The global wind energy market is in need of a technology revolution, states MAKE Consulting, a strategic advisor to the wind power industry, as publicly traded wind energy firms report falling profits for 2012.
| The time has come for aggressive action. A conservative approach will lead to marginalisation and an inevitable exit from the market, as weak turbine portfolios will translate into weak profits. The same can be said for component suppliers, who must apply limited resources effectively to align themselves with strategic clients who have the greatest opportunity for long term market success. Collaboration is the key, and effective alliances will be successful when innovative component concepts are combined with thoughtful systems engineering. |
| MAKE Consulting |
In order to reinvigorate investor enthusiasm, onshore wind energy must be able to compete directly with fossil fuelled power generation with limited or no support from government driven incentives, MAKE says. Technology and industrialisation lie at the heart of this endeavour and must be embraced to increase wind turbine energy capture and lower the capital cost of next generation wind turbines.
Traditional wind turbine designs have their limitations, MAKE reports, and continued evolution of an existing design will eventually lead to diminishing returns.
Blade structures and materials remain at the forefront of innovation as new concepts reach commercialisation in the coming years, including new adaptations of segmented blades, advanced root joints, and pultruded spars.
New gearbox, generator, power converter, tower and controls are also being developed.
