveys, including important that ecological surveys are need to be included because they are also those relating to birds, when putting planned into the programme at the earliest at risk if foraging in the vicinity of turbines; Ecotricity The RSPB is committed to reducing its CO2 together onshore wind turbine possible stage. Without this important they are attracted to turbines but there is emissions by 3 per cent per member of staff planning applications. preparatory step, a planning application current uncertainty as to exactly why this In late 2013 all 127 of RSPB’s sites per annum through efficiencies in business, can be delayed at a later stage by requests is the case. Bat surveys are conducted across the UK – encompassing all travel and office energy consumption, as This century, climate change is the most for additional detailed surveys or local at specified times of the year to allow an of its offices, visitor centres and well as renewable energy generation. significant threat bar none to British birds objections, resulting in long and costly accurate assessment of activity across their reserves – began to be powered by and wildlife. Altered temperatures could delays. active season. 100% green electricity from Ecotricity. Clean, green energy potentially threaten food supplies and Chris Organ, Business Sales Account habitat in a way that, if not arrested, would ‘Light touch’ appraisal Sensitive bird species Commitment Manager at Ecotricity said: “This is another eventually lead to extinction of certain Once the initial feasibility stage is finished, If sensitive bird species are found present in The move is part of the RSPB’s continued great move from the RSPB and it really species. For this reason, Natural England a ‘light touch’ appraisal will establish a locality, like red kite or osprey, their needs commitment to green energy in the UK. underscores their commitment to cutting and the RSPB, among others, recognise the site’s suitability from the planning and habitat are considered paramount. their carbon emissions. It will certainly be the important role that renewable energy, perspective. A pre-planning application Establishing their presence at a specific site The RSPB’s total UK electricity pleasing to know the next time I visit one including onshore wind turbines, play in enquiry and screening request will also be is done by periodic surveys over a period requirements are approximately 3.5 million of RSPB’s sites that the lights are powered addressing the problem. lodged, which can provide advance notice of months and can take up to a year. Other kWh/annum¹ across 127 sites, which range by the clean, green energy from Ecotricity.” species, including raptors from single person offices to an HQ in like the marsh harrier Bedfordshire housing over 500 staff. World’s first green energy or peregrine falcon are company considered in the context of If that amount of electricity were to be Ecotricity, the world’s first green energy their hunting ranges as well. generated by a fossil fuel source, it would company, recently announced that it was have resulted in 1,500 tonnes of carbon freezing energy bills for all customers in In addition to the detailed dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere 2013 and has pledged never to buy or GIS map produced by the every year. supply fracked gas to households and RSPB and Natural England, business customers in Britain. the input of local bird groups, records, details of Ecotricity flight paths and the foraging use of surrounding farmland all need to be considered.

Sensitivity criteria In addition, for each species, ‘sensitivity criteria’ are required using information on foraging ranges, collision risk, disturbance distances and other relevant features of behavioural and population ecology.

If carried out to an adequate Assessing development impact of the types of detailed surveys that will be level, the survey information will not When it comes to planning applications for required for a specific site. This will also guarantee an entirely smooth passage wind turbine developments, however, a vital determine whether a full Environmental through the planning application, but if part of preparation is to assess the impact Impact Assessment is required. objections are raised, it will certainly stand the turbine may have on birds and animals. an applicant in good stead. Most bird surveys are seasonal, taking Specialist surveys place over a migration period for a particular Various ecological surveys assess the ADAS species or in their breeding season. impact of onshore wind turbines on bird and mammal populations. When arranging specialist surveys, planning consultants like ADAS have their own network of national experts who conduct all types of assessments.

12 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13 Ecology - Mitigation for Birds Ecology - Mitigation for Birds

Mapping Bird Mitigation Thousands of bird territories have been mapped during the bird breeding season Restoration at Triton Knoll and over 1500 skylark territories recorded It was also identified that there would in the area. This mapping enables the most Mitigation for Birds be a temporary loss of several hundred wind farm suitable onshore cable route to be worked metres of hedgerow; an important habitat out so that particularly valuable habitats for nesting birds. However, hedgerow As a green industry, wind energy and areas can be avoided. Disturbance three key risks replanting will occur following construction, endeavours to mitigate any possible can also be minimised to nesting birds, along with the inclusion of enhanced effects on the environment in areas by working outside the breeding season, hedgerows which support greater where it operates. To ensure this applying buffer areas around nesting It is widely acknowledged that wind Technical guidelines and advice for the biodiversity, in turn benefiting nesting birds happens, robust Environmental birds or working away from breeding bird farm development has the potential mitigation of birds in relation to onshore wind and the surrounding ecosystem. Impact Assessments are required habitats. to result in three key risks to bird farms have been developed and are readily to make sure that wind farms do populations, which include: available. Natural England’s ‘Assessing Minimal impact aims not have a detrimental effect on Replacement habitats the effects of onshore wind farms on birds In Royal HaskoningDHV’s experience and biodiversity. Any important bird habitats that are 1 Displacement through indirect loss of (TIN069)’ identifies when and where detailed during project development, wind farms unavoidably affected can be replaced habitat such as birds travelling further assessments of potential impacts on birds should be (where possible) located away Offshore bird species after the onshore cabling has been afield to avoid wind farms/change in resulting from wind farm developments are from identified bird migration routes and Offshore, species such as migrating geese, installed. Cable installation on land can their normal routes to feeding or likely to be required. key feeding, breeding and roosting areas of eider duck and puffins may be affected be done quite quickly, and the habitat roosting grounds those bird species known or suspected to by wind farms. Onshore, the related re-instated. Environmental impacts 2 Death through collision or interaction This guidance, in consultation with a range be at risk. infrastructure (cable routes, substations, are transitional in nature and suitable with turbine blades of stakeholders and interested parties, etc) can temporarily disturb ground- mitigation measures, as outlined above, 3 Direct habitat loss through construction explores particular issues such as the utility This measure is a simple was of ensuring nesting farmland birds. Specialist ecology will serve to minimise any effects. of wind farm infrastructure and limitations of remote technologies and that the development will have minimal consultancy Thomson Ecology, is currently collision risk models. impact on bird populations. However, this surveying the birds along a proposed 60 Guidance and best practice Other risks is not always possible and further advice, Km onshore cable route from the offshore Thomson Ecology’s specialists have been During construction, a range of other Best practice survey guidelines assessment and development of mitigation Triton Knoll wind farm in Lincolnshire. at the forefront of developing guidance risks are also possible. These are typically Royal HaskoningDHV, working on behalf of can be required. Scarcer birds such as grey partridge, turtle and best practice for large and small scale related to disturbance from machinery and one of their renewable energy clients, has dove and corn bunting are present in this renewable projects such as Triton Knoll and contractor staff and can have significant implemented the principles of best practice Summary area, as well as occasional marsh harriers, continue to work with the industry providing impacts on a bird population’s viability. survey guidelines to inform the ecological Therefore it is imperative that surveys which can nest in oilseed rape fields. specialist advice and expertise in this area. Thomson Ecology impact assessment, in turn providing a and subsequent assessments in respect Environmental assessment well informed and robust methodology, of birds are undertaken in accordance Thorough environmental assessment is aiding the planning inspectorate’s decision with best practice survey guidelines. This essential in ensuring that ecological impacts making process for the development. ensures transparent, well informed and are fully identified prior to obtaining consent robust assessments that will influence for any project and in turn vital that potential Potential habitat loss affecting nesting and decision making for these developments. impacts are mitigated. foraging birds was identified during the 25 month construction programme, however Royal HaskoningDHV it was also identified that the wider area provided suitable alternative habitat to allow population viability to be maintained.

14 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 15 Business Development Business Development What do you expect?

of a beautiful woman he has created. Part 1: the Pygmalion Effect The Gods intervene and Cupid kisses the statue’s hand. The statue is immediately transformed from an ivory sculpture into a beautiful woman. She then lives happily ever after with Pygmalion.

In his play (later adapted into the musical ‘My Fair Lady’) Shaw has his protagonist (Henry Higgins) bet his friend (Colonel Pickering) that he can, after just six months of hard work, pass off a common flower girl (Miss Eliza Doolittle) as a duchess at an ambassador’s garden party. In the play Eliza succeeds and Professor Higgins wins his bet.

As a boy I struggled to play the part of Professor Higgins but the concept was - Fear of failure and a very clear to me. Even then I could see inadvertently set up a negative outcome - Lack of trust due to bad experiences that negative expectations could come to through my expectations. I try instead to with other managers in the past. pass as readily as positive ones. I could achieve a positive effect by having higher see that because our Head Teacher expectations of myself and of others. Sometime later I refined my use of believed or expected most of his pupils When I went into management at a young expectation to transform not only an to not achieve anything – they did not, age I would let my team know my positive individual’s performance but to also because he expected that many would expectations of them. For example when tackle the fears mentioned above. I did go straight from his school to juvenile I took on a new operational assistant I this by delegating lots of higher level work harder? They will. You want your team to detention centres – many did. He had indicated to him that I thought he could to my new assistant. Of course when I pull together? No problem. You want your consciously or unconsciously set up a self be a supervisor (and a good one) within a delegated work to my assistant I remained Leadership Trainer and Motivational I first came across the power of senior managers to respond better? Right fulfilling prophecy. I wonder if we do the year – and he was. accountable for results so this took away Speaker Frank Newberry considers expectation early on in secondary school. away! same with some of the people we have to some of the pressure on the person. A how good leaders understand how the This was remarkable given that my deal with day to day? I quickly gained a reputation for spotting couple of other things were important at ‘power of expectation’ can be used to school’s only claim to fame was that more We are judged by the people with potential. In truth I gave all that time. influence outcomes particularly the of its pupils left and went to prison than performance of our people. Achieve a positive effect by my staff the same treatment. Most met performance of others. Frank also left and went to university. How can this be? Well, it is done by having higher expectations my high expectations of them; a few did 1 A lot of the work I was delegating was challenges us to raise our expectations exerting the power of expectation - known I personally have to be careful not to not for a variety of reasons. The most not meant to be done at this level of ourselves and of other people. The Head Teacher was once asked to to some as the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ common reasons being their: in the team or even at the level above. describe the school. Was it academic? or the ‘Pygmalion Effect’. If good leaders However I had no one else available to No. Was it vocational? No - he would say are to get the best out of their people at me at the time and with some guidance ‘it’s custodial’. all levels they need to communicate their my assistant was soon able to do some highest expectations of them and not of the higher level work. I deliberately In this unlikely setting I was blessed to just assume that people will reach their did not mention that the work was two learn about something that has proved peak performance levels automatically. levels higher in case it affected my really helpful to me throughout my career. We must never forget that as managers assistant’s confidence. However, in I found out that we can influence people’s and supervisors we are judged by the all my dealings I behaved as though performance through the power of our performance of our people. It is very much the assistant could do the work. expectation. You want your staff to work in our interest to get the best from them 2 I found that very quickly I could confer When I was a schoolboy attending one and confide with my assistant on of our much hated theatre classes I nearly all important matters. My was instructed to read the part of Henry assistant had become my professional Higgins in George Bernard Shaw’s play colleague. ‘Pygmalion’. This play is based on a very old story by Ovid (born 43BC) in which After a few weeks, when worries about a man called Pygmalion, a sculptor in an ever increasing workload surfaced, a ancient Cyprus, falls in love with the statue couple of other things seemed important.

1 After explaining how to prioritise work I took the opportunity to explain the ‘Pygmalion Effect’. My assistant’s response was thoughtful and positive -

56 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 57 Business Development Business Development

a time so that my confidence grew

I now feel that a form of collusion starts to occur with this process, the two people concerned collaborate rather than contend over who is capable of doing what. This was best illustrated in my case when having agreed to do something well above my level - I casually mentioned that there was a training course that might be useful.

It was then that I knew I was taking part in a conspiracy What I did not say was ‘I desperately need this course’. So without looking and worries about the workload ceased. on the issues and the next day - I got on up my boss just said ‘You’d better book with it. yourself on it then’. It was then that I 2 I then commended my assistant’s knew I was taking part in a conspiracy. work to senior management. A few Looking at people, not as they It was a conspiracy in which I did not weeks later I was moved elsewhere are, but as you want them to be say that I knew what was happening. It eighteen months later my former It was much later on that I realised the was also a conspiracy in which everyone assistant had gained the two person was just using the power of else knew that I knew - but said nothing. promotions needed to get to expectation on me. So what’s the trick And why not? My career and earnings supervisor level. here? How does it work? Well if there potential were both going along in leaps is one it is the trick of looking at people, and bounds and what’s more I seemed to Things felt very different to me not as they are, but as you want them to have a great rapport with my bosses. How do we exert the power of be. Looking past their current experience expectation? How is the Pygmalion Effect and convincing yourself that this person I would like to encourage you to have a achieved? Well I am not absolutely sure has already reached their potential and go at getting better results by using the (because so few people have used it on what is more they are still growing. Then power of your expectation. Do your best me) but the first time they did - things felt it is taking the time to talk to people as if to let go of some higher level work and very different to me. they had all the ability you need them to treat the people who are going to do the have already. In ‘My Fair Lady’ Professor work as if they already have the ability I distinctly remember thinking to myself Higgins knows that Eliza has potential to do most of it. You may need to stop ‘I‘ve never done this work before but this but fears failure and lacks confidence. looking at people as they are but as you person expects me to do it’. ‘What do I Communicating his expectation built the want them to be. A good start might be to do now?’ ‘Do I explain my problem or do I confidence she needed to succeed. raise your expectations of yourself. Maybe just get on with it?’ you could ask yourself the question: ‘How The important thing here is that you need do I want to be?’ Then you might ask I was reluctant to say anything because to be convinced yourself that the person ‘How do I want others to be?’ Especially the person seemed to genuinely think I can and will do what you want. This is not your boss! Always remember that people was doing work at the higher level. They just a technique. Too many people can tell will either live up to your expectations or did not seem to understand what level I if you mean it or if you are trying it on. If they will live down to them. was supposed to work at and I found it you don’t believe it – they won’t believe it. difficult to disappoint a person who had Frank Newberry such confidence in me. Well you might think ‘What about people www.franknewberry.com who are untrained?’ ‘We cannot just So what did I do? Well I made a couple dump the work on them’. That is true but I of phone calls, spent the night reading up recall that the people who used the power of expectation on me were:

1 Rather matter of fact – so as to help me believe this was quite normal for them and quite normal for me 2 Careful to extend my abilities a little at

56 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 57 Focus on Blyth feature sponsor feature sponsor Focus on Blyth

New development – Blyth Workspace Port of The landmark new development will help to regenerate and enhance Blyth Estuary’s reputation as a centre of Blyth excellence in renewable energy and Key Facts & Figures research. the • Narec has facilities for testing the punching largest wind turbine blades in the world Blyth Workspace will be a high above their – up to 100m in length - drive trains up quality, well designed, sustainable and Northumberland to 15MW, 1/10th scale wave contemporary workspace, targeted to weight prototypes as well as electrical and attract organisations within the energy power take-off systems. sector. The superb new serviced office Northumberland is a world-leading • In 1992 the UK’s first offshore turbines accommodation will consist of high Development centre for renewable energy with were erected on the Pier at Blyth – 9 • MTL Group are a global supplier of quality new office space to let with a ground-breaking activities taking turbines with a capacity of 2.7MW. secondary steel work for Tier 1 range of office sizes; informal meeting place in offshore wind, wave and • Blyth became the UK’s first pilot suppliers to the offshore and renewable and social areas; conference room Company tidal power. It is ideally placed with offshore wind farm when two 2MW energy sector including boat loading facilities; high quality landscaping and its marine engineering skills base turbines were commissioned in systems, working platforms and plate access. We are pleased to introduce ARCH is a private sector business and deep water port at Blyth, with December 2000 – making history as beams. With a large quayside facility in ARCH as our sponsors for the dedicated to regeneration and housing nearby development opportunities, the largest in the world at the time. the Port of Blyth structural fabrications Property portfolio Port of Blyth Spotlight feature. market renewal throughout the county. to support the supply chain • In 2012 Hainsford Energy constructed up to 300 tonnes are manufactured Arch offer a wide ranging property engaged in the renewables sector. the UK’s largest onshore turbine – including cable reels. portfolio in Northumberland, from They have been set up by Northumberland 3.4MW on the Pier at Blyth. • Alnmaritec – specialises in the design commercial and industrial property County Council as an arms-length WORDL LEADING FACILITIES • The Port of Blyth is a modern and build of aluminium alloy workboats solutions, high quality office suites to company, designed to bring a new and The National Renewable Energy renewable-energy focused Trust Port including offshore wind farm service incubator units and sector specific site more enterprising business-like approach Centre (Narec) in Blyth has invested currently handling up to 2 million tonnes boats supplying customers worldwide developments. to development and regeneration. over £150m in world leading facilities of cargo each year. from its base at Wimbourne Quay at to enable companies to test the next • The Blyth estuary offers a range of sites the Port of Blyth. As a development Company they can generation of technologies in wind, for development and operations, some accommodate the business support wave and tidal power. It is also part with Enterprise Zone status. Working together infrastructure further by building direct of a consortium formed to lead the Arch, The Northumberland Development requirements for businesses, if there Technology Strategy Boards Offshore New and Renewable Energy Company and partners have worked is a need for space and they don’t Renewable Catapult Programme. Companies in Northumberland together to further improve infrastructure to have a suitable offer and will work with • Vattenfall - one of Europe’s largest ensure the county and region fully benefit businesses and address the need within It is forecast that the renewable energy generators of sustainable power and jv from growth of the offshore wind industry, the county. industry has the potential to generate partner in the East Anglia Array has with a focus on the Blyth Estuary Renewable around £2 billion worth of economic recently relocated to new premises in Energy Zone (BEREZ). Understanding business needs growth in North East England over 20 Hexham. Arch understands the diverse business years. • IHC The Engineering Business BEREZ needs and helps to remove any barriers specialises in the design and BEREZ is ideally placed with its marine for companies looking to expand or Dogger Bank project construction of pipe and cable lay engineering skills base and deep relocate into Northumberland. Their The UK offshore wind programme is equipment, sub-sea trenching and water port, with nearby development experienced team will give you all the the largest in the world and is expected offshore handling equipment and has opportunities, to support the supply chain practical help and guidance you need to to form half the European market in the its HQ, design and management offices engaged in the renewables sector. A make your company successful in the next 10-20 years. The largest of the nine located in a stimulating rural setting at superb choice of sites located either on or North East of England. Round 3 zones (Dogger Bank) is located Stocksfield. nearby the quayside have been earmarked off the North East coastline 95 nautical • Applied Superconductor - located at as potential component manufacturing miles from Blyth. This site alone is Blyth have successfully developed a development sites, or for operation and ARCH, the Northumberland expected to produce over a third (9GW) Fault Current Limiter enabling efficient maintenance and R&D facilities. Development Company of total offshore wind energy generated and safe connection of Distributed through this phase. Generation to the National Grid. Some of the sites have designated • SKM provide Operations and Enterprise Zone status and benefit from Maintenance services for onshore and simplified planning and financial incentives. offshore wind turbines from their base In addition to customised support, BEREZ at the Port of Blyth. benefits from a number of potential financial incentives to support investors.

Another exciting new dimension to the BEREZ offer was announced with the agreed planning permission of Blyth Workspace on Commissioners Quay.

20 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 21 Focus on Blyth feature sponsor feature sponsor Focus on Blyth 5th Wave Captain Bolting Reaches Significant Project expertise Milestone in Blyth Alnmaritec, the From small beginnings... UK’s premier HTL (Hire Torque Ltd) started trading in 1994 from premises no larger than the average double garage and with only two designer and builder employees. Since then they have grown in every area of their of aluminium alloy business and have almost 50 staff across 3 UK facilities in Aberdeen, Manchester and Blyth. In addition the company has workboats recently engineers based throughout the UK offering service and support, turned the hull of 24 hours-a-day, every day! ALN 151, a new wind Along with teaming up with Official HTL Partners in Iraq, farm support vessel, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, dedicated facilities in Jakarta, Indonesia to service the South East Asia Oil and Gas Industry currently under and also coming soon……HTL-Benelux based in the construction for The main hull frames are then erected 19m Wave Captain Netherlands, of which will have full Rental stock, workshop and from the deck and longitudinal stiffeners The yet to be named boat will be the 5th calibration facilities. long-term client NSL fitted before the shell plates are ‘wrapped’ 19m Wave Captain built by Alnmaritec (North Sea Logistics). onto the hull. Building the hull upside down and the second such vessel for NSL. ensures that the maximum amount of Alnmaritec Managing Director Chris Millman Construction process welding on the structure is completed in the explains why he thinks these boats are so This significant point in the project sees ‘down hand’ position thus increasing the popular the boat really start to take shape as speed and quality of the welding procedure. the wheelhouse is mounted on the hull immediately following the turning operation. Some builders are unable to adopt his approach due to space restrictions but “The Wave Captain design features the The construction process begins with at Alnmaritec this is not an issue and with latest high efficiency hull form developed the erection of a steel building frame or practised ease the whole turning process by the Alnmaritec design department with ‘bed’ onto which the main deck plates only takes around 3-4 hours even for the CFD and model testing support. This and frames are laid providing accurate largest vessels, far less than the amount of has led to these boats demonstrating dimensional control. time saved during the welding phase. exceptional sea keeping characteristics and superb handling when approaching and pushing up on the wind turbines.”

It’s the design led approach of Alnmaritec that has seen them turn their attention to 24m vessels for the sector, “Clients are increasingly asking us about larger vessels but they want them with multi-purpose functionality, we’ve therefore designed a boat we think fits that purpose superbly.”

Innovative design The 24m boat in question includes some innovative design features, not least of which is the ability to interchange modules in order to facilitate differing functions as More recently the company is proud to announce the new edition Chris explains “the crane on the boat is to the group of companies; ‘HTL-Hydrapress Ltd’, who are designed to be able to lift on and off any dedicated to the design, manufacture and supply of high pressure module the owner requires, whether it’s equipment, the likes of hydraulic power packs, valve test benches, a dive station, a survey station or extra high pressure pumps hose test rigs and are wholly committed to accommodation.” providing an excellent service and a quality product worldwide!

Alnmaritec Hire Torque Limited

22 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 23 Focus on Blyth feature sponsor feature sponsor Focus on Blyth

Out with the old... and in with the new! Blyth, home to the National Renewable Energy Centre

Offshore anemometry hub New lease of life Narec has also installed a 104m high The once disused dry dock facilities have (above mean sea level) Offshore now been given a new lease of life and Last year also saw the opening of their Anemometry Hub three nautical miles off adapted to create a controlled onshore new 15MW drive train testing facility Blyth to collect wind resource data, observe For the past environment to perform prototype These facilities are bringing innovative designed to replicate real-life conditions environmental conditions and collect wildlife development, equipment trials, prove technologies to market by providing a in a controlled environment; helping to data as part of the 99MW £300-£400 ten years, Blyth installation techniques, performance controlled environment for accelerated life improve reliability and the understanding of million offshore wind demonstration project. verification and witness tests for the testing and proof of concept trials, helping turbine performance. The world’s largest has been home offshore energy sector. to improve device reliability and reduce blade testing facility for testing wind turbine The platform is also being used to allow Having the world’s most comprehensive, product costs. blades of up to 100m in length has also clients to validate new devices and state-of-the-art testing and R&D facilities to Narec Engineering, Procurement and been commissioned. demonstrate the reliability and resource and expertise on its doorstep has helped Construction (EPC) contractors Drive train test facilities measurement accuracy of floating LiDAR to play an integral role in the development Located on a regenerated port-side site The three docks now offer EPC contractors In 2012 Narec opened a new 3MW drive demonstration site against existing methods. and regeneration of Blyth and is helping the along the river Blyth in Northumberland; a real-life playground to trial their new train test facility for the testing of tidal Meanwhile offshore, Narec has received a area to embrace the opportunities which where the world’s first dedicated aircraft technologies in a controlled environment, turbine drive trains. Following the facility’s boost with dual planning consents being Industrial heritage the burgeoning offshore renewable energy carrier HMS Ark Royal was built and the such as, novel pipeline and cable successful commissioning with the Atlantis given for the construction of the UK’s With a strong industrial heritage, particularly sector offers. first offshore wind farm in the UK was infrastructure installations, helping to reduce Resources Corporation AR1000 turbine, largest 99MW offshore wind demonstration within traditional industries, such as, installed in 2001, the site has provided the risk of failure offshore and accelerate Siemens-owned Marine Current Turbines site and onshore substation. The site will shipbuilding and coal mining, Blyth Narec Narec with the necessary infrastructure the technology generation cycle. (MCT) is the second client to utilise the accommodate a maximum of 15 turbines continues to be a hub of activity both to build upon to establish world-leading facility and is currently undertaking a six in 3 arrays offshore in water depths of 35m, onshore and offshore into the 21st Century. testing and R&D facilities to accelerate the Investment and recent month testing programme on the first of 45m and 55-60m. development and deployment of offshore developments their 1MW powertrain units developed for renewable energy technologies in the UK. There has been further exciting and the SeaGen-S 2MW device. The demonstration facility for pre- substantial developments at Narec in recent commercial, prototype offshore wind years with the investment of £150 million in turbines will be unique in global R&D terms the development of integrated research and enabling manufacturers and wind farm testing facilities for the offshore renewable developers to test new turbine prototypes energy and marine industries. and subsea foundation technologies to be utilised in Round 3 sites and beyond.

24 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 25 Focus on Blyth feature sponsor

Northumberland College and Port of Blyth new partnership

As part of an exciting new partnership, Purpose built facilities Northumberland College’s renowned The training facilities at the port include renewable energies training courses a state-of-the-art 27m high will be delivered from the Port of Blyth climbing tower for specific from February 2014. ‘working at height’ training and purpose built UK first workshops housing two The college launched its renewable training large dismantled turbines courses in 2009, the first of its kind in (Nacelles) for training the UK. The courses were developed by student technicians in the college in partnership with several how to service and UK and European renewables training maintain the wind agencies and organisations to implement a turbines. Combining European industry standard qualification for the college training operational skills in the wind energy sector centre with all these for both onshore and offshore. facilities in one place will create a ground breaking The courses are validated by German ‘wind hub’ training concept based training institute BZEE (the pioneer of which will ensure graduates wind energy training) and the Global Wind are job ready. The courses have Organisation (GWO). a great success rate with over 90% of graduates securing jobs in the wind Blyth base industry. From February the college will run three renewables courses from the Blyth base. Exciting times The Level 2 qualification is designed Stuart Cutforth, Principal and Chief for those with no previous engineering Executive at the college, said: “This is background who wish to pursue a career a very exciting new partnership for the in the wind energy sector. There are also college. The renewables sector continues two Level 3 courses aimed at trained to be a growth industry and the college electrical or mechanical engineers looking is dedicated to providing training to for a career change into wind energy, meet the skills needs of the industry. or engineers working in the wind energy The new base at the Port of Blyth and sector who would like to upgrade their skills the organisations skills in the sector will and qualifications. further enhance this.”

The college has had a strong relationship Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive at Port with the Port of Blyth for a number of of Blyth, said: “We are delighted that years, with the Port delivering several Northumberland College are moving to aspects of the renewables training including the Port which will only enhance Blyth’s lifting and slinging techniques. This latest growing reputation as both a handling development may lead to a longer term and training hub for the renewables relationship that it is hoped will complement sector.” current development plans for Blyth. Northumberland College

22 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Training – General Training – General

“Tough economic times mean unemployment rates are high in our region. Encouragingly, the offshore Firstly helping the local Martin Scott wind energy sector is expanding at a Career unemployed very fast pace and there are numerous Local unemployed people are benefiting opportunities for people seeking from new Careers in the Offshore Wind employment and looking to get into opportunities industry following their successful a fast-growing industry, however Staying Safe completion of a newly developed learning these safety skills is a vital The Level 2 Diploma in Staying Safe in the at both qualification offered by Maersk Training in prerequisite. The recent Renewable Wind Turbine Environment (Onshore and Wealth of experience Newcastle, designed to help them take UK Skills Manifesto estimates that by Offshore) lasts approximately ten weeks David Bowyer has a wealth of experience in ends of the advantage of job opportunities in the 2023 the sector will require an additional and covers the essential skills, knowledge the education industry and was previously thriving UK offshore wind energy sector. 70,500 skilled workers and clearly our and training people need to work in an the Assistant Director of Curriculum at spectrum qualification will go some way to filling the offshore wind turbine environment. The Derwentside College. Pilot diploma course skills shortage in the sector,” commented Diploma is a great chance to offer people Following the success of a pilot Diploma Stuart Cameron, Managing Director at who might not otherwise be financially able Commenting on his new position David course during 2013, a number of Maersk Training. to improve their prospects, an opportunity said: “There is a lot at stake in the Not only are people have recently obtained jobs with to get their foot on the ladder and gain a commercial, maritime and energy BostonEnergy. The various roles include Adrian Yeaman, Operations Manager valued qualification. producing world, from human lives to Maersk training working on Walney offshore windfarm in of BostonEnergy said: “BostonEnergy valuable maritime cargos alongside the unemployed to Cumbria and as technicians on offshore work hard to support our clients with It is scheduled to run every two to three astronomical assets in oil production. Siemens wind turbines. the best turbine technicians and Maersk months and started late in 2013. To The smallest mistakes can have heavy be offshore wind Training supply sound technical and qualify for a free place, applicants must consequences. technicians but they safety training programmes that give the be unemployed and in receipt of benefits, have also brought technician the best attitude in working be a resident in England on the start date “Cutting-edge training plays a key role safely. The Diploma is a very pro-active and be aged 19 or over on 31st August in preventing those, and that’s why I am someone in at the top way of bringing new technicians into 2013. People who do not qualify for a free excited to be joining Maersk Training, to ensure they are the industry and Maersk Training should place are eligible to apply for a place at a especially at such an exciting time during heading in the right be commended in introducing this subsidised rate. their current expansion plan. There are qualification.” many new training courses that I am keen direction David Bowyer Secondly an addition to the to develop, so that we can add them to Martin Scott management team… our course portfolio to offer a wider range On speaking about the training course he David Bowyer of training. recently completed, Martin Scott – Wind Maersk Training announcement the Turbine Technician with BostonEnergy appointment of David Bowyer as their new “We have also recently recruited explained: “I am very happy to join the Head of Training and Education – David additional Instructors, which gives us growing renewables industry. Following joins the senior management team to greater capacity for our oil & gas, wind a successful interview I was offered work oversee all aspects of training, following and maritime courses.” with BostonEnergy, where I have now recent growth in the number of delegates joined a growing team – my first position attending their courses. Maersk Training is working at Walney Offshore Windfarm in Cumbria.

“The Diploma played a big part in me gaining employment as the training and skills gained during the course gave me great insight into working safely.” Martin has now been enrolled into a L4 course after BostonEnergy have seen his commitment and potential of him to make even greater progress.

52 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 53 Training – General Training – General

environmental and legal pressures, creating a First wind power step change in technology and skills – which Aberdeenshire businessmen the Apprenticeships are designed to achieve. Apprenticeships generating Mr Robertson added: “These bring health & safety to the Apprenticeships are so important for skills injection supplying competent people that are classroom The first Apprenticeship dedicated to wind turbine installation and able to develop, maintain and enhance commissioning was recently launched to help feed the industry with the recruits the industry for the future. Without a it needs for the future. workforce equipped with the skills to Two North-East businessmen have Playground facilities Mr Acton, added: “Our company is returned to their former Aberdeenshire Meanwhile, Ops Director, Dave Acton, committed to cultivating relationships with primary schools to support health and has donated £400 to Macduff Primary to the local community, particularly schools, safety initiatives. assist the school to replace it’s playground as too much focus can often be placed facilities, part of which was previously upon a transition into further education, as James Gregg and Dave Acton, directors removed due to health and safety opposed to engaging with local industry. at Motive Offshore in Boyndie, near Banff, concerns. are supporting two separate initiatives at “Organisations like Motive Offshore have Ordiquhill Primary and Macduff Primary. Commitment an important role to play in highlighting The joint support is part of the company’s alternatives and providing attractive Motive Offshore wider commitment to reinvest in the opportunities to young people.” The company manufactures and hires local community and develop long term modern marine deck equipment, including relationships between schools and their The company was established in 2010 to winches, hydraulic power units, and industry. manufacture, hire and sell new generation associated wire spooling equipment marine deck equipment, including winches, and sheaves. With additional bases in Mr Gregg, said: “Health and safety is power units, diverters, control systems and Aberdeen and Norway, the two directors critical in our industry and a key factor baskets. are firmly rooted to supporting their local in our day-to-day operations, therefore, Aberdeenshire community. enhancing safety for the pupils of Services our local schools is very important to Services also include in-house design Safety first us. As a business headquartered in engineering, procurement of materials, MD James Gregg, has supplied 100 Aberdeenshire, we are fully committed manufacturing, fabrication, assembly high visibility vests to his former school, to supporting our community and the and testing and providing personnel for Ordiquhill Primary, to ensure pupils remain wellbeing of children in the area is crucial. the operation of equipment. The firm’s safe during the dark evenings in and directors are highly experienced in the around the school. “I learned a lot from my schooldays at manufacture, hire and servicing of winches, Skills update “This loss in employee numbers, manage a changing renewable landscape, Ordiquhill, particularly a strong sense of spoolers and HPUs. With as many as 70,000 new renewables exacerbated by the need for low we risk being unable to keep the lights on what is right and wrong, and I am certain roles needing to be filled in the next 10 carbon energy solutions that utilise new in the future.” that the school played an important role in Motive Offshore years, the Apprenticeship is one of two technologies and techniques, means shaping the way that I am today.” Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) developed we are seeing a skills gap open up. In Skills development programme with industry to offer recruits a way into the addition, an increase in demand for power Both Wind Turbine Apprenticeships offer sector. And to-date, 183 students have means this industry must shift to play its a skills development programme that is already qualified or are studying the courses, part in maintaining the wellbeing of the designed in partnership with employers, running in colleges throughout the UK. UK economy.” offering technical knowledge and practical experience. Helping to meet targets Recruitment expectations The advanced level Apprenticeships in wind By 2024, EU Skills figures show that the Current apprenticeships turbine operations and maintenance and power industry needs to recruit 45,000 Among employers with apprentices wind turbine installation and commissioning to 55,000 new employees. Meanwhile its currently on courses are Siemens, with – the latter launched in late 2013 – are recent study with RenewableUK, ‘Working 92 and RWE, with 10. On the technician helping the UK meet Government targets for a Green Britain and Northern Ireland route, DONG Energy has 8 students on to generate 15 per cent of the UK’s energy 2013-2023’, revealed that In the last two the full Apprenticeship, while 35 of its from renewable sources by 2020. years, direct jobs have increased by 74 per technicians have passed and 35 are soon cent, to just under 18,500, with a further to start the competence-based qualification Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of EU 16,000 people in related positions. What’s (CBQ) created for the Apprenticeship, Skills, the employer-led organisation more, depending on whether high or low demonstrating competence in the field. responsible for benchmarking and growth predictions surrounding the wind developing skills in the sector, said: “The and wave power boom occur, between These Apprenticeships are being delivered power industry employs more than 16,443 and 55,683 direct jobs could be in colleges around the UK, including 87,000 people, but faces losing 80 per created in that ten-year period. Newcastle, Kent, Lincoln, Fife and North cent of its existing workforce in the next Wales. 10 years, mainly due to retirement of an Apprenticeships vital ageing workforce. If it is to minimise power losses and meet Energy & Utility Skills Left-Right: Sylvia Rae, Head Teacher at Ordiquhill Primary School; pupils from Ordiquhill Primary School; James Gregg, Government targets, improving efficiency of Managing Director at Motive Offshore; Dave Acton, Operations Director at Motive Offshore; pupils from Macduff Primary transmission and distribution systems, the School; Peter Wood, Head Teacher at Macduff Primary School. industry must fill these vacancies. EU Skills believes this can be met in responding to

50 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 51 Training – General Training – General

History Raglan headquartered Safety Technology, a prominent member of RenewableUK, has a long history in delivering height safety training, developing products and services to the Utilities, Telecom and Renewables sectors. Managing Director of the company, Bob Dickens, said on the news “Safety Technology has been working closely with EU Skills Wales and a skilled the potential partners for over 12 months to help develop the LCE&MPI for Wales and in particular to have an EU Skills accreditation for the workforce courses within this pilot. “We are very pleased with the high level of commitment and enthusiasm from EU Skills for this programme and are especially in Wales delighted to have been selected as the provider for the accredited Work at Height element of this programme. We are really looking forward to working on this project and the successful development of future programmes for the Renewables Industry.” South Wales based RenewableUK accredited safety training provider, Safety Technology Ltd, has been selected as an official Low Carbon Energy and Marine Power Institute (LCE & trainer for the EU Skills’ new Low Carbon Energy and Marine MPI) Power Institute. The newly developed LCE & MPI will play a huge role in developing new skills for the current and future Energy workforce in Wales, enabling New initiative employers access to subsidised training and tools to help identify and fulfil This new initiative, developed by EU Skills Cymru and part funded by their own specific training needs. the Welsh Government, has been established with the aim of providing a gateway for the Welsh Energy sector to approved quality training Successful 2013 providers. The news of this selection tops off a great year for the Welsh safety company, with 2013 having seen them win the Wales Green Energy The new training infrastructure comes after a sector wide research Award for their Contribution to Skills and Training, and being announced exercise, undertaken by Miller Research, identified the training needs and as project partners for the Energy Skills Partnership’s drive to deliver priorities of employers within the Energy sector. demand-led training to Scotland’s Wind Energy workforce.

Trusted training providers A selection of trusted training providers have been chosen by EU Skills Safety Technology Ltd to provide a collection of fully accredited courses, stretching from Marine Safety Skills to Electrical Engineering, with Safety Technology Ltd nominated to deliver training in Work at Height safety.

Training focus The training will focus on the development of skills for the installation, commissioning and operation of energy generation sites, as well as the distribution of energy to customers.

Image – Ben Williams, Safety Technology Ltd Technical & Business Development Manager, delivering RenewableUK Work at Height and Rescue course.

54 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Company Profile Company Profile interview with Rolf Normann in fred. olsen windcarrier When the name Fred. Olsen is mentioned it is synonymous with deluxe cruise liners, but this is just the tip of the iceberg, literally! There are many strings to this dynamic and forward-thinking group of companies and I was fortunate to catch up with the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Rolf Normann, to find out more about the group history and the vision of this still family-run company.

Fascinating History In a constantly moving environment Dynamism must be in the genes! Founded Rolf mentions that it is still to a degree in 1848 the company is Norway’s oldest dependent on subsidies, however there is a shipping company, and it is still primarily growing positivity and support for the ever- owned and controlled by the Olsen family. expanding energy market, and “we are in Throughout the generations the family fact optimistic about the future of offshore has built the company into the powerful wind.” multi-national and diverse business that it is today. Hands-on approach Rolf’s role dictates a dynamic Diverse hands-on approach with short lines of Many may be surprised to learn that in the communication, overseeing all current early days the family were involved in not projects and ensuring all operations run only the shipping sector but also in aviation, smoothly, as well as pre-empting future Fliss Chaffer Fred. Olsen Flyselskap. And in the early prospects and projects. Interviewer 1970’s the group ventured into the offshore Wind Energy Network business of oil & gas drilling, exploration Asked if there would be a possible third and later production. Tern? “We are constantly looking at the Fred. Olsen Windcarrier possibilities and opportunities and follow Wind energy the market very closely, with our finger on In the 1990s the group became involved the button it is quite possible...” in the renewable windpower sector with development of wind parks in the UK and Exciting future Scandinavia. The latest addition; Fred. This is just a ‘snap shot’ of the Fred. Olsen Olsen Windcarrier was established to meet world and I can wholeheartedly state I have the increasing market demand and provide been utterly impressed by the dynamic innovative and tailored services for the foresight of the company, which I am installation, transport and maintenance of convinced will continue in the same manner offshore wind parks globally. in future.

Brave Tern and Bold Tern Adding to their existing fleet of crew transfer vessels, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier proudly took delivery in 2012/13 of two identical and purpose designed jack-up installation vessels; the Brave Tern and the Bold Tern.

These state-of-the-art jack-ups are self- elevating and self-propelled with the ability to accommodate 80 personnel in 56 cabins, they have a huge deck and have an 800 tonne versatile crane. Each vessel allows transport and installation of up to 8 complete turbines with tower, nacelle and blades, resulting in an efficient turnaround time and cost effectiveness.

26 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 27 Legal eagles feature sponsor feature sponsor legal eagles

Variations in project scope Managing risk Construction risk includes variations or changes in project scope include… effectively • Force majeure • Weather The ability to manage risk, whether by transfer, • Delay mitigation, limitation or insurance, will contribute • Ground or sub-surface conditions to the success of any construction project for all • Contractor and design team parties involved. experience • Solvency • Familiarity with local conditions and requirements

The incidence and effects of these areas will need to be dealt with in any contract.

Legislation & Regulation Legislative and regulatory risks will also impact on the project risk profile and can expose owners to delays, fines or additional costs of delay if licences or permits are not available on time. Such risks are generally not insurable and fall to Project delivery be taken by the owner. All these areas impact on a project’s ability to deliver power and income and also to Technology secure finance packages. Construction contracts, whether on or Technological risks, which are linked to offshore, are simply a vehicle to determine operations and maintenance work, are The correct approach to these risks will how risk is to be shared between the high in renewable energy projects because assist in the attitudes of investors towards parties and to consider issues such as risk the equipment and machinery is required the project. transfer and risk mitigation. to perform to a high level of efficiency over a long period of time. Balance The areas to be considered include… A careful balance however needs to be The ability to attend to failures, whether struck between the respective parties to • Construction from defects in manufacture or determine the party best able to bear the • Environmental construction, or the ability to maintain risk. • Regulatory and service machinery and equipment of • Technological projects, is highly compromised due to Martin Collingwood • Operational the location of the asset, accessibility and Associate factors including the weather and quality Andrew Jackson Solicitors Selection of service personnel. The choice of the procurement route is fundamental, as is the contract form, with Operation many renewable energy projects adopting In operational terms the asset, once one of the several FIDIC contract forms - constructed and commissioned, needs the specific form being dependent on the to operate with a high degree of reliability type of project. and minimal maintenance. Increasingly equipment is being developed to minimise The various areas of risk themselves can the need for high levels of maintenance be subdivided. visits.

As a result of this, should a failure be found there is a tendency to replace all units to avoid future problems – a stitch in time approach.

64 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 65 Legal eagles feature sponsor feature sponsor legal eagles Debt financing of Tackling the The lender’s legal advisor will prepare a suite of security documents to cover all of the increasing onshore wind projects borrower’s assets. That security will extend into the key project documents by requiring When financing onshore wind This due diligence exercise for the project the counterparty to those contracts to also pressures in farms, lenders need confidence that intends to ensure that the contractual enter into a direct agreement. This gives the project is both practically and arrangements reflect the commercial terms the lender a right to step-in to should the the energy economically viable. This requires the approved by the lender’s credit committee, borrower default in its obligations. lender to examine carefully the legal, who are responsible for assessing the commercial and technical aspects credit standing of the lender. The lender The facility agreement imposes a number sector of the project, often with a more will also require that the project company of minimum financial requirements on Square One Law was recently cautious approach to risk than that of and third party contractors/consultants the project. The Lender will also set out invited to participate in a debate, the developer/investor. appropriately allocate risk and that the a specific regime around the flow and hosted by the North East Chamber lender is application of project revenues. These form of Commerce, which addressed satisfied that part of the control of distribution of funds the concerns and challenges facing each project from the project to its investors. participants in the energy industry. participant This was a wide ranging debate is sufficiently The project company is required to set attended by significant participants experienced aside funds as a buffer to any short term from across the industry. The and resourced; loss of revenue and to finance future debt overriding concerns of developers namely, that service and maintenance costs should and owners of energy assets focused the project short term revenue be insufficient to meet on two major areas: continuing documents and these requirements. regulatory uncertainty and the participants are widening skills gap in the market. bankable. Dual consideration Given the maturity of the onshore wind Continuing regulatory Key finance market in England and Wales, Scotland uncertainty document and Northern Ireland, there is now Despite a progressive year in relation to The facility much that can be done to anticipate a energy market reforms, many investors agreement is lender’s requirements and deal with many continue to take a cautious approach to the key finance of these points from the outset. The key financing capital intensive projects due to Typically, loans to finance renewable projects document. It will set out the commercial to a smooth debt finance process is to both volatility in the financial marketplace are made on a non-recourse basis. These terms of the funding, as well as the lender’s ensure that the project is assembled not and a lack of certainty around the loans are serviced from cash generated by ongoing requirements around visibility on just with a developer’s hat on, but also with regulatory regime. the project, with the lender having security project construction and operation. The consideration of the lender’s requirements. over the project assets via a special purpose financial/commercial and legal conditions After months of scrutiny and media company. The lenders’ recourse will be to that attach to the availability of the funding Gary Roscoe coverage the Energy Act received Royal that company, but not beyond. are also included. TLT Solicitors Assent on 18 December 2013. Covering many sectors of the energy industry, this act sets out UK policy for decarbonisation targets, the promotion of renewable energy projects and the basis for reforming Are you looking for a specialist the electricity market. In the ‘Electricity This nervousness in committing to energy A decline in the UK offshore industry’s Market Reform Delivery Plan’ published projects may have a significant effect on ability to recruit highly skilled and on December 19 2013, the Government the Government’s target to produce over experienced engineering, technical service supplier with experience in predicts that the reforms will attract an 30% of the UK’s renewable electricity from and operational experts to support additional £40 billion of investment into renewable energy by 2020. In order to development projects may lead to critical renewable energy projects and a further meet this ambitious electricity generation operational risks including construction the wind energy industry? 10GW capacity for offshore wind projects target, the industry would require a delays, downsizing and, in some cases, by 2020. rapid increase in offshore wind project cancellation of offshore wind projects construction which would in turn require altogether. With 1200+ companies listed, it is the website It was hoped that the reforms set out in substantial investment in large scale capital the Energy Act would bring a measure projects. As the wind and renewable industries to find an expert of certainty to the industry, and indeed mature and progress towards no longer they have been largely welcomed. Skills Gap being reliant on central government However, there are concerns that the In addition to the uncertainty surrounding initiatives, it is imperative that the industry absence of a scheduled timeframe for legislative changes, there is further develops the ability to recruit and train implementation of the reforms and lack of perceived risk to investors that a skills gap the key personnel required to deliver and The clarity surrounding how the ‘Contracts for is developing in the UK that may leave the operate renewable projects. Communication Difference’ (CfD) mechanisms will operate industry struggling to meet the construction Hub for the in practice are deterring investors and demands of new wind development James Bryce Wind Energy delaying investment decisions. projects. Square One Law Industry

66 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 67 Legal eagles feature sponsor feature sponsor legal eagles

Protecting Innovation Hornsea Offshore Windfarm

The wind energy sector is currently In addition, you may be able to benefit As expected, the main active proprietors Shepherd and Wedderburn (S+W) One of the team Fantastic experience amongst the most innovative and from those companies not using the patent of patents relating to wind energy are advise SMart Wind, a joint venture In effectively performing an in-house legal Susan comments “At the outset of my competitive industries. Innovation system. For example, if a rival has cornered big corporations such as GE, Vestas between Mainstream Renewable counsel role, Susan is seen by SMart secondment it was a fairly daunting is a major driving force towards the market for a particular pitch system and Siemens. However, the benefits Power and Siemens Project Ventures Wind as one of the team and has been prospect being the ‘go to’ person for all a successful business and new then you should not automatically assume may be more important for smaller (an entity owned by Siemens Financial integral to developing the close and trusted day to day legal and contractual issues. trends in the industry are providing that you cannot also use such a system – niche companies who can prosper from Services), on their development of the relationship that exists between S+W and The opportunity to work so closely with opportunities for proactive companies some searching may reveal what, if any, protecting their specialised products. 4GW Hornsea Offshore Wind Farm. SMart Wind today. On a day to day basis the client team has, however, been a to offer unique products or services. protection your rival has. You may discover Susan helps to ensure that SMart Wind’s fantastic experience for me. Commercially effective Support It is vital that businesses Patent protection can be commercially Their role is to support protect their valuable effective and only rarely are patents the SMart Wind team assets. In the area of fully litigated. The existence of a patent in all work required for Susan Fergusson innovation, Intellectual provides an initial strong deterrent to your securing consents for the Property Rights, and in competitors whilst an infringement court development of projects particular, patents can case may be settled without the need to within the Zone. S+W advise be used to prevent rivals incur the associated legal fees. on consenting, regulation, from benefiting from your grid connection, land related research and development 5 Steps to gaining an edge over consents and wayleaves, whilst enabling you to your competitors contracts and corporate prosper. If your invention • Discover whether new products governance issues in respect provides a solution to being launched by your competitors are of the specific windfarm a technical or practical protected projects being developed problem then you may be • Evaluate your new products as well within the Zone. able to obtain a patent. as improvements that are made to your The majority of wind energy existing products or those of third Secondment patents relate to wind parties - patents are granted for Susan Fergusson, an turbine components such improvements as well as new products assistant solicitor at S+W, as blades, drivetrains and • Keep your idea confidential until you has been seconded on a part electrical systems. have sought advice regarding patent time basis to SMart Wind for protection - do not reveal your idea almost three years. Susan However, improvements by word of mouth, demonstration, or has supported SMart Wind relating to the materials, advertisement/article in many of these areas, but reliability and durability of • Conduct searches to determine primarily in relation to drafting the components together whether your idea may be different and negotiating contracts with the operations and from previous ideas then make a for the procurement maintenance of wind conscious decision on whether the idea of environmental and energy systems are also merits protection or not geoscience survey services being protected. • Make the patent a true asset of your and in respect of the business - have the proof that you are installation, operation and Patent system an innovative company, and tell others management of the Hornsea met mast, relationships with all its key suppliers and “I have been able to develop a real feel for The patent system advising on regulatory and grid connection contractors are properly documented and giving balanced but commercial advice effectively grants a In summary issues and providing all aspects of she plays a key role in risk management at an early stage in my career. Building monopoly to a company Finally, a patent does not just protect your company secretarial support to the various within the business. This has allowed major offshore wind projects is an exciting who has invested time, innovation but a patent may reduce your project companies set up to develop the Susan to develop strong commercial and growing part of the UK economy effort and finances in tax bill, increase your assets, make you specific wind farm projects. awareness and a true understanding of and it has been great to be part of such a producing a new product and your product appear more credible what the business needs. large and pioneering project.” or process, by making and make your company more attractive to it an offence for anyone potential investors. Integration Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP without the owner’s permission to make, that you can use the same idea or the idea Susan is very proud of being the only use, import or sell the invention. Those with particular alterations. Nick Jackson solicitor at S+W to have completed the companies who decide not to use the Chartered Patent Attorne STCW 95 personal survival techniques patent system are effectively giving away Online patent searches Dummett Copp LLP programme, a requirement of attending this time and effort for no return, since Free online patent searches can provide the SMart Wind team away day last their competitors will be free to copy the an interesting introduction into current and September, which was hosted by DONG invention. future trends arising in wind energy. Two Energy (who have acquired a stake in the such search sites are provided by the esp@ first project in the Zone). cenet service at the European Patent Office and also by a dedicated Google searching Susan was also invited to attend the away site (Google Patents). These sites may day as one of only two non-Mainstream also enable you to quickly discover how or Siemens members of the SMart Wind active or inactive your competitors are in team, the other being the Crown Estate’s protecting their valuable developments. representative for the Hornsea Zone.

68 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 69 company profile company profile

Commitment to safety SSOWF is fully committed to meeting its responsibility for safety and complies closely with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999.

advanced medical care Proven benefits Since the wind farm became operational, “This practice has brought proven the company has become increasingly benefits to safety procedures, and aware that there would be a significant risk when SSOWF decided to expand the of being unable to administer advanced employment of suitably qualified medical medical care in the face of injury, due to the staff, Tidal Transit was happy to support Rugged GRP construction remote location of the wind farm. this important safety initiative. Tidal Being of rugged GRP construction enables Transit now provides first responders as Tidal Transit’s vessels to operate in rough Anticipated response times would be 40 part of its regular crews, which affords seas – a major advantage when working minutes to 1½ hours from local life boats an even faster medical response, and will in the North Sea. Twin V12 MAN engines and SAR helicopters. provide SSOWF with a long term and facilitate speeds of up to 27 knots when sustainable solution to Health and Safety.” carrying twelve passengers, the crew, and Company’s role their on-board cargo. Leo Hambro from Tidal Transit explains Tidal Transit vessels his company’s role in SSOWF’s enhanced The specification of these vessels greatly Tidal Transit Limited safety procedures. exceeds the current fleet being used for the same purpose in the UK. The vessels “All three of Tidal Transit’s passenger MCA Cat 1 coding and 10,000 litre fuel Support steps up transfer vessels are under contract to tanks allow them to work up to 150 miles SSOWF, sailing to the wind farm on most offshore, well within the range of the UK’s days from either Wells-next-the-Sea or forthcoming Round 3 offshore wind farms. for Sheringham Shoal Great Yarmouth to transfer wind farm Each vessel provides four crew members maintenance technicians and their tools. and twelve passengers with comfortable Tidal Transit, the company that transports technicians to and from the beds, bathrooms, galley, internet access Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm (SSOWF) located between 17 and 23 “Having reached the conclusion that and entertainment facilities, allowing wind miles off the coast of Norfolk in the North Sea, is playing an additional role in the First Aid at Work qualification – the farm engineers and support technicians support of SSOWF’s health and safety initiatives. industry standard required of all wind farm to live and work offshore for up to several personnel – was inadequate for the best days at a time. The company is now providing a medical first responder on its personnel chance of survival in the event of major transfer vessels (PTVs). trauma, SSOWF has chosen to employ medics in the field with a minimum of FPOS intermediate level training and experience in similar arenas.

58 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 59 Coatings & Corrosion feature Coatings & Corrosion feature

Offshore Wind Offshore Wind Farms tower coating & are expecting a life of at least 30 years with minimal maintenance. This includes the TSA anti-corrosion coatings to the towers A more long-lasting coating is TSA. This has been used successfully for military and transition pieces, ships for over 60 years worldwide. which are above and below the water line. It has also been used on North Sea Oil & methods Gas platforms for over 40 years. It has a proven track-record when applied correctly. There are two basic methods to stop corrosion… The coating is applied by melting aluminium 1 You can apply a ‘barrier coating’, which in a flame, or by arcing two wires, which is is a thick coating that prevents salt a process similar to welding. water getting through to the steel 2 You can apply a much thinner ‘Anti- The coating is usually 1/5th of a millimetre- Competent supplier Corrosion Coating’, which has built-in thick and must be applied in a single Overall, the coating is 50 percent of the anti-corrosion properties, for example, layer as it will split if applied in two layers. answer. The rest is down to design and Thermal Sprayed Aluminium (TSA) However, it ‘cures’ immediately as it cools, eliminating coating repairs. In addition, which is unlike paint that can take a day it is essential that a competent supplier Paint coatings to cure per coat. Therefore, it is an ideal is engaged to apply the coatings to There are few paint coatings that coating for mass production. company specification through a can reliably even approach a 30-year thorough inspection of the process. performance period. Structure detail The detailing of the structure is just as In practice, at Barrier we have used important to long-life. There should be no Robert Bowles Glassflake-Filled Epoxy (GFE) coatings from sharp edges, for example, all edges should Chairman various manufacturers at between half and be rounded to a radius of at least 3mm. Barrier Group 1mm thick. It is also important to eliminate water traps, The 1mm coating is used in the most and small boxes where corrosion could aggressive area, known as the ‘Splash accelerate. Even welds should be smooth Zone’ which is affected by waves, and is to avoid weak spots in the coating. normally applied in three layers. These areas break down first, as do repairs to the coatings. Therefore, it is essential to carry out all welding before coatings are applied. If attachments must be made, then bolting should be considered.

28 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 29 Coatings & Corrosion feature Coatings & Corrosion feature

Toolkit offers optimum offshore wind farm 1000 Hour Salt corrosion management solution Spray Resistance Strategic Corrosion Management (SCM) Global leader Detailed analysis has developed an effective corrosion SCM, which has operations in Cramlington, Teams of surveyors provide detailed of Rare Earth toolkit, which meets the challenges of North East England and Aberdeen, North analysis across offshore installations, the offshore wind industry. East Scotland, is a world leader in all which generate an on-going corrosion Magnets for Wind aspects of corrosion management and management and maintenance programme Proven technology control, corrosion prevention techniques monitored and managed through the Energy Turbines Originally developed for the oil & gas and including coatings selection, insulation cloud-based RISCm software package. chemical sectors, the company’s flagship and passive fire protection and has been Neodymium Iron Boron rare earth magnets (NdFeB) are specialist toolset, ‘RISCm’ (Risk, Integrity serving clients in the North Sea, Europe, Ian Cordingley, Managing Director of SCM utilised in power generation turbines where a multitude of & Strategic Corrosion Management), Far and Middle East, Africa and the said: “RISCm provides engineers with a these magnets are bonded together to increase the overall is underpinned by the company’s Americas for more than 30 years. cross-section of data from diverse and level of magnetism. extensive knowledge of material corrosion multiple areas of an offshore wind farm, Conversion effect and degradation in harsh industrial Through the flagship specialist toolset integrating the information into a useful Potential issues The effect of this conversion from Nd to Nd(OH)3, is a large environments. RISCm, underpinned by extensive and cogent manner. This is invaluable to This process leads to two potential issues… volume increase along the grain boundaries, leading to cracking knowledge of material corrosion operators maintaining large multi-turbine 1 Any adhesive or coating between the magnets acts as an air and degradation of magnet properties. With lifespans of offshore wind towers and degradation in harsh industrial farms aiming for minimal downtime. gap and thus reduces the level of magnetism expected to be up to 30 years, monitoring, environments, SCM supports clients’ asset 2 NdFeB magnets corrode extremely aggressively. This Solution managing and mitigating corrosion issues management programmes and safety “This format allows the complete corrosion issue is exacerbated by the environmental conditions Curtiss Wright Surface Technologies (CWST) has been working on a is essential. protocols around the world. integration of all aspects of the system, that the wind turbines face solution to these issues. This involved developing a high grade anti- so that, for the first time, a user can corrosion coating with minimal coat thickness (effective air gap). ‘search-and-integrate’ his entire integrity Corrosion mechanism for NdFeB rare earth management system in one place, using magnets The current market leader for corrosion protection is CWST’s one set of tools and develop planning, The corrosion mechanism for NdFeB magnets is detailed across. own Everlube 6155 coating providing 500 hours protection in the budgeting, maintenance, corrosion, threat This shows that when exposed to water or humid conditions, ASTM B117 salt spray test. Ian Cordingley and analysis ‘intelligence’ directly from the Neodymium rich layers at the grain boundaries react to form Managing Director their keyboard, in real time.” Neodymium Hydroxide. Curtiss Wright Surface Technologies

Strategic Corrosion Management

www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Stoke & Staffordshire focus feature sponsor feature sponsor Stoke & Staffordshire focus

Spotlight on Stoke-on- Trent and

StaffordshirOur spotlight on series has e taken us to many areas of Europe where many companies work together to form a supply chain to the wind energy industry.

The most obvious locations would be situated on the coast to service the offshore wind industry. There are however perfectly suited companies with perfect facilities ready-made to serve the wind energy industry both on and offshore.

The manufacturing industry has had its ups and downs over many years and the ready- made facilities have needed little upgrading to ensure the myriad requirements are made available. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have a lot to offer. Here we take up the story…

42 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 43 Stoke & Staffordshire focus feature sponsor feature sponsor Stoke & Staffordshire focus

New Business Park Government investment and Nestling between the M6 and M54 established supply chain motorways, the newly-established i54 Staffordshire University Supporting SMEs The Government has also earmarked South Staffordshire Business Park Nearby, Staffordshire University’s Centre Smaller companies are also switching on to millions of pounds of investment in has been designated an advanced for Energy Efficient Systems specialises the considerable advantages to be gained transport infrastructure improvement work manufacturing enterprise zone, allowing in research and design work for power from choosing to make Stoke-on-Trent and to boost regional and national connectivity eligible firms to benefit from business rate electronics and renewable energy systems, Staffordshire their home. Power generator in future. discounts of up to 100 percent, while the while its Faculty of Computing, Engineering specialist Broadcrown and loadbank Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local and Technology offers a specific focus on producer Crestchic are among those In addition, Stoke-on-Trent and Enterprise Partnership has established power transmission, and its Renewable opting to make the most of the area’s Manufacturing renaissance Staffordshire boasts an established, a dedicated Low Carbon Group to offer Energy Supply Chain Opportunities substantial communications, infrastructure The low carbon revolution is revitalising comprehensive supply chain, including specialist support to the renewable energy (RESCO) programme helps suppliers and workforce assets. many of Britain’s former industrial centres, access to advanced research and design sector and helps firms to gain access Engineering skills to exploit commercial opportunities but few areas have embraced this facilities through both Staffordshire and to resources, markets and commercial The world-renowned Keele University created by the expansion of low carbon Firms choosing to emulate their success manufacturing renaissance with as much Keele universities. opportunities. Science and Business Park exemplifies and renewable energy markets on the by moving to the area can expect a vigour and determination as Stoke-on-Trent the high level of engineering skills on offer university’s doorstep. very warm welcome from the Stoke-on- and Staffordshire. in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise expansive site is already home to Siemens Electronic and electrical Partnership, which has a successful track The county has long been associated Wind Power’s R&D centre of excellence, engineering expertise record of supporting inward investors to with heavy industry, manufacturing and enabling teams of specialist engineers The wealth of electronic and electrical ensure that they benefit from the easy engineering innovation, and is rapidly to work closely with researchers and engineering expertise in the area has availability of shovel-ready industrial sites and gaining prominence as a choice location academics to develop exciting innovations also been instrumental in attracting major comparatively low market rent and wage for the UK’s burgeoning renewable energy for the onshore and offshore wind turbine industry names to Stoke-on-Trent and levels. industry. industries. Staffordshire. Tailored business support Recognised technology centre New business start-ups and established Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire is already companies wishing to move to the area can home to a number of the UK’s leading also benefit from a wide range of tailored names in the renewable energy generation business support packages, including site and transmission markets, including location, mentoring, market intelligence and Alstom Grid, GE Power Conversion, relocation assistance through the Make Siemens Energy and ABB, and has earned It Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Inward a reputation as a recognised centre for Investment Service, as well as a generous electronic power transmission and smart range of finance packages through the grid technology. Regional Growth Fund and loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 through Location local initiatives such as the Stoke-on-Trent An enviable location at the heart of the The energy and environmental industries Stafford Business Loan Fund. UK’s national transport infrastructure already employ more than 36,000 people The county town of Stafford is already ensures close proximity to major markets, in the area, while the wider manufacturing the UK headquarters of smart grid Inward investment success while the plentiful availability of competitively sector accounts for 54,000 jobs, technology giant Alstom Grid, and both The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local priced land, skilled labour and high-tech comprising more than 13 per cent of Siemens Building Technologies and energy Enterprise Partnership has been ranked engineering expertise makes Stoke-on- the overall workforce in an area which management firm Elster Metering have among the top three in the UK for its many Trent and Staffordshire one of the most has retained a buoyant engineering and established bases in the town. successes in attracting inward investment cost-effective inward investment locations manufacturing skills base. to the area and supporting firms to relocate for the renewables sector. Alstom, the driving force behind quickly and easily. maintenance of much of the UK’s power The M6 motorway runs the length of generation infrastructure, enjoys more ABB moved its innovative ABB University, The quality of the inward investment service Staffordshire and passes within a few miles than a century of ties to the area and which features interactive laboratories on offer has also won praise from Business of the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Birmingham currently employs 2,000 staff across three and high-tech training and demonstration and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk, who and Manchester’s international airports sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire facilities for customers and the firm’s own said that “there are business success are both accessible within an hour’s drive, through its Alstom Power and Alstom Grid engineers, to the Stone area. Similarly, GE stories right across the region and it is along with Liverpool’s docks, while the operations. The firm has undertaken a Power Conversion has chosen Kidsgrove fantastic to see ambitious firms growing, West Coast Main Line offers convenient rail £40m building investment to create new for its design and manufacturing base, creating jobs, and demonstrating that this travel from Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities employing more than 400 staff. is a great place to do business.” London in under 90 minutes. to cater for its growing international and domestic markets. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

44 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 45 Stoke & Staffordshire focus feature sponsor feature sponsor Stoke & Staffordshire focus

A changing industry DolWin 3 And the industry has changed markedly The HVDC team at Stafford is already grid systems centre since Alstom built its first offshore working on the DolWin 3 offshore wind substation for the 90 MW Barrow project farm in the German North Sea, where of excellence in 2006. converter stations will be built both onshore Stone in Staffordshire is home to ABB’s centre of excellence for the implementation of the very latest in grid substations & and offshore to bring power from a wind technologies. This includes both HVDC and FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) that covers a number of “What we’ve seen is a shift from the farm 83 km offshore and through a cable technologies that enhance the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems. connections relatively straightforward substation we that goes a further 79 km onshore. By built for Barrow, which sits on a monopile using HVDC technology, the potential East-West Interconnector Rated at 2000 kV, this is the highest First UK project in Stafford foundation, to much larger and more losses of using a traditional AC system One of the most important recent projects voltage HVDC Light link using this type A very significant development is that this complicated fabrications that are more will be minimised, so making the whole to be co-ordinated from Stone is Eirgrid’s of cable. The higher voltage enables is the first UK project in which ABB’s state- The last place that you want to build like oil rigs,” said Kevin Marriott, Regional project more economic for the developers, East-West Interconnector, which was a transmission capacity of 500 MW, of-the-art substation protection and control an electrical substation is in the Commercial VP for North West Europe. TenneT. commissioned in September 2012 and the highest ever for an HVDC Light systems, working in combination with our middle of the North Sea. The waves, which now provides a 500 MW link underground cable. ABB was responsible STATCOM solution, will be used to control the winds and the salt are all perfectly “As we move on to even bigger offshore Round 3 projects between the Irish and UK power grids using for system engineering, including design at and regulate the output of the wind turbines designed to cause huge problems wind farms, even further offshore then With future Round 3 projects further off the HVDC technology. The interconnector the centre of excellence in Stone, supply to ensure they remain within the rigorous to anyone who wants to bring the we know we’ll be designing a whole new UK coastline, it is highly likely that HVDC strengthens the reliability and security of and installation of the sea and land cables, power quality standards designated by the electricity from offshore wind farms range of options for customers, each technology will be coming to UK waters electricity supplies in each country and is and both converter stations. National Grid’s Grid Code. to shore, but that is precisely what bespoke to their needs.” and shorelines sooner rather than later – enabling Ireland to expand its wind power Alstom teams in Stafford contend with with the company’s own 6 MW Haliade capacity. Providing the grid connection ABB when they build bespoke substations HVDC (High Voltage Direct offshore wind turbines – and the team at for Pen y Cymoedd for customers that have to survive Current) technology Stafford will be at the forefront of providing The transmission link runs underwater for In summer 2013, ABB’s engineers in some of the harshest conditions Going further offshore also opens up the the necessary equipment to make such 196 km and underground for 70 km with Stone won the contract to build the grid imaginable. second string to Alstom’s Stafford bow projects a reality. minimal environmental impact. The only connection for the Pen y Cymoedd Wind with future North Sea wind farms being visible parts are the converter stations Energy Project, which will be the largest The Alstom team working for the able to utilise HVDC technology. The Alstom at each end (pictured) that switch AC onshore wind farm in England and Wales company’s Grid division in Stafford is technology, which has been developed by (alternating current) to DC (direct current) when it enters operation in 2016. probably located just as far from the the company for 60 years, allows minimal and back. The XLPE cable provides both coast as its possible to be but, through transmission losses as the electricity travels the strength and flexibility needed to endure The 76-turbine, 228 MW wind farm, in experience gained at the Barrow, over long distances, which is obviously the sever conditions of the Irish Sea. South Wales is a significant investment Ormonde, Robin Rigg and Sheringham perfect for a wind farm that is potentially for Vattenfall and for the Welsh economy. Shoal wind farms, they are at the very 100 miles off shore. The company’s commitment to sourcing forefront of offshore substation design and a significant amount of project resource manufacture, together with connection and locally within Wales was a major factor maintenance. in ensuring the contract. Other factors were their ability to deliver the project within Vattenfall’s timescale, as well as the strength of their comprehensive solutions that not only includes the substation equipment but also the reactive power and associated control systems.

46 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 47 Stoke & Staffordshire focus feature sponsor feature sponsor Stoke & Staffordshire focus From site finding to ‘solar wind’ As a multi-disciplinary environmental Solar wind What’s involved? and engineering consultancy, Wardell The latest pioneering service from Wardell Armstrong’s new solar wind service Armstrong has a real specialisation in Wardell Armstrong for renewable energy involves a feasibility assessment, site the area of renewable and low carbon developers and wind farm owners is design, a financial assessment of potential energy – including wind power. “solar wind” – a new concept designed returns, and (if positive) the handling of to optimise the full capacity of expensive planning proposal submissions including Over the past fifteen years the firm’s wind grid connections by incorporating ground- further detailed assessments such as energy experts have worked on hundreds mounted solar panels on the same landscape, ecology and archaeology. of different schemes from single turbines to site as wind turbines. 50MW+ Section 36 applications - helping Wardell Armstrong developers, large utilities, businesses, farm With planning permission owners and public bodies with the design, becoming ever harder to secure, development and construction of their wind expensive grid connections projects. also becoming increasingly constrained, and returns on Wide-ranging services wind turbines sometimes The consultancy’s wide-ranging services limited by the fact that they’re include site finding, constraints mapping, rarely running at full output, feasibility and economic assessment, bolting on solar can make site design, foundation design and good commercial sense – track layout, resource assessment, met taking advantage of a free mast procurement and MCP analysis, grid connection, making turbine selection, environmental impact good use of under-utilised assessment, planning applications, grid capacity, maximising returns connection requests and acting as client and enhancing overall engineer during construction. sustainability.

Community engagement Effective public consultation in this sometimes contentious area is often critically important, and the consultancy has a strong track record of using its understanding of local and national political sensitivities to engage successfully with local communities.

48 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 49 Company Profile Company Profile Buoy mounted lidar provides cost- effective measurement solution

Successful trial results of the next generation of multi-purpose buoys tailored for the renewable energy Earlier field trial Accurate measuring industry have led to recent orders This testing will enhance a field trial which The SEAWATCH wind LiDAR buoy accurately measures from operators in the wind energy took place off the coast of Norway in the speed and direction of wind across the diameter of wind sector. spring, 2012. The testing and results will turbine rotors in profile up to heights of 300 metres, whilst be verified by DNV GL Energy, the world’s additional oceanographic sensors measure waves, current Dutch energy company Eneco has largest independent renewable energy profile and other metocean parameters. Being a small purchased Fugro’s new wind LiDAR consultancy. platform, it can also be easily relocated. buoy whilst a Japanese company is to deploy their buoy close to a floating power Conventional data gathering Priority generation system. Wind data collected conventionally, using Lasse Lønseth, Project Manager at Fugro OCEANOR said, cup anemometers mounted on a wind “Developing a multi-purpose buoy for wind profiling, wave Cost-effective alternative mast is susceptible to distortion from measurements and current velocity profiling has been a Fugro recently developed an accurate and the sensors and the mast itself - typically priority for us. Through a comprehensive research project cost-effective alternative to the traditional around 80 metres high. various alternatives have been tested and in our opinion we method of wind profile measurements for have combined the best in this buoy.” offshore wind farms. About Fugro OCEANOR In January 2014 Fugro’s SEAWATCH wind The company specialises in the design, manufacture, LiDAR buoy was deployed 75 kilometres technological development, installation and support of private off the coast of Ijmuiden in The Netherlands and public sector environmental monitoring, ocean observing where wind data will be compared with and forecasting systems and is part of the Fugro Group data from three levels on a met mast at of companies which is located within their main office in the site, together with data from a LiDAR Trondheim. mounted on the mast. They have over 25 years of international experience and a staff with multi-disciplinary backgrounds within marine technology, hydrology and instrumentation including engineering, electronics, marine surveying and operations, applied meteorology, oceanography, mathematics and software development.

Fugro OCEANOR

62 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 63 Money Matters Money Matters

Unpredictable market On the other hand, the policy uncertainty is not conducive to long-term commitments. In the absence of a clear renewable energy strategy beyond 2020 leaves suppliers with an unpredictable market, i.e. something Making a difference that we cannot calculate because it This is when investment in a more depends on politicians. industrialised supply chain could make a difference and since this country is the Over the last few years, there have been largest offshore wind market in the world, several announcements claiming turbine it makes sense that it has an adequate Construction risk manufacturers intend to build factories in supply chain. However, the construction risk still remains the UK in order to meet the demand of higher than the industry would like it to be providing up to 50GW of offshore wind Several steps can be taken to reduce and there are several contributing factors. energy to the UK market. So far, none of construction risks for offshore wind The industry is frequently associated with those projects have been given the developers and ensure that developers are delays and cost overruns. go-ahead. supported by a robust local supply chain.

Sector experience • Co-ordinating the use and access The fabrication sector in the to the supply chain including ports and UK and Northern Europe is water-front infrastructure by offshore another vivid example. Most of wind developers rather than working on the companies who invested a ‘first come – first served’ basis. in new facilities to produce • Establishing longer-term sustainable foundations and substations for commercial relationships with suppliers offshore wind farms in Europe based on continuous engagement and UK have experienced major rather than the one-off approach. financial troubles and some are • Consistent management of going through a ‘dry’ season of performance levels rather than no orders. The rest of the sector contractual disputes. is waiting for Final Investment Decisions on major developments. This would enable suppliers to find and Robust supply Hull, Teesside, Tyneside and secure investments, develop the required Methil areas could have already capacity and build up financial soundness. received and realised £700- This would also spur more innovation chain can help Firstly, offshore construction operations are £1,000m of capital investments to build by suppliers since they would be able to inherently risky and more costly. Secondly, new factories directly employing 5,000- foresee the market for their products and it the industry keeps pushing boundaries 7,000 people. would work better than government grants. boost investments by building larger wind farms in deeper waters and in more complex metocean and Future expectations This would lead to reduction in costs and One of the key factors in the future Important project delays seabed conditions at open sea locations. Currently the plan is to build about 6-7GW construction risk that is sustainable in proliferation of offshore wind in The UK offshore wind industry has been of new capacity by 2020 in the UK alone the long term, which would, in turn, help the UK, Europe and globally is the delayed in deploying a number of important Its growth also tends to be uneven as it is with 7-9GW in the rest of Northern Europe. developers access wider pools of capital at reduction of its capital costs and the projects and investing in its supply chain shaped by policy decisions, which hampers The vast majority of this capacity has not a lesser cost. improvement of its risk profile. by at least 12 to 24 months because of a development at an organic pace. even reached FIDs and hopefully we will period of policy uncertainty. It is now being see some of them later this year. Kirill Glukhovskoy Policy, technology and construction risks gradually resolved, yet many questions still Unique challenge Director are especially prominent in offshore wind. remain. The combination of these factors puts a It means that the actual construction Aquind – an OGN (Offshore Group Most importantly, risk plays a major role in unique challenge in front of the offshore will start in 2015 on several projects Newcastle) company pricing investments and determining capital Offshore wind as a technology has seen wind developers and their suppliers. On simultaneously. In the UK, many projects availability. The perceived risk exposure a significant boost allowing it to increase one hand, the industry needs innovation target to either capture the last ROCs or associated with offshore wind has a direct energy yields and further improve reliability that would address the new challenging the first CfDs, which means commissioning impact on its attractiveness to investors. It of offshore wind farms. conditions. It also needs new capacity to in 2017-2018. is equally applicable to offshore wind farms be able to meet the demand for various and the UK offshore wind supply chain. Landmark deals components. The UK has built 3.5GW of offshore wind This has resulted in such landmark deals generation capacity since 2000. From as a listing of a package of offshore and 2015 to 2020 it needs to build nearly twice onshore wind farms and investments by as much. While the construction methods pension funds. have vastly improved over the years, it is still a neck-breaking speed.

70 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 71 Money Matters Money Matters HOW CAN MANUFACTURERS ACCESS Renewable energy FUNDING THROUGH HORIZON 2020? a windfall for landowners 1 Pick the most appropriate 5 Intellectual Property Rights 8 Don’t underestimate the The Chancellor, George Osborne, Joint venture (JV) option funding call for your idea Don’t forget to agree ownership in administration announced a reduction in the level of Another option that we are seeing clients There are a number of funding options terms of rights and intellectual property Hopefully at this point you will have feed-in tariffs available for onshore consider is structuring the wind farm as on the market. Conduct some research at this stage. received confirmation of your wind farms in his Autumn Statement a JV with the developer. This allows the and talk to experts or other SMEs that successful application for funding. last December. However, this does not landowner a much greater share in the have already gone through the process 6 The proposal is key There has been a real drive to simplify mean wind energy is not an attractive profits. There are different tax consequences to find the right fit for you. A proposal, written by an experienced the administration associated with prospect for landowners any more. and, for example business property relief author is crucial. I have seen plenty of Horizon 2020, but there will of course If a site is viable, wind energy can could be available for inheritance tax 2 You must have a solid fantastic ideas and strong consortiums be some degree of burden which you represent a reliable source of income purposes, and entrepreneurs’ relief could be product idea fail at the proposal stage because must be prepared for. Understanding for a landowner for a number of years. available for capital gains tax purposes. You must make sure that you have a it hasn’t been pulled together correctly. these complexities and managing the product idea with true market potential. It might be that an author exists within partnerships is essential. Main benefit But choosing a JV, while financially Be honest when assessing your idea your partner group; Pera Technology One of the main benefits of a wind farm rewarding, can be complex, and careful VAT consequences and get it validated by others in the for instance, sits within consortiums 9 Prepare for reaching the development is that landowners can consideration of the structure is needed for Landowners should also consider the market place before progressing to the and also provides proposal experts. finish line continue to farm or use the land and so the type of entity to be used (for example VAT consequences of the new venture. next stage. It’s important to remember that there is minimal reduction in other income a company, an LLP, etc) and the tax Depending on the position of the particular funding through Horizon 2020 won’t streams. Farming, for example, can consequences that follow. area of land, VAT may be chargeable on 3 Find a team to develop a take you to the finish line; you need continue around the turbines. the rental income received, and VAT on product idea to meet your to have a realistic plan to take you right Provision decisions some expenses may be reclaimable. market need through to commercialisation. Investment structure There are also decisions that need to be Once confident that your idea does Once a landowner has decided to proceed made during the early stages of a wind farm Positive outlook have that essential market potential, 10 Make use of the support with the development of a wind farm, development to help manage family wealth Despite the potential complexities, the introducing the views and opinions services that are available and has established a relationship with a and succession, and the tax exposure of the outlook for landowners in the wind of others can kick-start that all There are various bodies of expertise developer, they will need to consider how future growth in value of the estate. We are energy market is still promising. If careful important development phase. available that you should investigate best to structure the investment. seeing clients considering settling the future consideration is given to the structure of and maximise as much as possible income stream into trust, or passing it to the investment and its consequences, and 4 Pull together a valuable once you reach the commercialisation The most straightforward option is to grant future generations. appropriate advice is sought, investing in group of partners stage. Pera Technology for instance, a lease to the developer. The developer wind energy can be an astute long term A set of high-quality partners is offers specialist in-house resources will then take sole responsibility for the Capital allowance investment. essential for successfully securing which can aid the creation of innovative development and will often assume all of The potential availability of capital allowances funding and for the future development ideas, or assist with the introduction of the risk, deal with members of the public for a wind farm development should also be Ayshe Peck of your idea. Evaluate whether you are world-class commercial partners. and pay legal fees. They will simply pay the considered carefully. These could provide an PwC proposing something completely new 7 Consider long-term product landowner a rent. This is the most hassle- attractive tax incentive if the wind farm were or whether a combination of branding when naming your Paul Tranter free and lowest risk option for a landowner. to be a business or form part of a business. technologies already exists when project Chief Executive Officer looking for suitable service providers. It can be easy to underestimate the Pera Technology Those already working in relevant importance of naming a project when research and development sectors are it’s in the initial stages. It’s vital to a good place to start. remember that this could become an established brand and have a Are you looking for a specialist substantial impact on future interest in your product. service supplier with experience in the wind energy industry? With 1200+ companies listed, it is the website to find an expert

The Communication Hub for the Wind Energy Industry

72 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 73 EEEGR EEEGR

“It’s an exciting line-up of leading experts which makes this the best and highest profile conference that we have ever DONG Energy staged,” said EEEGR CEO Simon Gray. DONG bought the 580MW Racebank “We believe it will bring unrivalled and project from Centrica for £50m with a invaluable first-hand information to the completes SNS2014 spokesman saying: “It fits very well into region’s supply chain which needs to be our existing plan to develop our extensive on the ball to take full advantage of the Leading players pipeline of UK offshore wind projects in wealth of opportunities emerging on our More top names have been lined up for the the near future.” doorstep.” country’s most significant conference and Conference exhibition.

Shell, EDF Energy Schlumberger, East line-up Anglia Offshore Wind and Aker Solutions Flashback to SNS2013 are among companies which will also feature and around 500 delegates and more than 80 exhibitors are expected to DONG Energy’s His attendance completes the programme take part. for the two-day event at the Norfolk Peter Sutton Showground on March 5-6. Innovation and technology has joined the “The focus is not just on the incredible Gala Dinner range of business opportunities and impressive line-up Energy Minister Michael Fallon is guest the market potential within the East of international speaker at a Gala Dinner which will link the of England but the innovation and two days on the evening of March 5. technology which will give us the speakers at competitive edge in a fiercely combative the SNS2014 Day 2 industry,” added Simon Gray. Mr Sutton will be telling delegates on the Conference and second day about DONG’s future projects “There are increasing signs of expansion Exhibition in when he will be joined by speakers from and development in our region’s energy a range of major operators including world in readiness for growth in the Norwich next Jaap Klein, of Shell, Gordan Ballard, offshore wind, gas and nuclear sectors month of Schlumberger and Chris Squires of and the conference will offer crucial EDF Energy talking about supply chain leads and key pointers on how to win He became Head of UK Operations- opportunities. that new business. It also offers ample East for the global energy giant last opportunities to meet and network with autumn, shortly before Dong announced Regional companies are poised for leading players in the industry.” it was taking over a project for the decades of increased business worth Racebank windfarm 17 miles off the billions of pounds from offshore windfarm SNS2014 is supported by the European Norfolk coast. development and the continued Regional Development Fund (ERDF). renaissance of the oil & gas industry in the Southern North Sea. EEEGR

Burbo Bank and Racebank Day one windfarms Day one of the conference opens with Mr Sutton was previously DONG’s Head a training and skills session and will later of Operations - Burbo Bank, an offshore focus mainly on technology and innovation, wind farm in Liverpool Bay at the entrance with David Rowland of East Anglia Offshore to the River Mersey. Before that, he spent Wind - developers of the 7200MW two years with one of the world’s leading windfarm off the Norfolk/Suffolk coast. turbine and windfarm specialists. The day will also feature a speaker from Aker on its pioneering plans for monitoring new technology, in ensuring that the region’s sector is modern, competitive, efficient and safe.

www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Training – Working in confined spaces Training – Working in confined spaces

working Construction and maintenance procedures Safe working systems During construction of the turbine including training workers may need to enter sections One element of providing a safe working in confined of the tower, nacelle, hub or blades to system that is often overlooked is adequate finish seams, grind, paint, etc. training for employees in confined space entry, which is absolutely crucial. When fully installed, workers need to spaces climb up the tower to reach the narrow, Training will need to cover the need restricted spaces of the nacelle, hub and to avoid entry to a confined space, blades for maintenance, inspection and an understanding of the work to be repairs. Electrical hazards have been undertaken, the necessary precautions the source of a number of fatalities and that must be taken whilst doing that fires in wind turbines within the confined work, understanding safe systems of spaces. work, a rescue plan and what to do in emergencies.

ARCO

A number of people are killed in confined spaces incidents each year across a range of industries.

Some confined spaces will develop during construction; particularly where Those who die welding takes place on the inside.

include people Potential hazards working in the The main potential hazards to be considered before entering a confined confined space Confined space identification space are as follows… The Confined Space Regulations 1997 Legislation and those who identify confined spaces primarily as • Lack or excess of oxygen The Confined Space Regulations 1997 and somewhere that is substantially, but • Poisonous gas, fume or vapour the Approved Code of Practice (HSE L101) try to rescue not always entirely, enclosed. Confined • Flammable substances must be considered before any attempt to spaces exist during construction and after • Excessive heat enter a confined space. them without installation of wind energy turbines. • Reduced physical dimensions proper training • Unintended ingress of materials One of the key requirements of the There are four main components that may regulations is for employers to find and equipment. be considered confined spaces… a reasonably practicable method of completing the work in the confined space 1 The tower (vertical support) without entry. Other legislation may also 2 The nacelle (the housing that contains be relevant depending on the work to be the electrical components) carried out in the confined space, such as 3 The hub (hub attaches to nacelle) hazardous substances, manual handling, 4 The blades (attached to the hub) electricity and work at height may be present.

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 Training – Working in confined spaces Training – Working in confined spaces

It can also occur when there is a reaction with the oxygen in the air, dust and many more Confined Spaces can factors that all workers need to be aware of. Using a gas detection device including MSA, how can you manage risks? Crowcon, Drager and Honeywell may be the be a deadly place difference between life and death. A confined space is not necessarily Key duties • Using appropriate equipment somewhere you have to “squeeze” Companies have several key duties – minimises the risks associated with Every year workers die in confined Dedicated training area Search and rescue into, or crawl about on your hands when it comes to managing the safety of working with tools in confined spaces. spaces, from the smallest unit to the At Total Access they have a comprehensive One of the main parts of Confined Space and knees in. It can be defined as a employees working in confined spaces… Environmental monitors, an established largest plant because they do not training area for confined space training; work is to be able to Search and Rescue. We place which is substantially or entirely communication methodology and know the hazards that may kill or this includes a vertical 10 metre shaft assists companies with their confined space enclosed, where serious injury could • Avoid entry to confined spaces standard PPE are basic requirements injure them. connected by two 15 metre horizontal rescue plans and training in order to comply occur from hazardous substances or where possible – are alternative drains. These form a labyrinth in which with the 1997 confined space regulations. All working conditions either within or methods of carrying out the work • Put emergency arrangements in For example in the UK from 2003-2011, delegates can practice both horizontal and workers need to be confidently trained and near to it. available? These could include place to rescue workers – 13 workers were killed in general confined vertical entries. be competent when working. environmental monitoring, the use of companies should not rely solely on space accidents, 9 were killed by oxygen Common risks water jets or long handled tools for the emergency services, however it deprivation and 7 by trench collapse. Common risks associated with confined cleaning or carrying out visual is good practice to inform the spaces include asphyxiation, entrapment, inspection using a porthole or CCTV relevant authorities if works are on- What is a confined space? fire, explosion and drowning. system going. Depending on the level of risk it A confined space means any place, may also be prudent to have a including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, These risks are covered by The Confined • Always follow a safe system of dedicated rescue team close to the pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other Spaces Regulations 1997 and having work – where confined space working confined space entry point similar space in which, by virtue of its an understanding of these regulations is unavoidable always follow a safe enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably is essential. A common approach is for system of work which identifies risks CATCH foreseeable specified risk of… companies to suggest that all enclosed and highlights the necessary control areas be deemed confined spaces, measures needed. The competence • Serious injury to any person at work however knowledge of what turns an of entrants must also be established arising from a fire or explosion enclosed area into a confined space is which allows any specific training • The loss of consciousness of any fundamental to managing the hazards and concerns to be addressed. This person at work arising from an increase risks associated with people working in includes managing the behavioural in body temperature them. culture of workers and overcoming any • The loss of consciousness or Tunnel collapse can be simulated along case study ‘this is the way we have always done it’ asphyxiation of any person at work with an extremely effective atmosphere Amey Plc Culvert Inspections attitude that may exist arising from gas, fume, vapour or the simulator, and dummy rescue. CLIENT: Amey Plc lack of oxygen • The drowning of any person at work Dangerous atmosphere Client Brief arising from an increase in the level of One of the highest risks in confined space Amey Plc has tasked Total Access (UK) liquid; or entry is a dangerous atmosphere leading Ltd to conduct man entry and CCTV • The asphyxiation of any person at to asphyxiation, oxygen deprivation or inspections of 80 culverts. The client work arising from a free flowing explosion. This dangerous atmosphere has requested a full, detailed and visual solid or the inability to reach a respirable can be created by a wide range of inspection including the exterior Wingwalls. environment due to entrapment by a circumstances and lead to poisonous gas, free flowing solid. fumes and vapours leaking into the air. Total Access Solution Total Access surveyed the job on behalf of Amey Plc and it was decided the best way to complete the works was to inspect the works by two methods; The first being by CCTV crawler system to ensure that hierarchy of control was achieved where the works would present a specific risk that could not be mitigated. The second was man entry inspection that would achieve a full detailed and tactile inspection. Full PDF reports were submitted to the client within 28 days from the date of inspection.

Benefits Amey Plc were more than happy for us to carry out the works due to our highly qualified confined space inspection teams and our extensive knowledge of structural inspections.

Total Access

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 Training – Working in confined spaces Training – Working in confined spaces

The fire-fighting course is a mandatory requirement for crew members on vessels Confined spaces can be of more than 24 metres, and required by deadly Improving many of the offshore wind companies A number of people are killed regardless of size of vessels. or seriously injured in confined spaces each year in the UK. Highly regarded reputation This happens in a wide range of Anne Hornigold Chief Executive said; “We industries, from those involving Fire Extinguisher Training have worked extremely hard over the complex plant to simple storage Confined spaces can be found in many safety years to have earned a highly regarded vessels. industrial facilities such as; oil/gas/wind reputation and now intend to expand into turbine platforms and maritime vessels. other maritime training. All training delivered conforms to the requirements of the ‘Merchant Shipping “We have searched for a fire-fighting (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations at sea facility for some time and are thrilled to 1988’, ‘Code of Safe Working Practices have agreed a partnership with a local risk for Merchant Seaman Chapter 17’ and the management service. ‘Marine Guidance Note 423 (M+F)’.

Whitby & District Fishing Confined Space Training Other hazards A confined space is a space that is Other hazards that must be considered Industry Training School large enough and so configured that an when working in confined spaces employee can bodily enter the space and include; electrical energy, hot/cold delivering STCW-95 safety perform work; and has limited or restricted conditions, wet/slick surfaces, excessive courses means of entry/exit; and is not designed noise, and moving/or rotating parts/ for continuous employee occupancy. equipment. Confined spaces include any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, Injuries and fatalities well or other similar space in which, by Injuries and fatalities involving confined virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a spaces are frequent and often involve reasonably foreseeable specified risk. successive fatalities when would-be rescuers succumb to the same problem The hazards as the initial victim. Approximately 60% Confined space hazards can be of fatalities involve would-be rescuers categorised as; atmospheric hazards and and more than 30% of fatalities occur in physical hazards. There are four major a space that has been tested and found atmospheric hazards associated with to be safe to enter. confined spaces… Andrew Hodgson, Business Development 1 Oxygen deficiency – this is where the Consultant said; “We look forward to “The fire-fighting facilities and in particular Those killed include people working in the consumption of oxygen takes place working closely with companies that the confined spaces training are an confined space and those who try to rescue during open flame operations such as require offshore safety training and I excellent resource, and together with the them without proper training and equipment. cutting and welding believe delivering training in the Whitby other STCW training will help us ensure The fire prevention & fire-fighting course area will be a desirable venue.” In March 2014, the company’s rapidly- that as many seafarers as possible are highlight hazards relating to confined space 2 Oxygen displacement – some expanding training provision will play successful in achieving this essential operations, and identify mechanisms to gases will push or displace oxygen from a vital role in delivering the Maritime safety training.” control fire risks. Delegates learn how to be a confined space. Nitrogen is often Whitby & District Fishing Coastguard Agency (MCA) Standards competent in entering a confined space as used to purge tanks and entering the Industry of Training, Certification and Fire-fighting training centre part of routine operations and the wearing of tank before the nitrogen is removed Training School Watchkeeping (STCW-95) courses. The fire fighting training centre has a two breathing apparatus. and properly vented can prove fatal in storey fire house, portable fire extinguisher minutes Training centre of excellence area and a specialist fire rig to deliver Training The company is a multi-award-winning training that includes wearing breathing All delegates are formatively assessed and 3 Combustibility/Flammability – organisation and an approved training apparatus in confined spaces and hostile will demonstrate competence in utilising some confined spaces contain provider for the MCA and the Sea Fish conditions. firefighting equipment as part of a firefighting solvents, fuel oil, kerosene, etc. which Industry Authority and will deliver a 5-day team. The training enables the delegates to provides fuel for combustion. For an set of STCW courses to include Personal prepare firefighting equipment in readiness atmosphere to become flammable Survival Techniques, Personal Safety & for firefighting duties and demonstrate their there must be fuel, oxygen and an Social Responsibilities (PSSR), Elementary ability to use equipment safely and correctly ignition source present First Aid and the 2½ day Fire Prevention & in demanding situations. Fire-fighting course. 4 Toxicity – toxic gases can accumulate from chemicals used in the production process, biological or chemical breakdown of products, maintenance activities (welding) and decomposition

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 company profile company profile

The membership includes major offshore Working closely together As he explained: “Some developers may Like IMCA guidance documents they are freely construction contractors, dredging Increasingly we are working closely with have used the IMCA CMID (Common available online to members and non-members alike. Getting contractors, cable lay and trenching relevant renewable trade associations, e.g. Marine Inspection Document) which The database of incidents on dynamically positioned contractors, survey companies, jack-up in the UK with RenewableUK, helping them provides a standard format for the (DP) vessels extends back more than 30 years. ready for operators, crew transfer vessel operators, realise that it is not necessary to ‘reinvent inspection of offshore vessels (there training organisations oil and gas the wheel’ and start writing guidance ‘from is also a CMID for the small work The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) companies as well as developers working scratch’; and will shortly be presenting to boats that play such a vital role in the examines and investigates all types of marine offshore on offshore wind projects. the European Wind Energy Association’s industry), they may have divers with accidents to, or on board, UK ships worldwide and HSE committee. IMCA recognised certificates working on other ships in UK territorial waters. They see IMCA as wind IMCA supports and represents its their projects, or might be referencing the organisation to take forward the promulgation of members, as well as offering good practice IMCA Renewable Energy IMCA lifting guidelines. But you may be the renewable energy marine related safety incidents. guidance to industry, on technical, safety Workgroup unaware of the incredible knowledge and At EWEA Alan described two recent incidents involving projects and commercial topics by means of At EWEA Offshore Alan MacLeay documented experience available from crew transfer vessels in UK waters, along with the documents, seminars and dialogue. highlighted the activities of the IMCA the Association and its library of guidance action IMCA was taking to help avoid repetition of Effective sharing of marine Renewable Energy Workgroup, showing documents covering everything you might these. construction experience, Guidance documents practical examples from the work of need to know about the global marine safe methods of working and We have some 200 guidance documents Seaway Heavy Lifting to demonstrate contracting industry.” Looking forward recommended practice for offshore produced by our ‘core committees’ where existing IMCA guidance and best One such action is the revision of our ‘Guidance on installations is vital for offshore wind – Competence & Training; Safety, practice could be applied to offshore Track record the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels’ projects – what’s more you can learn Environmental & Legislation; our four wind developments. He looked too at He discussed IMCA’s track record (IMCA M 202) which sees the addition of relevant from the contractors’ experiences. technical divisions – Diving, Marine, competence and training, lifting and rigging, of publishing safety flashes sharing offshore wind information, and the title expanded to Offshore Survey, and ROV (remotely cranes and winches, barge operations and information on various incidents, near include the words “and structures” signifying offshore In Autumn 2013, Alan MacLeay, operated vehicles) & Remote Systems. safety reporting. misses and hazard observations to wind turbines. Engineering Director for Renewables Years of industry experience has gone into help avoid recurrences elsewhere in the at Seaway Heavy Lifting and chairman producing them as our sector has striven industry. These are readily available, cover Our competence assurance and assessment guidance of the International Marine Contractors continuously for ‘zero incidents’. That is all forms of offshore construction, and date provides members with a framework for creating their Association (IMCA) Renewable Energy now becoming a goal of the developing back as far as 1997. own in-house schemes. We are currently developing Workgroup, expanded on these points in a offshore wind industry. a competence framework for crew transfer vessels presentation at EWEA Offshore 2013. for every part of the world. An IMCA logbook will be The IMCA Renewable Energy Workgroup available so those crewing the vessels can keep a Taking as his topic ‘Synergies with other was established in 2011 following growing record of their work. maritime technologies’ he explained that concerns regarding safety in the offshore the offshore wind energy industry doesn’t wind construction industry. The group’s With small work boats in mind we are exploring the exist in isolation, and learning from, key aims include helping to disseminate the possibility of working towards the standardisation of and integrating, other maritime sector knowledge, experience and recommended fenders, including developing standards for such vital technologies and methodologies presents practice held by IMCA and its members to processes as ‘step-over distance’ and the materials opportunities for mutual co-operation, and help improve safety and reduce installations used in the fabrication of these fenders - safety is of is a vital step to increasing safety levels. The costs. paramount importance! Working together with relevant major marine contractors have become trade associations, regulators and developers on increasingly involved as wind projects grow similar safety and risk management strategies is key to larger and further from shore. successful offshore wind operations.

About IMCA Jane Bugler IMCA is the international trade association Technical Director representing over 970 offshore, marine and International Marine Contractors Association underwater engineering companies in more (IMCA) than 60 countries – primarily working in the offshore oil and gas sectors with years of experience under their corporate belts.

74 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 75 Bolting & Fastenings feature sponsor feature sponsor Bolting & Fastenings

After many years of learning, every pedestal A measured approach crane that is on an offshore platform in Vergnet the British section of the North Sea is now Vergnet’s design allows the main turbine to using measurement fasteners in the main be quickly disassembled into two halves so to reducing costs: slew bearing, and quite often on the boom that the upwind nacelle section, complete assembly as well. with rotors, can be lowered to the ground and easily secured. This can be either as Benefits a protective measure in extreme weather a simple solution Robert de Rijcke from Kenz cranes is conditions, or for much quicker service and just one of the beneficiaries, “we can maintenance. OEMs, operators and service Challenging Tradition The design and quality are factors that are accurately determine pre-tension at Important joints can still retain integrity providers are all in search of greater So how can measurement play a major both measured, but the tension across installation and with these measurement with up to a 50% reduction in bolts. This The measured approach to assuring reliability and reduced costs. But is role in improving reliability and driving the joint rarely is. So it’s hardly surprising fasteners we don’t have to loosen and re- reduces production costs – fewr holes, bolted joint reliability and safety is a proven it possible there could be a simple down the costs commonly associated with that research has consistently shown that tighten in our annual checks.” less drilling, fewer bolts and of course this science in a number of other industries. solution right under their noses that bolted joints? When bolts are tightened up around 90% of all bolted joint failures are also speeds up maintenance checks even Hopefully it won’t be too long before the could save them millions of pounds using traditional practices what is being caused by insufficient tension at installation. It has been estimated that the maintenance more. application of these fasteners in wind just by adopting a basic engineering measured is the force being applied to do savings alone on each crane range energy becomes as widespread as it is in principle – accurately measure what the tightening – the torque. One simple solution is to employ fasteners between £10,000 and £15,000 every year Enjoying the Benefits – case offshore pedestal cranes. you are doing? which have measurement technology built – and that’s just from using the fasteners studies What is not measured at all is the in to them. Fasteners that can accurately on one important joint. On a wind turbine A relatively small number of turbine Rod Corbett Complex structures corresponding tension that is being measure and maintain the correct tension there are at least nine joints that could manufacturers are already enjoying the James Walker RotaBolt Wind turbine assemblies are complex achieved across the bolted joint and it is throughout the life of the joint. The right benefit from the same approach. benefits of using measurement fasteners, structures. A typical 2.3 MW turbine this factor that is absolutely critical to the design tension can then be achieved but there are pilot projects currently being will have nine major bolted joints in its reliability and integrity of the joint. at installation and the resultant correct In addition, the assurance and increased carried out on very large turbines as well. construction with approximately 1,000 bolts clamping force across the joint will combat performance provided by the fasteners Two companies that have been using them in the complete the effects of has meant that Kenz has been able to for several years are Suzlon and Vergnet. assembly. The vibration loosening increase the load bearing performance most obvious and fatigue failure. provided by these slew bearings in some Suzlon Energy and visible bolted circumstances. Suzlon Energy fits the fasteners on all its joints are the main Parallel 1.25 megawatt and 2.1 megawatt wind turbine blades Learning Dramatic Savings turbines. They are standard fit on the wind connecting to the The theory of Back in the wind energy industry, if the turbine blade connections. Vergnet are blade bearing and the science may same measurement fasteners were now using them on the main structural bearing to hub, seem convincing employed on your typical 2.3 MW turbine, joint of their unique GEV HP wind turbines, but other critical enough, but is the time taken to carry out a maintenance where the two halves of the turbine nacelle joints include the there any ‘parallel check of all 1,000 bolts would reduce are joined. bearing to shaft learning’ that can dramatically. joint, base frame, be explored from gear stays, the yaw another sector Three companies were questioned about bearing, as well as which evidences the time it took them to carry out their tower flanges and the benefits and annual bolt maintenance checks on a foundations. adds weight to 2.3MW turbine… the argument in Many of these favour of using • Company (A) stated it takes 2 men joints are subject a measured 100 hours = 200 man hours to complex approach? • Company (B) stated it takes 2 men working loads and 80 hours = 160 man hours their operational The slew bearing of • Company (C) stated it takes 2 men reliability is a critical a pedestal crane is 60 hours = 120 man hours factor in reducing a bolted joint which expensive downtime – fatigue and vibration Assumption almost directly parallels the dynamics of key The same turbine fitted with measurement are cited as the most common factors that The common mistake is to assume that joints in a wind turbine. It is the single most fasteners can be checked in just two hours. contribute to failures. Regular maintenance there is a reliable correlation between the important connection in the entire crane The figures speak for themselves, and in checks are also very time consuming, and tightening force being applied, the torque, assembly and the performance of the crane offshore locations the benefits are even in offshore operations the challenges are and the tension being achieved – there isn’t! depends on the critical load path through more dramatic. even more acute. this bearing. Three basic factors make up the science In addition to the increased reliability and of achieving bolted joint integrity and savings in maintenance, the improved reliability - the right joint design, the right performance delivered by the measurement component quality and the correct tension fastener means that it is possible to across the joint. significantly reduce the number of bolts in each joint without compromising integrity.

36 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 37 Bolting & Fastenings feature sponsor feature sponsor Bolting & Fastenings Designed to save time and money

The latest feature from Plarad is A supervisor uses software on a PC to control at your fingertips optimised quality control for large define the pressure and the resulting pre- The company always focuses on the application at hand on the bolted joints that allows users to tensioning force with which each bolt will construction site when developing their systems. “The remote use microprocessor control and be tightened. The end user of the TAX will control of the TAX shows the user at a glance at which pressure documentation to work with greater not be able to alter these programmes in the power pack is currently operating,” says the Head of safety. any way. The TAX, thereby, ensures that all Development. “This eliminates the cumbersome need to read bolted joints will be subjected to precisely the operating pressure at the pressure gauge of the power Reduced costs and valuable time the same preset tensioning force. pack, which is invariably in a different place than the bolted joint savings you are working on. You can, of course, also use the remote The hydraulic tensioner power pack means Synchronising bolting control to release the pressure on the tensioner. This is a feature reduced costs and valuable time savings. applications missing in most competing devices, which usually require you to As well as being the most reliable and The control unit can be used for more go back to the power pack and execute the function there. This safest hydraulic power pack in its class, than just setting parameters for bolting costs time.” TAX is also the lightest device of its kind. applications. When the supervisor connects the control unit to the PC after all bolting operations are complete, the software will immediately sync the standardised data of all automatically captured tensioning processes and save it to a database. “This is a decisive factor in quality control,” the Head of Development continues to explain.

Indicator for perfect seating “The data allows the supervisor to prove Plarad equips their tensioners with a that all bolted joints were tensioned in patent-pending depth indicator device compliance with regulations. This is an including measuring gauge. “We aspect that is becoming increasingly incorporate an indicator in every single important for the construction of wind one of our tensioners, indicating to power plants as it has become a the workman when the draw nut is requirement for obtaining certification seated perfectly,” explains their Head of from the Technical Control Board (TÜV) or Development. “When you are dealing with German Lloyd.” pressures of up to 2,400 bar, you need to keep the risk from improper handling This saves time during transport and bolting. at a minimum. Our solution tells the user The reduced weight helps the technician immediately when the draw nut is seated who has to carry the tensioners while perfectly on the bolt, indicating the time climbing up more than 100 metres before when he can switch on the pump and he can tension bolted joints in rotor blades build up pressure.” or hard-to-reach flanged connections found in chemical plants. Another time-saving Preset bolting programmes factor is the safe and faultless software ensure correct workflows assisted installation process. Finally, the Minimising errors, including errors on the TAX provides standardised documentation software side, is important in order to Key factors are the low weight and the standardised workflows of to assure quality. prevent the workman from inadvertently this system as they can be directly linked to a more efficient use applying the wrong amount of pressure of the workmen’s hours as well as increased and documented With the new TAX, Plarad managed to to the tensioner, thus damaging the bolt quality. shave a handsome 45 per cent off the or not pre-tensioning it firmly enough, weight of their tried and tested high- the control unit on the TAX can be Plarad UK pressure tensioner power packs. This programmed with the corresponding lightens the operators burden by no less settings prior to each and every installation than 22 kilogrammes. More importantly, it process. lets the worker operate in greater comfort as the unit helps him save time and conserve his strength.

www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 39 Bolting & Fastenings feature sponsor feature sponsor Bolting & Fastenings

Consisting of… Bolting expertise • Anchor cage plates • Bottom plates From small beginnings... Products Expanding client list Wind turbine • Permanent top plates HTL (Hire Torque Ltd) started trading in Long-term joint reliability in wind turbine Their solid reputation for high quality • Templates 1994 from premises no larger than the applications such as, foundation bolting, products and customer relation is average double garage and with only two tower bolting, nacelle frames, bearings and responsible for the company’s ever Recent UK supplies have included plates employees. Since then they have grown gear boxes or where joints are permanently expanding client list. foundations up to 110mm section and over 0.7 metres in every area of their business and have assembled is the company’s number one in diameter. Holes can also be cut or drilled almost 50 staff across 3 UK facilities priority to supply state of the art controlled They work with both large and independent With over 45 years experience of Assembly to meet all clients specifications and there in Aberdeen, Manchester and Blyth. In bolting equipment, therefore they can offer businesses and is both dedicated and foundation technology and over 5 FatBars are assembled with DIN 6319 is an option to factory assemble anchor addition the company has engineers based for both hire and sale hand, pneumatic trustworthy, ensuring their clients come million anchors produced, the Peikko washers and DIN 6330 B nuts, both class cages and delivery direct to site. throughout the UK offering service and and hydraulic torque wrenches through to back again and again. Group continue to be at the forefront of 10. These washers and nuts have spherical support, 24 hours-a-day, every day! hydraulic bolt tensioning equipment. technical development and innovation contact area that ensures full contact In-situ stub foundation The company is fully aware of the demands in onshore in-situ foundations, even if the anchor is tilted, thus eliminating Optimises hub height and increases the Along with teaming up with Official HTL EvoTorque placed on today’s industries and is off-shore gravity foundations and uneven tension and bending of washer. output of the turbine and incorporates Partners in Iraq, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, More recently to aid personnel utilising torque committed to providing complete customer connections to modular precast FatBar to minimise wall section – primarily dedicated facilities in Jakarta, Indonesia equipment on the turbines, the company satisfaction, complying with ISO9001, towers. They are available in lengths up to 6000 used for heights of 5-20 metres. to service the South East Asia Oil and has recently launched an electric continuous ISO14001 and ISO18001, whilst also mm with an option of localised zinc plasma Gas Industry and also coming soon; HTL- rotation torque tool called the ‘EvoTorque’. awarded Investors in People. Anchor Bolts metallisation to exposed areas (offering HDG Global presence Benelux based in the Netherlands, of which Up until now with electric torque tools results Grade 8.8 comparable corrosion protection but without The company operates in 30 countries will have full Rental stock, workshop and revealed overshooting on hard joints and State-of-the-art facilities Grade 10.9 dangerous effects to high strength steel). worldwide and is proud to develop calibration facilities. undershooting on soft joints. HTL do not only supply the equipment but solutions which help customers to also have state-of-the-art facilities in their Specific design The use of greater capacity anchors leads achieve a quicker, economic and reliable More recently the company is proud to The challenge was to create an accurate Blyth Head Office and Aberdeen facility FatBar is the first post tensioned anchor to smaller and fewer anchors, resulting construction. announce the new edition to the group of and reliable tool with intelligent joint sensing to offer service, repair, pressure and load bolt designed specifically for wind turbine in smaller bottom flanges of towers, less companies; ‘HTL-Hydrapress Ltd’, who technology. Designed and manufactured testing and calibration of all makes and foundations, sustaining larger fatigue congestion and overall a more economic Peikko Group are dedicated to the design, manufacture in the UK the ‘EvoTorque’ utilises patent models of torque and tensioner tooling up loads than traditional grade 10.9 bolts. design. and supply of high pressure equipment, the pending motor technology and motor to 120,000NM. Bolt threads are cold-rolled with a special likes of hydraulic power packs, valve test control software to give unprecedented threading designed specifically for fatigue Integrated solution benches, high pressure pumps hose test joint control. New calibration/service vehicle loading. Additional preparation increases The system offers an integrated solution rigs and are wholly committed to providing The company prides itself on the unrivalled fatigue resistance. of foundation design support and the an excellent service and a quality product Specification service to their customers and are now manufacture and supply of FatBar, worldwide! Each tool is factory calibrated to +3% going to stretch this to another dimension Post tensioning is with maximum force top and bottom flanges and punching and is provided with a unique traceable by presenting their new calibration/service according to EN 1992-1-1. e.g. Peikko reinforcement resulting in a foundation Unprecedented growth calibration certificate that includes torque vehicle that is available to come direct to Fatbar 36 fpk=1070kN -V- M36 grade using less steel and concrete than Due to on-going investment and the calibration and angle calibration data. the customer’s site nationwide. 10.9 fpk=817kN ➜ 30% capacity increase traditional designs. dedication of the team, this has led to EvoTorque is rated to IP44 and available unprecedented growth and seen the in 110V and 230V versions with models Hire Torque Limited company stock one of the largest spanning a torque range from 200 NM to rental fleets of Bolt Torquing 6000 NM. and Tensioning Equipment in Europe.

40 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 41 Bolting & Fastenings feature sponsor feature sponsor Bolting & Fastenings

The Inside Story Bolting into the future..!!! Products In the ever-evolving industry of wind energy, it is imperative to keep up and Constantly striving to assist and improve be ahead of the game...no one knows this truism better than Hytorc. I was working practice and time constraints, new fortunate to catch up with one of their luminaries to find out more about this products such as the Hytorc Flash Gun innovative and long established company... was designed; an electric torque multiplier, which is lighter and more accurate and safer than the previous version, allowing for torque bolts to be installed on blades Accreditation accurately. Of course other factors have In such a specialised environment the to be considered if products are utilised World first company are vehemently dedicated to offshore, and specialist coatings are applied As the inventor of the world’s first hydraulic Health & Safety and all products are to cope with harsh weather conditions. wrench, Hytorc began their journey in the CE, TUV and ISO 9001:2000 approved. USA 40 years ago and is the oldest and Hytorc believe what sets them apart from As a consultancy providing tooling, the largest manufacturer of hydraulic and their competitors is the need for reliable company assists manufacturing clients at pneumatic torque wrenches. equipment and more importantly dedicated the surveying stage identifying specific tool experienced engineers. kits peculiar to each project. Over the last 5 This success was introduced to the UK and years kits have been developed for nearly Europe 25 years ago in the very early days Rental market every application on the various turbines of the industry, having been heavily involved With this in mind clients have the facility for offered by every manufacturer within the in turbine assembly. The company is training on all of their products, be it onsite industry, quite an accolade! with future constantly striving to implement progressive or at Hytorc’s head office at Cramlington, innovative torque systems currently in test bolting techniques and products to achieve offering continual support. Another string facilities in the UK and Europe. efficient, innovative and cost effective to their bow is the rental market. To back products matched with unparalleled this up they have a dedicated purpose Meeting client demands customer services. designed service van, with state-of-the- Throughout my meeting I was struck by the art calibration technology onboard, which sheer enthusiasm and utter dedication to With offices in the North East and can be despatched to assist with any the continued success and growth of the Aberdeen in the UK the company has maintenance or equipment issues, hence company, and the provision of a first class the scope to provide efficient and prompt avoiding long costly turnaround times. service to their existing and prospective service to every area of the British Isles. clients. Challenges As the wind industry developed there were Due to the continual dedication of their many challenges to overcome and a steep specialised and experienced team, in an learning curve for all involved. Unusual ever changing market, leaves the company engineering circumstances dictated ready to meet their changing customer innovative designs and on many occasions demands. the company has undertaken retro-fits, i.e. establishing the problem, finding a solution and designing a bespoke tool/part then Fliss Chaffer installing on site. Interviewer Wind Energy Network

Hytorc

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Contrast Positive note The debate on securing an appropriate mix Considered approach The contrast with the housing development On a more positive note, the need for of energy generation still has some way to This would yield a properly considered sector could not be starker. Faced with the additional energy generation capacity in run and the politicisation of the Energy Bill approach to the delivery of more renewable same principles of localism, no requirements the UK has not gone away. The planning increasingly means that this is already an energy generation at the local level and Renewables for mandatory pre-application consultation system will have to facilitate additional electoral issue of increasing importance. provide a more stable platform against have been introduced. Again, the Minister electricity generating capacity at some which renewable planning applications will has sought to call in a considerable number point soon if energy security is to be National Planning Policy need to be determined. planning policy of residential appeals. The difference is that maintained and the lights in all these newly Framework (NPPF) most of these have been approved based consented houses are not to go out. The current NPPF does encourage all If ultimately properly enforced by appeal, in in a pickle Yet in an apparent measure to reassure on the need for more housing and the lack communities to have a positive strategy the same way that 5 year housing land has concerned backbench MP’s that the of a 5 year land supply, despite strong local The Conservative Party agenda is clear to promote energy from renewable and been by the Minister in respect of housing, new simplified guidance did not presume opposition. in promoting the fracturing of shale low carbon sources. It may be that such then we may begin to see the necessary It is often noted that the Coalition an automatic presumption in favour of gas reserves (or ‘fracking’) with its a plan-led approach, if enforced by the exponential ‘step changes’ in renewable Government promised to be the sustainable development (did it ever; the Planning statistics consequential negative impact on carbon Minister, will require all Local Planning energy delivery to meet the challenging greenest government ever upon taking appeal statistics don’t indicate so), CLG This dichotomy in the operation of the emissions. The green credentials of the Authorities to properly plan for renewable 2020 targets and beyond, in respect of power. Yet presumably as a result quickly prepared additional guidance on planning system is reflected in an analysis Coalition government are in danger of energy before a Local Plan could be adhering to future carbon budgets. of the budget deficit, the economy renewables emphasising the need for a of 2013 planning statistics published in being tarnished by shades of brown. declared sound (in the same way that and the crosswinds of politics in the planning balance with local owners being the Planning magazine which considered Fracking remains a largely untried process authorities must with housing policies Pegasus Planning last 4 years, the Secretary of State given more weight. appeals determined by Mr Pickles. Only in the UK which has already engendered by analysing and forecasting demand responsible for the delivering of 28.6% of renewable energy schemes were considerable public concern. and then fully meeting these objectively planning through the Communities This was followed in the autumn by the approved by Mr Pickles. assessed needs). and Local Government Department, recovery of a tranche of appeals for Mr Eric Pickles, has presided over a his personal consideration. Arguably, Contrast that with an overall average of planning u-turn of some considerable there can be no better example of the 56.1% of schemes which were approved significance. centralisation of planning power (as distinct across all sectors, and 81.3 % which were to localism) than the Minister delaying and approved in respect of housing schemes. One of the first things he sought to do determining an application in this way. was remove a whole tier of the planning He has given himself until April 2014 to The evidence points to the need for new system, comprising of the regional plans and continue this process. housing being given significantly greater strategies. These had been up until then the weight by the Minister compared to the cornerstone of the system whereby energy Mandatory requirements need for additional renewable energy. targets were set at a regional level to move Then there are the latest mandatory This interventionist approach to positively forward renewable energy deployment. requirements to consult on onshore wind encourage housing is presumably a political schemes which came into force at the end one and connected to the need to foster Localism Act of 2013, again introducing further hurdles growth. Then we had the Localism Act with its to jump over before applications can be insistence on giving local communities validated; but there is no accompanying The planning system being applied greater say in planning together with the guidance on best practice on how this is to is therefore uneven, partial and an publication of the new national planning be achieved. increasingly centralised one, where framework which again sought to distil a decisions are being made for political complex suite of well-understood planning Collectively, these changes centralising reasons. Given this trend, it is hard to be guidance into just 100 pages. decision making in Whitehall have optimistic that approval rates for renewable achieved little other than increased risk energy schemes will improve on the run up and uncertainty for the renewables sector, to the next general election, no matter the particularly the wind industry. Similar merits of an individual scheme. ministerial recovery has also recently occurred in the solar sector.

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Proactive engagement with the planning process. Using our extensive experience we have been able to resolve planning process many issues before they become reasons Over the last 12 to 18 months we have for refusal.” Strathy Wood application seen a fundamental review of the planning process, particularly in relation Drawing on his Local Authority experience comprehensive environmental impact assessment and habitat to dealing with wind energy planning Clive suggests the following tips… restoration plan applications. • Engage with planners at an early stage An S.36 planning application has Expertise “The project will also enable the delivery New planning policy framework to avoid costly surprises and delays been submitted for a 26-turbine wind The development of the area will not be of significant habitat restoration and This has included the introduction of a new during the later stages. This farm at Strathy Wood in Sutherland. the first change for this part of the Flow enhancement across much of the planning policy framework, a new planning engagement should not stop once The proposed E.ON Climate and Country, as the site was largely covered by site, where former forestry practices practice guidance and most recently, in design of, the proposed development, the application is submitted and Renewables scheme has potential to non-native conifers. Wind developers are had caused severe degradation of the December 2013, the requirement from and give such information about the should continue after the development deliver up to 78MW of power. now leading the funding of re-establishment peatland. We bring to the table the developers of two or more turbines or with proposed timetable for the consultation is operational of peatland habitats under afforestation. specialist ecological skills that enable a tip height of more than 15m, i.e. virtually all as is sufficient to ensure that persons • LPA planners are, generally, not The proximity of Strathy North, where Peat habitat management is an area in developers to satisfy government wind turbines, to undertake extensive pre- wishing to comment on the proposed renewable energy specialists, so ensure 33 turbines are under construction, and which Atmos has particular expertise, with agencies that advise decision makers on submission consultation with the community. development may do so in good time that requests for information are Strathy South, where 47 turbines are a team led by Dr Geeta Puri, who joined the natural environment.” • Provide information on how the responded to fully and in a timely manner proposed, meant that the cumulative Atmos from the Scottish Environment Whilst it is up to each local authority to decide application has taken account of these • Don’t assume that information provided impacts of such a large set of wind turbine Protection Agency (SEPA). As a SEPA Atmos Consulting the exact content the applicant is required comments for previous applications should be developments was a particular challenge Principal Specialist Scientist, she to… sufficient this time for the assessment. contributed to a number of best practice Whilst this may appear onerous, most • Planning applications should clearly and guidance documents surrounding the • Publicise the proposed application in applications, particularly larger schemes demonstrate that the proposed Comprehensive advisory service use of peatlands. such manner as the person reasonably already have undertaken consultation with the development conforms with local plan Atmos Consulting’s comprehensive considers is likely to bring the proposed local planning authority, statutory consultees policy or that, on balance, the potential advisory service has covered a complete Huge potential application to the attention of a majority and neighbouring properties benefits outweigh the potential harm range of environmental issues from fauna Atmos Consulting Principal Project of the persons who live at, or otherwise • Don’t blame the planner – they are surveys to cultural heritage, landscape Manager Roger McMichael said: “The occupy, premises in the vicinity of the Proactive approach just responding to public, political and and visual impact analysis, all leading to schemes around Strathy offer huge land Clive Fagg, Associate Planner at SLR consultee concerns optimisation of the site design. potential to boost renewable energy • Provide details on how the applicant Consulting recommends taking “a proactive output. The project has particular may be contacted by persons wishing approach to working with all parties Clive Fagg - Associate Planner A key issue is the population of birds using challenges around the ecological and to comment on, or collaborate on the involved and to steer projects through the SLR Consulting the adjacent internationally designated area ornithological sensitivities but we believe of bog and peatland. The company has that following productive consultation undertaken surveys and collated data to with SNH and SEPA we have collected underpin the detailed assessments in the sufficient information to inform the application. design of the wind farm and that the assessments are acceptable when tested against the relevant rigorous planning law.

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Experience – Sian John Concurring with this view, Natural In answer to this, the key differences Sian John, who has over 20 years’ England’s Roger Covey believes the identified were… lessons • Roger Covey, Principal Adviser, Marine experience of co-ordinating, managing value of the Evidence Plan is in enabling Sustainable Use, Natural England and undertaking complex EIAs, agreement on common ground and • Front-loading the work required and Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs) allowing issues to be dealt with as part of limiting surprises Experience – Mandy Gloyer and Habitats Regulations Assessments the process. • Providing a formal structure learnt Mandy Gloyer spoke from experience of (HRAs), raised the question of whether • Setting a clear-cut off date for fixing the the East Anglia ONE Offshore Windfarm, Evidence Plans mean a quicker process. Whilst not representing a regulator ‘signing scheme and the studies required. as well as East Anglia THREE and FOUR “In my experience, Evidence Plans can off’ approach, it does provide more • Ensuring regular, focused and Offshore Windfarms where the Evidence mean a smoother process with fewer accountability because a named individual documented dialogue Plan process is currently being trialled. surprises, where work is front-loaded” she is responsible for agreeing the way forward. • Helping a development team to defend Evidence plans for nationally explained. “It doesn’t necessarily lead to “The view given has to be a considered (and evidence) their approach under a quicker process, but it does mean there response, because it’s all documented examination significant infrastructure is more time to address any problems and and has a specific persons’ name against projects (NSIPs) get sign-off.” it” he says. Additional panel comments “You definitely reduce the chance of delays” said Mandy. “Not all regulatory bodies are willing to engage, but Evidence Plans are an independent process that brings people to the table.”

“It seems clear from the experience in the room, that Evidence Plans allow greater control” summarised Sian. “You don’t reduce the timescales but you do reduce uncertainly and risk. You’re in a much stronger position when it comes to examination.”

Evidence Plans use Given these benefits, the discussion turned to whether Evidence Plans should be used in an abbreviated form for projects that are already underway and the extent to which they could be expanded to encompass relevant (nature conservation) EIA topics.

The panel concluded both that they could be used in an abbreviated form, with relevant sign-up, and made wider to cover other EIA issues.

With a strong track record in the management of environmental Significant benefits Final word impacts, delivery and compliance for large infrastructure She believes Evidence Plans can offer The final word went to Natural England projects, Royal HaskoningDHV recently brought together a panel significant benefits to the developer. “This and Roger Covey, “Evidence plans of experts, along with an audience of developers and regulators, to is a voluntary process that is developer mean more regular, structured and discuss Defra’s Evidence Plan process and its impact so far. led and therefore allows flexibility. It documented communication between all provides an independent record and the organisations involved in large scale New process Progress? evidence trail of who said what.” development. Surely that has to be a In September 2012 a new process was Since the introduction of the new process good thing.” introduced to allow developers of NSIPs has the introduction of Evidence Plans Focusing minds in England to agree Evidence Plans with led to a smoother, more effective DCO The panel agreed that Evidence Plans Bright Ideas series relevant Statutory Nature Conservation examination process? What are the focus the minds of all parties involved, The event was held as part of Royal Bodies. key lessons learnt? And, are further including regulators and planning HaskoningDHV’s Bright Ideas series of improvements needed? authorities, allowing for early identification events. A commitment of the Habitats and Wild and focus on the key critical issues. Panel agreement Key differences Birds Directives Implementation Review, The expert panel Paolo agrees “It’s clear from the start what One key point raised is if Evidence Plans Royal HaskoningDHV the Evidence Plan is a formal mechanism • Sian John, Director, Energy and “Not ground breaking but a useful needs to be done and how that will be represent anything really different from to agree up-front what information the Infrastructure Consenting, Royal and credible structure” is how Royal achieved.” current structures? Particularly, as the developer needs to supply to enable a HaskoningDHV HaskoningDHV’s Paolo Pizzolla describes panel shared the view that there is no clear Habitats Regulations Assessment as part • Mandy Gloyer, Policy Manager, Evidence Plans. “This is a pragmatic advantage from saved time. of a Development Consent Order (DCO) Scottish Power and open approach to solving complex, application. • Paolo Pizzolla, Senior Environmental technical issues. It allows you to be Consultant, Energy and Infrastructure robust, but it is proportionate and Consenting, Royal HaskoningDHV relevant.”

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Public sector The public are supportive too as demonstrated in recent Comres and Opinium polls, which confirm that two-thirds of people (67% and 68% respectively) support more wind farm development in their area. Wind Farm Encouraging financial figures certainly help. Each medium-sized 0.5 MW turbine can produce returns of up to £9 million over a Renewable wind energy, captured by 25 year life time. Even a small 10MW public-sector wind farms, is helping – 4 turbine wind farm will generate forward-thinking local authorities to income equivalent to a 3.5% council Development generate new multi-million-pound tax cut for 25 years. These are strong revenue streams, fund municipal incentives. services, put land assets to work, Case study underwrite energy security and offset However, the question for many soaring energy prices. authorities is how to bring all these Rochdale many benefits to fruition. Borough Council There are also national and global gains; municipally-owned wind farms can potentially contribute significantly towards Public-sector wind of change ambitious UK climate change goals, helping - local wind is an invaluable councils to meet their binding renewable community resource power and carbon reduction obligations. Progressive partnership identifies new opportunities Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, has a vision for Rochdale that it becomes the greenest borough in the country. He sees the strategy as setting ground-breaking precedents and said: “We face some serious challenges including global warming, climate change, energy and resource depletion. These require us Rochdale Borough Council is taking an to develop some imaginative solutions. In innovative approach that promises a high tough economic times, local authorities rate of success. It is working with the have a responsibility to ensure that private private sector in a new form of public- and public sector joint enterprises, such private sector partnership designed to as this, offer value for money. complement the Borough’s existing privately-held wind infrastructure. “There are a number of opportunities for wind energy projects that we can own The Council believes that the joint initiative and operate on behalf of our community. will help to achieve its twin goals of Our objective is for individual citizens becoming both energy self-sufficient and to become personal shareholders in the UK’s greenest borough. renewable energy.”

If approved, the proposal will have four stages. The first of which is to develop a small pilot wind turbine. Following phases will include developing a combination of medium-sized and small turbines.

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Additional benefits There are additional benefits. Small turbines As the ‘wind capital of Greater Acting swiftly before the standing 25 metres to the tip typically save Manchester’, Rochdale is already home to locations are gone 14 tonnes of carbon annually. Medium- an operational wind farm on Scout Moor, “There is a practical limit to the number of sized turbines with a tip height of 75 metres with an approved second site at Crook Hill. New municipal role as turbines the landscape can accommodate, can save some 630 tonnes annually; large Bold promises call for bold actions. It is also interested in developing a number developer, owner and operator which is why authorities often have to turbines standing 100 to 125 metres above Municipal wind power makes financial and of smaller scale opportunities around the This has fundamental implications for the move quickly,” explains ASC Renewables’ Many happy financial returns – the ground at the tip can save circa 2,500 environmental sense. borough. Council. Until now, planning authority Commercial Director, Tom Griffin. the figures add up and 3,800 tonnes respectively. options have been limited. Partnerships The basic financial model makes the Long term vision However, mindful that wind turbines can with private-sector wind farm developers “Prime sites across the UK are usually prospect of turbines very appealing to local Other drivers are equally pressing. UK Rochdale Borough Council’s long-term be controversial, it does not want to allow have tended to focus on specific proposals. developed by private companies through authorities – and local people. In addition electricity prices have risen more than vision is to establish a Rochdale Energy private landowners and developers to The public sector has not been able to the planning system. This leaves the to an income from electricity sales to the 9.1% on average during the past ten years. Service Company that will sell electricity take all the remaining capacity for wind drive wider events. public-sector with restricted scope for national grid, wind projects under 5 MW The Department of Energy and Climate to the national grid, or directly to local development. In particular it is aware of involvement. Our philosophy is to change benefit from the Government’s Feed-in- Change’s (DECC) most likely prediction is residents and businesses at a significantly increasing arguments about the cumulative ASC Renewables’ approach has changed that by helping authorities to develop and Tariff subsidy guaranteed for 20 years. for prices to rise by a further 58% in the discounted rate. visual impact of too many turbines too all that. It completed a comprehensive wind operate the best remaining opportunities next decade. This makes local renewable close together. feasibility audit over Rochdale’s Borough themselves as a truly sustainable form of Depending on local circumstances and energy very attractive. During times of possible power blackouts at nominal cost, which identified and public investment. conditions, small 11kW turbines typically - or ‘brownouts’ where industry suffers Rochdale Borough Council’s positive prioritised the total wind energy potential. costing less than £70,000 to buy and In addition, the Government’s renewable power cuts - predicted later this decade as experience could help other authorities to As a result, Rochdale Borough Council “We believe in long-term partnerships. install, are capable of powering 7 homes energy target has been for the UK to polluting UK fossil-fuel power stations are maximise their remaining prime wind farm finds itself in a powerful new decision- Our phased approach keeps costs very and typically provide a 7% return on generate 10% of its electricity from closed, local wind energy would provide opportunities. However, early action may making position. low at the outset during feasibility work, investment. renewable sources by 2010, rising to a an essential power back up for the local be important. leading to detailed studies and pilot legally-binding 15% by 2020 under the EU community. As a specialist renewable energy company projects. ASC Renewables’ aim is to be Medium-sized 500kW turbines have higher Renewable Energy Directive. ASC Renewables they have provided the Council with the good partners for the whole 25-year life of rates of return. For a capital outlay of Rochdale’s action plan for a technical and business expertise needed a wind farm.” £1.64 million, they can generate between Practical responsibilities to windy future to assess their wind energy potential and £7.0 and £9.0 million return depending Manchester, the UK and the The programme the Council is developing enable the Council to become a proficient And added; “ASC Renewables’ on location. Large turbines can be more world would include the procurement of three long-term wind energy developer, owner specialist team undertake initial feasibility profitable still. A small, 5 turbine wind farm Rochdale Borough Council has other medium-sized and up to nine small turbines and operator. assessments, proposals, turbine consisting of 2 MW to 3 MW turbines can responsibilities. As a partner to the Greater that will form the Rochdale Council Energy specifications, procurement, installation, generate a total return of £110.0 million Manchester Climate Change Strategy, it programme within the authority’s Capital This will create new, low-risk, high-return maintenance, additional external funding from an initial investment of £17.9 million. has agreed to 48 per cent CO2 emissions Programme. ethical investment opportunities for both where necessary, commercial matters, cuts by 2020. The Rochdale Green the Council and individual citizens in a liability insurance, due diligence and legal Rochdale envisages an annual financial Action Plan is the council’s overarching The Council is also keen to support sustainable local industry for the twenty-first arrangements.” return on community wind investments of sustainability strategy. community ownership of renewable energy century. between 8.6% and 16.9% depending on projects. To do this, it is in discussions the final size of the project. It will only act on This also supports the Greater Manchester with a recently formed Community ”We are now taking a leading role in a proven business case. Low Carbon Hub scheme to cut CO2 Energy Group for the Borough. They renewable wind energy development, emissions as part of its City Deal with the are investigating the potential for joint which I hope will be seen as an example Government. development of a small turbine site of what can be achieved by local between the Council and community. authorities,” Councillor Lambert added. The council uses 27.5GWh of electricity Survey results show there is no opportunity itself each year to power buildings and for large turbines on the Council’s land offices. The 2012-2013 cost was £2.8 holdings. million, excluding street lighting and leisure sites. Its annual Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) tax bill in 2012 was £339,000.

60 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 61 vibration feature vibration feature Cable vibration in Offshore Windfarm Monopiles Concerns Pioneering analysis The analysis models take the site specific, Specialised post-processing software Sensitivity studies Operators and installers have an increased awareness of cable fatigue. Since the methodology main system parameters, including the enables plots of estimated fatigue damage Sensitivity studies should be employed introduction of the J-Tubeless systems, and the understanding of free-hanging cable BPP-Cables has developed a pioneering cable properties, the cable protection as a function of excitation frequency and to assist in the interpretation of the main resonance, (in monopoles) concerns have been raised that the induced stresses analysis methodology for its clients system design, and the monopile residual cable tension. This robust analytical effects that different modelling parameters could damage the cables. (including EnBW, Van Oord, DONG Energy, dimensions into account. approach for determining the free hanging have on the predicted fatigue life. Tekmar). cable resonant frequencies is superior to a Overlay these concerns with the effects of the dynamic environment (wave, current, Forced sinusoidal excitation typical ‘eigenvalue analysis’ which does not Conclusions tides and wind) exciting the structure really attracts the developers attention. Providing analytical answers study consider that the hang-off deck is moving. The conclusions from all the analyses By providing analytical answers to free The forced sinusoidal excitation study performed show that vibration in free- hanging cable vibration, it has resulted in a applies a sinusoidal displacement-time Foundation fatigue analysis hanging cables needs to be addressed and profound understanding of offshore wind history to the hang-off deck (to which the The foundation fatigue analysis provides the studied to minimise the risks. farms conditions. Using software tools e.g. cable is fixed). A range of displacement hang-off deck displacement-time histories OrcaflexTM BPP-Cables engineers analyse magnitudes, directions, and frequencies resulting in the full vibration induced fatigue Mitigation measures may include changes marine cable global dynamic responses. are investigated. life assessments. These would cover all and/or additions of bespoke hang-off anticipated operational conditions at the stiffeners. Methodology wind farm. The methodology adopted provides Richard Langdon & Adrien Montfort detailed results and conclusions on the The simulations are post-processed using BPP-Cables behaviour of free hanging cables… the Rainflow count algorithm, and BPP- Cables cable stress analysis tools. The • Forced sinusoidal excitation output is an estimated cable fatigue life for • Full vibration induced fatigue life all the metallic components of the cable. assessment

72 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 73 LUBRICANTS feature sponsor feature sponsor LUBRICANTS

Facilities The extensive facilities offered at their Experience in wind Happy 50th! headquarters allow for the analysis and The Future The company gained many years In 2012 the company celebrated its 50th testing of every single hydraulic and The company plans to expand their experience in the gear oil and hydraulic oil anniversary and can proudly announce that lubrication oil on the market, and its engineering support and technology, filtration for wind turbines, essential to the it remains a family run company. In fact Dr suitability for gearboxes and systems. certainly in their Head Office in Oxfordshire. smooth smooth running and longevity avoiding W Dieter who founded the company still There is a huge market for gearboxes, costly downtime. arrives at the Headquarters in Sulzbach/ especially larger gearboxes and currently Ged mentioned HMI (Human Machine Saar, Germany at 7.00am every day! there are only a few of these in operation. Interface). They have a dedicated UK operations responsibility electronic software department which is It is Ged’s responsibility to ensure the Keeping ahead of the game In-plant Technology working on touch screens which allows operators... smooth running of the UK operations and With the ever-evolving technology of When turbines are acquired they are the recording of temperature/pressure and projects with a team of over 100 personnel, the wind sector it is imperative that the assessed with a SCADA (System flow, recording all processes. Should an the inside story working together to ensure clients receive company stays ahead of the game. Ged Communication and Data Acquisition) abnormality appear then this could be voice the utmost in service and customer care. goes on to say that Hydac are fortunate which allows full access to the data and activated or dealt with remotely on screen – Ged believes that it is their dedication and to be able to supply 90% of the OEM’s in workings of the turbines, ie is it turning all very ‘Mission Impossible!’ As sponsors of our Oils and Global presence experience makes the company what it is the world, between the parent company correctly at the optimum temperature thus Lubricants Feature we thought it was Established in 1962 in Germany, the today. and their subsidiaries, which is quite an giving a full profile of the turbine? However In short... ‘Hy’ time we found out more about company has succeeded in claiming a accolade, however in the UK there are few this does not allow for data (condition The sheer enthusiasm was noticeably in this long established market leader worldwide presence in over 45 countries Services wind turbine manufacturers currently, so monitoring) or cleanliness of the gearbox abundance when I spoke with Ged, tinged of fluid technology, hydraulic and employing over 7,000 personnel with more The company collectively has the ability to there is huge potential. Hydac realise the which can lead to failures – Hydac have the with pride to be part of a successful and electronic equipment. than 500 sales and service partners – offer design, systems build, manufacture importance of responding to customer ability to provide products which will alert to innovative and forward thinking company. which is no mean feat. of components, and a state-of-the-art demand and the need for efficient aftercare, any malfunctions and spikes of particles in I was fortunate to grab some time with laboratory for engineering research and test of which they pride themselves. the ‘life blood’ and alarm the operator prior Interview by Fliss Chaffer their Systems Manager, Ged Palmer who In the early days the company was heavily rigs. This allows them to provide all manner to a problems arising. The potential to add Wind Energy Network enlightened me further... involved, (and continue to do so today) of capabilities; from rotor bearing flushing these is currently trialling in the UK. within a plethora of industries including; and testing to filter transfer units, for filling Ged Palmer power plants, oil and gas, hydropower, and cleaning hydraulic and lubrication Hydac pulp and paper, shipping and as the systems, including particle counter and industry has evolved and developed, the heater. These systems are mirrored wind turbines sector. globally.

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Are you looking for a specialist service supplier with experience Oil & lubricants growth in in the wind energy industry? With 1200+ companies listed, it is the offshore renewables industry website to find an expert Hull company J.R. Rix and Sons 100 years experience Cutting edge specification is looking to oil the wheels of the “We believe lubricants for the renewables The £6m steel ship is powered by two 950 renewables industry thanks to a long- industry is a growth area for the business kW Cummins engines and has a range of standing strategic partnership. because ships and turbines are complex 1200 nautical miles. It can carry up to 500 pieces of machinery. As a local company cubes of fuel oil plus 600 cubes of gas oil The 140-year-old petroleum and shipping with more than a century’s experience and is so advanced it can blend fuel to a firm is a supplier of Q8 Oils and Lubricants working on the Humber, we have the customer’s requirements on board and and as the offshore revolution gathers knowledge and contacts to respond very then heat it to facilitate efficient pumping. pace, it is aiming to move further into the quickly to all enquiries. marine and turbine industry. Director Nikki Jessop described the “It is this knowledge and experience, vessel as ‘cutting edge’. She said: “It Read the series Humber focus along with the other services we provide, extends our services on the Humber According to Graham Williamson, Director that will help put us at the heart of the and the East Coast significantly and is of oil/lubricant of lubricants and technical products, the offshore revolution which is taking place ideally positioned to deliver all grades of growing number of crew transfer vessels around the estuary.” marine fuel and lubricants to wind farm (CTV) on the Humber is beginning to drive construction vessels operation offshore, technical demand for marine lubricants across the Growth in bunkering on the ECUK.” region. The upturn in work across the renewables articles here... sector is also driving growth in Maritime J.R. Rix and Son Offshore turbines will also need lubricants, Bunkering Ltd, J.R. Rix and Son’s ship Mr Williamson said, as big-name fuelling business. manufacturers seek to assemble turbines close to the Humber’s port infrastructure. The firm took delivery of its most advanced “Despite being a local company, our vessel, the MT Lerrix, last year which is now strategic partnership with Q8 Oils means serving both long-established traders and we can supply a full range of top quality ship owners, in traditional industries and the lubricants,” he said. offshore market.

Maritime Bunkering’s latest ship, the MT Lerrix

104 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 105 Problem? – Solved! Problem? – Solved!

Developing and Offshore wind high strength grouting times

delivering innovative The teams at FoundOcean Innovation The Super Pan mixer achieves higher always believe there is room for To overcome this, the company designed delivery rates by allowing larger volumes solutions improvement, with strategic material and built its new ‘Super Pan’ grout mixer of grout to be produced by mixing larger partners they are continually enabling ultra-high strength (UHS) grouting batches, which in turn can reduce the As the UK’s longest established wind farm O&M provider, developing new materials and mixing to be completed in half the time of any number of crane movements used to carry B9 Energy is well used to developing and delivering technologies to help deliver lower conventional mixer. bulk bags to the top of the mixer. It is the innovative solutions to its blue chip customers, but it cost and safer offshore projects. first mixer on the market with an UHS grout was in solving one of its own problems that it created the This mixer, which was designed and output rate exceeding 10m³ per hour. means to work with a much wider customer base. Minimising cost built in-house, is designed to bring the Minimising cost is high on the agenda for mixing rates of UHS grouts nearer to that West of Duddon Sands Problem companies across all industries, up and of standard strength grouts, which are Two Super Pan mixers were mobilised Wind farm maintenance is a highly seasonal business – important down the supply chain. Many studies normally around 4 times faster due to the to the West of Duddon Sands Offshore (and technically challenging) major works vie with routine have been carried out into how to reduce different mixing process. Windfarm project. The company was maintenance demands for limited resources. Using ‘bought in’ CAPEX and OPEX costs associated with saving 2 hours grouting time per foundation resources was both expensive (to them and their clients) and offshore projects, especially in offshore Specifications when compared to any conventional mixer. inefficient as the company had no real means of managing the wind as governments strive to reach their Standard-strength grout projects make use quality or the availability of those resources. 2020 low carbon goals. of a high-speed Jet Mixer which is fed with For a project which requires 100 or more cement from bulk storage silos. However foundations, that amounts to a saving of Grouting specialist the formulation of UHS grout is different to over 200 hours, with grouting operations FoundOcean is an offshore grouting that of standard-strength grout, as a result typically on the critical path for project specialist whose involvement is during the silos cannot be used to store and transport completion, FoundOcean is reducing the foundation installation phase. The grout is the material as there is a risk of separation of time a construction vessel needs to be an essential component which contributes key components within the material leading offshore. to the long-term structural integrity of the to inconsistency in the final material. foundation turbine system, therefore its FoundOcean long-term capacity to generate revenue.

Experiences Having worked on numerous offshore wind farm projects they discovered that grout mixing and pumping times were two areas where installation schedules could be reduced.

Solution In January 2012 the company decided to create B9 Resources and recruited Simon McIvor, whose expertise is in recruitment, from outside of the renewables sector, to source and supply skilled temporary In doing so, they tapped into a source of Added to which they have a strong pool of technicians to work alongside their candidates that were highly motivated and candidates for any permanent wind turbine permanent team members so that they skilled, with a strong desire to enter the technician vacancies that come up - reducing could deliver what their customers wanted, growing renewables market. The impact both lead times and recruitment costs. when they wanted it. on the business has seen the company’s ability to tackle new, additional and Having solved their problem and their Simon identified the types of candidate that unplanned works, increasing revenues, existing customers’ problem the company had the right transferable skills, for example reducing costs and improving customer has now opened up a whole new market engineers coming out of the services, satisfaction levels. for in delivering resources to a different type any additional training they would need to of customer – looking for skilled labour from undertake and the level of work that they a reliable source. would be qualified to deliver or support the delivery of. B9 Energy

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 Problem? – Solved! Problem? – Solved! Creating equipment for Graphical System Design the most demanding conditions Recent years have seen an incredible growth in offshore Flexible crane Achievement (GSDA) awards installations, especially in the renewable sector with A flexible crane, called FlexiCrane, was developed to be offshore wind turbines being commissioned almost daily assembled directly offshore and as support structure, the same Glasgow based control specialist, Project challenges Last year ISC was recognised in UK in the North Sea. turbine tower door frame was used. Components of the crane Industrial Systems and Control Dr Andy Clegg, Managing Director of & Ireland and globally, for another were manufactured in sea water resistant aluminum, ensuring (ISC) Ltd, has been presented ISC, explained the various challenges collaborative work with Houlder on the lightness and strength – the heaviest component being only 14Kg. with two Graphical System Design encountered in the project. Weighing 70 offshore Turbine Access System (TAS). Achievement (GSDA) awards for the tons each, the gripper arms are designed to A bespoke support bracket was designed and manufactured to bespoke control system developed for handle piles of varying diameter (up to 6m), Capability in a very competitive fit the turbine in question. All key personnel have been trained in Houlder’s Pile Gripper Arms. length (up to 65m) and weight (up to 700 market the FlexiCrane use, by a course held at SubC Partner facilities and tons) as they are driven into the sea bed. ISC’s work ensures the grippers’ reliable onsite. Recognition deployment, operation and stowage The NI GSDA awards recognise Besides the scale, the control project also during transit. The project as a whole has Results organisations that develop innovative faced short development time (4 months significantly added to the capability of The results achieved have been incredible. Manual handling applications and solve problems using from requirements to complete code) and MPI Discovery’s overall capability in a very was drastically reduced, speed and flexibility of lifting operations graphical system design approach. limited availability of the final system for competitive market. was greatly increased, requirement of offshore personnel was commissioning, as the vessel is on almost also reduced due to simplification of the operation and most continuous charter. Houlder importantly safety for all people involved was obtained, with great praises from the Health and Safety Managers involved in the A company first activities. The Gripper Arm Control System won in the Advanced Control Systems Safety first and Customer Application of the Year The FlexiCrane developed had a lifting capacity of 240Kg and a categories, making ISC the first ever span of 4m. More variants are now being developed and deployed company winning the awards twice. in offshore projects, with the key focus always in mind: Safety First!

This development has brought new challenges to the sector, in an SubC Partner effort to create equipment that can satisfy the most demanding conditions. Great focus has been placed on manual handling, joint studies to prevent incidents have been conducted by HSE and sector companies.

Recent studies on manual handling incidents The result of the studies interestingly showed how the root cause for offshore manual handling incidents tended to occur more at a management level rather than with the operators more visibly involved in the incident.

Poor design and layout of facilities were found to be the most common root cause, along with the use of inappropriate equipment. If equipment or the offshore workplace has embedded design deficiencies, almost all efforts to minimise manual handling risks will be limited to finding the best way to accommodate and work around the mismatch between the design and the operators’ requirements. With an optimised design, managing manual handling risks becomes much more achievable through promoting good handling practice and management.

Taking up the challenge SubC partner has been working in the offshore wind and oil & gas sectors since 2005, directly faced many of these issues. In recent years, the company decided to take up the challenge and develop internally a piece of lifting equipment that would maximise safety and increase flexibility and ease of operations offshore.

Specifically the company was faced with the need to move heavy steel components in an offshore wind turbine, from the external platform to internal platforms. With such weight, manual handling was not an option and that is when the ground breaking solutions were found.

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT feature sponsor feature sponsor RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Narec in Blyth, For Narec, this framework for co-operation Northumberland marks the next stage of development; establishing international collaborations is a key dimension in strengthening and enhancing Narec’s existing capability as Caroline Theobald, Honorary Consul for well as reinforcing its links with European Sweden, said: “I am delighted to hear of research centres. this latest development in collaborative The National Renewable Energy working between organisations in North Centre, Narec, has signed a Formalising the relationship East England and their counterparts in Memorandum of Understanding Ignacio Marti, Chief Technology Officer, Sweden. This important relationship (MoU) with the Technical Research Narec said: “Narec and SP have been builds on the existing partnerships Institute of Sweden (SP), to further working together for a number of years which exist between NELEP and Arts combined collaborative R&D now but formalising this relationship will Council England and Region Vastra activities and establish a formalised be beneficial to both parties, allowing Gotaland. Both are set to increase trade strategic partnership to strengthen us to exploit one another’s strengths flows and knowledge exchange and I existing capability in the area of and extend the scope and focus of our know that exciting business-to-business Narec offshore renewable energy. commercial and research activities.” collaborations will follow.” Technical Research Institute of Sweden in Borås signs MOU (60 km east of Gothenburg) with top research institute in Sweden

Complimentary assets and Pierre Ingmarsson, SP said: “We are very Narec knowledge happy to be working together with Narec, There already exists a great deal of which truly is a world-leading centre synergy between the two Centres, specialised in offshore renewable energy. with both organisations bringing complimentary assets and knowledge “Combining Narec’s capabilities with to the table in the areas of wind turbine SP’s state-of-the-art competence, test blade testing and demonstration environments and experience, in the fields activities. of fatigue and reliability, measurement technology and high-voltage systems will allow us to develop and undertake more R&D projects for the benefit of the offshore renewables sector.”

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The performance of wind turbines in complex flow Developments continue in the Common industry practice following areas… environments It remains common industry practice to • Operational observations of actual base energy production estimates on sales turbine performance in varying Turning complex data into a Prevailing Ltd is a UK based resource assessment consultancy, with a strong Power curves are generally tested in power curves coupled with a single wind conditions decision making tool track record for realistic yield estimation in complex terrain and forest. flat locations that experience near-ideal speed prediction at hub height only. • CFD-based wind flow modelling These techniques generate very substantial One topic of particular R&D focus is how turbines perform in complex flow flow conditions. However actual wind Prevailing continues to invest considerable validated with site measurements and complex data sets. Distilling this environments. conditions for many turbine locations are R&D effort in improving the estimation of • Aero-elastic rotor modelling for direct information into a real developer decision far from ideal and often vary considerably site-specific turbine performance. These simulation of performance variation making tool is vital. Prevailing is able to across the turbine rotor. This variation is methods take into account predicted and • Industrial and academic collaboration provide both intuitive performance risk known to significantly affect the turbine measured flow conditions, nearby forest, • Efficiency gains to reduce computation maps at the design stage (as seen within power curve. turbine positioning, hub height and rotor time and cost the image) and quantified expected size. Wind flow across the whole rotor is performance variation for independent considered. Continuous improvement in these methods assessment purposes. relies on extensive validation and strong feedback from analysis of operational wind Prevailing provides a wide range of analysis farms. tools, to enable confident decision making at each stage of a project life cycle from feasibility to finance.

Prevailing Ltd

www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT feature sponsor Man overboard technology and the story so far

Marine Rescue Technologies (MRT) has been at the forefront of the development of personal man overboard technology for almost 40 years and traditional devices used the aeronautical emergency frequency, 121.5MHz. However, with the advent of newer technologies, in particular VHF DSC and AIS, the potential capability has changed dramatically.

Regulatory standards Worldwide authorities also recognised potential advances for these devices and began to develop standards to regulate the minimum technical and functional capability. The first of these standards was issued by the US in June 2012. European and other national bodies are also developing standards to regulate new devices; these are expected in 2014.

Advantages Challenges There are significant advantages to be There were many challenges in designing gained using these systems including these devices to operate using multiple much greater accuracy, the ability to locate systems, meeting stringent technical and track a casualty in real time, and the requirements within the new standards, capability to alert all ships in the area, all whilst retaining a form factor that would of which improves the probability of a integrate into a life jacket. successful rescue operation. VHF DSC and AIS are mandatory systems on all It is a natural progression where a risk has ships over 300 tonnes, and routinely used been identified that requires the use of a on the majority of commercial vessels. life jacket that an unobtrusive device is included that will alert, locate and track the In 2011 a programme was started to casualty. The use of VHF DSC and AIS embed this new technology into man requires GPS, an additional antenna has to overboard devices. The principal was be integrated into the device and located to to develop products that would be fully give a clear view of the sky, easy you might integrated within a life jacket, that would think but not when it is less than 0.5m automatically operate on inflation of the above sea level. jacket, not affect routine work practice, require no intervention from the wearer, Achieving optimum performance By developing a fully integrated system significantly improve the probability of Through the development and testing using modern technology, time to rescue survival, and meet existing and future programme it was apparent that the is significantly reduced which increases the standards. position of the device on the life jacket was probability of survival even in the coldest critical in achieving optimum performance; waters. This technology is currently this varies according to the lifejacket in available in the wider marketplace. use. As with all safety appliances annual recertification is necessary. Marine Rescue Technologies

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