EJQ1 - Summer 2024 - Journal - Page 22
Following the analysis, there are several ways to collect in situ data
from the foundations. That could be initially by doing visual inspection,
coring, or NDT (non-destructive testing) on the concrete surfaces, but
could also be by implementing a more robust SHM (structural health
monitoring) program, involving instrumentations of the towers, and
the foundations.
Using the Information to evaluate service life
Once the inspections and analyses are complete, the technical
information could then be compiled and added to existing project
information (economic, political, 昀椀nancial incentives) to fully
appreciate the value of, at least, three potential options: leave the
system as is and continue to run it, refurbish the system, or completely
replace the system. Not to mention the end of life of the wind farm.
It is expected that the initial investment in a windfarm will already have
been paid after 20 years of operation. If the life of the system can be
extended without doing much, it’s a lot of direct pro昀椀t a producer and
its co-owners can make.
A refurbishment can still present a signi昀椀cant 昀椀nancial opportunity
for the owner. While some components may need to be replaced,
the extension of service life this replacement creates can generate a
positive economic return.
There have been signi昀椀cant upgrades in turbine technology since the
昀椀rst generation of wind farms were built, so there is an economic case
that could be made for repowering a system, replacing the turbines
with or without keeping the tower or the foundations. That can depend
on whether the towers and/or foundations need to be replaced, but the
opportunity is still there. Some jurisdictions also o昀昀er 昀椀scal incentives
for replacing turbine technology, which can also strengthen the
昀椀nancial opportunity.
In any case, the return on investment the engineering studies will bring
to the projects could be signi昀椀cant. The studies
would also be required to convince all project
stakeholders (owner, lender, insurer, utilities,
community) that, whatever the path followed,
the project is safe and does not represent a
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CANADIAN RENEWABLE
higher risk than any other wind farm.
ENERGY ASSOCIATION
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • Q1 2 02 4 • P AGE 2 2
