The market for offshore wind energy grows rapidly resulting in larger diameter foundations and towers. The wind tower monopiles are approximately 10 m in diameter and they are constantly growing. They can be put in the seabed at a depth of 60 m and serve as the base for wind towers that reach over 300 m into the sky.
The question for manufacturers is where to acquire the capabilities to produce such massive structures for steepening waters. According to Pemamek’s Wind Sector’s Application Manager, Juhani Tuomola, the role of welding automation in overcoming manufacturing challenges has become bigger.
“The offshore wind energy industry is thriving, and the development speed is high. The trend is going towards bigger structures, soon there will be monopiles that are 15 m in diameter and 120 m in length.”
