RenewableUK reports that the offshore wind industry is now developing and begins thinking of the use of helicopters and drones, as more than 50% of turbines consented or planned in Europe are over 250m tall. RenewableUK’s latest project Intelligence report shows that those projects, all located in UK waters, will mainly use turbines over 280m tall, while the tallest units currently operational in Europe are 230m.
Specifically, the report presents that the new offshore projects to be constructed are to be built even farther from shore, providing new opportunities for helicopter and drone companies.
If this is to happen, it will be cost-effective to use helicopters and drone technologies to carry out vital inspection and maintenance operations on turbines.
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Moreover, about 74%, meaning three quarters of the 10.5GW of new projects in the UK that are in planning or competing for power contracts are located in waters over 50km from shore, with the furthest located 210km out into the sea.
Up to now, all the projects that are in operation are located within 33km of the coast.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Emma Pinchbeck stated
These reports show that the UK is at the forefront of innovation in offshore wind, investing in the largest, most modern turbines and increasingly using helicopters and drones. This is a huge opportunity for the aviation sector to capitalise on our world-leading industry.
Concluding, the Deputy Chief Executive commented that the offshore sector is developing, and aims to experience what firms have to offer, as the latest drone technology, to operate the wind fleet efficiently and cheaply.
For more information on RenewableUK’s reports, click here.
