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Marine Surveys Wind Turbine Employing Clutter Apprentices Working at Height

December 2014 | £7.50 INTRODUCTION Working at Height Preparing this feature gave us an insight into a world which I personally feel rather nervous to say the least – just looking at the fantastic images Poet’s Corner which our contributors presented to When visiting the RenewableUK event we us made me feel quite queasy! met a poet (Matt Harvey) who has a keen interest in renewable energy – we start We do present some very difficult access a ‘Poet’s Corner’ feature, which can be challenges within our industry so please found opposite the inside back cover, with join us in a world which few of us mere Matt being our first contributor. mortals experience. Please feel free to send in your poetry or Industry Lead article – ‘Social prose if you feel so inclined – anything value – a new pressure point for relevant to the industry will suffice. energy firms?’ Energy firms could be on the way to Forthcoming Features – get becoming known for being socially involved responsible, in line with a raft of new rules Please feel free to contact us if there is encouraging them to deliver ‘social value’ any subject area which you think may be through their work – Fareita Udoh from of interest to our readership and we will Achilles UVDB discusses the issues and do the rest – there is never any charge for provides some sound advice. genuine editorial.

RenewableUK 2014 January/February 2015 – Issue 26 An extremely positive event held in (Editorial deadline 15th January) Manchester recently for all involved in the industry – we present a substantial feature • Spotlight on Aberdeen within our pages highlighting some of the (Sponsored by Reef Subsea) issues discussed and the announcements • Risk Management made. • Professional Services - Planning Consents Following edition will go into more detail • Specialist Lighting regarding some of the subject areas • Protective Coatings Duncan McGilvray involved. • Unexploded Ordnance Editor | Wind Energy Network (Sponsored by Ramora) • O & M www.windenergynetwork.co.uk (Sponsored by Green Marine Solutions) Click to view more info • Blade Construction & Repair • ROVs • Fall Prevention & Arrest Scan/click this link to find out how • Crew Transfer to get involved in this magazine • Installation Vessels (Sponsored by Fred.Olsen Windcarrier)

Regular updates can be found on the ‘Forthcoming Features’ tab on our website in the magazine section.

www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 3 WIND ENERGY NETWORK CONTENTS Working at Height c6 Industryon Lead Article – Achilles te50 Marine nSurveys ts 8 Industry News 56 Cultural Heritage The cover image from 14 Working at Heights 62 Simulation Training Windtex Engineering we felt captures exactly what it feels 20 Quo Vadis Conference – Hamburg 68 Ships Agency like to be one of our brave 24 Marine Co-ordination 74 RenewableUK 2014

engineers. The feature we are 28 Employing Apprentices 78 Working Together for Investment sure will give you more of an 36 Company Profile – MP Filtri 84 Operations and Maintenance insight into this challenging environment. 38 Professional Services – Due 92 Wind Clutter Diligence 98 Poet’s Corner Marine Surveys 42 Wind Monitoring Any project will commence with a survey of the area to be developed. You will find helpful advice from the experts in the industry in this requested feature – you may be surprised at the amount of work and expertise involved prior to any subsequent planned construction.

Employing Apprentices A subject dear to my heart – the development of young people is the most important area of the industry. Companies and organisations of all sizes report on their initiatives as the industry experiences rapid sector growth.

Wind Turbine Clutter A subject area of interest especially in areas around airports – hear about the latest developments in the field in this GET IN TOUCH interesting feature. Green Energy Publishing Ltd (Northern) Green Energy Publishing Ltd (SOUTHERN) T 01765 644224 The Oaks, Oakwood Park Business Centre, OrbisEnergy, Wilde Street, W www.windenergynetwork.co.uk Duncan McGilvray Bishop Thornton, Harrogate Lowestoft, Suffolk E [email protected] Editor | Wind Energy Network North Yorkshire HG3 3BF NR32 1XH E [email protected]

Wind Energy Network magazine is happy to accept unsolicited contributions for consideration. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Green Energy Publishing Ltd and the company does not accept responsibility for advertising 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.

4 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 5 INDUSTRY ARTICLE INDUSTRY ARTICLE

Leading the way Wind farm giant DONG Energy is leading the way with a new commitment to involve Creating a level playing field SMEs in maintenance work whenever for SMEs possible to level the playing field between The EU, responsible for regulating scores of small and large companies. Three top tips for ensuring energy firms, recently unveiled a number of social value in your supply new procurement rules designed to create In order to help identify SMEs and the chain… a level playing field for small and medium- best companies to work with, DONG sized enterprises. This includes requiring Energy has been working with supply risk 1 Invest in a proper system to companies to explain why a contract has management company Achilles to set manage information not been split into smaller lots and only up an online supplier information portal Companies need to invest in a proper being able to specify suppliers have a which allows suppliers to register for free system to manage information about minimum turnover of up to two times the on a centralised database. The database their supply chain. Accurate and contract value. complements Achilles UVDB, an existing up-to-date information about suppliers collaborative, pre-qualification community allows a company to easily identify where The UK Government is playing its part with across the UK and Europe which improvements can be made Social David Cameron’s CSR adviser, and former independently assesses the risk of more United Utilities Group CEO, Philip Green than 1,000 supplier companies. 2 Work collaboratively writing to the nation’s 50 largest companies Working collaboratively with others asking them to reveal how their suppliers Seeking smaller suppliers in the industry not only helps a company helped deliver social value. DONG Energy Head of Strategic Supply increase their standing in a community Chain, Joachim Steenstrup, said the but halves costs and decreases the Wind industry company, with the help of Achilles UVDB, burden on suppliers. Achilles has found Meanwhile the Government itself is was seeking smaller suppliers to work this works best by including a social value encouraging wind firms to enter into Local on their wind farm developments along questionnaire in industry pre-qualification Enterprise Partnerships, to open up supply the English coast, including the West of communities chain opportunities for all companies Duddon Sands and Westermost Rough able to compete on price and quality – offshore wind farms. 3 map the supply chain irrespective of their size. The growing pressure to also report value “We will be using local suppliers to on suppliers’social value efforts means a new maintain (the wind farms) and keep them businesses must have visibility across pressure running,” Mr Steenstrup said. their entire supply chain. By asking businesses about their suppliers, buying point “Using Achilles UVDB is our way of ensuring organisations can then question those a transparent supply chain at the same time suppliers about their social value activity for energy as levelling the playing field between large and small businesses,” he said. Fareita Udoh firms? Achilles UVDB Achilles UVDB account manager Fareita ENERGY firms could be on the Udoh said the mounting government way to becoming known for pressure to include social value as a part Achilles is one of the world’s largest being socially responsible, in of their business model meant companies service providers of global supply chain line with a raft of new rules would need to change their way of thinking. risk management solutions working in 22 encouraging them to deliver countries. ‘social value’ through their Why is it important to use more work. SMEs and what is DONG Energy’s agenda? “There are some simple steps all companies need to take to understand their suppliers and increase their social value,” Ms Udoh said.

“If companies take these points into account, they will be more than prepared for regulations being implemented around the world.”

6 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 7 INDUSTRY news INDUSTRY news

Major accomplishment Winning these awards is a major accomplishment for both the business Prestigious European Regional Development and every employee; working together to Fund (ERDF) achieve something great, the future for this The project was internally funded by Royal Northumberland based business has never award for engineering IHC with support from the ERDF. Charlotte been more exciting. Pugh, Hi-Traq Project Manager at IHC EB, said at the awards ceremony “The design Royal IHC (IHC) is focussed on the and build of Hi-Traq was a real team continuous development of design and Innovation excellence effort; everyone involved will take great construction activities for the specialist Technological innovation will remain the satisfaction from this fantastic award.” maritime sector. It is the global market company’s underlying strength through leader for efficient dredging and mining its continuous investment in research and World first Design Team of the Year 2011 vessels and equipment – with vast development and it also helps to safeguard At the British Engineering Hi-Traq is the first 4-tracked subsea vehicle For IHC EB, this award follows on from experience accumulated over decades – a sustainable environment. with fully independent suspension and winning the BEEA ‘Design Team of the and a reliable supplier of innovative ships steering. This gives unrivalled maneuverability Year’ in 2011, for the Saipem FDS 2 and supplies for offshore construction. IHC Merwede Holding BV (IHC) Excellence Awards in and ability to cope with the full range of J-lay system. The equipment is one of shallow-water terrain. The vehicle was the offshore industry’s most versatile Click to view more info London recently, Royal originally conceived as a dedicated trencher pipelay systems, capable of installing large for cable burial in offshore windfarms but is diameter subsea pipelines in water depths IHC’s Hi-Traq trenching also being developed as a multi-purpose of up to 3,000m. = Click to view video tooling platform for a wide variety of subsea machine and tooling installation, IRM and decommissioning works. Pride platform won the Ralph Manchester, Chief Engineer for Subsea Vehicles at Royal IHC’s UK subsidiary - IHC Engineering Business award for ‘Mechanical (IHC EB), commenting on the award said “We are enormously proud of the Hi- Engineering Product of Traq project; in testing our development machine has proved that the technology the Year’. works and we look forward to seeing the vehicle in operation.”

8 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 9 INDUSTRY news INDUSTRY news

Local supply and services contracts in excess of $75 million were awarded, Dutch-German Company Wind Minds joins trade including fabrication of 20 towers by Whyalla engineering firm E&A Contractors and civil mission to Japan and Korea Snowtown II and electrical installation works by Civil and Four Dutch and German consultancies Experience and knowledge Wind energy – the fastest South Australia's largest Technical Constructions and Consolidated in the field of offshore renewable The four companies combined employ growing energy sector in Europe Power Projects. energy have teamed up and established over 100 specialist with over 15 years of According to Wind Minds the European a new international consultancy experience and were directly involved in energy future is being shaped by offshore wind wind farm Renewable energy future company Wind Minds with the objective over 40 offshore wind projects in Northwest farms. North West Europe offers excellent The second stage of South Australia's Trustpower Chief Executive Vince Premier Jay Weatherill said the wind turbines to combine all their expertise and Europe, the US, Canada and Asia. opportunities for offshore wind power. largest wind farm was officially Hawksworth said that the project are an important part of the state's renewable experience in developing and building launched recently, ahead of time and represented a major step towards a future. new offshore wind farms in North West Together they have expert knowledge which “Offshore wind energy is the fastest growing under budget. sustainable future. Europe, America and Asia. covers all phases of a wind farm life cycle, energy sector in Europe – At this moment "This plant confirms South Australia’s from feasibility studies sixteen new offshore wind farms are Trustpower-owned Snowtown II "Climate change is an issue affecting commitment to being the nation’s leader to development being built, producing nearly 5 Gigawatts consists of 90 Siemens 3.0 MW wind the lives of everybody. Those of us lucky when it comes to providing efficient and construction of sustainable power when constructed. turbines, producing around 989 GWh to live on either side of the Tasman Sea renewable wind energy programs. It is a key management Europe now has 73 offshore wind farms in per year, roughly equivalent to the have become increasingly aware of that, platform in our plan for renewable energy to technical due 11 countries, with a combined capacity of power required by 180,000 homes. and the impact it can potentially have on to supply 50 per cent of the state’s annual diligence. “With 7.5 Gigawatts.” said Arno Verbeek. power by 2025," Weatherill said. Wind Minds we have created a one stop Industry support Clean Energy Council Acting shop for developers, Wind Minds will use this trade mission to further Chief Executive Kane Thornton investors, promote their offshore wind expertise in Japan congratulated the state for governments and and Korea. Arno concluded: “We are already its investment in renewables, utility companies. based in Asia which allows us to closely but warned against wider First target countries Our focus is to be a pro-active partner support the development and construction of uncertainty in the sector due to One of their first targets are Japan and for our clients, providing them with offshore wind farms in this region. Similarly, a lack of clarity on the Federal Korea, countries being visited when Wind independent consultancy in all disciplines because of our North-European background Government's position on Minds joined the trade mission of Dutch related to offshore wind power” says we can support Asian companies in obtaining renewable energy. Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp Arno Verbeek of Pondera Consult. Other a market share in Europe.” recently. This mission accompanied King participating companies are MECAL "Analysis by Bloomberg New Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima Independent experts, Ep4 Offshore, and Wind Minds Energy Finance shows that during their state visit to both countries. BBB Umwelttechnik GmbH. Australia is having its worst year for clean energy investment in more than a decade. This investment freeze is likely to continue while the Federal Government's review of the policy is creating so much uncertainty across the sector," Thornton said.

Community event our lives and our country's economies if Government recognition Premier Jay Weatherill, Siemens Australia we don't all play a part in changing our “The South Australian Government has CEO Jeff Connolly and Trustpower Chief ways," Hawksworth said. recognised the many benefits that renewable Executive Vince Hawksworth launched the energy can bring to the local economy, and wind farm at a community event. "This project is another great step in the its support has been extremely important for transformation to a sustainable electricity the continued development of wind power in "It's good for the economy, good for the generation environment, and Trustpower the state,” Thornton said. environment and, importantly, good for is proud to be investing in that." the local community. Snowtown Stage "Along with the billions of dollars in 2 demonstrates what can be achieved Community cooperation investment and economic activity when combining German technology with Siemens brand ambassador Cadel Evans, wind power has generated in the state, South Australian know-how and New professional racing cyclist and winner of the renewable energy has been a remarkable Zealand investment," Siemens CEO Jeff Tour de France, led a community ride of success story for South Australia." Connolly said. Snowtown residents to the wind farm. Location Original Snowtown project The project has been marked by strong The wind farm is situated in the Barunga and The turbines are located north and south community cooperation. Local landowners Hummocks Ranges, 150 kilometres north of of the original Snowtown project, which who have the turbines installed on their Adelaide. It is the second largest wind farm in consists of 47 Suzlon 2.1 MW turbines. property receive alternative income and Australia. That project has been in operation since can continue to graze the land, while other 2008, producing 345 GWh per year. businesses have been able to hire extra Trustpower staff for the duration of the project.

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Challenge Contract awarded China meets Europe Even though balancing sustainable economic growth and environmental at the DNV GL maritime protection remains a challenge, Ørbeck- for Dudgeon offshore Nilssen stressed that this is achievable: headquarters in Hamburg “International regulations to set higher standards, incentives for the industry to transformer station The future of EU–China relations, Common focus become cleaner, a level playing field, the country’s investment in Europe A common focus on increasing as well as global collaboration will play Sembmarine SLP Limited (SLP) a The Offshore Transformer Station will be New generation Offshore as well as sustainable growth and sustainability by using greener energy a crucial role in tackling this issue,” member of the Sembcorp Group of constructed at SLP’s yard in Lowestoft on Transformer Station (OTS) environmental protection in the sources has become an instrumental part Ørbeck-Nilssen emphasised during a panel Companies announced recently that it the UK’s Suffolk coast (pictured) and will “The Dudgeon platform will be a new Chinese economy were just some of the cooperation between East and West. discussion with delegates from Ansteel has been awarded a contract to design provide work for up to 300 employees over generation OTS based on our early success of the topics on the agenda at the “Both China and Europe have been at the Group, Minmetals Corporation, Siemens and build the offshore substation the next 21 months. with the Thanet substation previously 6th Hamburg Summit held recently. forefront of setting ambitious goals for and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. platform for the Dudgeon Offshore delivered to Siemens. We look forward to To foster new relationships and renewable energy generation to power Wind Farm. Collaboration making this another successful SLP project honour key players for their efforts in a low carbon future. Recently, China Working together Sembmarine SLP’s Managing Director delivered safely, fully complete and on time, European–Chinese cooperation, the decided to make certification of new “China and Europe have been seeking Joint venture – Paul Thomson said: “We are delighted and one of many future offshore substations world’s largest classification society types of wind turbines mandatory. We exchange and a fruitful relationship for The contract has been granted by Siemens that Sembmarine SLP’s close working that we build in Lowestoft.” DNV GL hosted a dinner in its global have already established a partnership several decades for now. Thanks to the Transmission & Distribution Limited, who relationship with Siemens has resulted maritime headquarters in Hamburg. with a Chinese wind turbine blade active contribution of many organisations was awarded the contract for the Electrical in this award and we will continue to Sembmarine SLP and interest groups the relations System Infrastructure by the wind farm’s collaborate as a team with Siemens to between China and Europe have never developer Dudgeon Offshore Wind Limited, ensure a successful outcome for the project Click to view more info been closer,” said conference Chairman a joint venture between Norwegian Energy as a whole. One of SLP’s main objectives Nikolaus W. Schües, the former President firms Statoil and Statkraft and Abu Dhabi has been to apply its long experience in of Hamburg Chamber of Commerce based renewable energy company, Masdar. designing and building offshore platforms and the owner of the German shipping for the oil & gas industry to the offshore company Reederei F. Laeisz. Responsibilities wind business. SLP will work closely with Siemens and will China-Europe awards be responsible for the design, engineering, To award its contribution to creating a procurement, project management and deeper mutual understanding between construction of the platform’s jacket China and Europe, Schües presented the substructure and topside. Siemens will ‘China-Europe Friendship Award’ to the provide the transformers and high voltage China Federation of Industrial Economics electrical distribution technology. (CFIE). The car manufacturer BMW received the ‘China-Europe Sustainability Award’ for its outstanding efforts to follow ecological principles and successfully Some of the 250 implemented sustainability in its business high profile summit strategy and actions. participants meeting at DNV GL maritime headquarters in Hamburg summit The ‘Hamburg Summit’ was created by the Hamburg Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and has grown to be the most relevant Sino- European economic forum internationally. Commitment manufacturer for certification of its “We are committed to China and will products to improve the reliability and This year it attracted 500 experts from the continue to strengthen this commitment quality of blades produced in China.” business, political and academic world, who in the future. Our vision is to have a Ørbeck-Nilssen explained. discussed the state of the Sino-European global impact for a safe and sustainable economic relations – including Chinese future. To achieve this, we need a Joint projects Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Martin Schulz, global collaboration. That is why it is so In the maritime sector, there are many President of the European Parliament, and encouraging to be a part of the Hamburg joint projects underway as well. Amongst Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Minister of Summit,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, others, DNV GL has just signed an Foreign of the Federal Republic of Germany. President Maritime at DNV GL, when he agreement with Sinopacific shipyard addressed more than 250 dinner guests in for a series of ground-breaking ethane- DNV GL the Hafencity. fuelled carriers, which emit significantly less carbon than diesel-powered vessels. Click to view more info Using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as shipfuel is about to become another integral part of China’s low-carbon strategy, especially in short-sea and river shipping.

12 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 13 Working at Heights feature sponsor feature sponsor Working at Heights

Phil Turner (from Statistics – challenge ahead Health and Safety Executive statistics Windtex Engineering for 2013 show that 31% of fatal injuries Limited) shares some were the result of falls at height, with an Getting down to detail estimated 750,000 working days lost from After connecting the double ropes to anchor helpful insight into a non-fatal injuries. A total reported 5713 falls points and then isolating the rotor, the concern that affects from height in the UK, (HSE - slips & trips technician is able to safely descend down the Rope and falls from height in Great Britain, 2013) Wind industry tower or traverse around the turbine blades all businesses (not a grim warning indicating that there remains The wind turbine industry is no different to using standard techniques. If this all sounds a serious occupational Health and Safety any other sector when it comes to the risks somewhat precarious, then consider how it only in the wind energy challenge ahead. of working at height. As new inexperienced feels to be undertaking work on Big Ben or industry) that have technicians move into this demanding working inside a cooled waste incinerator engineers working Despite numerous campaigns designed to workplace, standardised safety practices utilising confined space practises. All of these access raise awareness about the concern, working and the need for continuous improvements tasks are routinely and regularly dealt with by at height and how at height still remains the most common and regular reviews, has never been more rope access engineers. For the well-trained cause of workplace fatalities/injuries in the crucial. and experienced IRATA rope access worker, he responds as a UK, costing industry tens of millions of the wind turbine holds no surprises. responsible business pounds in lost productivity, sickness pay The growing use of rope access as a and expensive compensation claims. means of maintenance and inspections Training and supervision EQUALS owner to this very real of wind turbines is no exception when it It is without doubt that the extremely high risk to his workforce. comes to working at height safety issues. level of training and supervision must When entering a wind turbine, a rope be continually given to the rope access access team will initially employ standard workforce within wind energy companies fall arrest equipment to access the nacelle (without compromise), this will maintain our and rotor. Then using specialist ropes in safety record that is unrivalled throughout Safe the same way that they might use them to the working at heights industries. work on a chimney stack or offshore oil rig, the rope technician can make preparations Working to established industry to begin their maintenance task. procedures Just as rope access technicians clean the windows of the largest hotels across access the world, they also routinely carry out maintenance on wind farms that are becoming increasingly more widespread on the UK landscape, both offshore and on land. They do this in the knowledge that a skilled rope technician is trained to work safely and efficiently to a set of established industry procedures. A recognised procedure that is statistically safer and not as restrictive or expensive as the use of access platforms and baskets.

Rope access is undoubtedly the way forward!

Phil Turner Managing Director Windtex Engineering Limited

Click to view more info

14 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 15 Working at Heights feature sponsor feature sponsor Working at Heights

down into nine modules which includes Working at heights safely extensive practical training, as well as theoretical elements such as legislation, Working At Height (WAH) Last year falls from height were responsible for an estimated 750,000 working days accident reporting and risk assessments. lost in the UK according to the HSE, combined with slips and trips the number raised to a shocking 2 million. Their mock nacelles, purpose built training towers and scenario based courses, The Risks & Regulations In a sector where working at heights in Accreditation ensure candidates are trained to cope with excess of 75 metres is a daily occurrence As a RenewableUK and Global Wind the real life hazards they are likely to come In a direct attempt to reduce the risk Examples include… Ethos & specialised WAH courses for many, the training of the wind energy Organisation (GWO) accredited training face-to-face with on-site, on wind farms. exposed to anyone whilst WAH and • Providing the workforce with the Over nearly two decades the company has sector’s workforce in height safety has never provider, Safety Technology delivers to prevent any unnecessary deaths or essential safety training/WAH techniques earned a globally renowned reputation within been so important. training courses specifically designed for Locations injuries, the Work at Height Regulations required prior to commencing work on site the energy sector, as well as numerous other individuals working at heights in the unique With the wind energy hot spots in mind, 2005 (S.I. 2005/735) were introduced • An intricate permit to work system & fields, for their effectiveness in inaugurating Challenges and dangerous setting of onshore and Safety Technology has located its specialist (followed shortly after by the Work at better monitoring of the workforce comprehensive safety management systems In this emerging industry new height safety offshore wind turbines. training facilities in the North, South, East Height Amendment Regulations 2007 • Proper PPE & fall prevention/fall arrest and for their competency in delivering & challenges are rapidly becoming apparent, and West of the UK, as well as having [S.I. 2007/114]). measures customising a wide array of high quality safety as well as familiar hazards presenting The RenewableUK and GWO courses have international centres in Ireland, Germany and • Having an established adverse-weather training courses (encompassing a diversified themselves in new situations. Nationwide been developed through meticulous analysis the USA. This ensures trainees will never To summarise, these regulations are policy range of accreditations). safety training of the risks and hazards encountered in wind have too far to travel, minimising the impact built upon the premise of avoiding provider Safety turbines and ensure individuals are trained training can have on their clients’ operations. WAH whenever possible, however in WAH within the wind energy However with specific reference to WAH Technology Ltd in safe work practice as well as rescue many industries (wind energy, offshore, industry and WAH related activities the following is one company and evacuation. Through working closely Vital role construction, etc.) this is not always a viable Although the previously referenced case courses are available… striving to with leading wind turbine manufacturers, With turbine technology developing at a rapid option and in these instances the key focus study by Hare and Johnson (2009) refers to combat these operators and owners in the development of pace, the spotlight on safety shows no signs must be on risk avoidance and minimisation. accidents within the offshore industry, the very • Working at Height & Rescue at Height hazards and course content, this industry-specific training of wavering. The importance of accessible nature of producing wind energy on a large- • Permit to Work ensure the guarantees end user safety requirements are safety training which has evolved with the Analysis scale basis harbours some equally, if not more, • Risk Assessment safety of met. industry will be paramount in securing this John Hare and Michael Johnson (2009) severe risks with regards to WAH; especially • Harness User & Inspection technicians industry’s success and training providers re-iterated the prevalence of this risk by when you take into consideration that wind • MEWP (All Classes) working at Core safety issues such as Safety Technology will continue to using investigation reports and RIDDOR to turbines (on average) are constructed of 116-ft • Scaffolding (Mobile Scaffold Towers) heights on wind Safety Technology’s Work at Height and play a vital role in the supply chain. analyse a sample of 67 offshore incidents, blades atop a 212-ft tower (amassing together • Specialised Confined Space (Entry, turbines across Rescue (WAHR) training covers the core involving both fatalities and major injuries, to create a staggering total height of 328-ft). Working & Rescue) the UK and safety issues that technicians will face when Katie Dawes they subsequently concluded that falls • High Voltage Awareness Europe. working in turbines. The course is broken Safety Technology from height were amongst the three Unforeseen circumstances • Ladder Access most common types of accident to occur Charles Anglin (RenewableUK’s Director of • Manual Handling within the industry (now regarded as the Communications) stated that “In stressful • Fire & First Aid Related Courses lightning data from a high density network of fourth most common according to a 2013 situations any power equipment may Lightning strikes for MeteoGroup! sensors which, due to advanced detection Statistics Report released by the HSE). develop faults and that’s true of gas, CSC technology can locate even relatively weak nuclear, oil and is also true of wind.” MeteoGroup recently won the contract range 24 hour and five day forecasting for the lightning signals. A second, complementary Ever-present risk Therefore although a key preliminary focus Click to view more info to provide critical lightning information Sheringham Shoal area. detection network guarantees resilience and Despite this progress the risk posed by should be placed on risk prevention and services to Sheringham Shoal Offshore optimal European coverage. WAH is, as it always will be, ever-present minimisation whilst WAH within the wind Wind Farm off the Norfolk coast. Scira Once lightning is detected within a given and thus so is the need to embed proper energy industry, unforeseen circumstances Offshore Energy Limited selected the radius of the site, forecasters will contact Sheringham Shoal preventative and responsive measures can still ultimately arise as a result of human company to provide comprehensive the operation and maintenance base to The 317MW Sheringham Shoal Offshore within all WAH operations (with preventative or mechanical error - consequently making lightning forecasting, consultancy and ensure the appropriate people are alerted Wind Farm has 88 wind turbines and measures taking priority). it crucial to ensure that effective emergency monitoring services. to the potential danger. The company’s Statkraft expects it to generate around response measures are also in place. expert meteorologists are also available 1.1TWh of green energy per annum - Serious risk 24/7 if further assistance is required. enough clean energy to power almost CSC expertise Lightning poses a serious risk to the 220,000 British homes. Compared to fossil As a result of CSC’s extensive expertise maintenance personnel who travel daily Objective fuels this represents an annual reduction of within these areas of the wind energy to and from an onshore base to work on The objective is to ensure the wind turbines around 500,000 tonnes of CO² emissions. industry, the company was specifically the inherently exposed 80 metre high wind operate at maximum capacity whilst keeping chosen by several contractors and suppliers turbine towers. engineers and technicians safe by clearly MeteoGroup to provide a large proportion of the required identifying either potential hazards or safe training for the ‘Scroby Sands Wind Farm Therefore, accurate detection and forecasting weather windows. Accurate and reliable Project’ (Round One). support is crucial for safe and efficient data will help the company make day-to- operation on the site which is located between day operational decisions and fulfil its duty 17 and 23 kilometres off the UK’s Norfolk of care to personnel working in such an coastline and operated by Statkraft - Europe’s exposed environment. largest generator of renewable energy. Well established LightningTracker webportal Chosen based on quality of service, the At the heart of MeteoGroup’s service is the company is well established in the offshore LightningTracker webportal which provides sector and provides bespoke services for precise, real-time lightning detection data. many different types of offshore operations. This is supported by customised longer It has also invested in the best possible

16 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 17 Working at Heights feature sponsor feature sponsor Working at Heights Working at height The highest number of LTIs was caused by being struck by moving/falling objects (23%); safely & efficiently falls on the same level (including slips and Scroby Sands trips) accounted for 20% • “It’ll never happen to me” of LTIs; ‘struck against’ for a case study • “I’ve done it dozens of times before” 13%; and falls from height • “I’ll be OK” 10%. Due to their extensive experience of working at height • “I’ll just nip up and do it, no need to in a variety of industries, Abfad Limited were awarded a go to the stores for safety kit” Lowering the tender by E.ON Climate & Renewables UK Ltd to provide potential dangers maintenance and restoration work using rope access Complacency Aware that falls from height techniques on one of their met masts, at Scroby Sands off Complacency is undoubtedly one of the (which can not only cover the coast of Great Yarmouth. principle dangers of working at height. Every going up to fall down, but year the International Marine Contractors falling down things like The project Association (IMCA) produces ‘Safety and stairwells, hatches etc) The project details provided by E.ON were to fabricate new ladder Environment Statistics for IMCA Members’ continue to rate highly. sections and eight clamps, remove existing damaged ladder as a useful insight into the performance IMCA has over the years sections, blast clean the structure to SA2.5 and apply a protective of a company and industry sector. They produced items to help coating, install new clamps and tighten using Hydratight hydraulic cover fatalities, injuries and environmental lower the potential for injury equipment, then install new access ladders to the structure. indicators supplied by contractor members or death by producing (many of whom are increasingly involved a ‘Working at Height’ Gaining access with the offshore renewables sectors). safety DVD (largely with Existing ladder sections were damaged and structural steel the offshore oil and gas beneath walkway gratings and mast steel was highly corroded These act as an invaluable record of industry in mind, but just to sea elevation. Once rope access technicians gained access, performance each year and enable IMCA as relevant to the offshore existing ladder sections were removed prior to blasting corrosion members to benchmark their performances. wind industry) and viewable from the structure. online; a safety poster and useful pocket safety Patented magnetic positioning aid cards to act as constant The company’s rope access teams use their own patented magnetic reminders of the dangers. positioning aid when working on ferrous structures in addition to rope anchors, this is particularly useful when blasting and spraying 2013 survey Pocket cards – simple 'dos and as it securely positions the rope access technician to the structure A record number of don’ts'… and allows them to perform required work with precision. After all companies took part in • Always conduct a risk assessment and blasting work was completed, the met mast was spray coated with a the 2013 survey, based obtain a permit to work before starting protective coating in order to protect it from further corrosion. on over 1,300 million • Ensure there is adequate rescue man-hours of work on and provision in place Installation technique offshore (statistics were • Do not work at height alone or when Once new ladder and clamp sections were fabricated and coated provided by companies you are tired – work with a partner and ready for installation a technique had to be agreed to install from and organisations take adequate breaks support vessel to mast structure during sea swells to ensure representing around • Don’t over-reach during lifting process the support vessel deck was not 67% of the contractor • Ensure you are attached securely to a damaged membership). sufficiently strong anchorage point all of the time when you are working at height This was achieved by using powered (battery) winches Encouragingly we have • Always use tool bags and /or tie-off to lift the clamps and ladder section into place swiftly seen lost time injury tools to prevent dropped objects and hold them steady while they were installed by frequency rates (LTIFR) drop • Ensure the area below the work is Abfad personnel using rope access techniques. to the lowest figure since properly cordoned off so you cannot Once installed these clamps were then tightened to we began collecting data. work above people specifications using the Hydratight hydraulic equipment. However, there is still room • Keep an eye on weather (and sea To complete the project final commissioning checks for improvement in our conditions) were performed, again using rope access methods. constant quest for the ‘holy • Remain aware of potential hazards and grail’ of zero incidents. especially of simultaneous operations Complete success All parties considered the project a complete success Lost time incidents Jane Bugler and the company was asked to later return to the met (LTIs) Technical Director mast at Scroby Sands and perform NDT inspections The main injury/incident International Marine Contractors to the structure. During this visit they also performed figures continue to ‘flatline’ Association (IMCA) tightening of all bolts on the structure to complete the or improve only slowly. work specification. There were fewer fatalities in 2013 than in 2012; Abfad Limited but LTIs remain broadly constant.

18 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 19 Quo Vadis Quo Vadis

In 2007, Kevin and Sigrid Donovan organized a conference for owners and operators in the wind energy sector. It was held at SKF’s facility in Luton with 36 delegates, a number of which were SKF employees. The focus of this Giant first conference was to provide an outlook as to what the future of the wind industry could look like and this was reflected in the name that they gave to the conference – Quo Vadis – Latin for “where are you going?” One thing that Kevin and Sigrid could not have foreseen was just how Quo Vadis would grow in the oaks ensuing years to be the very unique and influential annual gathering that it has from now become. acorns grow Quo Vadis Conference

2014 8th Quo Vadis Conference For those returning to the event, it is a time Speakers The location for the 8th Quo Vadis to catch up with friends from the industry, Delegates heard from a wide range of Hamburg Conference was the city of Hamburg and and for those attending for the first time – speakers during the day… the venue was the Hotel Hafen, a landmark they are all welcomed into the family. Kevin building towering over the river Elbe in the and Sigrid work hard at this by creating • Maria McCaffrey, Chief Executive, heart of the busy harbour area. space throughout the two days for people RenewableUK to have time together in both a relaxing and Maria highlighted the challenges that There are many features that make Quo informative environment. the industry is facing on both a political Vadis a unique event. Firstly, attendance and financial basis, and how the industry is by invitation and this is so that owners Social events is rising to these challenges with a pledge and operators can be brought together in Everyone is invited to arrive on the day to be the least cost form of energy an environment that encourages mutual before the conference, and this year a generation by 2020. She highlighted the support and sharing of experiences. This bus tour of Hamburg was laid on followed fact that in the UK, wind contributed to a enables turbine OEMs to be excluded in the evening by a dinner in the Au Quai record 24% of the generated electricity – from the event and this helps to create a restaurant, a specialist fish restaurant right so wind energy is no longer an alternative, platform for sharing. on the water front. it is now a core producer.

Family atmosphere Conference • Richard Granger, Schaeffler Then there is the family atmosphere. The The conference too has its own unique Technologies wind industry is a close knit community and atmosphere. This is in large part down Richard presented the problems this is even more so at Quo Vadis with Kevin to the style and confidence with which associated with ‘white etched cracking’, and Sigrid’s direct involvement with each of Clifford McSpadden, co-director with a phenomenon that occurs when the the attendees. This year there were over 80 Kevin Donovan, leads the whole event. metal in bearings is hardened more than delegates at Quo Vadis, most of whom had At last year’s Quo Vadis in Berlin, Kevin the original material, and he explained been at previous Quo Vadis conferences and Clifford introduced GWA Supplies, how surface treatments are being and this aspect of return visitors is what the business that sources parts and developed to address it. makes Quo Vadis really special. consumables for wind turbines, and they were able to report that they had listened, learnt, and had grown in this past year CONTINUED... in both the quantity and the range of components supplied to the industry.

20 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 21 Quo Vadis Quo Vadis

• Keir Harman, Regional Head of Asset Operations and Management, DNV GL Keir asked the question ‘how do wind farms perform in the long term?’ and addressed the three main causes of poor performance: wind, availability, and the power train. The conclusion was that whilst each of these can vary over time, a correctly maintained • Jason Halsey, Power Plant Manager wind turbine should show not drop off – Sheringham Shoal, Statkraft in performance as it gets old. Jason shared how he and the team at Sheringham had the objective of • Richard Smith, Principal Engineer, safely undertaking WTG operations romax Technology (from Siemens) with no drop off in Richard focused on main bearing availability, and all within a 7 month failures, and introduced the practice period. This has been a pioneering of flushing bearing grease as a means project within the industry and is a model of extending the operating life of that many others can learn from. bearings.

Sponsorship Quo Vadis is a free to attend conference, and this can only be provided through the support of the sponsors Schaeffler UK Ltd., DNV GL and Romax Technology as well as the exhibitors: GasTOPS Canada, Hove A/S, Morgan Advanced Materials, Renewable Advice, Winergy, ZF Services.

Positive delegate comments There were many positive comments from delegates Alex Grimwood, Marketing Manager for Renewable Advice who attended his first Quo Vadis summed up for all by stating…

“It has been incredible. No other exhibition or conference that I have been at comes close. I have got to meet so • Markus Billman, Fraunhofer IISB • Scott McSpadden, Material Logistics Quo Vadis Hall of Fame many great people over these two days.” Marcus took a lot of the mystery out of and Client Manager, GWA Supplies At last year’s event in Berlin, Sigrid the electronics that operate in the heart of Scott compared the operating data that Donovan introduced the Hall of Fame, And Stuart Naylor, Fred Olsen Renewables a converter. By the end of the presentation, is accumulated in all shapes and formats highlighting three delegates who had added… “My sincerest thanks for there was a better appreciation of the with metal ore that can be mined. In its attended each of the seven Quo Vadis organising what was for me the best IGBT and the demands made on it natural state it is of limited use. However, events. Well, this year Jon Beresford, Huw Quo Vadis yet, a brilliant atmosphere and performing in the field by converting this data (ore) into Smallwood and Steve Higman were back some of the most relevant and informative knowledge (metals and alloys) it can be for the eighth time and retain their position speakers. Each year this feels like less a powerful management tool. This in the Quo Vadis Hall of Fame, and if the of a conference and more a group approach has been used to develop feedback from this year’s event in Hamburg of likeminded folk getting together to SPUD – the spare parts usage database is anything to go by – they will all be back discuss how to take the industry forward.” – that is a tool for forecasting and next year. Stuart Naylor, Fred Olsen Renewables budgeting spend on spares using historic data. Global Wind Supplies (GWA Supplies)

22 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 23 Marine Co-ordination feature sponsor feature sponsor Marine Co-ordination

Real-time Operational Asset Management (ROAM) GMS solution Well-selected and carefully trained MC’s GMS has amended and updated the can now have cost-effective access to definition of a modern MC to include a Marine real-time project data, analysis and online multiplicity of maritime and logistics skills co-ordination tools. GMS has developed its Large fleets linked directly to real offshore wind industry unique ROAM (Real-time Operational Asset Offshore construction sites can potentially conditions. co-ordination Management) system to break new ground involve up to 30 construction vessels. in this area. Each needs accurate time scheduling, plus For example, Coastguard professionals new responsibilities: a detailed understanding of operational co-ordinate complex rescue and recovery new competencies Systems such as ROAM give a constantly limitations. If things go wrong, cost-effective operations in adverse conditions. GMS has updated picture of the position and contingency plans are essential. Health & a policy of recruiting this transferable skill- working status of key assets many miles, or safety is paramount. Vessels often work in set into its own MC teams. GMS’ bespoke MC course focuses on Today’s offshore working environment is an extremely busy kilometres, apart. But MC’s must be trained time-sensitive charter windows. Weather operational communications, emergency place where money can be made or lost quickly. to make the most of these aids. can be highly-unpredictable. Taking the lead response, chart work, general maritime, Alex Harrison is a former Coastguard meteorology, seamanship, plus IMO. IMDG MC’s – wherever they work – also It is vital for MC’s to have a firm mental and Officer and now leads GMS’ marine co- and SOLAS. To help maximise profitability, Green However, as completed projects move on need to be able to talk instantly to other digital ‘fix’ or ‘situational awareness’ on all ordination programme on operational Marine Solutions (GMS) has redefined into the operational phase, these shared co-ordination experts who can bring combinations and possibilities. projects. He has also helped to design the Importantly, it also includes a special the tough modern demands now made responsibilities often fall very quickly onto a experiences and expertise from related new course and the launch of a new MC marine co-ordination module which looks of a key project team member who can single set of shoulders. areas to add to their ‘firepower’. The challenges are even more complex training academy at contemporary skills that MCs must save millions of pounds at sea – the when large fleets and many different sub- be kept right up-to-date to do their job marine co-ordinator (MC). GMS’ goal is to ensure that all MC’s can be This is why GMS MC’s are in constant contractors are spread far apart across, Trained to think ahead properly. equipped with very broad shoulders! touch with home base and a broad say, a 120 turbine deep-water offshore site. “Coastguard officers are trained to By upgrading the MC’s basic wind panel of other marine experts within the The inevitable conclusion is that the era of prioritise tasks quickly as routine, “Often it’s about filling essential industry role, they are showing operators Alone … and not alone company. It is unusual for MC’s recruited time-served seafarers, equipped with little important and emergency,” he explains. knowledge and skills gaps. Many how to make major gains from new Construction is a hectic time with big from agencies to have this external support. more than a radio and remote computer “They gather information rapidly from candidates already have excellent technology, cost-structures and online budgets and ample resources and link, is being overtaken by the sheer numerous sources, filter it and decide partial skill-sets. The course is designed communication. In parallel, they are skilled people on site. MC teams are New competencies complexity of the modern task matrix. on action while constantly reviewing and to ensure all-round competencies,” also launching the UK’s first dedicated correspondingly large. However, these strategic changes have not re-evaluating the situation. The ability to concluded Alex. training course for professional MC yet filtered down to many parts of the wind Seafarer experience is often based on foresee problems is vital. development. During operation and production, industry. As a result, valuable commercial the linear command of ships and crew everything changes. Budgets shrink. bonuses are being lost. members using written procedures within “For example, in a search and rescue Green Marine Solutions Radical change Profitability is much more important. A subscribed boundaries. There may be no mission I would see that a helicopter only The MC’s core job is changing swiftly. single MC can easily feel that he or she is By tradition, almost all marine co-ordination real relationship between past experience has two hours of flying endurance and Click to view more info Traditional skills are fast becoming now working alone. tenders still request a CV that includes and wind industry challenges. This can be automatically be thinking ahead what I redundant. New competencies are Master Mariner qualifications. This senior a problem where, for example, advanced can do next. needed. However, MC's are not alone, even when requirement targets candidates from a logistical or specialised marine skills are working remotely across many different broad range of professional backgrounds – needed. New competencies are essential. “The skill is about developing mitigation MC’s have two distinct roles. On large sites. In today’s digitally-connected world oil & gas, fishing, deep sea, or crew transfer plans and transfers very readily to construction projects, groups of MC’s of work, many different data sources and vessel skippers. the commercial environment with - with different but complementary authoritative advice can be instantaneously construction vessels,” he adds. skills – often work as a single integrated available to back an MC’s own judgement. The wind farm operators’ dilemma is team to bring specialist vessels, highly- knowing how well a particular candidate’s qualified technicians and time- and cost- accumulated experience is matched to the sensitive tasks together successfully. ability to make complex decisions wisely and quickly on fast-moving projects.

24 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 25 Marine Co-ordination feature sponsor feature sponsor Marine Co-ordination

Providing marine co-ordination at Butendiek offshore wind farm Specialist Marine Consultants Ltd (SMC) has been working with Siemens, providing offshore marine co-ordination for a fifth Siemens Wind Power construction project.

The Butendiek offshore wind farm in the North Sea began construction in early 2014 and is due for completion mid-2015. SMC based on the UK Yorkshire coast, have been working offshore undertaking marine co- ordination for the 80 turbine site.

Specialist services The company provides specialist services to the offshore renewable and oil & gas sectors including HSE advisory services, marine co-ordination, client representation and vessel auditing. SMC marine coordinator This is the second time they have worked on accessing data through MCMS. a German offshore wind project supplying marine co-ordination and marks a milestone for the offshore specialists, with significant new innovations in their Marine Co- Comprehensive statistics relating to the MD Ian Coates said “MCMS has been ordination Management System (MCMS). wind farms construction are gathered and developed to work from an offshore base, collated. This allows analysis of key up-to- which gives a strategic advantage to MCMS date HSE statistics (push-ons, fuel usage, projects stakeholders onshore. MCMS tracks personnel, certification and carbon footprint, vessel reliability) which can vessels offshore. Vessels using the CVDR be securely accessed remotely. “Clients can access the latest statistics daily reporting system can link directly remotely to give them an immediate to MCMS, allowing HSE statistics to be Wind project portfolio picture of critical factors necessary for the gathered in a unique way. The company is currently supplying marine smooth running of an offshore project.” co-ordination services to six major wind farm construction and service projects in Specialist Marine Consultants Ltd the UK and Europe, as well as working on two other wind farm projects supplying client reps. They have HSE advisors located offshore in Brazil, Asia, Canada and the US Gulf.

26 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 27 Employing Apprentices Employing Apprentices

Programme framework The apprenticeship framework has been developed with the company’s partner Coleg Gwent, Wales’ largest further education college. Apprentices are given tailored support and benefits throughout the process and attend college on a day-release basis for theory and practical training. They are each supported by an internal mentor and there is a dedicated training officer who oversees individual Green development programmes. Mark Coia, Managing Director of Mabey Bridge Renewables said: “We are extremely proud that the renewable energy sector has recognised the work the Mabey Bridge training team have dedicated to developing our apprentice award scheme and hope that the demonstrable long term value of investing in such a programme inspires other companies to For apprenticeship follow suit.” Investing in young people programme “If the UK and Wales is to reach its carbon reduction targets the industry needs to invest in young people to help Mabey Bridge’s industry leading apprenticeship programme has been recognised design and build the renewable energy by RenewableUK’s Wales Green Energy Awards 2014 with the company winning infrastructure of tomorrow. Long-term the Contribution to Skills and Training category. The UK’s largest onshore turbine apprenticeship schemes that intelligently tower supplier’s apprenticeship scheme was singled out for praise for the way it combine on-the-job experience and welcomes and develops young people classroom learning have got to be part of entering the workplace, providing a the solution.” supportive and positive environment for apprentices. In February Mabey Bridge was recognised at the International Learning Awards The apprenticeship programme is now in winning the Bronze Award in the category its ninth year and the company currently of Apprenticeship Programme of the Year. employs 27 apprentices (approximately 5% The company also won Large Employer of the total workforce). Such is the quality of the Year at the Apprenticeship Awards of the programme that 95% of apprentices Cymru 2013. are still with the company. Mabey Bridge

28 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 29 Employing Apprentices Employing Apprentices North East Advanced apprenticeship Long term commitment programme He added: “This training centre is a long training centre IMH, which offers services in engineering, term commitment in nurturing engineers design and manufacturing, employs over for the future, primarily for our internal 40 people and is now hosting an advanced staff, but also for the local economy by apprenticeship programme within the potentially delivering short basic hydraulic To engineer apprentices’ training centre. courses to other engineering businesses in the North East.” Managing Director Nathanael Allison commented: “I believe that the gentle The scheme, which is moulding its future recovery we are now experiencing in apprentices into hydraulic engineers, provides High profile speakers Maria Dotsch, International the economy is significantly supported bespoke training courses at stage one, and is Trade Advisor for UKTI by small and medium sized businesses; headed by IMH owner, Paul Griffiths. was the esteemed businesses just like us. speaker at the event. Boosting engineering excellence Other high profile guests “At IMH our strengths come from our Founded by Mr Griffiths over 30 years ago, A world class engineering included Andy McDonald technical expertise, our world class the innovative firm won the Long-Term company has launched a MP for Middlesbrough, hydraulic knowledge. To ensure we Contribution to Apprenticeships award by training centre as it looks to representatives of continue our long term sustainable the UK National Skills Council in 2011 and inspire and hire young talent in Tees Valley Unlimited, growth, we have to invest in passing on is aiming to boost engineering excellence in the region. Entrepreneurs’ Forum, that knowledge from our experienced the North East. Teesside University and engineers to the next and coming Industrial and Marine Hydraulics Ltd (IMH) more. generations of young people.” Industrial and Marine Hydraulics Ltd opened its in-house training scheme for hydraulic engineers at its headquarters in Middlesbrough with over 50 attendees recently.

30 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 31 Employing Apprentices Employing Apprentices

Launch Commitment Apprentices The trainees undergo Foundation Modern of a new Apprenticeships working towards their NVQ Level 2 and the company runs its visit Green Britain Centre independent scheme through Construction Skills Wales. training The company’s commitment to recruiting 8 HETA Apprentices recently apprentices has ensured a loyal, hard- Remuneration visited Ecotricity’s Green Britain Taking the lead Amazing experience scheme working workforce, with many employees Young people recruited earn a wage from centre in Norfolk, a fantastic HETA has become the first training provider in HETA Business Development & Marketing remaining with the company for many years. the outset. They initially undertake a 12- renewable facility to experience the region to offer City & Guilds Wind Turbine Manager James McIntosh said “The Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK week course before going out to one of the some first class training as part Technician apprenticeships to its clients and training that this group of apprentices has been committed to recruiting The company says a strong, highly skilled company’s many sites across the UK to of their apprenticeship. this year are training 8 young people in this are receiving is fantastic and an amazing apprentices since the company was workforce is crucial to service an increasing gain several months’ experience. exciting and challenging career. experience that they will use to forge a founded in North Wales in the 1950s, and wide range of diverse projects A further eight weeks of training on a career in the renewables industry. to such an extent that it decided to undertaken by Jones Bros across the UK wider range of plant is then provided in The centre is home to the UKs first They will complete a year on site at HETAs launch its own revamped independent in sectors including highways, coastal Ruthin before achieving their NVQ and megawatt class wind turbine as well as The training centre at CATCH, Stallingborough “They have an enviable opportunity of training scheme. and flood protection, waste management apprenticeship. Greenbird, the world’s fastest wind powered learning a mixture of practical and being the first group of HETA Apprentices vehicle, one of Britain’s largest solar trackers theory skills in Electrical, Mechanical & who will complete the City & Guilds Wind and a wind turbine blade famously reported Instrumentation skills. Turbine Technician Apprenticeship – a to have been detached by a UFO! nationally recognised industry standard. The training will also include access to We hope that the success with these 3 Objective full operational turbines to enable the companies grow and we can train even The reason for the visit was the culmination apprentices to experience some live more wind turbine apprentices for other of a week-long working at heights course maintenance as part of their training. In companies as the industry develops run by Wind Turbine Technicians from summer 2015 the apprentices will join their further.” Ecotricity's service centre in Louth. One of companies full time and work towards whom is himself an ex-HETA apprentice. achieving their NVQ Level 3. HETA

In-house facilities, and renewable energy, such as On-site training and guidance Apprentices now complete their course at wind and hydro energy projects. Several apprentices have recently received the company’s purpose-designed training on-site training at Pen Y Cymoedd Wind centre near to its headquarters in Ruthin, Real contribution Energy Project, under the guidance of rather than having to travel to a national Dave Gibson, Health, Safety, Environment, experienced specialists from Jones Bros training college in Norfolk. Quality and Training Manager at Jones Civil Engineering UK and Balfour Beatty. Bros, said: “Our apprentices make a real The two companies are operating a The young apprentices also undergo training contribution to many of our projects. The 50:50 joint venture on behalf of developer at Jones Bros’ 100-acre quarry site at the best way to learn in this industry is by Vattenfall to deliver infrastructure for the nearby Horseshoe Pass in Llangollen. There working on every stage of a development. 76-turbine project. From back left they learn how to operate the larger plant “Because we have always invested in clockwise Matthew, and machinery before sitting a series of apprentice training, we benefit from a Skills legacy Kyle, Connor, Josh, verbal and practical exams. highly-trained, committed workforce. Like many of its projects Jones Bros Lewis, Emma, James Even during downturns in the economy, is determined to leave a skills legacy in and Josh about to including the most recent, we have the area where the wind farm is being climb into the nacelle continued to invest in our apprenticeship developed, between Neath and Aberdare. of a functional wind programmes because they are very turbine. important to us and this commitment Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK pays dividends.”

32 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 33 Employing Apprentices Employing Apprentices

Tough economic times Stuart Cameron, UK Managing Director at Maersk Training, said: “Tough economic times mean unemployment rates remain high. Encouragingly though, the offshore and wind energy sectors are expanding at a very fast pace, so there are great opportunities out there for people seeking Helping the employment. “We are also very committed to helping unemployed those who are less financially able to improve their prospects and that’s why get into we offer funding for those who are over 19, have been a UK resident for the last offshore three years and are unemployed, as well Life-skills as an amount of subsidised places.” It’s this focus on life-skills that 33-year- old Michael Weightman believes was wind Latest trainees instrumental in his success. He said: “From Johnny Chung, Shane Taylor and Michael the beginning I was given guidance industry Weightman are the latest trainees to breeze on how to create a CV, improve my into new jobs after graduating from Maersk interaction and interview techniques and Training’s ‘Staying Safe in the Wind Turbine shown how to enter the world of LinkedIn Maersk Training is looking to the Environment (Onshore and Offshore)’ Level and networking. I believe this will be the future of the renewables industry, 2 Diploma. Johnny is now a wind turbine beginning of a long and rewarding career with a search for the next generation technician for Boston Energy, the same role within the renewable and wind industry.” of offshore technicians. that Shane fills at Holleman Heavy Lift in Romania, whilst Michael is an electrician at The training provider, part of the Windhoist. maersk Training international Maersk Group, welcomed job seekers at the recent RenewableUK Wider opportunities Click to view more info 2014 Annual Conference and As well as practical, work-based modules Exhibition’s careers day in Manchester, such as electrical awareness, working = Click to view video providing advice and information to at height and first aid training, Maersk’s those looking to take their first steps into diploma courses offer instruction in other the rapidly growing renewables sector. fields such as first aid, employability and career advice. Delegates are schooled in Careers day how to prepare an eye-catching CV and The careers day was free to attend via improve their interview technique. online pre-registration and ran from 9:30 until 16:00 on the Thursday of the 3 day event, the final day of the wider conference. Maersk Training’s instructors and staff advised on their range of educational programmes and courses, including…

• Level 1 Certificate in Becoming a Wind Turbine Technician (Onshore and Offshore) • Level 2 Diploma in Staying Safe in the Wind Industry (Onshore and Offshore)

Both have already seen a number of delegates find new work offshore.

Stuart Cameron, UK Managing Director of Maersk Training.

34 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 35 company PROFILE company PROFILE Condition monitoring savings Considerations We have to take each individual hydraulic application into not costs consideration to see how it is operating, for example how sensitive the components are, flows, pressures, temperatures, environment Most hydraulic systems are contaminated with solid, and how critical the operation is. liquid and gaseous particles, either generated externally or internally through fluids, component wear and tear, or just Only after considering all factors are we able to select the filters bad housekeeping. to suit the application. But how do we know we have selected the correct filters? We can analyse the oil using several different These contaminates can cause system inefficiencies or system methods, but the quickest and most efficient method is online. failures. One of the first questions asked when presenting or training about Online analyses condition monitoring products is “How much is this going to cost We know that applications are becoming far more sophisticated, me?” Our response is always “How much is this going to save using high-tech products, thus creating finer tolerances and more you”? critical component clearances. For that reason we recommend fitting low cost particle monitors. Geoff Grant, Product Manager at MP Filtri UK looks at a few points where investing in condition monitoring can help you save costs. Online particle monitors can analyse your systems 24/7 initiating internal and external alarms should any levels of contaminate or Particulate contamination in some cases moisture levels change. These alarms can initiate We know that around 70 – 90% of hydraulic breakdowns can be external functions from simply putting a warning light on, controlling attributed to particulate contamination. That’s quite a high figure a traffic light sequence (red, amber, and green) turning an offline in anyone’s terms if we can reduce this figure by 30 – 40% then filtration Kidney loop system on, or even shutting down the system. surely there is a cost saving there. Protection is provided for your components and applications. Thus So what are the costs of these breakdowns? The biggest cost is Product quality eliminating and reducing high cost breakdowns and unscheduled system downtime especially in production. Add manpower to this, the Costs can also be attributed to the product quality, scoring, downtimes. All this for a relative small cost. time to fault find as well as remove and replace the component that wearing, and damaged components and finishes. Add all these has failed. So is the question really - how long can you afford not to together and the value can be quite high. How can we control this Can I afford contamination monitoring products? have your production working? contamination problem and extend component life? So if your question is – ‘can I afford contamination monitoring products?’ the answer is – ‘can you afford not to?' Components are being subjected to contaminants before First step actual component failure, therefore losing component efficiency The first step is to add filtration. But which type of filtration do Benefits right from the start. Whereas at new, the system will run at full we install? Pressure, return, offline (Kidney loop) even a suction • Saving money on total cost of filtration eliminating unscheduled pressures, loads and speeds. When contamination is a problem, strainer. They all do a job but are they the right filter for the filter changes over a period of time these can all be effected by causing wear application? • Constant system monitoring = predictive maintenance = cost and cracks at critical component surface areas and therefore savings begin to lose the efficiency of the component and how well it • Constant system monitoring = tracking system cleanliness = operates. cost savings • Prolonging major component life due to predictive Sometimes the component may maintenance even stop operating due to the • Save time – high cost processes effectively monitored blocking of small orifices by large • Predictive control – low cost, efficient method of system contaminates. Typically we are monitoring when system cleanliness levels are exceeded looking at component clearances of 0.5 micron up to 50 micron. Celebrating 50 years It doesn’t take much to block MP Filtri is celebrating 50 years in business this year. The company an orifice, to reduce or stop the was founded in Italy and supplies a full line of contamination flow of hydraulic media, hence control to the fluid power industry. stopping or slowing down the hydraulic MP Filtri UK opened their doors 25 years ago and act as the fluid application. condition monitoring wing for the MP Filtri group, both designing and manufacturing high quality instrumentation for portable, in-line and laboratory applications.

MP Filtri

Click to view more info

36 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 37 Professional Services - Due Diligence Professional Services - Due Diligence

Technical due diligence on wind farms thorough testing to turn wind into a windfall

When wind farms change owners, Possible consequences include incalculable In black and white – EPC Things may turn out differently expertise is in high demand. As in costs, low energy production or liability agreement, delivery and – Renewable Energy Act, power real-estate and company acquisitions, risks that impact on returns on investment servicing contract purchase agreement and direct risks unknown and hidden at the and the cash flow. Using case studies as Who will pay for any additional costs and marketing time of contract conclusion may be examples the wind experts from TÜV SÜD losses in energy production caused by The political and social framework transferred along with the ownership and MVV Windenergie GmbH point out unscheduled work for the construction of a conditions, such as funding under of the turbines. what to look out for. heavy-duty access road? Is the purchaser Germany's Renewable Energy Act, entitled to claim compensation against the massively impact on wind farm income and As trading and sale takes place at manufacturer if the turbine fails to reach thus profitability. However, these framework all phases of wind-farm projects, the its maximum capacity? Which services conditions develop dynamically, which transactions involve various types of risk and replacement parts are covered by involves additional yield risks that may be that will normally be uncovered by a due the service contract? These questions are minimised through thorough analysis. diligence review. examples demonstrating that contracts may include numerous pitfalls, which Grid connection, stability, An overview from green-field should be uncovered prior to contract operation and maintenance planning to wind farms in conclusion to avoid critical issues having to Inadequate servicing, makeshift repairs of operation – far, far away – be settled in court. operational damage, significant defects permits, approvals, licenses, on foundation or tower, frequent failure wind reports and yield See the way the wind is blowing of network systems – the list of possible forecasts – service reports, repowering defects that may be relevant for wind farm To be eligible for a construction permit, and the risk involved in the operation is long. the future wind farm must comply extension of the wind farm with all legal requirements. Particularly Thorough review of the operational data On-site inspection will provide information important in this context is the Act on and reports is imperative for assessing of the turbine's actual state of repair. In the Prevention of Harmful Effects on the the performance of an existing wind farm this context it is important to have a third- Environment Caused by Air Pollution and uncovering weaknesses in wind farm party partner such as TÜV SÜD, with the (Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz), management or wind-farm control. expertise to provide reliable assessment of which also imposes secondary specialist the relevance of the defects. requirements drawn from forestry law, Another risk concerns repowering and the nature conservation, construction law and erection of further turbines in the immediate Thomas Zirngibl other regulations. vicinity: the erection of further turbines and TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH the higher turbulence associated therewith In addition to the above, various technical will cause the energy yields of existing Click to view more info aspects are crucial for the success of a turbines to go down while their operating future wind farm project... loads go up – quite often beyond the design limits. • Is the foundation soil suitable for ensuring turbine stability? • Do the wind conditions prevailing at the site promise high energy yields? Ed’s Note • Validated expert reports are needed to This is an abridged version identify all possible risks – we recommend you read the full article online through the QR Code/link

38 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 39 Professional Services - Due Diligence Professional Services - Due Diligence

Proper presentation Most purchasers, lenders The role of due diligence Coping and investors understand in wind energy projects these points very well, but with the this is often not the case for the owners of the target Due diligence – an investigation or audit Onshore Offshore glare of due projects or companies. Their of a potential investment – generally In onshore terms a review of the proposed In offshore terms the risks are always efforts and expertise will be refers to the care you should take before supplier of a product was undertaken as greater due to increased uncertainties when diligence in creating a business or entering into an agreement or transfer part of the commercial review of the terms conducting projects. In a recent project project and they will generally actionable by another party. The type of and conditions of contract proffered by consideration had to be given not only to the As the Scottish market for deals find themselves unprepared due diligence undertaken will depend the supplier for the design, supply and technical requirements of the project and the involving wind projects hots up post for the level of scrutiny that a upon the nature of the project. installation of wind turbines. information being supplied by a prospective referendum, Pamela Todd, a Partner legal due diligence exercise employer in relation to conditions (particularly in the Energy team at Harper Macleod, entails. Due diligence might be undertaken It was clear from the due diligence that seabed conditions), but also the operational considers some key points to consider in relation to any one or more of the the structure being offered by the supplier requirements of the project. Specifically as part of the due diligence process Well before exposing yourself to a potential following… was unsatisfactory, as were the terms and there was a need to provide and secure such deals entail. Clear understanding purchaser’s glare, engaging professional conditions being proposed, which did not the provision of intellectual property as Regardless of which side of the transaction advisers with experience of the process to • Corporate acquisitions, business adequately protect the client. Significant well as the liabilities that might arise as a Positive signs you are on, having a clear understanding ensure that all of the required information transfers or creation. modifications were made to the terms and result of the project’s execution. Again, the There is a lot of activity in the wind energy of what level of diligence is appropriate is is available and properly presented is a • Tender invitation evaluation and conditions firstly to ensure that the product prospective life of the supply was 30 years market at the moment and it feels as if the important from the beginning. Acquiring worthwhile investment. response, in which case consideration and its performance were adequately and significant modifications were required greater certainty about Scotland’s future a project by purchasing the individual should be given to transparency, guaranteed and maintained and secondly, to mitigate future liability. following the outcome of the referendum vote contracts, consents and property assets Be prepared to walk away! fairness and equal treatment. The that the manufacturer was adequately has flushed through a larger number of deals will require a different approach to acquiring One last point; having gone through the purpose of the evaluation is to ensure guaranteed so its performance was Fundamental to a project’s in which projects are being sold, financed or the same project by purchasing the pain of either providing or garnering all which tender meets the needs of the secured. This was crucial since the product success re-financed or otherwise invested in. company. Personal contracts or consents of the information, be prepared to walk project and provides value for money. was intended to have a design/operating Carrying out effective due diligence is and restrictive alienation provisions will away from the transaction. From a seller’s • To ascertain the risks which need to be life of up to 25 years and the payback fundamental to a project’s success both from Carrying out an appropriate level of legal present a greater problem in the first case perspective, retaining the project and addressed in a contract. These can period for the investment was a substantial the employers and the contractors point of due diligence into a target project or and debt and change of control clauses will resolving the issues identified during the include user risks, production risks number of years. Coupled with this the view. Whilst it cannot guarantee success the company is an important aspect of a present an issue in the other. diligence process may be a better outcome (whether, ground, supply chain, design payment terms indicated significant down due diligence process can identify issues potential purchaser, investor or lender’s than accepting a reduced price. quality, legislation change or payments on execution of the contract which need to be addressed and potential decision making process and is key to A good grasp of what is to be gained from programme risks) and also pricing risks and at various stages; it was essential that weak links which need to be dealt with. assessing whether or not the deal is worth the diligence exercise is key. Understanding From a purchaser’s or investor’s viewpoint, (tender, inflation, finance, cash flow, these were secured. doing. For the target company or owners of every potential flaw will provide the purchaser the investment of time and effort into the non-payment and insolvency). Risk Martin Collingwood the target project, the process may well be or investor with ammunition to negotiate a diligence process might feel wasted if the registers are commonly used to assess Construction Law Specialist a time consuming and often painful one. reduction in the purchase price, or increased deal is not done, but the wise will draw risk and identify the percentage Andrew Jackson Solicitors warranties or indemnities from the seller. a line under flawed deals and move on, possibility of them occurring. without regret. • From a contractor’s point of view due Click to view more info The bigger picture diligence should be undertaken not only Keep the bigger picture in view. With larger Pamela Todd, in relation to the project and the projects, larger teams will be engaged Partner contract it has been asked to enter into in examining different aspects of the Harper Macleod LLP but also in relation to the employer and target. As well as checking the detail of any principal sub-contractors it engages. the documents presented by the project owner, however it is important to look Recent examples of the undertaking of due for the cracks between them; satisfying diligence and its effect in which the writer yourself that each of the contracts has been involved have included both on presented in respect of a supply chain is and offshore projects. important but it is also important to ensure that there are no links missing.

40 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 41 Wind Monitoring Wind Monitoring

Maximising the value of wind measurement Prioritisation and decision making Alongside accurate and secure data equipment collection, a good wind data management service will also provide project prioritisation and decision making tools. Continuously Prevailing is a resource assessment More subtle, but perhaps more significant, updated analysis results such as long-term consultancy providing a wide range are issues which if left undetected, will correlation provide an early indication of of high quality technical services to result in poor quality data. Instruments may wind farm performance, long before a year the wind industry worldwide. The remain functional, but close inspection of data is available. Prevailing Wind Data Management can reveal faults or changes that prevent Service helps clients maximise confident onward use of the data. This Confidence in this prediction increases the value of wind measurement lack of confidence translates to higher gradually as the data set grows, providing equipment installed on their site. assessment uncertainty and worse an accurate input for financial modelling Monitoring and fault identification financing terms. before a formal assessment is completed. leaves them better informed, while The Prevailing Wind Data Management preventing delays and costs. Commons issues include… Service provides automatic long-term There is clearly a serious issue with one of these wind • Anemometer or wind vane degradation resource estimates each week, for a fast vanes – if this data had been regularly monitored this Collection of good quality wind data is a • Instrument mounting errors and efficient route to project finance. problem could have been remedied. vital step to financing a project. Financial • Wiring, logger and charging system faults grade energy prediction requires at least • Boom shifts or instruments becoming a year of on-site wind data collected loose on their mountings Prevailing Wind Data Management with a well specified mast. Problems • Undocumented maintenance and Service with the monitoring equipment can changes result in missing or incorrect data. • Missing or incorrect documentation

These issues are common and can Failure to detect these faults during the range from anemometer failure to a monitoring phase can result in a need complete mast collapse – identifying to extend or repeat the measurement these issues early maximises data campaign, causing major delays to the coverage. project.

Trained and responsive team Prevailing ensures that all monitored masts are checked daily by an attentive and responsive team of wind analysts. All staff are fully trained in financial grade analysis, able to advise with confidence on any detected faults, and work with maintenance contractors to ensure rapid resolution.

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Inch Cape Offshore Installation The installation of the unit was carried out by SgurrEnergy who designed and fabricated the unique support structure Limited Lights Up Wind which secures the ZephIR device near the top of the lighthouse. Farm with ZephIR Critically, the design and installation was optimised to reduce time spent offshore to minimise impacts on the lighthouse operation and the structure itself and keep Lidar, Supported by project costs as economically viable as possible. Successful installation was completed safely by a range of specialists under the supervision of SgurrEnergy and the Northern SgurrEnergy Lighthouse Board. Enhancing understanding of offshore September 2014 saw an iconic installation of wind monitoring conditions Stephen Kerr, Inch Cape Project Director said: “We are equipment that combined both traditional and modern equipment but delighted that the ZephIR 300 lidar has been installed with one thing in common – light. safely, on time, and is performing well. Wind data collected from this location will greatly enhance our Bell Rock lighthouse understanding of the conditions offshore. We have The historic Bell Rock lighthouse, 17km off the Angus coast is now worked closely with the ZephIR team and the Northern home to a ZephIR 300 wind lidar thanks to Inch Cape Offshore Lighthouse Board throughout the design and deployment Limited capable of measuring wind speed and direction from the on this iconic lighthouse and thank all parties for their platform up to 200 metres without the need for conventional mast- ongoing support.” based anemometry. Landmark project The equipment will augment wind measurements from onshore Ian Locker, Managing Director: “It is fantastic to see sources and from a dedicated offshore met mast that is expected such a landmark project delivering the installation of the to be installed in 2014. original lidar technology, ZephIR 300, with the support and backing of SgurrEnergy, for developer Inch Cape The wind data provides a real opportunity to enhance the energy Offshore in this exciting Inch Cape Wind Farm project. assessment and revenue forecasting, which is an essential part of design refinement and the overall business case for the project. “Offshore, ZephIR is the first choice of lidar with its unique low 10 metre measurements essential when deployed on taller structures such as this lighthouse.

“Further, with no need for annual calibration and an extensive service interval as standard, ZephIR makes perfect sense in applications where lidars need to be left installed for long periods of time such as offshore, mounted on turbines, and for long-term Energy Assessment campaigns onshore.”

ZephIR Lidar

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How and where do I measure? Well, ideally at the proposed turbine hub height in a location central to the planned Though not a problem when measuring It’s all wind farm layout and at an appropriate the wind resource in flat homogenous sites distance from complex features such where the flow through the volume is fairly as steep slopes or forestry. Logistically, uniform, this can be a problem in complex however, this is not always possible. terrain where you can expect highly turbulent about non-uniform flow through the measurement Wind speed can vary greatly from one part of volume. This can cause additional uncertainty a site to another and, unfortunately, it is not in the measured data – something we most the economically viable to measure everywhere. definitely need to avoid. Choose a measurement location that best represents the ‘average’ flow conditions on Do I need to measure anything Data! the site and then use an appropriate wind else? model to assess the wind flow conditions at Yes! – although wind speed is the most the proposed turbine locations. important measurement to assess how When looking at the financial much energy your site will produce, wind feasibility of any given renewable The most common way to measure wind direction also needs to be measured in energy project, quantifying speed is to install a meteorological mast order to optimise your wind farm layout and the available resource is the with a set of cup anemometers in a central minimise the energy loss due to turbine cornerstone of a successful location away from steep slopes or ridges. wake effects. project. While there are a number However, the size and complexity of the of ways this can be achieved, site influence measurement strategy; the Also, as the available power in the wind for the vast majority of projects bigger and the steeper the site, the more depends on the density of the air, the there is no substitution for onsite measurement positions you’ll need to avoid measurement system should include measurements. uncertainties at individual turbine locations. temperature and pressure sensors to calculate the site average air density. 5 fundamental questions Extrapolating wind speed using the shear Ian Ravey, Head of Measurement profile will increase your overall uncertainty How do I bring it all together? Services at RES, answers 5 fundamental too, particularly on complex or thermally There are a number of issues you will questions on how to achieve excellent driven sites where the shear profile is difficult need to address during the planning wind data. to model. To reduce uncertainty in long term and measurement design phase: power predictions, measure at hub height. supplies, data management, site access Where do I start? logistics to name but a few! You will want Good question! – having decided to take What is the best technology for to maximise your return on investment by a project from the pre-feasibility to full my site? ensuring high data availability and no gaps. site assessment phase, you must define We firmly believe that Remote Sensing your objectives regarding data quality, Devices (RSD’s) and meteorological masts Keeping sight of your objectives and using availability and uncertainty and plan your are complementary technologies. We own qualified, experienced contractors, who fully measurement campaign (and budget!) and operate 10 such devices and they understand all aspects of the process (as Installing a mast on-site or renting and around them. form an essential tool in assessing flow at well as the impact of poor installation) from deploying a RSD is an expensive process. specific turbine locations across large sites or the system design to the mast installation, It can be easy to get caught up in the Choosing inappropriate instrumentation, reducing shear uncertainty where installing a is a big advantage. cost of the installation or the time taken to technology, mast or measurement hub height mast is not a possibility. get it right and there is a temptation to try configurations can have a major impact and cut corners through cheaper sensors on measurement uncertainty, which in While RSD’s offer many logistical and safety or inappropriate equipment, masts or turn directly impacts financial uncertainty. advantages over large masts, and can contractors. Getting measurements wrong can delay characterise the wind field up to 300m above projects, seriously impact on financial ground, there are fundamental differences in Obtaining high quality data takes time and return, and in some cases completely kill how RSD’s and point measurement systems needs planning, so ensuring you have off the project. such as anemometers operate. the best advice and that your project team understand the imperatives, will go Understanding this at the start of the Unlike an anemometer, which measures a long way to a successful measurement project planning phase is key and the wind flow at a single point in space, campaign making all the effort worthwhile. should be the main driver throughout LiDARs and SoDARs are volumetric sensors, your measurement campaign. measuring the flow at points on the outside of If I could offer one piece of advice it would a measurement cone at the required heights. be to never lose sight of why you are doing Simple trigonometry is used to calculate this – it is quite literally is all about the data! horizontal and vertical wind speeds directly above the device. This means that the higher the measurement the greater the volume. RES (Renewable Energy Systems)

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How will met masts of the future collect their data? As remote sensing is maturing, met masts must enhance their strengths in order to provide measurements complimentary to those taken by SODAR and LIDAR. A key strength of met masts is precision – the ability to state ‘at this point in space, the windspeed is exactly this’, rather than ‘within this volume, the average windspeed is this.’

How can this ability be improved? Our Advantages of serial for all Imagine too, that a need has been own data management guru and senior instruments recognised for an additional instrument instrumentation engineer at Chillwind, Because serial communications are digital, – this new instrument can be mounted, Thomas Chase, discusses advances in they are unaffected by long leads. power and data lines connected, and it will data collection methods. Properly designed and implemented, introduce itself to the logger which will then they are practically immune to noise, and automatically start recording the data sent. Current situation error correction closes the gap between A met mast datalogger receives data from ‘practically’ and ‘totally’. Problems to overcome its instruments in a range of methods. Currently, the idea of a complete plug- Analogue voltages and currents are used, Besides from improved accuracy, what and-play instrument set on a met mast as are frequency signals and some serial other advantages can we gain from has hurdles to overcome – first would be signals. using a serial communications bus for all the definition of a standard protocol for instruments? instruments to handshake with the logger Each of these has inherent strengths and send data and metadata. and weaknesses: analogue signals are The answer goes beyond data to simple to implement, but susceptible metadata. This ‘data about data’ provides Second is cost – the ideas posited here are to interference, can be affected by the a context for the data itself. For example, technically feasible, and inspired by current long wires necessary, and require stable each instrument could send its data to the technology in the automotive sector, but circuitry for accuracy. Frequency signals logger, packaged with its serial number, development of these instruments would offer a good combination of accuracy and and the instrument’s current state of health. take time and therefore money. In the simplicity, but don’t offer much scope for end, this money spent will recoup itself via the transmission of more than a single Now measurement campaigns generally increased data assurance. value per wire. last beyond the life of an instrument, refurbishments are routine. Instruments Chillwind Ltd A range of serial protocols are in use, and that provide their metadata will eliminate are essential with instruments like ultrasonic programme changes, and that perennially anemometers because of the sheer awkward need to change calibrations in number of different parameters they can the logger synchronously with changing the measure. instrument.

Given that each instrument will need an internal microprocessor to engage in serial communications, they will also have the capability to have their calibration values programmed in at the wind tunnel.

48 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 49 Marine Surveys feature sponsor feature sponsor Marine Surveys

Providing high-resolution interactive 3D visualisation tools

ADUS DeepOcean has established itself as the Significant value world leader in shipwreck survey and visualisation, So, in ‘asset management’ terms the value of high resolution metrical data subsea working for international salvage companies and is significant, allowing a precise and government agencies, on large-scale wreck removal measurable ‘snapshot’ of the asset to be and monitoring projects. created at a point in time, with an ability to easily derive accurate measurements The company’s work has expanded to Costa Concordia directly from the data. include the visualisation of a variety of other Precise assessment of the damage manmade structures subsea, which require sustained on the starboard side of the This can then provide an effective means by detailed investigation and monitoring, such Costa Concordia was possible as a which change over time can be assessed – as oil & gas seabed infrastructure, and result of the ADUS DeepOcean survey a fundamental in terms of successful asset offshore renewables assets. They have conducted immediately after the ship was management, and essential for the purposes recently completed a contract to survey all pulled upright in September 2013, an event of informing subsequent intervention in field assets for SSE’s Greater Gabbard which was covered by the world’s media. strategy in the renewables and oil & gas Offshore Wind Farm. sectors in particular. Growing demand High profile surveys In response to growing demand for ultra Ongoing R&D programme Previous high profile surveys have included high resolution (sub-centimetre) surveys ADUS DeepOcean have an ongoing R&D that of the sunken Deepwater Horizon oil for inspection maintenance and repair programme based at Dundee University rig in the Gulf of Mexico, which lies at a (IMR) protocols, the company has recently and are continuing to exploit advances in depth of 5000ft, and was the cause of the undertaken a series of trials in order to visualisation technologies specifically for the largest oil spill in US history, and the Costa quantify the resolution achievable for benefit of oil & gas and renewables sectors. Concordia in Italy. dynamic surveys (i.e. from a moving vessel or ROV) using terrestrial and subsea lasers. Mark Lawrence MPhil Of interest to those engaged in subsea Managing Director operations is that unprecedented levels of Lasers were used to image and measure ADUS DeepOcean detail can now be obtained on structures a concrete target (in air and then almost regardless of depth, utilising recent subsequently underwater) with calibrated Click to view more info advances in high frequency multi beam sonar indentations and deformities of known technology and also subsea laser, combined dimensions designed to simulate ice with improved positioning capabilities and scarring. = Click to view video the unique methodologies and visualisations developed by the company. Trial results The results of the trials showed that sub- centimeter resolution can be achieved dynamically using subsea laser systems (i.e. deployed from a moving survey vessel in this instance). Scarring and surface defects of less than 20mm could be identified. Information derived from standard hydrographic surveys or video footage is readily available to those engaged in asset management but often lacks detail or is not metrical in nature.

Costa Concordia immediately after Parbuckling operation in September 2013

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First Flight Wind convenes fourth Stakeholder Panel

The venue for the fourth independent The independent community He then welcomed two new panellists - the community stakeholder panel meeting stakeholder panel formed in February new Chair of the Newcastle Chamber of was the Life Adventure Centre in Annalong. 2013, with its function to ensure that Commerce Eric Ruddle and Padraig O’Hora The First Flight Wind First Flight Wind remains committed from Louth County Council. Community Stakeholder At the meeting the panel was updated to informing and consulting with the Panel held their fourth on key project milestones for First Flight community on the development of the First Flight Wind meeting at the Life Wind, including the conclusion of some offshore wind project. Adventure Centre in offshore surveys. First Flight Wind is a consortium comprising Annalong. Personnel update B9 Energy, DONG Energy and RES Community engagement The Chair of the group, Dr Conor (L-R): Chair of the First They were also presented with proposals Patterson paid tribute to outgoing Flight Wind Community for community engagement activity for members of the panel, Audrey Byrne Stakeholder Panel Dr Conor the onshore grid connection works. This former Chair of the Newcastle Chamber Patterson welcomes new engagement is expected to begin in 2015 of Commerce, Michael Curran, formerly panellists, Eric Ruddle Chair and the panel’s input was welcomed. Louth County Council, and Councillor of the Newcastle Chamber Jimmy McCreesh who stepped down of Commerce and Padraig as a Newry and Mourne Councillor O’Hora of Louth County earlier this year. Council.

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Orcadian success “Insurers consider subsea

power cable connections Solution CableFish solves these issues by riding to be the most critical down the cable from the installation vessel. element of offshore wind From this stable platform a range of sensors and instruments can be operated farms today, with cable including cameras, an altimeter, a motion sensor and a USBL beacon. A custom- related issues amounting designed winch is used to control the depth of CableFish, and the video and to 80% of the claim costs.” data feeds are fed directly into the vessel’s DNV GL survey system.

The installation of subsea power cables in shallow waters is notoriously risky. Thankfully, the application of new guidelines and technological innovation are addressing the challenges faced by the industry.

Touch-down monitoring North Sea Systems have just completed trials in Orkney of a survey system that provides a cost effective solution for Orkney trials touchdown monitoring and cable route survey at wind farms. North Sea Systems trialled CableFish at the Their CableFish system is specifically designed to undertake these European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), operations, which it does using a survey platform that rides down Orkney, in November. The system was put the cable to the touch-down point. through its paces in these tidally-renowned waters and results have been impressive with high quality real-time video imagery and coordinates reliably relayed to the vessel via its fibre optic umbilical.

CableFish can be operated in up to 6 knots currents, does not impede the speed of cable lay and can be adjusted for different cable diameters. With its purpose built and wirelessly operated winch, the system is Challenge also very safe to use and has been fully The imperative of a cable survey is to tested to offshore standards. obtain detailed, accurate and continuous monitoring and recording of the entire Commercially ready cable route. The challenge at wind farms CableFish is around 25% the cost of an is that these cables must be threaded equivalent ROV survey and represents around infrastructure and obstacles while another exciting opportunity for the industry negotiating shallow water, strong tides and to reduce risk and drive down the cost of unpredictable sea states. Vessels become wind energy. North Sea Systems are now restricted in their movement due to the working with offshore operators to tailor the constraints of a ROV and such methods system to their specific needs. become impractical and costly. North Sea Systems

54 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 55 Cultural Heritage feature sponsor Feature sponsor Cultural Heritage

The challenge Specialist advice CgMs (which has recently become part managing the past while delivering of the RPS Group) has developed a This has led to current position where specialism in advising on-shore wind harm to the setting and significance of farm developers, and their environmental energy for the future a listed building arising from a proposed advisors, on the impacts of proposed development, such as a wind farm, having schemes on the historic environment. The UK is famous for its heritage, Principal issues In the event that a proposed wind farm to be regarded as more harmful than many CgMs is the largest independent heritage and rightly so. The country contains a The principle issues presented by the will have a direct physical impact on other environmental considerations and consultancy with offices across the UK, wealth of archaeological and historic historic environment are the potential archaeological remains, there may be However, it remains a potentially complex thereby requiring a higher level of public providing advice on resolving the often features ranging from the remains physical impact upon buried archaeological a need for mitigation works such as contentious issue for single to multi turbine benefit from the proposed development to conflicting demands of conservation of human ancestors 500,000 years remains and the potential impact on the micro-siting turbines to avoid the remains on-shore schemes in relation to nearby justify this harm. and achieving profitable & sustainable ago, to prehistoric monuments such setting of listed buildings, scheduled or archaeological excavation ahead of individual or multiple designated heritage renewable energy developments. as Stonehenge, the Standing Stones monuments, registered parks and gardens, construction commencing. assets. Given the height of wind turbines, a of Stenness ; Roman remains such World Heritage Sites, conservation areas proposed wind farm or single turbine The company prides itself in understanding as Hadrian’s Wall and the towns of and other designated heritage assets. Greatest risk Barnwell Manor wind farm frequently has the potential to effect the our client’s business and projects and Silchester and Wroxeter; numerous It is the issue of the potential effect on the A recent Court of Appeal ruling on the setting many listed buildings within a wide responding positively to their aims and medieval castles & churches Due to the relatively small size of the setting of designated heritage assets that proposed Barnwell Manor Wind Farm area, so consequently, Section 66 of objectives. The company’s services are throughout the country; 18th & 19th footprint of wind turbines and their poses the greatest risk from heritage to the has resulted in the implications of Section the 1990 Act poses a particularly tough tailor made for each client to provide century country mansions, frequently associated infrastructure, wind farms and securing of planning permission for wind 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and challenge to the wind industry. a responsive and flexible approach to within designed grounds and parklands; single turbines generally do not to have farms and single turbines. Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to the instructions on a project by project basis. 19th century industrial remains through significant direct impacts upon below industry being extenuated. Section 66 Overcoming potential problems to WWII and Cold War structures. ground archaeological remains. However, The issue of what constitutes setting has requires that a Local Planning Authority and The key to overcoming these potential CgMs local planning authorities increasingly been the subject of a long debate within the the Secretary of State should have special problems is the early involvement of Recent planning difficulties expect at least some for of archaeological heritage profession but following inclusion regard to the desirability of preserving a heritage consultants in project planning in Click to view more info Over recent years the historic environment evaluation to be undertaken pre- of a definition of setting in Annex 2 of the listed building or its setting. order to flush out, pin down and resolve has become an increasingly problematic for determination of planning applications. NPPF and the guidance issued by English the key heritage issues while there is scope wind farm developers promoting on-shore Heritage in 2011 entitled Setting of Heritage for flexibility in the numbers and layout of wind farm schemes through the planning Considerable variance Assets, there is a greater degree of clarity turbines. system. Although wind farms tend not to The scope of such work can vary on what is the setting of a heritage asset have particularly significant direct impacts enormously from scheme to scheme than there was previously. This enables greater certainty in delivering upon archaeological remains, historic across the country and consequently can a robust historic environment assessment buildings and the historic landscape, there present a financial and planning risk at early in planning applications and Environmental is a perception by many involved in the project planning. Typically archaeological Statements and a stronger case when the planning system, that the presence of wind evaluations for proposed wind farms historic environment becomes contentious turbines in the landscape can have drastic comprise of a geophysical survey but may issue at a Public Inquiry. adverse impacts upon the setting of these also include other techniques such as trial heritage assets. trenching or fieldwalking.

56 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 57 Cultural Heritage feature sponsor Feature sponsor Cultural Heritage

Some of the key risks associated Cultural heritage Risk with the historic environment include… looking back to the future management • The severity of potential direct and Brandon Mason, Business Development Manager for Maritime Archaeology Ltd, Joined up thinking indirect impacts of the development looks at the opportunities and risks afforded by cultural heritage. In the future, this knowledge is set to go and post- • Financial and time risks associated with further. The PriME-C project (Partnering the uncertainties of the consenting The future of the wind industry may Utilising the past for Risk Management and Engagement consent process – will a development gain Avoiding pitfalls be bright. With new international wind At Maritime Archaeology Ltd, they believe on the Coast) is joining together the work support consent based on the full understanding In this way potential pitfalls can be avoided developments and South Humber set that cultural heritage is a greatly underused from nine EU projects to establish current of the regulatory systems in place? and support can be provided to developers to play a key role in renewables, it’s an resource beyond planning and consent. best practices in coastal risk management perspectives • Financial risk associated with balance of at every stage of the post-consent exciting time for the years to come – but For example, beyond identifying the impact and engagement across the Channel – expenditure during both the pre and post- process. Of note is the guidance for the what of the impact on our past? on designated and undesignated historic Southern North Sea region. of a marine consent phases – will the quality development of effective WSI’s for offshore features such as submerged landscapes, and quantity of data gathered satisfy development and the Offshore Renewables Internationally, policies and guidance studies of environmental conditions on It is highlighting the need to gain a firm cultural the requirements of the regulator, industry Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries on the impact on cultural heritage for historic vessels can also inform planning understanding of environmental risks, guidance and best practice? (ORPAD) which is funded by the Crown wind project developers are often limited decisions for turbine foundations and pro-actively plan to adapt to change and heritage • Physical risk to a development post- Estate and administered by WA Coastal to environmental impact assessments contribute to coastal process surveys. encourage local ownership in coastal consent – will the location of infrastructure and Marine. This includes the provision of (EIA), protection guidance and mitigation management. provider take account of not only the identified free awareness training for developers and strategies. Indeed, at a push, the Heritage can also be an invaluable tool archaeological remains, but also the more their sub-contractors. development and consents process only for developers seeking stakeholder and Therefore it seems that the past can and With the continuing development nebulous anomalies, including sub- accounts for around 4% of a wind farms community buy-in. Statistics and media should play a part in shaping the future of of the regulatory framework the seabed features and deposits? Effective partnership working capital costs* so it’s not too surprising that headlines provide plenty of evidence of our coastlines - way beyond the limits of marine historic environment is Lastly, it is important to stress that these – along with other EIA areas – reaching an people passionate about the historic just mitigation. increasingly regarded as one of the Taking these risks into account and once aims are best achieved through effective agreeable strategy for cultural heritage can environment. This is why they always key considerations when managing consent has been granted, how can partnership working ensuring consensus is be deemed as a quick win. recommend developers engage an Brandon Mason potential risks to a development. developers and the regulator be confident achieved throughout the life of a project. archaeologist early on to assist not only Business Development Manager that a potential crisis has been effectively Obligation or opportunity? in assessment but also to consult on Maritime Archaeology Ltd Leading cultural heritage identified and mitigated? Wessex Archaeology Coastal and Both on land and offshore, a demonstrating responsible development. provider Marine development’s effect on cultural heritage Wessex Archaeology Coastal and Marine are Some of the key considerations Click to view more info needs to be carefully managed. Wind farms New approaches for future a leading cultural heritage provider, offering include… evoke passionate public reactions which, solutions pre and post consent support to offshore • The importance that advice to clients is at times, carry the risk of cultural nimbyism, Some of the most exciting developments *Crown Estate: Guide to an Offshore renewables developments since 2001. given as early as possible and is well especially at public consultation stages. for using cultural heritage are in Integrated Wind Farm 2013 argued, consistent, in line with the Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). As Their experience has shown that effective regulatory framework and project-specific Furthermore, beyond archaeological and part of an Interreg funded EU project, a management of the key risks associated issues identified in the Environmental geophysical assessments, core sampling study recently sought to use undervalued with the marine historic environment Statement. and other studies involved in EIA reporting, resources to address data gaps in (such as the remains of ships, aircraft and • Direct discussion with the development complex (and sometimes expensive) measuring long term coastal change. submerged prehistory) is dependent on early design team to ensure a full understanding mitigation strategies can leave industry identification in the pre-consent phases of of the key cultural heritage risks and how perceiving cultural heritage to be on the The Arch-Manche project used a development which will provide a sound best to mitigate them. opposing side to progress. archaeology, historic art and maps in basis for effective mitigation and support into • Ensuring there is a robust Written Scheme combination to provide an innovative the post-consent construction phase. of Investigation (WSI) and protocols perspective on long-term coastal impact developed through consultation with the and a tool-set for coastal managers. regulator and the developer. • Ensuring the historic environment has been fully considered through the provision for archaeological specialists to engage in surveys – during the design, deployment, and assessment phase.

Thanet wind farm under construction © Wessex Archaeology

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Visual residential amenity Residential Visual Amenity Study Such a residential visual amenity test has issues how to adopt a robust been rehearsed through a number of approach . . . Inspectors’ appeal decisions. Undertaking a Residential Visual Amenity These are examples of factors that can Precautionary approach Study (RVAS), at the application or appeal mitigate and militate against the visual The perceived impact Typically environmental assessments will stage, provides the opportunity to address impact upon a property so whilst a turbine on the views and not forensically examine the impact on this issue by examining the nearest may be visible, it may not be so dominant outlook of nearby the nearest residential properties to a residential properties to establish whether that it would cause an unacceptable level proposed turbine. In the absence of such a proposed turbine would have an of harm to a property’s visual amenity. residential properties is information, a case officer will adopt a overbearing or overwhelming affect upon increasingly appearing precautionary approach. the property’s outlook. Time and effort as a reason cited when The time and effort incurred in undertaking Detailed information A RVAS reviews the hierarchy of the the robust forensic approach of a RVAS refusing planning One reason is all that is required for property’s elevations and their orientation can help secure planning consents permission for wind a refusal either by the local planning in relation to the proposals, the degree of and deliver operational wind energy energy development. authority or at an appeal. It is therefore fenestration, use of the rooms on each developments. key that sufficient detailed information is floor, the distance of the property from submitted to demonstrate to the case the proposed development, the views Pegasus Planning officer or inspector that relevant affected from the property’s curtilage including the properties, when viewed objectively in the garden and other areas, the horizontal Click to view more info public interest, will remain an attractive and vertical arc of view affected by the place in which to live with the wind energy turbines, and the screening effect of development operational. vegetation and built form in the intervening distance.

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State-of-the-art Kongsberg full mission bridge simulator Meeting the elements, including working at height These refinements and advances in Meeting Round 3 requirements and platform integrity, FOET, which their extensive programme of training Green Port Hull is planned to be operational includes helicopter escape exercises complement major improvements to to meet Round 3 requirements in early 2016. demands of the and emergency breathing instruction, There has been a steep increase in the facilities, boosted to a high degree by a The start of production at the blade factory is and BOSIET, which meets initial offshore number of people required to transfer multi-million pound upgrade last year which scheduled to be in the middle of 2016 with safety and emergency response training from vessel to platform and a significant included the installation of a state-of-the-art full production levels reached from mid-2017 energy sector requirements. recent development has been Renewable Kongsberg full mission bridge simulator. onwards. UK (RUK) and Global Wind Organisation (GWO) – the industry bodies responsible for Investment Long term relationship safety – formulating a single programme, A £3.3m programme of classroom and South Shields Marine School has had a long Marine Safety Training (MST) that provides workshop development of marine workshops and fruitful relationship with the Humber and the skills to work safely within this field both and associated classrooms will increase the Hull. in the UK and worldwide. marine school’s capacity for engineering and technology training, including welding Paul commented: “We have a commitment The two-day accredited MST course certifications, in the years ahead. to the Humber region, providing ongoing provides the basic training and competence training and work for other operators using required for those intending to work in the Providing world-class training the river. offshore wind energy sector, addressing the to industry significant health and safety issues. South Shields Marine School is a leading “We have worked on many different provider of training to industry, as evidenced projects on the Humber over the years. In marine training it is more than confident by its recent work with Green Port Hull, in These include trials for Immingham Outer that existing standards are being met and which it successfully delivered navigational Harbour, Humber Sea Terminal, Able UK, new regulations implemented. assessment and study on the impact of the Humber Bulk Terminal and the Grimsby £165m Green Port Hull project. Outer Harbour Car Carrier Terminal which came into service last year. Green Port Hull is a landmark moment for the Humber region, promising re- “As well as Pilotage Training, we work generation and the creation of around with other Port users, such as P&O Ferries 1,000 jobs - 550 at the blade factory and and Cobelfret/ Euroship Sevices. We have 450 at Green Port Hull. modelled ships for both these companies and they regularly send Masters and Mates The marine school re-modelled the 3D to us for Shiphandling and Tug Assistance geographical area and developed suitable training.” wind turbine installation vessels for the trials, after being approached by ABP Impressive professional approach Humber. This allowed ABP and Siemens Gary Clay, a Humber Pilot and Principal to run berthing manoeuvres as well as full Consultant at Extremis Marine, said: “As river estuary transits, in order to identify any a long-term customer of South Shields Capturing the sources of energy The best training providers balance And it leads the way potential problem areas. Marine Schools’ Simulation Centre, we are needed to power the modern world is experience of running their core curriculum in Compressed Air continually impressed with their innovative a sizeable challenge - which places courses with an ability to respond quickly Emergency Breathing Working together and professional approach to projects. constant demands for expertise on and effectively to changes in industry System (CA-EBS) Paul Hodgson, Technical and Projects those working to do it. requirements. training, which Manager at South Shields Marine School, “With a wealth of simulation knowledge became mandatory said: “We are delighted to have been from a dedicated team of backroom and That is why it is an arena best served South Shields Marine School for everyone travelling working with ABP, supporting them and lecturing staff they are one of the few when the needs of industry and individual (SSMS) offshore by helicopter partners Siemens with this project. simulation centres in Europe to offer an come together so that the right training South Shields Marine School, South on September 1, as all-round package with ‘in-house’ area and is provided for each specific working Tyneside College, combines these two well as HUET which provides helicopter Responding to industry needs “South Shields Marine School is a leading vessel modeling coupled with state-of-the- environment. elements to meet the demands of the passengers with an understanding of For example, it has responded to major provider of training and technical support art simulation suites and briefing rooms. A long-standing oil and gas industry and the escape procedures. revisions of the STCW, otherwise known to industry, as evidenced by our recent first class centre for marine simulation.” newer, fast-changing and rapidly growing as the Manila amendments whose new work with Green Port Hull, as well as offshore renewables sector. Offshore renewables sector requirements include training in modern FRSU Jebel Ali, Dubai Supply Authority, South Shields Marine School The marine school has also quickly technology, leadership, management and Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors South Tyneside College Training for offshore oil and gas remains adapted its vast experience to meet teamwork and piracy awareness. Consortium, Henry Abrams and the one of their key sectors and SSMS, which the training challenges of the offshore Aircraft Carrier Alliance. has established a world-wide reputation for renewables sector where legislation has South Shields Marine School also inspires excellence since the 19th Century, is at its grown more rigorous in meeting the safety people to specialise by learning specific “Our simulator facilities allowed us to 3D forefront in this region and beyond. needs of this new technology. skills through training in such areas model the port area and a suitable vessel, Click to view more info as electrical maintenance and marine capable of manoeuvring within Green Experience installation and controls, which includes Port Hull and installing wind turbines. It has a wealth of experience in operating instruction in basic control theory. high-quality courses, such as MIST, “These simulation exercises allow the berth which introduces fundamental safety designs to be fully tested at the planning stage, prior to construction commencing.”

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New unique “We can now look at the way waves and currents move sediment on the seabed in deep water at a large scale and understand what this means for fixed or floating structures such as marine marine terminals, offshore wind turbines, wave and tidal energy devices, telecommunication and power cables and pipelines. modelling “Modelling large structures and arrays without compromising on scale will help us to reduce uncertainty, optimise designs and more effectively minimise project risks for our clients during the facilities very early stages of a project.” The Rt. Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH was amongst the first Ship simulation centre to see some of the world’s most sophisticated marine The UK Ship Simulation Centre houses the latest evolution of HR modelling facilities in operation recently when he officially Wallingford’s advanced navigation simulation technology: four opened HR Wallingford’s UK Ship Simulation Centre real-time ship simulators, including two dedicated tug simulators. and the Fast Flow Facility at Howbery Business Park in Each simulator is a functioning ship or tug’s bridge surrounded by a Oxfordshire. 360-degree simulated environment.

Developments in the ocean can be high risk; fast moving deep water, The four simulators can be run separately or together to Vision and foresight powerful waves and the ever shifting seabed present significant allow different vessels in the same simulated environment to Dr Jane Smallman, HR Wallingford’s Managing Director, said: technical challenges. These new facilities will be used by HR interact. They can also link with the six simulators located in HR “I’d like to thank Lord Heseltine for joining us to open the UK Wallingford to simulate the conditions in coastal and offshore waters, Wallingford’s Fremantle Ship Simulation Centre in Australia. Ship Simulation Centre and the Fast Flow Facility. allowing them to to assess and improve the way structures perform in the complex marine environment before they are built for real. Dr Mark McBride, Manager of HR Wallingford’s Ship Simulation “These new world class facilities are part of a £3 million Centres, said: “Safe and reliable navigation is a fundamental development by HR Wallingford to extend our internationally Fast flow facility requirement of marine development projects, especially with recognised expertise in maritime and coastal engineering. The Fast Flow Facility is the most recent extension to HR the growing challenge to access new and more demanding Wallingford’s extensive physical modelling facilities. The 75m locations. We use the simulators to support the design of ports, “It’s the vision and foresight of our staff that drives these technical long, 8m wide dual-channel flume can hold a million litres of harbours and marine terminals, to refine operations in the developments forward, allowing us to give our clients advice and water, generate 1m high waves and produce fast tidal currents to marine environment and to provide specialist pilot training. solutions informed by leading edge science and technology.” simulate the way waves, tides, sediments and structures interact. “Our new simulator suite uses state-of-the-art technology and HR Wallingford Professor Richard Whitehouse, Technical Director of the Fast Flow they combine HR Wallingford’s extensive hydraulic modelling Facility, said: “What makes the Fast Flow Facility unique is the way capabilities with ship handling models. Click to view more info we can simulate sediment movement, big waves and fast tidal currents at the same time. No one else can do this, certainly not “What adds real value for our clients is the support of our expert at such a large scale. team of experienced maritime engineers, master mariners, pilots, = Click to view video tug masters, naval architects and software modelling experts, all underpinned by HR Wallingford’s broader maritime and coastal engineering capabilities.”

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Alex commented, “Having the operational background is very beneficial when it comes to teaching because there is no Service and Quality is Never an Accident Demand for training better way to direct people and help them learn than through It is Always the Result of Intelligent Effort your own experience.

Opportunity courses drives staff ™ “When the opportunity came up to relocate to Aberdeen, SUBFLEX I did not hesitate to put myself forward for the role. The Aberdeen centre has an excellent reputation, not just within Cable Protection Systems expansion the company worldwide, but within the industry as a whole. SUBSEA ENERGY SOLUTIONS HAS BEEN FOUNDED AS I was very keen to be A DIRECT REQUEST FROM THE RENEWABLE ENERGY part of the centre as it INDUSTRY FOR THE NECESSITY FOR INCREASED continues to thrive. COMPETITION, REDUCED SYSTEM COSTS AND ENHANCED SOLUTIONS, WITHIN A LIMITED CABLE “I was aware that PROTECTION SYSTEM MARKET PLACE. it was a very busy centre, but nothing DEMAND FOR COST REDUCTION could have prepared Subsea Energy Solutions, an ISOQAR 9001 : 2008 Alex Valverde, me for such a high registered company, has risen to the urgent industry dynamic positioning level of demand. challenge for the demand for offshore wind farm long training instructor. We are working with term sustainability, through means of cost reduction. students not just from With industry assistance, Subsea Energy Solutions the UK, but from all can signifi cantly contribute towards the reduction of over Europe and the offshore wind farm design, construction, operational, United States. They maintenance and de-commissioning costs. are prepared to travel EXPERIENCE & INDUSTRY ADVICE because of our track With our industry and project wide experience, the record in delivering unique patent pending SUBFLEX TM Cable Protection very high quality System offers many unrivalled and unparalleled training courses.” technical and commercial features. Subsea Energy Solutions have sought industry Specialised advice during the development of the SUBFLEX training TM Cable Protection System and taken into Euan Duncan, consideration many requirements such as purchase Training Manager at cost, rapid offshore assembly, rapid installation, Kongsberg Maritime rapid burial, enhanced cable protection, elimination Ltd, adds, “Due to of maintenance requirements, standardisation of components to name just a small selection of features. the specialised nature of the training that CABLE INSTALLATION IMPORTANCE we offer, it can be Offshore windfarm cable installation is a high difficult to recruit DP cost / high insurance claims theatre and it is well instructors with the documented that 70% of insurance claims from level of expertise and windfarm operators relate to cable damage, so there has never been a greater, more important time, skill that we require. for the renewable industry to come together and support a rapidly emerging company in developing a “We are very fortunate fully coordinated and fully standardised approach to that Alex made the monopile J-tube & J-tube-less installations. Specialist simulator training Attracting delegates globally decision to relocate to Aberdeen after building up a very The company has strengthened its team of instructors due to Delegates are travelling from locations across the world to successful career in Brazil. He will ensure that the training centre increased demand for its training courses for personnel in the marine access training on the K-Sim Offshore, which is the only one of is in the best possible position to react to the continued demand sector. Alex Valverde has joined as a dynamic positioning instructor its kind in the UK. The 3D simulator provides students with a for training from the industry, which shows no signs of slowing.” to deliver training on the firm’s K-Sim Offshore (Offshore Vessel realistic training environment to put into practice theory from the Simulator) - a specialist simulator which only a handful of people classroom. Kongsberg Maritime worldwide can provide instructor training on. Kongsberg Maritime Ltd has delivered 342 courses at its training He has joined the team at Westhilll from Kongsberg Maritime’s Click to view more info centre in Westhill, near Aberdeen, so far this year. This is an office in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. increase of almost 40% compared to the total number of courses run in 2013. The number of delegates attending courses this year Direct experience = Click to view video FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: has also increased by 25%. Starting his career as a deck officer on an anchor handling vessel and then a drill ship, Alex worked his way up to 3rd +44 (0) 1748 828580 officer DPO and gained direct experience in operating the systems in which he is now instructing. E [email protected] W www.subenesol.co.uk

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Every single staff member is required to complete GAC's in-house Compliance The benefit of wind and wave technology & Ethics course. The Group is also is, for some, yet to be proven. Public committed to the highest standards opinion is a major concern and where large One size related to Health, Safety, Security & the Renewable energy sector wind turbines should be located is the Environment (HSSE), underlined by its The renewable energy industry is an area of source of great debate. stringent global policy. And in the UK, wind growing interest throughout the GAC Group, does NOT fit all energy players have the further assurance worldwide. Colleagues throughout the world Some projects have failed to be sanctioned of GAC UK’s ISO9001:2008, FPAL and are following the activities of GAC UK in the because of the wishes of local residents to TRACE accreditation. sector, with a mind to applying the valuable proposed sites. And yet, a map of the UK in the wind energy lessons learned as renewable energy shows a significant – and rapidly expanding Hands-on operations develop in their own areas. – number of sites. Wind farms are here to Mollet and his team have had hands-on stay and the customer base is growing! support business experience of providing specialist services While wind farms are popping up in new for several key projects. That includes being areas across North West Europe and the GAC Group entrusted with the task of arranging the Americas, the market is maturing and “It takes special expertise and a lot On time, on spec and on budget transportation and delivery of oversized the number of companies involved in the Click to view more info of experience to deliver the specialist It works its global network, extensive turbines to the Irish Sea, as well as all the construction and maintenance is relatively support the renewables sector resources and experience in developing ship agency requirements for the vessel small, compared to other traditional demands,” says Anthony Mollet, GAC and executing complex project solutions that carried them from the Netherlands to shipping and marine sectors. UK’s General Manager. to provide safe and timely support to all Liverpool and co-ordinating the movement of Today and in the future aspects of the industry. Whether it's a single multiple vessels of different types and sizes in Says Mollet: “It is essential to understand Today, the drive to develop renewable He should know – the GAC Group has inland delivery or multinational, multimodal and out from busy ports and quaysides. the customers’ strategy and growth. energy sources is the focus for many been providing shipping, logistics and project, they have proven their ability to do GAC has built its own global network by governments and authorities. Developed, marine services for more than 50 years and the job on time, on spec and on budget. It was a complex task that required careful matching the needs of our customers wealthy nations which have the means has been involved in several major on and co-ordination and constant communication. and positioning ourselves where we to buy and refine crude oil or import coal offshore wind energy projects in the UK, Choose carefully That project and others like it, allowed the believe they will need our assistance and are instead choosing to lead the way with including Walney 1 & 2, London Array and "The well-worn adage ‘Let the buyer GAC team to demonstrate the value of expertise.” alternative technology and experimental Westermost Rough. beware‘ is just as important when local presence and expertise. scientific theory. selecting a support partner in the wind That track record has taught Mollet and energy business as it is when buying a “We found tremendous benefit arranging his colleagues – both in the UK and at second-hand car,” adds Mollet. weekly meetings with the customers’ GAC offices in more than 40 countries procurement managers on site to review around the world – that there is no ‘one “What may appear to be the cheapest purchases and performance. Issues size fits all’ solution to meeting the needs offer on paper could well turn out to be could be dealt with quickly and, most of the wind energy industry. It takes in- a costly choice once the hidden extras, importantly, queries about costs and depth understanding of the challenges unforeseen circumstances and costs, invoices were tackled on the spot. We involved, whether that's in delivering heavy invoicing discrepancies and other factors reduced ageing receivables and allowed lift equipment for the construction of new come to light. There's also a danger that the customer to have timely and accurate wind farms on and offshore, handling all the smaller, single service providers may not invoices and receipts from GAC,” agency needs of vessels or taking care of have adequate compliance systems in crew changes. place.” Mollet adds; “Such proximity to the operation and dialogue with key Industry knowledge and Mindful of the huge range of criteria that personnel allowed relationships built understanding have to be met, GAC operates worldwide on trust to grow and has ensured the “It’s not enough to simply tweak the in strict accordance with a comprehensive company is at the table for upcoming details of a range of traditional logistics Code of Ethics covering everything from projects elsewhere.” services or classic ship agency support to whistleblowing to anti-bribery. fit the needs of the wind energy market,” says Mollet. “The right supplier needs to really understand the industry and the problems and priorities it presents.”

The Group has spent years studying the renewable energy industry and putting the knowledge gained into action. It is currently the only company in the UK that has the multiple expertise and capabilities to provide a wide range of services specifically tailored to the needs of the sector.

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Wind industry More than Other cargoes handled range from gypsum and scrap to aggregates and project cargoes. The company also has experience in the wind energy sector by handling wind turbines including blades and towers and they are well placed to expand their presence within the wind sector and keep pace with the ever changing environment of the energy industry.

Trusted partner status 75 years The ability to rely on a trusted partner to look after your vessel and Are you looking for and counting… its cargo in port is vitally important. Some of the world’s leading organisations entrust DAN Shipping & Chartering to handle their a specialist service DAN Shipping & Chartering is one of the UK’s leading independent cargoes and ensure the safe arrival and departure of their vessels, relying on their expertise and strong local contacts to get things supplier with experience ship agents within the power and energy sectors. With a combined done with minimum fuss or delay. in the wind energy experience of over 75 years in the industry DAN handles in excess of John Good Group industry? 12m tons of dry bulk cargo each year, predominantly coal and biomass. As part of the wider John Good Group, the company can trace its roots in the ship agency business back to 1833. The John Good Group is proud to represent a portfolio of some of the world’s With 1300+ companies listed, it leading shipping lines with an enviable reputation as one of the is the website to find an expert UK’s largest and most experienced independent ship agents.

With its head office in Hull, DAN Shipping & Chartering is ideally positioned to develop its activities in the wind energy sector The on the Humber but also handles vessels on a regular basis in Immingham, Port of Tyne, Sunderland, Blyth, Hunterston and Ayr Click to view Communication through its own office network. There is vast experience within the more info Hub for the wider John Good Group of handling a full range of different vessel Wind Energy types and cargoes. Industry

Experience With DAN’s experience and first class reputation in the energy sector coupled with John Good’s liner and port agency activities, the John Good Group is well placed to cater for all shipping requirements.

Group Managing Director, Alan Platt said: “The John Good Group consists of a diverse range of companies allowing us to appeal to a wide range of blue chip customers whilst catering for a varied range of cargo types.

“Since our acquisition of DAN Shipping & Chartering in 2010, we have become a recognised and respected service provider and partner to a host of leading organisations in the power and energy industry. Handling in excess of 10m tons of bulk cargoes each year gives our customers the confidence that we have the knowledge and expertise to handle their vessels efficiently.”

Other services The John Good Group also offers a host of other services including general worldwide freight forwarding, RO/RO shipping, customs clearance, warehousing and trucking.

The company also has a corporate travel arm of the business – Good Travel Management – that can support business travel needs with a comprehensive travel management service to save time and reduce costs.

DAN Shipping & Chartering

Click to view more info

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Port of Experience In the past LV shipping have arranged A partnership Vessels handled Sunderland transport, storage, quay wall management Since setting up its Sunderland office, LV and plant hire for installation projects has worked with Port of Sunderland to First-class logistics provider inclusive but not restricted to offshore site to reinvigorate welcome vessels including the Maersk LV Shipping is a first-class logistics surveys, cable dredging and instalment, Responder for a six-week lay-by; Team provider that offers integrated solutions foundations and topsides. Oman, carrying out spooling operations; of outstanding quality and operational the waters around Peak Bergen, for a steel plate import project; excellence. Their global logistics network, With an extensive and up to date vendor They also have in-depth knowledge of and Sea Hawk, transporting cable reels from proven track record, cutting-edge IT list they can assist with mobilisations/ the project, offshore, dry cargo and heavy Norway on behalf of Reef Subsea. systems, in-house expertise and excellent demobilisation, project running, crew lift shipping industries, enabling them to Sunderland customer service is proof of their dedication change, agency services and project cost deliver a complete ship broking service, Infrastructure changes to fulfill a client’s requirements. management. LV prides itself on its ability can provide a service tailored to the specific A surge in traffic at a North East Confidence As well as investment in equipment that to complete important tasks needs of each customer, negotiating with port has helped cement a two-year He said: “LV's move to Port of Sunderland has bolstered the port's appeal, there have even in the most testing ship owners to acquire access to vessels relationship with a major global represented a major vote of confidence been significant changes to its infrastructure, circumstances and timescales. that are competitively priced and meet the shipping agent. in the port, given that - at the time - we with demolition projects and strategic land individual requirements of the job at hand. were relatively unknown as a port of call acquisitions to ensure the port is in the best Cost effective Port of Sunderland, which embarked on a for a range of projects that we are now in shape to attract further investment. It was chartering and Comprehensive package masterplan in 2010 to reinvigorate its waters, a position to undertake. announced that work will get started on project knowledge LV shipping is able to offer a has seen a rise in the number of vessels a new river crossing that will improve Port With their in-house Institute of comprehensive package for shipping and sailing into its berths. The increased traffic “We have seen real changes at Port of of Sunderland's links to key trunk roads chartered shipbrokers fellows engineering services incorporating… underlines a growing relationship with Dutch- Sunderland over the last four years, and the A1231, A19 and A1 over the next few they can arrange cost effective owned LV Shipping, which opened a local we're starting to see that some of the major months, and the port has also seen its chartering of vessels for • Vessel chartering office in Sunderland in March 2012, despite investment projects we have implemented rail connections re-established, some 20 equipment required to certain • Bunkering having an operation in neighbouring Teesport. - like the improved handling facilities we years since the lines into the port were timescales to ensure client’s • Design and fabrication of sea fastenings have, and work completed to ensure we decommissioned. projects run to very specific • Lift engineering Port investment have optimised our storage capacity - are and integral schedules. • Precision lifting and installation of major It is expected that, with enhanced handling adding real value to our offer. That's hugely packages capabilities following investment in two encouraging for the future for the port itself • Offshore marine support cranes, one of which is a heavy lift crane, as well as the guys at LV Shipping.” as well as a ro-ro ramp, the port will LV Shipping & Port of Sunderland continue to see the volume and scale of handling projects it fulfils increase.

Matthew Hunt, Director at Port of Sunderland, said that he was pleased the port had been able to validate the shipping agent's decision to open a permanent base on the banks of the River Wear.

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RenewableUK2014 The Manchester Chinn review Manchester was the venue for the the UK 36th RenewableUK annual conference Offshore Wind and exhibition with visors from all This is expected to grow to over 10GW over the world with companies and Supply Chain: by 2020, and to be a growing part of organisations from the wind, wave and the energy mix in the 2020s as the UK tidal sector displaying at the exhibition. A Review of decarbonises its economy and works to deliver the newly agreed ambitious EU We highlight the Conference and Exhibition, Opportunities greenhouse gas reduction targets for 2030. The Chinn Review, the Blade Repair and Inspection (BRAI) Launch and the and Barriers Scale of the opportunity ECOWindS Project. This independent review set out to This is such an important document for examine the scale of the opportunity for the industry that we believed we should the UK supply chain from offshore wind reproduce it within our magazine and deployment, to understand the supply Conference & website for greater awareness. chain’s current capability and readiness to compete, and to explore key barriers. Exhibition The below is the Executive Summary – the The aim was to make recommendations to whole document can be accessed through industry and Government about a handful Guest speakers the QR Code at the end of this article. of actions that could make a big difference Speakers included 150 experts speakers in the near term, and help industry and on the UK's technical expertise, latest Executive Summary Government deliver the twin goals of cost innovations, policy experience and Offshore wind has a very substantial role reduction and UK jobs and investment. leadership with… to play in decarbonising the UK’s power sector over the coming years. The UK has Evidence was gathered from across the • Political Keynote Address from The Rt a vital yet extremely challenging target to offshore wind industry, with 29 interviews Hon Edward Davey MP, Secretary of completed and 13 questionnaires State for Energy & Climate Change submitted and analysed. In the interests of • Political Panel Debate featured The Rt neutrality, the scope excluded those parts Hon Gregory Barker MP, Prime of the supply chain where Siemens has Minister's Envoy on Climate Change a key interest: wind turbine manufacture, and Tom Greatrex MP, Shadow Energy substation equipment and wind turbine Minister maintenance. • Business Leaders Debate: What a Difference a Decade Makes Findings What is very clear in the findings is that And also included… Exhibition Social and side events parts of the UK supply chain have already In addition to the large number of stands There were also a number of high profile experienced success: there is a great • Share Fair featuring Siemens, from a wide spectrum of organisations, social and side events, including the story to tell on operation and maintenance, DONG Energy, Vestas Offshore Wind, the exhibition also housed two special exhibitors’ reception and conference array cables and substation manufacture Sembmarine and GROW:OffshoreWind pavilions, one showcasing developments reception and the social highlight of the in particular. The first challenge now is • Dedicated technology streams to in small and medium wind and the other week, the Gala Dinner Awards, which was to make sure these successful sectors Offshore Wind, Onshore Wind, Wave & focusing on wave and tidal energy. The hugely successful. stand ready to meet the demands of the Tidal and Small & Medium Wind whole exhibition was extremely well market and maintain their position, through • Aviation Radar Mitigation Seminar attended and allowed delegates the innovation and scaling up to deliver on • Educational seminars dedicated to chance to learn more about industry- larger contracts. The second challenge is to careers and landowners wide developments and see first-hand seize the opportunities on offer for sectors the innovative technologies that are Matthew Chinn reporting to Matthew reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% which, to date, have mainly been supplied The conference saw a high number of progressing. Hancock, Minister of State for Business, by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, and it from overseas: towers, foundations and quality guest speakers from both inside and Enterprise and Energy and Benj Sykes, is clear that several different low-carbon export cables. outside the industry who gave enlightening Careers fair Head of Asset Management, Dong electricity generation technologies will be and topical insights in to the advances and The final day of the conference saw the Energy Wind Power. As co-chairs of needed to deliver this commitment. As debates surrounding the industry in 2014. careers fair attended by high numbers the Offshore Wind Industry Council – part of this transition, the UK is forging looking to find out more about employment November 2014. ahead with ambitious levels of offshore in the industry and highlighted the wind deployment: the UK already has the importance of investing in the workforce of biggest offshore wind market in the world. the future.

74 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 75 renewableuk event renewableuk event Blade Repair and Inspection (BRAI) Launch CONTINUED... The Energy Skills Partnership has been working with RenewableUK’s Partnership was keen to work with the Renewables Training Network (RTN) and SESG to develop a UK-wide standard RTN in developing these programmes for Blade Repair and Inspection (BRAI) training. A successful pilot of the BRAI to support the sector. We had already course was held at Ayrshire College for four key Scottish colleges in November, a identified blades made of composite licensing workshop will commenced in late November 2014. materials as a priority and have been working with colleges and blade Raising awareness standards, this works well across borders manufacturers to develop the capability of ESP commissioned the composites as they reinforce technical excellence. Scotland’s colleges. master-class for Scotland’s college staff to raise awareness of the significant ESP is looking forward to working with “The training modules need to be opportunities presented by composites RUK and RTN to establish the Intermediate industry-led and working with RTN was for the economy and in meeting the wind and Advanced BRAI courses. the obvious route. We’re delighted to be industry’s skills needs. These skills will in a position to support this initiative and underpin the longevity and lifecycle of wind Working together look forward to working with the sector turbines. From a college perspective we Jim Brown Director of Energy Skills through its roll-out.” recognise the need for common industry Partnership said: “The Energy Skills Catalyst The Head of the RTN, Patricia Knightley, said: “The RTN was brought into being by the renewable energy industry to act as the catalyst in setting standards and training requirements for the wind and marine energy sectors. Industry has told us that there is a need for training and standards on blade maintenance, repair and inspection. In response we’ve Challenges Recommendations for action brought together all those involved The evidence revealed a number of barriers This report goes to the Offshore Wind to devise a robust standard and set which need to be overcome if a strong and Industry Council (OWIC). It contains of modules that will address the skills sustainable supply chain is to grow in the recommendations for action for both shortages which exist in this area.” UK. Different companies within the supply industry and Government, with an chain described different challenges, often expectation that these ideas – which have RenewableUK related to the location, size and type of come from the industry itself – will be driven company rather than the product. forward through the Council. Much of what Click to view more info was reported to the review team has been However, the main barriers that industry said before in recent reports or working raised cut across all sectors were… groups, showing that action is clearly needed. OWIC needs to act promptly and • The need for clearer visibility and decisively to drive forward actions that will volume in the order pipeline and market make a tangible difference to opportunities • The difficulties facing new entrants for the supply chain in the UK. without a track record in offshore wind • The challenges posed by the way risk is A series of recommendations are Collaboration dealt with through the supply chain presented, addressing the different Working collaboratively to deliver this • The need for industry to move towards barriers. These focus primarily on… programme and learning lessons from ECOWindS Project a culture which better enables other industrial sectors will help the offshore A workshop regarding the (European Clusters for Offshore Wind Servicing (ECOWindS) collaboration and the efficiencies • The need for clarity on the long term wind sector in the UK achieve industry- which follow market, including a 2030 emissions wide efficiencies, cost-reduction and Project was held during the RenewableUK event. The project is an FP7 funded project, • The need for a clearer support landscape target for the power sector support sustainable jobs and investment. initiated by partners representing the four European clusters for offshore wind servicing • Consistent messaging from (OWS)… Government However, this is a long-term industry Project vision • Governments, developers and the involving substantial financial investments • South Denmark To pave the way for new research and for Ed’s Note supply chain working together to help and, if the UK supply chain is to have a • North West Germany understanding how the costs of offshore wind This is just a short note on the project new market entrants chance of succeeding in gap areas, the • East of England servicing can be driven down through research, to tee up a much more detailed series • Actions on commercial issues, including Government has to show its long-term • Region Møre Norway innovation and cross-regional cooperation. of articles and features which will be bonding commitment to supporting the market and included within future editions do so consistently. ECOWindS

76 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 77 Working Together for Investment feature sponsor SCORE SCORE feature sponsor Working Together for Investment FUNDING FUNDING

Funding opportunities East of England SMEs to use funding opportunity as impetus to launch into offshore renewables sector

SCORE is really making its mark in the East of England with over 20 SMEs across the region now benefitting from grant funding and a further 30 engaged in the project.

Launch pad Richard Salmon, SCORE’s Project Manager and Business Advisor comments: “The East of England is brimming with businesses and start-ups with great products and services that benefit the offshore renewables sector and SCORE has acted very much as a launch pad to bring a host of innovative and exciting products and services closer to market.”

“With recent grant recipients based in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, companies across the region are realising the opportunity SCORE presents and with funding available until March 2015, we urge companies with a great idea to get in touch.”

78 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 79 Working Together for Investment feature sponsor SCORE SCORE feature sponsor Working Together for Investment FUNDING FUNDING

• Le Mark – awarded funding at the end of September, the Le Mark Group, based in Houghton, Cambridgeshire, was granted £8,000 to undertake the launch of its latest range of its Dirty Rigger heavy duty gloves, designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of workers in the offshore energy industry.

Developed in consultation with riggers and engineers working on offshore oil rigs, drill ships and wind farms around the world, the Chris Anderson, Managing Director of 4C new Dirty Rigger offshore gloves provide Offshore remarks, “The grant application protection to engineers against some of process was really straight forward and the harshest weather conditions nature can very swift, which is exactly what we deliver. were looking for. Currently we attract approximately 500,000 visitors a year to our site, but this new development to our offering provides an opportunity to expand our service into the emerging offshore tidal industry, which is now moving to commercialisation.” The SCORE grant will be used “Whilst Le Mark has been established for • Wellton Energy – located at Norfolk’s to part fund a global marketing over 30 years, SCORE funding is providing Hethel Engineering Centre. Wellton launch of its bespoke gloves. incredible assistance to a small division of Energy identified an opportunity in the a £5 million company, which will enable market to provide on-the-ground Steve Exon, Non-Executive us to undertake a much larger marketing assistance to companies seeking to Director of Le Mark Group launch than would ordinarily be feasible.” drive forward their expansion or comments: “We are very relocation to the East of England. excited about our offshore Opportunities Following extensive research into range and the SCORE funding Richard Salmon concludes: “With £25 Recent SCORE grant recipients “The grant application process was the potential of the idea, Wellton Energy we have secured will enable billion being invested in the East of include… made very simple by the team and their launched its innovative inward us to undertake a substantial England’s offshore renewables industry • IV Offshore – the Ipswich-based guidance was very much appreciated in investment service earlier this year. marketing drive, including by 2025 and a further 800 turbines company has secured a £30k SCORE allowing us to secure this funding.” exhibiting at LDI in November. A approved for the region, there are untold grant to assist in the development of Jason Brighton, Director of Wellton Energy high profile entry in to the market opportunities for companies to get a database called ‘IV Live’, which allows • 4C Offshore – leading online technical comments: “When companies look to will also enable us to steal a involved and become part of the offshore offshore companies, HR departments experts and insights company relocate or expand, their main aim is march on any competitors renewable supply chain. 24/7 access to search and find 4C Offshore, based at OrbisEnergy in to work with a local team that not only planning a similar product. contract staff, available for immediate Lowestoft, has also received SCORE understands the needs of their specific “As work on East Anglia One is deployment. This new database speeds grant funding to take forward its plans industry, but can work with them to “We have been impressed scheduled to start in 2016, the time is up the process dramatically by saving to increase the accessibility of its web overcome the business legalities of with SCORE on two levels. Not perfect for SMEs to think about how HR teams having to call several portal, which contains over 10,000 pages setting up a UK operation. only was the grant application they can engage with the most exciting recruitment agencies to find the type of of data and 130,000 fields of process very straight forward, industry sector in the UK today and the applicant they are seeking. information relating to the offshore wind “The grant has also helped give us the with help available at every stage, SCORE team is on hand able to assist, sector, making it the ‘go to’ place for commercial ‘push’ to create marketing but we have also benefitted from the both in funding and making industry James Kennedy, Associate Director of those in the industry. materials to promote this service and relationships the SCORE team enjoys introductions.” IV Energy, says: “Securing the SCORE plans are now in place to exhibit at within the offshore industry. grant allowed us to commit more funds The company’s website provides real- the Manchester EIC Connect Show in SCORE to this project ourselves. Delivering a high time data on offshore wind projects, November.” “In our case Richard Salmon brokered an opportunity with one of the country’s quality and efficient service to our clients tidal projects, ports, vessels, equipment, Click to view more info is of the utmost importance to us and turbines, wind farm service vessels, leading access and maintenance this new database will vastly improve the offshore sub-stations and more. Users are companies for the offshore energy sector way our clients can search for particular also able to access data relating to seabed and arranged for their engineers to test our candidates across the whole market. depths, cable route corridors, cable routes gloves in the field and provide feedback. and grid connection points. Such feedback, prior to agreeing the final design has proved invaluable.

80 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 81 Working Together for Investment feature sponsor SCORE SCORE feature sponsor Working Together for Investment FUNDING FUNDING

Progress “We are very proud of our reputation To date, 76 planning applications on behalf in the farming and renewable energy of landowners and leaseholders – many of Landowner benefits community. We have created a brand that them farmers – have been consented and a “We have structured a business we feel people know they can trust.” £40million significant number of other applications are strategy that puts the landowner first. “The UK is one of the windiest countries in at different stages within council planning We understand that word of mouth has Community Europe, so much so that we could power procedures at the moment. been the reason for our growth over the ILI RE also enter into partnerships with our country several times over using this contracts investment years and we will endeavour to see that community support groups and charities free fuel.” The outside investors come into the equation blossom. to spread the benefits of a local renewable once the application has been granted. This energy installation. It is estimated that in the Launched in 2010, the UK Government’s Scottish developers Intelligent Land Focus is due to the fact that many landowners “Presently ILI RE are working alongside years to come, several million pounds will Feed-in-Tariff scheme guarantees, for Investments (Renewable Energy) are ILI RE is an investment management cannot afford the high cost of the overall set government strategies to push the be shared out in this way. This figure will, of 20 years, a set payment in addition to negotiating almost £40million worth of company with a focus on the creation development, which can run into millions of growth for single rural turbines within the course, rise as further developments come the existing tariff for electricity generated contracts with investors from Europe of planning gain for landowners and pounds and which involves the purchase of a feed-in tariff. This is an opportunity like on stream. by smaller scale renewable energy and England for onshore single wind leaseholders through renewable energy turbine, ground excavation and preparation, no other for landowners to benefit from a developments. turbine developments. projects such as onshore wind generation equipment installation and the construction of government-set feed-in tariff programme ILI have brought together some of the and hydro projects in Scotland. The company other infrastructure and services. for the next 20 years. best minds and companies in the industry Feed-in-Tariff In the wake of the decision in the Scottish secures prime strategic sites for renewable to ensure success for all involved. Their In April this year, however, the Department independence referendum, a number energy installations and uses its expertise Attractive financial return “We promise to do our utmost to deliver advisory board comprises energy industry of Energy and Climate Change introduced of big players in the renewables sector to steer through local authority planning With the approval of the landowner, the for all landowners we work with. The executive William Landels, corporate a 20 per cent reduction in the payments from outside the country have come processes. Once this is achieved and the site investor purchases the formal consent ethics and values in our company are financier Ramsay Duff, former politician for non-domestic small and medium-scale forward with ambitions to enter into formal developed, a guaranteed revenue is created agreement from ILI RE and agrees to pay paramount. We are the only company and businessman turned writer and PR wind turbine developments – the sector partnerships with the company, which is for the client through the government- for all development costs on behalf of the of our type in Scotland set up to work executive Michael Kelly, renewable energy into which the majority of British wind based in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland. controlled feed-in tariff programme, under landowner in return for a 90 per cent share specifically with development partners. technical expert Dr Keith Nicholson, turbine manufacturers fall. which the power generated can be sold and of the revenue on a long-term basis. The 10 Everyone else is trying to do the whole construction industry executive Gordon Ash channelled to the national grid. per cent share for the landowners makes value chain by themselves. and land use advisor Gordon McCallum. But Mr Wilson believes ‘medium wind’ is for an attractive financial return without any still a compelling investment opportunity additional investment for them. Renewable energy increased for farmers and landowners looking to interest capitalise on their assets. Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI RE, has revealed Mr Wilson added: “In recent years, the that five significant organisations – two emphasis from governments on renewable Intelligent Land Investments from Spain and one each from England, energy sources over traditional carbon- Portugal and Germany – whose identities based energy sources has increased cannot be revealed at this stage due to dramatically. This, in tum, has opened reasons of commercial confidentiality, up a new, potentially lucrative, revenue have entered the Scottish market and are stream for those with the knowledge and looking to partner with his company. experience of relevant markets.

Removing uncertainty He said: “Now that the uncertainty over Scotland’s future has been settled in the referendum, the renewables market has turned a corner, and investors who were holding back are now committing to numerous projects in our country. I see this as a great time for Scotland, as the momentum for achieving renewable energy goals is really getting traction.

“We are seeing directly all the good that these turbines are bringing. Not only do they give a much-needed lifeline to the farming community but local contractors are getting the majority of the construction work, meaning significant funds are going directly to the local community. All these positives before we even consider the benefits to the environment.

82 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 83 Operations & maintenance feature sponsor feature sponsor OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

This is delivered by multi-disciplined O&M teams trained as all-round operators. Crucially, they also double up instantly to There are wider human health and form highly-proficient search and rescue industrial safety issues too. The effects crews already present in field. of guano are easily over-looked and Full statutory details are online. However, under-estimated. Bird droppings the measures make it incumbent on Because training is very different from can carry bacteria and fungi causing HSEQ is a key aspect of O&M employers to put appropriate procedures reality, GMS team members are typically infections. The uric acid produced with a with two main offshore wind in place to prevent serious and imminent ex-forces engineers or emergency services 3.0 to 4.5 pH value damages protective industry focuses – compliance dangers and to make competent personnel recruited for their professional coatings and increases corrosion rates. & maintenance and emergency arrangements for evacuation. Places of training and experience in dealing with high Heli-deck net mesh rots. Aircraft wheels response. safety are required. In addition work cannot stress emergency situations. and human feet can slip. GMS controls resume until dangers are removed. Heli- these deposits – plus algae and marine The first aims to prevent potential incidents operations are included. Meanwhile they can also ensure that growth where steelwork is exposed to and damage by keeping turbines in tip- essential safety and evacuation drill training the sea. top condition. Should the worst happen, During construction is carried out regularly. the goal of the second is to put fully- CDM applies in the construction phase. For Top-to-toe turbine bundle trained rescue teams with proven trauma offshore renewable projects, this means Improving record Proven on C-Power’s Thornton Bank experience on site quickly. providing emergency procedures and The G9 Offshore Wind Health and Safety project, GMS now offers an ultra- arrangements. Information and training Association notes that marine and vessel efficient, one-stop-shop bundled top- Staff and stakeholders well-being is must also be given. operations, lifting operations and working to-toe turbine package of O&M services paramount. However, there are also sound at heights are the three key activity areas and all HSEQ certification. It is carried business efficiency reasons - plus strong Again, preparations for foreseeable where urgent action is needed to reduce out in a single visit by a single vessel regulator drivers – for effective HSEQ. emergencies should include evacuation H&S incident severity and numbers. This is for one lump sum with no downtime procedures. Working equipment is covered a prime focus. weather costs. Operations – more challenging by the arrangements, as are the physical During construction, meeting all these and chemical properties of substances Multi-disciplined teams in field can ensure Skilled teams + IT = delivery objectives is relatively easy to do. Budgets and material on site. Merchant Shipping full offshore compliance for essential life- Co-ordination is clearly important too. are large, activity levels high with many legislation also applies. saving, fire fighting and safety equipment. For teams to move efficiently from site- skilled personnel, vessels, plus equipment They also begin to strategically manage-out to-site and prioritise-tasks, GMS has on site. As a result, written emergency and minimise high-occurrence incidents developed the ROAM system. Real-time arrangements must be in place and that blot the industry’s H&S record. Operational Asset Management, as its However, the operational phase is very tested through drills and other approved name suggest, produces, gathers and different and poses problems for many procedures. This needs to be followed Small is important uses real-time ‘live’ data. It is currently operators. Profitability is a priority. There are through to operations. By providing a scheduled, documented unique and allows hour-by-hour re- fewer skilled workers to call on. Budgets and fully-certified round of key checks and scheduling as working conditions don’t stretch to dedicated hospital vessels. Leadership – all change services, GMS O&M teams ensure that change. Meanwhile, equipment begins to show Meeting these stringent requirements numerous small factors which together signs of age, wear and tear. with finite resource is part of GMS’s O&M make for a safe working environment are ROAM brings two major advantages. strategy. A frequent question is who is combined and covered properly. Firstly, an immediate real-time track is Many farms face both risks and limited responsible and qualified to make this kept on the position and status of men, resources. Without innovative solutions happen? A minor example might be untested and machinery and vessels. This makes pro- they are vulnerable. unfit fire extinguishers. These create a active O&M services possible far out at During production, emergency response non-compliance. Extinguishers have to sea. Regulations and drills responsibility may fall on a single technician be maintained and inspected periodically, The statutory HSE framework goes a long who has been on a GWO course that which is awkward - or is it? They can in fact Secondly, ROAM keeps an way towards defining what should be includes basic rescue at height and first be tested on site by competent teams as accurate rolling log of all personnel HSEQ provided in the field. aid training. Clearly, this is inadequate. part of combined work scopes. and equipment certification, plus However, the cost of a dedicated documentation requirements – with Regular emergency and evacuation drills 'ambulance' boat and specialised Turbine top to waterline RAG (Red, Amber, Green) warnings are mandatory in the oil & gas industry. emergency response teams is expensive. Guaranteed davit performance is equally automatically issued in advance. challenges Wind sector regulations take a different important. LOLER regulations and factors form. While the legal definition of offshore To meet this challenge, Green Marine as mundane as keeping chains rust- Nothing is left to chance. installations does not cover offshore wind Solutions (GMS) has developed ground- free in water-tight lockers are vital when farms and the offshore safety case regime breaking 24/7, 365 days-per-year equipment must work properly in danger in the O&M (OSCR) and PFEER (prevention of fire and integrated O&M service model. and in drills. CCTV systems must also Green Marine Solutions explosion emergency response) regulations No substitute for experience function properly. do not apply, the Health & Safety at Work Click to view more info Act, MHSWR (Management of H&S at Boat landing point safety and fall arrest phase Work Regulations) and CDM (Construction systems are critical. Without scheduled Design and Management) do. O&M servicing, access for other professionals is easily compromised. Substantial knock-on costs may follow.

84 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 85 Operations & maintenance feature sponsor feature sponsor OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE First German- Waters Contract Delivering cost-effective and bespoke subsea services awarded Reef Subsea is an established subsea specialist, delivering cost-effective and Reef Subsea recently announced that This is the first project Reef Subsea has bespoke subsea services to a range of it has been awarded a contract with secured in German waters and we see it significant clients. AREVA Wind GmbH, to provide field as an excellent opportunity to continue support in the Global Tech I wind farm. building on our exemplary track-record; With operations in the UK and Norway, The charter commenced in October as well as being the first step in our its experienced and knowledgeable and is anticipated to continue until at strategy to ensure we are in the optimum team provides a range of services least February 2015, with the option to position for future German wind farm including installation and trenching of extend the contract further. projects.” flexible products (submarine power cables, umbilicals and flowlines), post- Significant project Busy 2014 trench burial of all subsea products, This significant project will utilise the Reef This project win will conclude a busy year project management, engineering Despina, a multi-purpose, environmentally for the Reef Despina, Reef Subsea recently and QHSE management to the oil & friendly DP2 construction support vessel reported the safe and timely delivery of the gas, offshore renewables, power and and will see the Reef Subsea team Bøyla and Sierra L5 projects which, when telecommunications industries. providing vital field support to AREVA Wind combined with this latest assignment has for the commissioning of eighty 5MW resulted in the utilisation for the vessel Reef Subsea AREVA offshore turbines spread over for the full duration of 2014, including New offshore 100km of coastline. the forthcoming winter period – a very Click to view more info satisfying achievement. Duncan MacPherson, Chief Executive service vessel installation Officer at Reef Subsea, said: “We are delighted to have secured this work Ships Electronic Services (SES) are Navigation and communications “We are one of very few electronics scope with respected client, AREVA Wind working with the Humber’s premier system companies working to ISO 9001 and it is GmbH. We look forward to working with shipyard, MMS Ship Repair, to supply To facilitate the long-range effectiveness no surprise that MMS themselves work AREVA to add value to the Global Tech and install comprehensive electronics of the MMS Crusader, SES is supplying to the same certifications. The offshore I project and build a long-term, mutually systems on the yards new OSV MMS and installing a complete navigation renewables market continues to develop favourable relationship. Crusader which has been designed and communications system including and we are delighted to be part of this to service offshore windfarms in the Navmaster ECDIS, Raymarine Glass expansion.” North Sea and other European waters. Bridge and Super HD Open Ray Scanner, Furuno Radar and Echo Sounder, KVH Ships Electronics Services Ltd (SES) New company VSAT, FLIR Thermal Camera, Comnav MMS has also launched a new company, Satellite Compass, Sailor VHF Radios and MMS Offshore Renewables, which will a Raytheon Anschutz Autopilot. SES will operate up to 6 of the new catamarans maintain and service the equipment during which will all be built under DNV the vessels operational role. classification to R1 notation, which enables the vessels to work up to 150 miles from a Experience safe haven. The MMS Crusader has been The company has supplied and installed developed to service a multitude of roles navigational electronics and communication within the renewable energy sector and can systems to the maritime industry for almost support development and construction, 40 years and has exceptional experience operation and maintenance at greater range in developing systems for vessels such than many other vessels currently available. as MMS Crusader, this has been the first destined for the offshore windfarm market.

Managing Director of SES, Stephen Roper commented, “We are sure this will be the first of many vessels we will be working on for this sector in the future. Our experience in the type of electronics needed to keep these vessels working reliably and continuously is second to none. Reef Despina

86 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 87 Operations & maintenance feature sponsor feature sponsor OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Movember! History Kitty Petra starts The Movember campaign has been running for ten years. In 2003, two Australian friends discussing changing fashion trends work at Westermost were mourning the passing of the ‘mo' - In welcoming this next contract for Kitty the moustache to non-Australians. Petra, Leo Hambro Commercial Director at Rough Offshore Tidal Transit says: “This contract will present Inspiration Kitty Petra and her crew with a demanding Inspired by a friend's mother who was Wind Farm schedule, but one that she is very capable supporting a campaign in aid of breast of fulfilling. It will also be an exciting phase cancer, they came up with the idea of for the company, as it is the first time that encouraging men to grow a ‘mo' during the As a result of the intense wind farm activity around the shores of the UK, Tidal all our offshore wind farm PTVs will be month of November to raise money to help Transit's personnel transfer vessels (PTVs) are being kept fully employed. Within working in the North Sea. Ginny Louise, the fight against prostate cancer. That year a week of finishing her contract in the seas off North Wales and returning to the Eden Rose and Tia Elizabeth are all working 30 men took up the challenge. UK's east coast, Kitty Petra will began work on Westermost Rough Wind Farm off at the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind the coast of Yorkshire. Farm out of Wells-next-the-Sea.” Fast forward Fast forward to 2013 and there were Tidal Transit supplies purpose-designed Westermost Rough And another thing… 4,002,688 participating ‘Mo Bros and charter personnel transfer vessels (PTVs) At a distance of 8k offshore, Westermost Rough, under development by Dong Energy, will Sistas' from 21 countries. In ten years the to the offshore wind energy industry, and comprise 35 6MW turbines and once operational in 2015, will produce enough clean energy Tidal Bandits – Movember 2014 campaign has raised £346 million and employs 33 men in various capacities. for around 200,000 British homes. Kitty Petra will be working for Siemens, the company The male members of Tidal Transit all threw funded 770 men's health projects - quite that is manufacturing and installing the turbines, transporting commissioning technicians to away their razors in support of Movember an achievement from hairy upper lips! Commercial Director Leo Hambro is behind the site. She will work out of Grimsby on a 24 hour/7 day basis, returning to port for shift 2014 – the global campaign to promote the campaign, and says: “This is the first changes, for at least the next 4 months. awareness of men's health and well-being. Tidal Transit raised £1,143 time Tidal Transit, as a company, has And we congratulate them for their efforts taken part in the Movember Campaign in taking part. and our team of ‘Tidal Bandits' are fully behind it.”

Tidal Transit

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= Click to view video

Kitty Petra

88 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 89 Operations & maintenance feature sponsor feature sponsor OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

New Wind Turbine Gearbox Oil

ExxonMobil Next-generation turbine gearbox oil can help maximise equipment introduces new reliability and availability – this is the first wind turbine gearbox oil backed synthetic gearbox by seven-year warranty, certified for oil backed by aquatic non-toxicity applications by International Maritime Organisation seven-year warranty (IMO). Test results for main wind “With its exceptional testing results and Wind Energy Hamburg our unprecedented seven-year warranty, turbine gearbox Recently at the 2014 Wind Energy wind turbine operators can have peace applications. Hamburg trade show in Germany, of mind in the advanced formulation and ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants redefined performance capabilities of Mobil SHC guaranteed wind turbine gearbox lubricant Gear 320 WT,” said Rainer Lange, Mobil performance and protection with the SHC Brand Advisor-EAME, ExxonMobil introduction of Mobil SHC™ Gear 320 WT Extensive testing Fuels & Lubricants. – the company’s newest high-performance In extensive bench and rig testing, Mobil synthetic wind turbine gear oil. SHC Gear 320 WT has shown the ability “And as the operational capacity of new to deliver the specific, key performance generation wind turbines soars from World first benefits needed to support wind turbines single to double-digit megawatt power, As the industry’s first gearbox lubricant operating in a wide range of onshore and we are certain that Mobil SHC Gear 320 to be backed by a seven-year warranty, offshore conditions, including… WT can help future-proof investments in Mobil SHC Gear 320 WT is formulated new wind technology.” to help deliver outstanding protection for • Outstanding protection again critical turbine components over long oil- micropitting and wear 7 year warranty drain intervals – a critical consideration for • Reliable foam-control performance Subject to the terms and conditions of wind farms, which often operate in harsh • Exceptional water tolerance ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants’ seven- Aquaseal have a vast an varied product range climates and remote locations. • Superb oxidative stability and excellent year limited warranty for Mobil SHC Gear covering products of many materials, shapes and viscometrics, even at temperatures as 320 WT, the company will bear any costs sizes for many different types of applications. low as -45º Celsius (-49 Fahrenheit) required and adequate to repair and/ or replace any equipment damaged as a result of a lubricant defect or malfunction. Neoprene Lined J-Tube Guides CUSTOMER SPECIFICATION: Sea Water Resistance ExxonMobil Flame Retardant Grade Long Life Ozone Resistance Click to view more info

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1 First, a ‘flash bulb’ type radar, one that transmits an omni-directional beam with multiple ‘listening’ or receive The requirement? beams is designed to just look up from within a wind farm. You will see them locating one radar in each wind farm which generates a much higher A clean sheet of paper cost, is handicapped by a severely limited range of only 5 nautical miles In 2008 C Speed took a clean sheet of Long haul Fast forward and is massively challenged by paper and designed a radar system After months of work, C Speed’s team Today it remains the first and only mitigation requiring the airport to accept multiple to mitigate wind turbine clutter for the agreed on a set of requirements that would radar system for air traffic control that data feeds which is highly undesirable. benefit of airports and wind developers result in an S-band, solid state, primary does not require terrain screening that has Also it is one of the most easily jammed in the United Kingdom. surveillance radar that would employ been purchased, installed, and integrated radars that exist because while it is a traditional scanning antenna array. in the United Kingdom. Regardless of any always emitting a pulse, it is also The company’s engineering team LightWave Radar was born. other radar provider’s claims of success or always listening. And when you are focused on meeting the stringent remarkable performance, no other radar always listening, you will be jammed. requirements of governmental aviation In May 2013, nearly five years after setting or ‘solution’ provider in the world has regulators, commercial airports and out to design and build the world’s first successfully achieved this accomplishment. 2 Second, it operates at L-band which is military aerodromes. In addition, while wind turbine clutter mitigation radar system, very risky as all airports operate their the team would incorporate state-of-the- C Speed delivered, under contract the first In fact, the UK and EU landscape is filled ILS at L-band as well. When the ILS art technology, it would still need to be LightWave Radar production system to with airports that have radar systems is impacted by a nearby L-band emitter, affordable for its aviation customers to Manston, Kent’s International Airport. from the leading ATC surveillance radar aircraft experience a very dangerous acquire, integrate, operate and maintain companies in the world whose systems situation. For this reason, L-band radars -- including many that were anticipated In July 2013 Infratil Airports lifted its aviation do not mitigate wind turbine clutter issues are traditionally employed for long to originate from the wind development objection of the developers project and as they were advertised. And it was this range, en-route radar systems and are community where radar technology was in August 2013 the UK’s Department of situation, in part, that drove C Speed’s team located away from a terminal airport. unfamiliar territory. Environment and Climate Change (DECC) to pursue this market and to capture it. granted consent for the building of the 3 Another X-band provider has resorted developers wind farm because of LightWave to ‘blanking’ techniques to remove Radar’s ability to mitigate the clutter. clutter where turbines are present, however this creates holes in the coverage volume. And, they readily acknowledge on their own website that because they have to resort to ‘blanking’ to remove the turbine clutter, their probability of detection (the standard measure of a radar’s ability to ‘see’ a target) drops all the way down to 58%. As such, seems unlikely to be accepted by the regulators as you must demonstrate predictable performance with a probability of Industry standard – S-band Ask any air traffic controller what happens detection of at least 80% and often 90%. The company’s decision to design a to their X-band surface movement radar traditional scanning radar that operates when it rains. They will tell you they lose Today and the future at S-band was driven by the fact that it the ability to see vehicles moving on the Today, with multiple installations in the continues to be acknowledged as today’s aprons of the airport. Also X-band is not United Kingdom and the United States, industry standard. It has been globally recommended for use at an airport location LightWave Radar is now allowing airports adopted for over sixty years by aviation per the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority’s and wind developments to co-exist as was customers around the world. Every terminal guidance on terminal surveillance primarily planned five years ago. With LightWave radar at a major airport in the world because the time you most need a radar Radar the issue of wind turbine clutter is operates at S-band. They do not operate at is when you cannot use your own eyes. now officially over. X-band, L-band or C-band. When there is heavy precipitation and when it is dark how can you operate an airport if David L. Colangelo Getting down to detail you cannot see aircraft every time it rains? C Speed LLC There are scientific reasons for S-band being the standard. As well, it is the most Attempted adaptations Click to view more info cost-efficient and least susceptible to While some other radar providers in the jamming than any other type of radar. market have attempted to adapt other And by operating at S-band, impacts radar technologies to the wind turbine = Click to view video from weather such as rain and snow clutter mitigation market, they have still not are negated while X-band systems are seen success for several reasons. significantly degraded.

92 www.windenergynetwork.co.uk www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 93 Wind Turbine Clutter feature sponsor feature sponsor Wind Turbine Clutter Changing It is not beyond the realms of possibility that excessive use of S and X-band to do a task which can be achieved with only 2 Mhz of the world L-band could cause issues in delivery of contracts which need to be safeguarded for 25 years in order not to jeopardise either operation of the airport or revenue for the of radar wind farm, especially in an environment where people are not comfortable in Rob Abbott, Aviation Director at Masking and blanking the area above discussing where liability for these potential Aveillant, UK-based radar company, and around wind farms is not the answer, future charges should lay. explains how a key application for although up until recent times this has Aveillant’s 3D Holographic Radar™ been one of the only fixes available to an Industry decision has been wind farms, to eliminate the Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSPs). Rob continues: “We are executing a effect that wind turbines have on air This doesn’t provide an accurate picture contract with the CAA to demonstrate the traffic control radars. of airspace and reduces the coverage ability of Holographic Radar to provide a required, contrary to the needs of an spectrum-efficient alternative to S-band industry that has to be risk averse and primary air traffic surveillance radar. The needs to operate safely and safeguard future looks exciting. airspace in order to facilitate the European aspirations of flexible airspace usage. “The key now is to let the industry decide. Does it want to remain in the legacy world Holographic Radar ANSPs of conventional radar affected by clutter These approaches are sometimes such as wind turbines or invest in a new accepted as ‘good enough’ because approach? The feedback we are receiving they are all that’s available and there is from the market is that new technology is intense pressure to enable wind farm required, radar has to be fixed.” developments; however, in reducing risk, aviation is duty bound under the principles Proof of the pudding of ICAO safety management to use the As Rob concludes: “We are often told that Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) there is too much risk, a conventional approach. Doppler information, the radar can detect, Cost effective “This could leave many airports needing radar is risk-free. I know at least four differentiate and selectively remove clutter Aveillant’s 3D Holographic Radar has to modify or replace their radar with a airports who would disagree, with some Even recent advances in standard radar such as wind turbines, motorway traffic or been developed to be more cost effective difficult choice. The solution will not be radar installations taking longer than three Solutions have traditionally focused on the technologies, which look to reduce the trains, providing a clutter free view of what across its lifecycle. It outlives the traditional to relocate wideband radars into L-band, years to gain approval. problems caused by wind farms, rather impact of turbine break through, still mean the operator wants to see. PSR and without any moving parts, there isn’t capacity in the band. Even with than looking at the inability of radars to the aircraft are not presented to the display maintenance is reduced, simple and can an optimistic six month project to replace Every project has risks and it is how differentiate and remove wind turbine if they are co-incidental to the turbines Progress be performed without any disruption to many of the elements of an S-band you manage these risks that matters. ‘clutter’ from images used by operators. being removed in that location. The safety Rob continues: “For the past four years, performance. radar, the problem will be increased due Sometimes those people passionate argument becomes one of probability of 3D Holographic Radar has been in to loss of operation or mitigation cover enough to think they can change the Thinking outside the box loss, rather than detection. development and it is now one of only Commercially available now, 3D during the period. A wind farm lifetime world actually do. As Steve Jobs said, Rob says: “What if, rather than charging two mitigation solutions with safety cases Holographic Radar is being implemented is 25 years and airports need to ensure ‘The point is that new technology will not across the landscape to fix the wind Now with Holographic Radar ANSPs can, underway in the UK. In 2013, we held across the UK and further discussions any potential risks during that lifetime are necessarily replace old technology, but it farm, which in the last 10 years has led for less overall cost, have full, unrestricted public trials of the radar at Prestwick are underway with many airports and covered, including changes to the wider will date it. By definition. It will eventually to raising aerial heads, hiding turbines coverage with no gaps due to blanking or Airport, where it was independently ANSPs across Europe. It’s scalable to ATM system, legislation and wind turbine replace it’. Thank you.” behind a hill (known as terrain masking), masking, which begs the question, why assessed to have a probability of detection meet all coverage requirements, from small design, changes like these could cause painting them with radar suppression would they choose anything else? above the wind farm of above 99%, deployable units to regional solutions. some ‘good enough today’ mitigations to Rob Abbott material or just blanking them out on compared to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) fail or at the best be less effective.” Aviation Director the radar screen – what if we turned Major advance CAP 670 recommendations of 90%. L-band Aveillant around, walked back to the root of the 3D Holographic Radar is a major Rob says: “Our spectrum-efficient Telecommunications Terminal issue and saw the radar as the problem? advance on the traditional rotating radar. “At the site, our 3D Holographic Radar radar technology operates in L-band, Equipment Directive (R&TTE) Where would we be then? Exactly where Holographic Radar provides accurate also continued to operate in severe as opposed to the congested S-band In addition to the spectrum release Aveillant is today.” measurement (or time on target) 100% of storms with winds in excess of 90 miles commonly used by the aviation sector programme the replacement of the current the time compared to rotating radar which per hour. This and our independently and MOD. S-band is a sweet spot for Radio and R&TTE 1999/5/EC by the is only on target 1% of the time. Astaring, reviewed verification methods, has mobile data transmission and so is in Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is now static array radar, Holographic Radar proved to the industry that Holographic high demand by mobile phone operators. underway and will be completed June provides a constant view of airspace at Radar is not only extremely robust but can Ofcom is working to release 500MHz of 2017. Unlike the R&TTE the RED requires all times, never losing sight of the target. also easily achieve CAP 670 compliance.” radio spectrum below 5GHz, including all equipment, including radar, to justify their Through intelligent characterisation of 100MHz of S-band spectrum by 2020. use of spectrum and to be compliant. all objects in its range using hyper fine

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Blanking – in some instances, it is possible to remove the area of clutter from the radar How Radar Clutter can The tilt angles and artefacts of the radar Understanding the issues operator’s screen in the form of a blank. beam pattern are too detailed for airports The blank removes the area of clutter but help mitigate the impact of and radar operators to take account of in of Wind Turbine Clutter also prevents new tracks or continued their desktop assessments, so very often tracks from being shown in this area of wind turbines wind turbine planning applications receive Hearing the words ‘Wind turbine This could be… airspace. This solution is therefore not The term ‘clutter’ is often used by aviation stakeholders when referring to wind objections that appear to be clear cut clutter’ is enough to send shivers • Give avoiding action and pass on the viable in areas of operationally sensitive turbines, and the potential impact they can have on Primary Surveillance Radar and indisputable. The reality is often very down the spine of any wind developer traffic information airspace. (PSR) systems. You may be forgiven therefore for thinking that clutter is somehow different. or Air Traffic Controller (ATC). For • Pass on the traffic information and give a modern problem that is unique to wind turbines. many years, the wind and aviation avoiding action if requested Radar Infill – this solution involves taking With our ability to measure radar signals industries have been trying to solve the feed from another radar which cannot History This is possible by looking for small changes in the airspace immediately above a the problem that has held up or In controlled airspace, ATC operators are detect the returns from the wind turbine. In fact, the problem of clutter has existed in the frequency of reflected signals as a proposed wind turbine site we can clearly prevented many wind developments, often able to disregard wind turbine clutter. This feed can then be ‘patched’ in over from the time of the first radar experiments result of the Doppler Effect, and is referred see the variation that occurs with height as well as affecting radar and its the top of the affected radar’s display, in the 1930s. Clutter is by definition any to as Moving Target Indictor (MTI) filtering. due to the antenna’s vertical beam pattern. technical capabilities. So what exactly If a wind development consists of multiple showing the now unaffected airspace. unwanted reflected signals of sufficient As the majority of clutter is from non-moving The results consistently show what has is ‘clutter’, how does it affect radar and turbines, then the radar may interpret the Aircraft returns can now be detected and magnitude to impede the job of detecting objects, this technique vastly reduces the been described here, i.e. the need to focus what is the effect of multiple turbines? multiple clutter sources as a ‘track’. A track continued through this area of airspace. targets (i.e. aircraft), and in the real world an amount of clutter the radar has to deal with. the radar’s energy into the sky not the This article presents an overview of is initiated by a contiguous set of three or awful lot of things reflect radar signals. However, this technique is far from perfect ground to avoid clutter. the issue with a summary of possible more individual blips on a radar screen. Clutter Tolerant Radar or Software/ as the filtering process does not occur at the mitigation solutions. This means that the radar displays a track Hardware Updates – some current radar Furthermore, it’s not just large structures that front end of the receiver chain, and hence Furthermore, by being able to measure the and those in development have or will cause clutter. High ground, buildings, road strong signal clutter (from non-moving strength of the actual radar signal at blade- have the ability to distinguish the difference vehicles and even birds all have the potential objects) can swamp the MTI filter. tip height we can more accurately predict between wind turbine returns and those to produce clutter, which the radar has to the amount of reflected signal that will be from real aircraft in the surrounding manage. Reducing clutter returned to the radar receiver, which will airspace. Using this data, the radar can For this reason it is essential to reduce the almost certainly be less than assumed in then present the information in various Aviation radar amount of clutter in the first place, and the any desktop assessment. ways. It’s not surprising to learn that various only way to control this is through the design innovative techniques have been developed of the antenna. So, as well as producing Reassurance This includes… over the years to allow primary radar a beam that is narrow in azimuth, radar This level of information can reassure the • Blanking the radar returns whilst systems to dynamically manage clutter antennas will also have a vertical pattern that radar operator about the likelihood of showing aircraft returns and reduce the impact it has on radar is aligned to be above the horizon and reject detection, and help overcome objections. • Dimming the clutter associated with the performance. For aviation radar, a useful (to as greater extent as possible) signals that wind turbines whilst also showing technique is the ability to separate the clutter are at low elevation angles. So, if you have a wind turbine that has aircraft returns according to whether or not it is from a received an objection due to radar issues, • Showing the clutter returns from the radar moving object. Furthermore, the two-way nature of the it is entirely possible that clutter turns out at a very high resolution, thus less of the radar antenna means that any reduction in to be the thing that helps rather than radar operator’s screen is subjected to the amount of energy transmitted by the hinders you. What is clutter? that, to a radar operator, looks like that an wind turbine clutter, allowing for a clearer antenna at low elevation angles is effectively Wind turbine clutter is the appearance of aircraft transiting airspace. In this instance, picture of the airspace doubled in so far as clutter reflections from Aerostat unwanted radar returns on the operator’s some radar will estimate bearings and objects located on the earth’s surface. screen that are caused by detectable wind speeds for several rotations of the radar There are number of wind turbine radar turbines. On standard primary surveillance even if the turbines cease to be detectable. mitigation technologies being developed So why is this important? radar (PSR), this clutter could be interpreted Again, a radar operator may choose to take that are likely to be the next technological Many wind turbines are sited at low elevation as a hovering helicopter, or an aircraft flying or offer appropriate action to pilots in the milestone for the mitigation of new wind angles relative to radar antennas, and are in and out of the radar’s detectable range. vicinity of the clutter. developments on existing radar. These far from the only source of clutter that the Clutter is also sporadic in nature and the technologies however are yet to gain radar will see. Due to the local clutter detectability of wind turbines will depend Finding a solution approval from the Civil Aviation Authority environment (irrespective of wind on a number of factors including wind In some instances, mitigation can be (CAA). If this were to happen, then it is likely turbines) most radar antennas will speed and direction, turbine size and the applied to remove the clutter from the radar that the wind turbine radar issue would operate with a upward tilt angle intervening terrain to name just a few. screen. Both technical and non-technical become less of a problem in the UK. to reduce the amount of clutter solutions exist, all with various benefits they ‘see’ in order to ensure Taking appropriate action and drawbacks. The main solutions are In summary they perform efficiently. In accordance with CAP 493- Manual presented briefly below. It is important to Wind turbines can produce clutter, of Air Traffic Services Part 1, it is stated consider that not all solutions will be viable an intermittent distraction for air traffic that a ‘a position symbol which cannot for a proposed wind development. controllers and potential safety hazard to be associated with an aircraft known by aviation. There are a number of mitigation the controller to be operating within the Layout Optimisation – by assessing solutions available to wind developers and airspace concerned shall be considered the intervening terrain and landscape aviation stakeholders – these will become to represent an unknown aircraft.’ The obstructions, it may be that a turbine can increasingly relied upon as the number of action taken by a radar operator will vary be re-located to remove it from line of sight appropriate site locations without radar based on the category of airspace and its to a radar. Alternatively, a reduction in tip constraints reduces. proximity to known aircraft. In general, ATC height may also produce the same result. may consider the area of clutter, alert a pilot A combination of these techniques can be Pager Power and then decide on appropriate action. used to ensure that the largest possible turbine can be developed without affecting the surrounding radar infrastructure.

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The ballad of further down the line part 1

We left behind the them and us – Divisions in the villages, Uncivil tongues and civic fuss, The laws of privilege –

To tax the molecules that rush And pay their dues without a fuss That rush for no good reason, but The laws of physics say they must.

The energy that’s everywhere- We took its measure, learned its worth. We pluck it from the vivid air, We suck it from the living earth.

Now panels tilt and turbines stand familiar reassuring sight – around the town, across the land there will be heat and light tonight.

And laid in fields or stood in rows Slim sentinels stand surety – Exposed as they themselves expose The myth of landscape’s purity.

On country acre, city roof Alert, unblinking compound eye – And standing tall without excuse Regret-me-nots against the sky.

Matt Harvey, Poet

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