Wind Energy
Foundation Market: Overview
As reforms and
policies stressing on adaptation of renewable energy are increasing,
wind energy is expected to occupy a major market share of global
power production in coming years. Demand for clean energy as well as
depletion of conventional reserves have promoted use of renewable
energy resources. Wind
energy structures can be segmented on basis of location as
offshore and onshore projects. Offshore wind turbines are now being
installed in deep water also. These structures are extremely huge and
heavy. The tower constructed for wind turbines carry weight of blades
and also absorb static loads caused by fluctuations in wind power.
Along with tower, foundation also carries weight of these structures.
Hence to guarantee stability of wind energy project, the foundation
should be strong enough to handle pressure exerted by slender
structure above it.
Foundation refers to
support structure or geotechnical component for wind turbines
situated between tower and seabed. In case of onshore wind energy
project, foundation is constructed on different types of terrains
under challenging soil and environmental conditions. For onshore
construction, foundations can be segmented as raft, pile, and well
foundations, among others. Raft footing is among frequently used
structures and comes in different shapes depending upon various
factors such as wind class, type of tower, and turbine capacity. The
foundation designs varies according to the project, ground
conditions, and the local rules and regulations.
Wind Energy
Foundation Market: Segment-wise Insight
For offshore wind
energy projects, foundation structures can be classified as
mono-pile, jacket-pile, gravity-type, tripod and suction caissons.
Mono-pile comprises of steel pile that is situated at around 30-60
ft. into the seabed. Mono pile is among the most used types of
foundations especially in Europe. However, they are not considered
well-suited for large turbines, which are among latest trends of wind
industry. Gravity-pile foundation are made of precast concrete and
are ballasted with sand, gravel or stones. In these type of
foundations turbines depend upon gravity to stand erect.
Tripod foundations
use the principle used in the oil and gas industry and are used for
deeper depths. In this type, the foundation consists of three piles
which are driven 32-46 ft. into the seabed. Jacket is another popular
technology used for deep waters. It is made of steel beams welded
together to form a jacket or cover. A floating offshore wind
foundation is not used on a large scale. The deep water offshore wind
structures are preferred as winds are stronger here as compared to
the shores.
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However, the cost of
offshore wind foundations is a major restraint for this market. The
University of Dundee estimated in 2014 that foundations and
installations can represent about 25% of the total wind turbine
capital investment. Construction of foundations is critical as it
depends upon many factors and requires extensive research. Apart from
load that forms a major factor, motion caused by coupling of
translational and rotational platforms and turbines are also
considered. The foundation design also depends upon mooring lines for
floating systems. Corrosion is another serious threat and requires
extensive monitoring. As foundation contributes to major part of wind
energy investment, these factors are critically analyzed.
Mono-pile projects
are most used form of foundations in Europe. Seabed structures and
ongoing projects for sustainable energy promotions in Europe have
helped in creating huge market opportunity for mono-pile foundation.
The foundation’s market also depends upon the suppliers for
materials. The suppliers for different types of foundation are not
uniformly distributed globally. This is another reason for mono-pile
being used extensively in Europe and jacket foundations is preferred
in the U.S. Jacket foundation are light weighted as compared to other
types and hence are easier to install. Mono-piles structures’
transportation is challenging as they are quite heavy. This may act
as a restraint for mono-pile market in coming years.
Wind Energy
Foundation Market: Competitive Overview
Major players in
this market are Suzlon Group, Ramboll Group, Owec Tower AS, Offshore
Wind Power Systems of Texas LLC, Blue H Engineering BV, SWAY AS,
Marine Innovation & Technology, Statoil, Principle Power, Inc.,
DONG Energy Burbo Extension (UK) Ltd., Bladt Industries A/S, TAG
Energy Solutions, MT Højgaard, Fugro Renewable Services, and
Dillinger Hütte.
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