The announced advantageous amendment to the RES Act opens an opportunity for renewed dynamic growth for the wind energy sector. However, entrepreneurs already have to face many challenges. One of such crucial challenges is the optimisation and development of the best solutions for wind farm operation and maintenance.

Janusz Gajowiecki, PWEA President, admitted that wind farm operators in Poland are increasingly aware of the capacity to increase wind turbine operation efficiency. “In PWEA we observe increasing interest in O&M issues. Therefore, it is crucial to enable entrepreneurs to share the unique knowledge on the O&M market. There are many repetitive issues with wind farms, therefore it’s better to learn from others’ mistakes rather than duplicate them,” he adds.

Members of the Polish Wind Energy Association established a Workgroup to optimise wind farm operation and management. “We are focusing on exchange of experiences and analysis of difficult cases. They will enable us to develop efficient conduct procedures and avoid unnecessary costs and problems in the future,” explains Piotr Górecki, Director, Wind Energy Operation Department, PGE EO, Chairman of the O&M Workgroup.

The following PWEA members have already actively committed themselves to work within the Workgroup: EDPR, Innogy, PGE EO, Vortex-Energy, Martifer, E.ON, ERG, Acciona, WPD, Polenergia and WSB. “We would like to invite all interested companies to cooperate within the Workgroup. It’s advantageous to develop solutions good for our sector together,” President Janusz Gajowiecki encourages.

The primary goals of the Workgroup include mutual exchange of experiences, both related to ongoing wind farm maintenance and service optimisation as well as implementation of the latest solutions increasing wind turbine operation efficiency. The Workgroup analyses most common issues with particular components and discusses mitigation measures and early detection methods. It also discusses innovative market projects, focusing on benefit analysis and the capacity and feasibility of their implementation in the Polish environment. Furthermore, works on the development of OHS standards together with relevant authorities are planned. Also, an IT platform to exchange knowledge and provide mutual assistance will be developed.

“The knowledge gained by the members of our Workgroup will certainly translate into more efficient wind farm operation and management. However, there are many more participation advantages. We will also discuss other initiatives, including group purchasing and common warehousing,” Piotr Górecki announces.

All interested companies are invited to cooperate.

More information about the Workgroup’s works:

Kamil Beker
O&M GROUP
omgroup@psew.pl