Wind farm supply chains can get complicatedThe supply chain was one of the most important issues discussed at the UK's Offshore Wind conference earlier this summer - specifically, how can the supply chain be adjusted and improved to provide all of the components necessary for increased wind turbine production?

Earlier this year, the UK government gave the go-ahead to begin developing some areas of the seabed for wind farms in the UK Crown Estate's Round 3, the third and most aggressive phase of land-leasing for alternative energy projects on the seabed, reports RenewableEnergyWorld.com. The result is a need for increased production of the various elements that make up the wind turbines - without sacrificing the quality that makes these energy sources so valuable and durable.

“Ramping up the supply chain with the necessary quality is going to be a challenge,” said Richard Reno, a senior executive at General Electric.

In order to produce the 32 GW of new offshore wind capacity licensed by the government, the supply chain will encounter new and unprecedented difficulties. Items will need to be sourced in higher numbers and faster than ever before. In addition, there are concerns about the readiness of the on-shore grid for the new flood of wind energy. Even so, speakers at the event expressed optimism concerning the positive impact of the new turbines.

Despite the popularity of wind energy in the UK, costs for developing wind farms have remained stubbornly high. As a result, supply chain concerns are further complicated by the need to reduce costs. However, a number of ideas are being tossed around that would help keep wind energy production profitable, reports RenewableEnergyWorld.com.

According to National Wind, a single wind turbine can produce approximately 2 megawatts of energy - enough to power 500 to 600 average-sized homes.
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