WIND TURBINE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance Market Size and Trends

The wind turbine operations and maintenance market is estimated to be valued at USD 25.31 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 43.94 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2024 to 2031.

The wind turbine operations and maintenance market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.

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With ongoing installation and commissioning of new wind farms worldwide and expiration of initial OEM warranties of existing wind turbines, the demand for O&M services is projected to steadily increase. Additionally, refurbishment of aged wind turbine components such as blades, gearboxes, and generators is further expected to drive the demand for the wind turbine operations and maintenance. Also, the market is likely to gain traction with the growing focus of wind turbine owners and operators on preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Continuous technological advancements in maintenance practices, such as development of advanced monitoring systems, drone-based inspections, and predictive analytics, are further expected to support the market expansion through 2031.

Wind Turbine Lifecycle Extension

As wind turbines age, operators aim to maximize productivity while minimizing costs. Original equipment manufacturer warranties typically cover turbines for 2-5 years, with the average lifespan being around 20-25 years. However, advancements in materials science, manufacturing processes, and monitoring technologies now enable turbines to operate effectively for 30 years or more with refurbishment. Turbine owners see significant value in extending operational lifecycles, as each additional year brings greater return on investment.

Operators engage in comprehensive maintenance regimens to ensure component longevity. Regular inspections identify worn parts for scheduled replacement, preventing catastrophic failures. Thermal imaging and vibration analysis detect structural weaknesses early. Blades undergo rigorous stress testing to ensure aerodynamic efficiency is maintained despite environmental wear. Nacelle internals like gearboxes and generators receive software upgrades and refined lubricants to minimize friction. Tower paint is renewed to protect against corrosion. Such proactive measures sustain turbine performance throughout multi-decade service.

For Instance, In September 2021, Siemens Gamesa introduced a groundbreaking development in the wind industry by launching the RecyclableBlade, the world’s first wind turbine blade designed for commercial offshore use that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the company's goal to make turbines fully recyclable by 2040. The initial batch of six RecyclableBlades has been manufactured at Siemens Gamesa’s blade plant in Aalborg, Denmark. The company has also secured agreements with three major customers: RWE, EDF Renewables, and wpd. Siemens Gamesa will collaborate with RWE to test the recyclable blades at the Kaskasi offshore wind power plant in Germany, partner with EDF Renewables to deploy them in future offshore projects, and work with wpd to install them at one of their upcoming offshore wind power plants. 

Distributed wind power presents distinct operations and maintenance challenges compared to large utility-scale farms. Whereas centralized facilities benefit from economies of scale, smaller turbines located across diverse terrains incur higher servicing expenses per megawatt. Isolated single installations in remote agricultural or industrial areas are difficult for technicians to access regularly. Adverse weather and terrain also slow repairs. However, distributed wind still provides affordable renewable energy solutions for off-grid needs when properly maintained.

To efficiently handle dispersed assets, O&M managers rely on remote monitoring technologies. Sensors in nacelles transmit performance data via cellular networks or satellite, alerting to issues before significant downtime occurs. Drones equipped with cameras and diagnostics perform rapid visual inspections of hard-to-reach components. Artificial intelligence assists in identifying maintenance priorities from large datasets.

As part of the Green Innovation Fund Projects supported by NEDO, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) is working on the Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation project. Their focus is on improving the technology used to operate and maintain offshore wind turbines. Recently, Toshiba ESS conducted demonstration activities at the Sozu Wind System wind farm in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, owned by Shikoku Wind Power Co., Ltd. They have successfully evaluated technology for fully automated inspections of large wind turbine blades using drones. This technology allows drones to detect the position and movement of wind turbines and their blades, capturing images for inspection purposes. Toshiba ESS aims to complete the technology verification for fully automated inspections by February 2024.