Through-Life Engineering Services for Offshore Wind Energy

Abstract

The concept of Through-life Engineering Services (TES) was developed to streamline high value asset management throughout their lifecycle to save significant costs by increasing availability of the asset. In this regard, PAS-280 (2018) was published to provide industry with a reference point and common framework for developing a TES based business model adding value to their business. The UK civil aerospace sector is one of the most mature industries in adopting the concept of TES by employing innovative business models, e.g. the “Power-by-the-Hour” scheme, deployed by Rolls-Royce. Although, TES is a well-accepted methodology by key industries in the UK, it is still a new concept to many, particularly SMEs, and consequently there is a very low adoption rate in other sectors, e.g. renewable energy. Offshore wind energy sector is less mature compared to other sectors and has been identified as one of the fastest growing industries for generating clean energy. The UK has made a long-term commitment to net-zero carbon emissions in response to the threat of climate change and holds the biggest market for Offshore Wind globally, at 36%, worth over £24bn, with a further £0.5bn in operation and maintenance (O&M) costs per year. The industry is currently heavily subsidised by the government using taxpayer money, which burdens government finances and is a risk to the asset owners, due to threats associated with defunding. Therefore, it is vital to protect the assets whilst increasing revenue using industrially accepted business models, i.e. TES oriented, from more mature sectors. This paper aims to highlight the gaps and challenges in the sector (specifically in the UK), and identify the potential opportunities, through the application of TES principles and approaches, for improving the profitability/cost effectiveness of offshore assets. This will be considered in the context for the TES Framework (PAS-280).