2

OFFSHORE WIND FACTSHEET

OVERVIEW OF A
WIND FARM PROJECT

COMPONENTS OF A TYPICAL WIND FARM

Source: Future Offshore

A Strategic Framework
for the Offshore Wind
Industry, DTI

LIFECYCLE OF A WIND FARM

The life of a wind farm
can be divided into 4
main stages:

DEVELOPMENT PARTNER(S)

DESIGN

BUILD

OPERATE

DECOMMISSION

Design

Developer(s)
Project Management

Installation Contractor / Project

Manager

Operations &
Maintenance

Project Manager

Build

Detailed Design & Procurement

Support Vessels

Wind Turbine & Towers Supply

Ports

Turbine Components

Turbine Components

Support Structure / Foundations /

Piles Supply

Inspection & Testing

Operate

Development Design

Decommission

Offshore Engineering
Design

There are significant

opportunities for local
supply chain companies
all four stages. The
diagram opposite
maps the supply-chain
requirements over
a typical wind farm
development lifecycle.

Environmental
Assessment &
Monitoring
Geological Surveys
Resource Analysis &
Modelling
Grid Interface
Consultant
Planning, Legislation &
Regulations Consultant
Design Certification

Subsea Cable & Connector Supply

Turbine Installation
Foundation Installation
Cable Installation
Freight, Logistics & Transportation
Support Vessels
Ports
Scour Protection
Weather Forecasting
Grid Connection

Design Engineering /
Analysis
Marine Lifting / Crane
Vessels
Support Vessels
Ports
Diving & Underwater
Services
Geological Surveys
Environmental
Assessment &
Monitoring

BREAKDOWN OF THE COSTS OF A TYPICAL (100MW) OFFSHORE WIND FARM

The estimated accessible value of supply gaps for
Scottish companies arising from Scottish & UK
Offshore projects to 2014 is summarised below:
Project Developers & Services

169 million

Turbine Manufacturers & their suppliers

1.46 billion

Construction

1.43 billion

Operations & Maintenance

56 million

Source: Future Offshore A Strategic Framework for the Offshore

Wind Industry, DTI

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Within a wind farm there is a diverse range of products and services,
from project-specific bespoke-designed single items to multiple massproduced generic parts. For further information see link below:
www.thecrownestate.co.uk/guide_to_offshore_windfarm.pdf

HOW SCOTTISH
ENTERPRISE CAN HELP
Expert advice and support
for diversifation activity

In terms of production volumes, quality and cost the wind industry falls
between the aerospace and automotive industry;

Market information,
intelligence and insight

Potentially high maintenance costs means reliability is critically

important;

Infrastructure, including
R&D facilities

High levels of fatique loading on components exerts a significant demand

upon designs, materials, fabrication assembly methods and monitoring
systems.

To find out more visit:

scottish-enterprise.com/offshorewind

The Wind Market Report 2009 2014 AEA, published by SE March 2010.

If you require this publication in an

alternative format and/or language please
contact the Scottish Enterprise Helpline on
0845 607 8787 to discuss your needs.
Scottish Enterprise
Atrium Court
50 Waterloo Street
Glasgow
G2 6HQ
Helpline: 0845 607 8787
E-mail: enquiries@scotent.co.uk
www.scottish-enterprise.com
SE/3366/Apr11