Wind Energy Update, a leading wind energy think tank, has raised concerns that current levels of contractor competence will struggle to keep pace with the sector’s rapid offshore expansion.

On the one hand, developers lack clarity on the workforce profiles that are required to complete their projects on time. And on the other, contractors need to be able to prove their team’s capabilities before construction even starts – leading to a catch 22 situation.

As a result, the think tank is predicting a ‘bottleneck in the supply of workers’ when new projects or project phases start, unless the issue is addressed through forward planning.

It suggests building up a clear and structured framework of the competencies required for the various project stages, so teams can be effectively transferred between projects and project stages within the required timescales.

Wilding says:‘The current agenda for offshore wind construction is certainly ambitious – and it won’t be possible without enough competent contractors! The wind energy needs to address and resolve this issue as a matter of urgency, to avoid potentially major delays. ’

Source: equities.com