Installation of wind turbines is an area that has attracted significant attention, in an attempt to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Bigger, better, cheaper ways of transporting and installing turbines are vital in the drive to reach grid parity. Onshore, increasing tower heights lead to alternative materials and assembly procedures. Offshore, costs can be reduced by optimising design, transportation and installation of foundations.

Learning objectives

• Discover the design concepts and assembly procedures that ensure steady installation rates of concrete towers
• Identify the current challenges and solutions in the installation of new onshore technologies
• Summarise the calculation, design and manufacturing criteria for optimised offshore monopile foundations
• Examine the savings in materials and cranes derived from an innovative transportation and installation structure for a floating foundation