The renewable energy sector has grown significantly in the last two decades, emerging as a mainstream source of clean and cost-effective energy. As the global push to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy intensifies, the competition to harness green energy sources is at an all-time high. One of the most sought-after renewable energy sources is wind energy.
The 15th Flagship Global Wind Report 2019 by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) highlights key developments in the global wind energy industry:
- 4 GW of wind energy capacity was installed globally in 2019, representing a 19% increase from 2018, marking the second-best year for wind installations historically.
- Total global capacity for wind energy now exceeds 651 GW, a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
- While 2020 was projected to be a record-breaking year for wind energy, with a forecast of 76 GW of new capacity, the impact of COVID-19 on installations remains uncertain.
These statistics illustrate the impressive growth of the wind energy industry, but it is also essential to consider safety data, including accidents, incidents, and near-miss reports within the sector.
Safety On, a health and safety organization for the onshore wind sector, published a report on Onshore Wind Health and Safety Incident Data for 2020. The report revealed:
- 532 incidents reported across nearly seven million hours worked in the UK.
- Of these incidents, 455 (86%) occurred on operational wind farms, while others happened on construction sites (12%), development sites (2%), or while working from home (0.4%).
- The key risk areas identified were: routine maintenance (126 incidents), access/egress (84 incidents), and electrical system work (50 incidents).
The data suggests that the renewable energy sector, much like other energy industries, carries its own set of risks. However, the unique characteristics of renewable energy, particularly wind power, can amplify these risks, making them more challenging to manage.
Wind Energy and Its Unique Risks
The data highlights that routine maintenance on operational wind farms is the most significant risk area in the wind energy sector. However, the construction and operation of green energy facilities, such as wind farms, introduce a unique set of challenges not typically encountered in traditional energy sectors.
The key difference lies in the energy source. In fossil fuel energy production, the fuel is transported to a controlled, contained environment (such as a power plant). However, in the renewable energy sector, the energy sources—such as wind—are often located in remote and difficult terrains, far from infrastructure. This makes construction, production, and maintenance more challenging and increases the complexity of risk management. The "Control of Works" in these remote locations becomes the most significant challenge.
Control of Works in the Renewable Energy Industry
One of the key issues in renewable energy, especially wind energy, is the challenge of "Control of Works" in remote areas. Let’s explore how this challenge plays out in the context of confined space entry—a common risk in all energy sectors.
Case Study: In Southwest Minnesota, a fire broke out in a wind turbine while three workers were replacing a turbine. One worker tragically lost his life, and the other two were critically injured. The fire reportedly started while replacing a bolt. The potential causes include oxygen depletion, toxic fumes, or flammable fumes resulting from heat or electrical sparks. These hazards are common when working with volatile organic compounds used to lubricate turbines and electrical apparatus.
According to OSHA, the turbine area is classified as a permit-required confined space. Depending on the design of the tower, there can be multiple confined spaces, including:
- Telecom vaults
- Basement electrical rooms
- Hub/noose cones
- Turbine blades
In this case, the workers likely were tasked with replacing the turbine and were also responsible for assessing and mitigating the risks associated with confined space entry. However, it is possible that they did not follow a documented, authorized, and approved confined space entry procedure, which might have prevented the incident.
In other energy industries, a pre-defined, authorized Permit to Work (PTW) System would typically be in place to ensure safety. A PTW system includes procedures for confined space entry, risk assessments, and the necessary safety checks before work begins. This could have led to a different outcome in this case.
Challenges in Remote Renewable Energy Operations
Renewable energy facilities, particularly wind farms, often operate in remote locations, which can present numerous challenges in terms of safety and risk management. To mitigate these risks, a robust Permit to Work (PTW) System is crucial. By implementing digital PTW solutions, organizations can overcome the difficulties associated with remote work locations.
How Can Digital PTW Solutions Address These Challenges?
A digital PTW system offers numerous benefits, particularly in the renewable energy sector, where operations take place in isolated or difficult-to-reach locations:
- Control of works during the construction and operational phases.
- Easy permit applications for all activities via mobile app interfaces.
- Real-time risk assessments, with the ability to review photos and videos of the current worksite.
- Immediate action, including stopping work and authorizing permits in real time.
- Up-to-date information on all activities via interactive maps and graphics, keeping managers informed and in control.
By leveraging customized PTW solutions, renewable energy companies can address the unique risks associated with their operations. These digital tools offer better control, monitoring, and mitigation of safety hazards, helping organizations safeguard their workers and facilities.
To learn more about how digital PTW solutions can improve safety and mitigate risks in renewable energy operations, visit the dedicated page for more information: Permit to Work Solutions.
For additional insights into safety software and solutions for the renewable energy industry, explore Core EHS Magazine and stay updated on the latest developments in the field.