• How will US wind energy develop its offshore potential? 
• Offshore wind - global lessons learned 
• How a focus shift from bigger turbines to optimization and standardization will impact M&O? 
• Wind turbine blade-maintenance challenges unique to US weather and ways to mitigate them

• What are the biggest concerns around upscaling turbine technology while maintaining due diligence and quality assurance? 
• Which financial tools and insurance options can offset costs and mitigate the risk of blade failures? 
• How can risks be managed using advanced inspections and pre-installation damage checks? 
• Collaborative efforts to investigate and mitigate risks of new technologies

Panel Discussion and Audience Forum with Coffee Break

Join us for a dynamic session, starting with our panelists on stage and followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Engage with experts, ask questions, and share your insights. The discussion will include a coffee break for informal networking and conversation.

Topic: Maintaining wind’s profitability in the era of ultra-large composite blades

Over the past three decades, rotor diameters have increased more than 7X in an effort to increase generation capacity and lower LCOE. However, the blade manufacturing process has remained virtually unchanged during that same timeframe. These longer, heavier blades have resulted in higher operational and maintenance costs, especially when considering unplanned repairs. There has also been an increase in blade failure rates worldwide.

By tracking the shifts in the lower frequency spectrum, accelerometer-based conditioning monitoring systems (CMS) can detect critical structural defects and deterioration earlier and more accurately than systems utilizing other technologies.

This presentation will inform owners and operators how to:

• Understand the main drivers behind the increasing maintenance cost of wind turbines
• Identify the benefits and drawbacks of different Blade CMS technologies
• Make data-driven decisions regarding the usage of Blade CMS in their own renewable portfolio

• Overcoming the challenges of assessing internal damage in larger blades. 
• What technology can address emerging challenges? 
• Data capture and accuracy. The role of robotics 

Q&A

• Impact of icing on blade performance and structural integrity

• De-icing technologies and solutions (e.g. heated blades, anti-icing coatings)

• Coating applications for turbine blades protection

• Importance for owner/operators to have a standardized approach to assess blade damages 
• Overview of the wind blade risk model, which provides a consistent and quantitative analysis 
• Benefits and use cases of this model in Operations & Maintenance activities & cost management

Exploring new advancements and the integration of AI and machine learning in turbine blade maintenance. Discussion on the future outlook of blade repair and maintenance, including the latest in how to balance quality and cost-effectiveness. Highlighting best practice with case studies, as well as strategies for managing maintenance costs through collaborative research and financial planning.

Q&A

Drone inspections - best practices.

Future issues: will bigger blades create problems elsewhere in a turbine?

Contracts and contractual language / working with insurers: tips and strategies

Network with industry peers in a relaxed setting, enjoying refreshments and conversations that foster connections. Start the event with a social touch, setting the stage for collaboration.