Multilingual abstract
Introduction
Organisation of the paper
Theoretical framing
Proposition 1: the collaboration of triple helix actors including SMEs in the offshore wind innovation ecosystem can use both exploration and exploitation to enhance innovation
Method
Role | Level/function in the organisation | Number |
---|---|---|
Wind farm owner | Manager—wind farm responsible | 2 |
Manager—O&M/service responsible for wind farms | 5 | |
Wind turbine producer | Manager—wind turbine producer | 1 |
Manager—O&M/service responsible for wind farms | 2 | |
Service providers, manpower, equipment/component suppliers | Manager—service/supply responsible | 3 |
Logistics service providers | Manager—service/logistic responsible | 3 |
Capital partners | Manager—investment responsible | 2 |
Industry associations | Manager | 2 |
Total interviewees | 20 |
Wind ecosystem networks in general—the specific focus of the research
Operation and maintenance (O&M) of offshore wind farms
O&M today is to a great extent an exclusive market, where wind turbine producers and energy providers so far define the regime of the collaboration.
Funding and ownership of wind parks
Findings
Governments: governmental bodies
N20: ‘It would be a very good idea if the national laws could be aligned across different countries, e.g., in country A, you have to make inspections of service lifts 4 times a year, whereas in country B, one inspection every second year is sufficient… and it´s possible that the service lift has not been used since the last inspection. You don’t respond to the concrete problem but concentrate on following the law and that doesn’t reduce LCOE.’
N10: ‘Try to think about this situation: yesterday, we worked in country A on a turbine from company X; today, we work in country B on a turbine from company Y; and tomorrow, we will work in country C on a turbine from company Z – the same type of jobs to be performed, but companies require a company-specific way to do the work … And this can be combined with country-specific differences… harmonising doesn´t exist.’
N9: ‘The power supply companies are included in the EU tender law. We (the subcontractor) could go to a turbine producer and – in cooperation with them – develop new services. This is not permitted according to EU legislation, as it is viewed as disturbing ‘arms’ length’.
N5: ‘… the new park was designed for 750 KW turbines, but the processing times of the public authorities took nearly 10 years; in the meantime, new turbines were developed, and the park was provided with 2.3 MW turbines. The consequences of this is a park where the turbines are placed too close to each other – which causes increased LCOE.’
N5: ‘In developing the new park, we decided at an early time to place the O&M activities in country A, as we already had a setup in this country. The park was owned by 2 energy-producing companies – one in country A and the other in country B. The politicians in country B argued for placing activities in their country (B) – although costs increase.’N5: ‘If you want to do business in this country (C), you have to organise some local activities – local content. An understanding of this is important to get the orders.’
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an aligned and flexible regulatory framework;
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a focus of the helices on timing, transparency and open collaboration practices.
Industry: offshore wind industry actors
N18: ‘There are many initiatives, and it’s a big advantage for the industry. One of them is the Carbon Trust consisting of, among others, 9 energy companies and partly financed by the English department of energy and climate change.’N14: ‘The industry has chosen that GWO (Global Wind Organization) has to develop minimum standards for practical training, so the different companies agree on the same level of practical training. GWO presents some overall practical standards. The starting point for the work is the international STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) convention applied to the maritime sector.’
N19: ‘Even if company X is big, they are very happy to cooperate with us (SME) on the development of new and cheaper foundations for the wind turbine. We are project managers. A technological institution is also a partner delivering specific knowledge to the project. The project is financed by the EU.’
N9: ‘You can be a little worried when energy company A talks about industrialising and standardising the products and processes, as we now have to change all the (specific component) in the turbines. It is problematic to standardise products not fully developed.’
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Enhanced focus of the helixes on transparency and open collaboration practices;
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Utilisation of SME complementarity within innovation initiatives.
University: universities and other educational bodies
N5: ‘In relation to the Ph.D. project in O&M, we have established a reference group, and at the last meeting, we found out it’s the first time research is being conducted at the university level on O&M. In addition, the Ph.D. student has established many interesting contacts.’
N3: ‘We cannot use the services from the local technical school at all. They have to use up-to-date equipment in the teaching situation. We discussed the problem with them and decided to try to find a solution. However, they did not have 2 million DKK to invest in modern equipment. We entered into an agreement so that the technical school could use our equipment. It is an advantage for all parties…’N13 ‘Ten years ago, an education program for servicemen was introduced. In the beginning, many problems were related to the qualifications of the candidates. Collaboration and discussions among partners have meant that the problems have been identified and solved.’
N9: ‘There is a need for some coordinating enterprises for O&M tasks, as we perceive it. There is a need for capital funds, which can merge enterprises to larger entities. Many SMEs cannot take command and consider how the coordination can be done for service tasks on the offshore wind park. There is a difference between service above water and service under water. Service above water – any ‘tractor mechanic’ can work that out. Service under water requires divers and special education with several enhanced tasks.’
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Focus of the helices on timing and open collaboration practices;
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Research and educational collaboration.