The winds of change are coming

Sending repairs to Europe is a poor fit for the sustainable ethos of wind power. And the added challenges and costs resulting from Brexit do little to make it more financially viable. That’s why ERIKS are investing substantially in creating a local, sustainable, service and repair resource, to support wind power generation and UK energy security.

A breath of fresh air

Wind power is no longer a new industry. But it is still a developing one. There’s still room for innovation, engineering advances, and new approaches to maintenance and repair. So as well as investing in physical resources to support the sector, ERIKS are always open to talk to customers about specific problems and applications.

Engineering experience in sectors such as traditional power generation, oil and gas provides ERIKS with enormous transferable expertise. And the ERIKS’ partnership approach to working with customers means there are always experts ready to listen, to discuss options, and to find solutions – whether customised or standardised – that are cost-effective, efficient and reliable.

At the same time, the financial injection into ERIKS’ physical facilities throughout the UK means that new solutions can be engineered, and servicing and repairs carried out, with shorter lead times and greater sustainability.
 

Closer to excellence

While much wind power engineering expertise is based inconveniently in Europe, ERIKS offer an alternative closer to home.

An investment of hundreds of thousands of pounds has been made in the ERIKS Engineering and Distribution Service Centre in Aberdeen, to create a Centre of Excellence for Renewables. Focusing on creating a dedicated Yaw gearbox repair cell and all aspects of generator inspections, overhauls, repairs along with full rewinding services, the facility is also supporting the local economy by establishing a growing local workforce of skilled staff.

ERIKS’ location at Dudley in the West Midlands is the Centre of Excellence for Gearboxes, which of course are an essential component of wind turbines. ERIKS have been building, supplying and repairing gearboxes for over fifty years, so not only have experience but also well-established UK supply chains.

As the first-ever accredited SKF Maintenance Partner for the UK and Ireland, ERIKS can also help to optimise your SKF assets, reduce their Total Cost of Ownership, and maximise their productivity.

Lastly, our ERIKS Chesterfield Workshop provides specialist engineering services for High Voltage motors, transformers and generators. In-house services include coil manufacture and main generator repairs.

Turbines go round again

As many wind turbines have or are now reaching the end of their design life, important decisions have to be made about their future. As strong supporters of sustainability and circularity, ERIKS bring their repair and upgrade expertise to bear, for the benefit of the customer and the environment.

By reusing as many components as possible, ERIKS aim to reduce costs as well as reducing waste to landfill. Recent assessments have shown that ERIKS often re-use up to 87% of original components during overhauls. This also has the added benefit of Improving mean time to repair and general lead time.

Using ERIKS’ UK-based facilities also creates a win-win situation for customers. Firstly, it provides economic and sustainability benefits. Shorter transportation distances to workshops mean a reduced carbon footprint. Shorter supply chains mean not only lower carbon emissions for transportation, but also fewer unforeseen delays, less risk of supply chain disruption, and reduced costs.

Secondly, but equally importantly, working with ERIKS in the UK offers benefits which go beyond the financial and environmental.

ERIKS’ investment in UK-based facilities in Aberdeen, Chesterfield and Dudley has provided a financial and employment boost to the local areas. By using these same local resources, customers can demonstrate their own commitment to social responsibility and values.

Like the wind itself, wind power is here to stay and so are ERIKS’ Renewable Industry maintenance and repair services. Why not contact ERIKS to shoot the breeze?
 

¹ UK Renewable Energy Roadmap Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2011

² National Energy System Operator (Neso)

For more information on Renewables, or get in touch with your local ERIKS Service Centre who will be happy to discuss your options.

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