New report explores true cost of wind turbine operations & maintenance |
Independent wind energy analysts have been working with Wind Energy Update to determine what factors into operations and maintenance costs. They have been exploring how much turbine operators and investors can expect to invest in operations and maintenance over coming years - and how such costs can be mitigated. Data analysed in ‘The Wind Energy Operations & maintenance Report’ suggest that average operations and maintenance (O&M) costs run at approximately $0.027/kWh or €0.019/kWh per kWh.This may sound like a small investment, but profitable wind farms require operators to run a tight ship. The report quotes an operator saying: “Just a 1% improvement in O&M makes a huge difference on the bottom line.” Some of the component failure cost trends exposed in this new report include:
It’s no surprise that the majority of R&D continues to focus on the big three components which generate the largest failure costs - the tower, rotor blades and gearbox. “Gearboxes are still the Achilles’ heel for the wind industry, and can cost up to $500,000 to fix due to the high cost of replacement parts, cranes (which can cost $75,000-$100,000), post installation testing, re-commissioning and lost power production,” says one long-term veteran O&M technician. More information on the true costs, challenges and solutions for wind energy operations and maintenance is available in ‘The Wind Energy Operations & Maintenance Report’ at www.windenergyupdate.com/reports.
Pamela Muckosy Head of Research Wind Energy Update This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it +44(0) 207 375 7554 |