MEMBER NEWS: James Fisher increases offshore wind asset operations and maintenance portfolio with triple offshore substation contract from Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium

January 10, 2022
MEMBER NEWS: James Fisher increases offshore wind asset operations and maintenance portfolio with triple offshore substation contract from Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium

James Fisher Renewables, has won three multi-million pound 13-15-year contracts supplying specialist operations and maintenance (O&M) services to support informed decision-making for offshore transmission asset owners (OFTOs) at Thanet, Gwynt-y-Môr and Humber.

The contracts will be performed by JF Renewables’ specialist high voltage business EDS HV Group (EDS) for BBEC (Balfour Beatty Equitix Consortium), leading investors and long-term fund managers of core infrastructure assets. The addition of three further transmission infrastructure sites further expands EDS’ asset management portfolio with the customer benefiting from the combination of significant project management experience implemented by a highly trained, multi-skilled team.

Transmission infrastructure owners can find that unaddressed underlying problems can often result in an unplanned outage that reduces transmission capacity necessitating an emergency response at short notice with commercial consequences. EDS’ unique approach allows them to focus the annual operating charge and focus on critical assets that require attention, allowing them to flex in-line with the natural deterioration that occurs in all assets over time.

The agreement will see EDS provide enhanced O&M services for the offshore assets, ensuring safety of the system in-line with HV safety rules and the maintenance of HV transmission assets, alongside the integration of provisions for heating and ventilation systems, fire suppression, lifesaving equipment and corrosion inspections. Building on its honest, transparent maintenance philosophy, this partnership represents the next step towards full turnkey O&M solutions, delivered to fortify the safe and sustainable growth of the offshore wind industry.

Jonathan Ball, head of OFTO projects, EDS, said:

“Our flexible approach to contract maintenance, combined with our expertise in delivering on complex projects, is what sets us apart when it comes to our maintenance philosophy, and we are thrilled to be able to continue rolling this out with BBEC.”

Wayne Mulhall, managing director, JF Renewables, said:

“The combination of EDS and JF Renewables enables us to offer a much broader suite of services bolstered by our multi-skilled team.Paired with the introduction of remote technology, such as condition monitoring tools that offset in-person requirements, we can operate leaner without compromising on safety or cost. This win represents the next step in our journey to being a complete end-to-end O&M service provider, and we are excited to be continuing our relationship with Equitix, through this contract with BBEC.”

This follows the 15-year contract awarded in 2019 to provide operations and maintenance services on OFTO assets at Greater Gabbard Offshore Wind Farm.

JF Renewables is supporting the transition to renewable energy by assisting owners of offshore wind generating assets to achieve the optimum return on their investment with EDS having a proven track record in maximising network availability. This combination of skills, know-how and capability enables EDS to ensure that the maximum available amount of electricity can be generated and transmitted reliably to homes and businesses when there is sufficient wind available.

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AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

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The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

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Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

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Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

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