Article

Adressing high maintenance costs in renewable energy

In the renewable energy sector, high maintenance costs are a growing concern. As infrastructure such as wind turbines age, they demand more maintenance, leading to increased operating costs. This challenge is compounded by the need for specialized maintenance skills and technologies. Owner-operators are increasingly considering the self-perform model to gain control over costs and operational demands.

The self-performing model means that the owner-operators retain responsibility for the component risk and are ultimately responsible for carrying out their inspections, maintenance, and repairs on turbines or wind farms. By conducting regular inspections and identifying issues before they become more significant, owner-operators reduce the risk of more costly repairs and downtime in the long run, as well as extending the lifespan of turbines, reducing the need for replacements.

 

Owner-operator strategies for reducing maintenance costs

Predictive Maintenance: Utilizing data analytics and sensor technology to predict when maintenance is required can significantly reduce downtime and extend asset life. This approach moves away from routine schedules to maintenance based on actual need.

 

Remote monitoring and incident management: Implementing remote monitoring systems helps in early detection of potential issues. Efficient incident management can minimize downtime and optimize repair processes.

 

Quality assurance and regular inspections: Regular inspections and rigorous quality assurance processes ensure that equipment operates efficiently, and malfunctions are caught early.

 

Optimized maintenance operations: Streamlining maintenance processes and employing skilled technicians can enhance operational efficiency. Effective resource management and the use of advanced tools and methods can further reduce costs.

 

Long-term asset strategy: Developing a long-term strategy for asset management, including considerations for repowering, or upgrading older installations, can help in balancing costs and efficiency.

 

A path to lower costs and enhanced efficiency

Tackling high maintenance costs requires a multi-faceted approach. By employing strategies like predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and a focus on quality and efficiency, owner-operators can reduce costs while ensuring the longevity and reliability of their assets.

 

Our approach is centered on predictive maintenance strategies, using advanced data analytics to anticipate maintenance needs. This proactive method reduces unplanned downtime and extends asset life, leading to significant cost savings. Additionally, our expertise in incident management, quality assurance, and lifetime strategy planning ensures that renewable energy assets operate at peak efficiency with minimal interruptions. We can support owner-operators to effectively manage and reduce their maintenance costs, paving the way for more sustainable and economically viable operations.

 

Learn more about how to manage operational costs and increase profitability through AI and human expertise here.

Related cases

Case

Vestas
Obsolescence management solution helps vestas update five wind turbine modules
Vestas is a leading global provider of sustainable energy solutions, designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines across the world. The company has a strong focus on sustainability and has installed over 160 GW of wind turbines in more than 80 countries.

Read the full story

Case

SerEnergy
Partnering with engineering experts for seamless commercial transformation and global support
SerEnergy is a leading provider of methanol-based fuel cell development and production that operates using sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. The company produces methanol-based solutions that provide green energy for stationary plants, vehicles, ships, and heating of homes. Methanol, used for storing energy, is a water-soluble and easily biodegradable chemical that can be produced from renewable energy sources. SerEnergy is currently working towards achieving zero CO2 emissions and DIS/CREADIS has been part of the mission.

Read the full story

How can we help you?

Are you interested in learning more about DIS/CREADIS?
Enter your information in the form and we will contact you shortly.