Aggreko: Robust Supply Chain Needed for Offshore Wind Sector
The offshore wind sector is poised for significant expansion, but a recent study highlights that critical supply chain issues could impede its progress.
Energy solutions specialist Aggreko's 'Race to Renewables' report reveals the industry must overcome several hurdles to meet ambitious growth targets and revolutionise global power generation.
Power supply bottlenecks
According to consulting giant McKinsey, global installed offshore wind capacity is expected to surge from 40GW in 2020 to a staggering 630GW by mid-century.
However, Aggreko's survey of 855 offshore wind professionals across Europe identifies a lack of robust energy supply chains as a major obstacle to this growth.
Emphasising the urgency of addressing this challenge, Michel Maaskant, Sector Sales Specialist for Offshore Renewables at Aggreko, comments: "Despite the huge growth across the industry, there are still barriers that could cause issues if they're not tackled.
"To ensure continued expansion, especially considering the targets set out by bodies across Europe, the wind sector must look at the barriers that are stopping greener technologies being used, alongside the issues around securing power for projects."
The study reveals that almost two in five (39%) professionals consider the lack of temporary power solutions to be the primary barrier to growth.
This issue is particularly acute during the construction phase, where power is crucial for cable laying and supporting heavy lifting vessels.
Logistics and equipment challenges
Transport and logistics difficulties were cited by an equal proportion of respondents (39%) as a major challenge for accessing power.
Additionally, 34% of those surveyed pointed to equipment turnaround time as a significant problem, highlighting the need for more efficient supply chain management in the sector.
Elsewhere, the integration of more sustainable technologies emerged as another key factor blocking industry expansion.
However, the adoption of these technologies is hampered by a significant skills gap, with more than 41% of respondents admitting to a lack of technical knowledge and experience.
This skills shortage is particularly pronounced in the UK, where The Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) projects a need for 70,000 additional jobs in the offshore wind space between now and 2030.
The OWIC further forecasts that jobs in the sector will exceed 100,000 for the first time, underscoring the urgent need for workforce development.
Despite the aforementioned challenges, the offshore wind industry is experiencing a significant upturn.
Europe is set to invest at least US$5.6bn in the wind industry to secure advance payments and provide performance guarantees for new projects.
Aggreko's role in sustainable transition
To support the industry's transition, Aggreko has developed the Energising Change sustainability framework.
This initiative aims to support commercially viable energy transitions, with a focus on developing renewable infrastructure.
Michel elaborates on the framework's importance: "Energising Change is all about helping industries make the switch to more sustainable energy solutions. However, they can only do this if they are given the correct support and guidance.
"In the wind sector, this knowledge gap is something that must be tackled if growth is to be achieved. This is where strategic partnerships between energy solutions providers and offshore wind companies will come into play to help develop sustainable supply chains and reliable energy provision."
Check out the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital and sign up to our global conference series – Procurement and Supply Chain LIVE 2025.
Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.