As global energy demand continues to surge, renewable sources are stepping up to meet these challenges, with onshore wind playing a key role. In 2023 alone, onshore wind capacity grew by an astounding 107 gigawatts, driven largely by China, along with notable contributions from the U.S. and Europe. This marked a significant recovery after two tough years marred by supply chain issues and pandemic-related delays. Looking ahead, 2024 is poised to see another 80 gigawatts added, and wind energy is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.6% over the next five years.
Technological advancements in onshore wind are rapidly transforming the landscape. Taller towers and longer blades, which harness higher-altitude winds, are becoming the norm. Moreover, the rise of AI-powered analytics and predictive maintenance is enhancing the efficiency of turbines, and hybrid renewable energy plants—combining wind, solar, and storage—are smoothing out energy supply variability.
However, this surge in turbine size and capacity comes with significant challenges. Larger turbines mean heavier and more complex components, which complicates not only design and manufacturing but also logistics. Oversized blades, nacelles, and tower sections—often exceeding 80 metric tons—pose massive transportation challenges. For example, blades over 65 meters long are difficult to navigate through narrow or winding roads, and nacelles present weight constraints on bridges and other infrastructure.
The transportation of these components often involves significant planning, specialized vehicles, and route modifications, sometimes requiring the removal of streetlights or adjusting traffic signals. Moreover, onshore wind farms are frequently located in remote or rugged terrains, where weather conditions and off-road travel can further delay or complicate operations.
One project that exemplifies these logistical complexities is the Kvitfjell Raudfjell Wind Farm in northern Norway. deugro, a logistics firm with decades of experience in renewables, was tasked with transporting 67 turbines over 290,000 freight tons from various locations including Morocco and Denmark. The project involved navigating mountainous terrains, steep inclines, and a narrow jetty, not to mention harsh winter conditions like heavy snow. Despite these challenges, deugro successfully coordinated 17 vessel charters and managed large storage facilities, ensuring the timely completion of the project.
As onshore wind continues to grow and turbine technology evolves, the logistical challenges will persist. Companies like deugro, with proven expertise, will be essential in overcoming these hurdles, ensuring the wind sector remains a crucial player in the global shift toward sustainable energy.
