Bigger and Always Better? For Wind Turbines, Europe Is Saying No

Offshore wind developers in Europe have increased turbine size in an effort to reduce investment costs, maintenance and optimize generation.

That idea is changing, though, Bracewell’s Tracy London tells Energy Voice.

“There’s a way of thinking that the bigger the nameplate capacity of the turbine, the lower the cost per MW. This is an oversimplification,” says London. “Bigger turbines require the entire supply chain to change, so bigger foundations, bigger quays, bigger factories — and bigger installation vessels.”

London further notes that the push for larger nameplate capacity puts a strain on supply chains, with contractors often making “slim — or zero — margins.”

“There’s a twofold question for wind turbines of a larger nameplate capacity,” she concludes. “Can they be installed? And what is the long-term sustainable market?”