THREE60 Energy has continued its international expansion and growth in the global renewables sector by supporting a number of fixed and floating offshore wind developments in recent months.

Our International Expansion

According [1] to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), 2019 was a record year for offshore wind with 6.1 GW of new capacity added, bringing the total global cumulative installations to 29.1 GW. We are proud to have played a role in this offshore wind boom, with members of the THREE60 Energy team having supported over 100 international wind projects and most recently (since 2018) delivered over 4,000 incident free man days of quality assurance, control and client representative services in support of global offshore wind farm developments.

This success has seen THREE60 Energy secure additional contracts with major international wind developers in Scotland, Italy, Taiwan and Japan. The services delivered as part of these contracts include project feasibility, consultation, construction support, operations (survey QA, QC & CSR), maintenance and monitoring.

Our highly experienced team of technical experts, which includes engineers, geologists, surveyors, geophysicists, and geotechnical engineers, have been delivering marine and renewable energy services for several decades. This experience ideally positions us to support major offshore wind developments around the world, in line with the energy transition.

It was this expertise that saw THREE60 Energy make a significant market entry into Taiwan at the beginning of 2018. The group delivered services in the areas of geophysical, geotechnical, vessel auditing, HSE, fabrication, and construction yard project management to support seven offshore wind developments. These projects were led by several of the largest developers in Europe.

Offshore Wind Poised for Global Growth

A recent report [2] published by the GWEC found that offshore wind will continue to grow despite the impacts of COVID-19, and will be key for green economic recovery around the world. Data suggests that the sector has been less impacted by the pandemic compared to other energy sectors. GWEC Market Intelligence anticipates 900,000 jobs will be created in the industry over the next decade thanks to continued growth, demonstrating its viability as a key driver for a global green recovery. Despite the opportunities, we understand that renewable energy projects pose significant challenges for developers as the regulatory and commercial environment evolves from region to region. At THREE60 Energy, we blend specialist capabilities to advise on initial planning, environmental, geological, engineering and regulatory requirements that combine to assist clients in the effective design and implementation of offshore renewables projects.

Taiwan remains one of the most innovative and fastest growing markets for offshore wind in the world. In July 2021, the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult announced [3] that it was partnering with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to support the growth of the Taiwanese offshore wind industry and create export opportunities for UK businesses.

The agreement will see the two organisations collaborate on large-scale offshore wind research and innovation projects for the Taiwanese offshore wind market. Dr Stephen Wyatt, ORE Catapult Research and Disruptive Innovation Director, commented: “As the largest offshore wind market in the world, the UK has a wealth of technologies, experience and know-how that can be shared with one of our largest global trading partners, helping us to expand global clean energy generation, reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change.”

Partnering for Success

At THREE60 Energy we are proud to be working with the ORE Catapult, and supporting pioneering wind projects in Taiwan. In April this year we were delighted to be selected by ORE Catapult for its Fit 4 Offshore Renewables (F4OR) business improvement and supply chain growth programme.

The highly respected programme will support the booming regional energy supply chain to fuel growth in offshore renewables and stimulate supply chain mobility and transition during the green economic recovery. Securing a place was testament to our credentials in the international offshore renewables sector.

One example of this is our recent work on a major offshore wind project in Taiwan. THREE60 Energy was appointed by a European offshore wind farm developer to deliver specialist services spanning geophysics, geotechnics and HSE. This was followed by geotechnical soil boring consultancy and site supervision of over 100 locations. Prior to the surveys, THREE60 Energy conducted vessel audits and geotechnical drilling rig inspections, which included HSE and IMCA CMID audits.

Throughout the project, THREE60 Energy managed the contractor and sub-contractors and reviewed the contractor’s report and procedures. The scope of work was completed on time and provided a fit for purpose data set both safely and on budget.

As a result of our proven experience in the offshore sector and in Southeast Asia, we were subsequently appointed by another European wind farm developer to deliver a project in Taiwan.

The project saw us provide experienced fabrication experts to oversee construction yard facilities and operations for the fabrication of wind turbine transition pieces and monopiles. The project, which included management of fabrication personnel, was completed safely and successfully.

Looking ahead, we are continuing to strengthen our capabilities while forming even closer partnerships with the next generation of wind farm developments.

Discover more here – https://three60energy.com/solutions/renewables/

[1] https://gwec.net/global-offshore-wind-report-2020/

[2] https://gwec.net/global-offshore-wind-report-2020/

[3] https://ore.catapult.org.uk/press-releases/uk-taiwanese-research-partnership-boost-offshore-wind-growth-export-opportunities/