Wind Energy Update: RES Offshore wind farm challenges

However after speaking to Chris Holden he explains that when he chooses a supplier, a long service history is not important. Due to the age of the industry, Chris explains that it is unlikely that any company will have more than 5 year’s offshore wind experience.

The offshore operations manager for RES Offshore says that what is most important when choosing who to supply the components are that they meet the following requirements:

1. Health and Safety standards
2. Financial security
3. Technical capabilities

The first requirement is the most important. Suppliers are starting to understand that they must follow and adhere to the health and safety policies.

But what advice can be given to a company that aims to establish itself in the supply chain? Chris says that a supplier must do two things. One – ensure that the company is accredited (meets health and safety standards) Two – allow for contingencies. At least 40% must be prepared for including weather and supply chain issues. Chris advises you to ‘Ensure that all scenarios are included in your business plan or you will end up being out of pocket on a job’

The weather must also be taken into consideration, especially offshore. Chris says that the weather is the biggest challenge that he faces as an operations manager. This is particularly frustrating as nothing can be done. Suppliers will be contracted but cannot work because weather prohibits. 26% of the year RES Offshore is unable to perform maintenance on the wind farms because of the weather.

To hear more in-depth information about RES Offshore’s selection criteria, how they deal with the weather and the operations spare part strategy then read the full industry insight here www.windenergyupdate.com/supply-chain/content3.php