Wind 'Turbinegeddon' is a troubling climate omen

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Siemens Energy AG’s woes stem chiefly from technical issues with a new generation of onshore wind turbines. Wind power is vital to cutting carbon emissions, and the industry has raced to launch bigger and more powerful machines. But the Siemens Gamesa wind business moved too fast and has now discovered abnormal vibrations arising from blades and bearings which may have to be replaced.

While the affected models represent only 4% of its installed fleet, the direct costs of the fix are estimated at €1.6 billion. The company faces further unexpected expenses related to ramping up production of offshore turbines, as well as unfavorable tax effects. Bernstein Research analyst Nicholas Green has evocatively dubbed the moment Turbinegeddon.The wind industry should be flying high but instead is entrapped by a cornucopia of troubles.

Projects are too often held up by red tape and nimbyism, while contracts signed years ago have become onerous due to material and logistics cost inflation. Chinese companies that dominate their home market are looking increasingly to expand overseas, pressuring pricing. An even bigger concern is that powerful new turbines may prove unreliable — small component irregularities can cause turbines to malfunction.

The rotors of a high-spec onshore model span 170 meters and a nacelle (the central structure) can weigh several hundred tons (the latest offshore turbine designs are even larger). Needless to say, it’s not straightforward to repair massive equipment high above the ground and compensate wind park owners for forgone electricity production. Though Siemens Energy may be able to recoup some money from subcontractors and suppliers, most of the financial risks often lie with the manufacturer.