LiftWerx crane technology has been used in a European-first at ScottishPower Renewables’ Whitelee Windfarm.
The Uptower system was used to replace gearboxes on two turbines at the site and was chosen by ScottishPower because of the “enhanced safety, environmental and operational benefits” it offers over conventional ground-based cranes.
ScottishPower Renewables’ operations and maintenance director Joe Mitchell said: “The Uptower crane is an incredible piece of kit – truly impressive and extremely innovative – and we’re very proud to be the first company to test this technology anywhere in Europe.
“Innovations like this play a critical role in developing safer and more cost-efficient solutions in renewables operations and maintenance.
“It was amazing to see the crane in action and, from an operational perspective, particularly exciting to be able to progress the works safely when wind speeds increased above the normal parameters for using ground-based cranes.
“This meant less exposure to the vagaries of the weather and that’s a real game-changer for the industry.”
ScottishPower said the benefits of LiftWerx’s technology – which is designed for swift assembly and disassembly – include fixed mounting of the cranes in the turbine, making it impossible for the cranes to fall over and making them independent of ground conditions.
Additionally, shorter boom lengths and remote controls on the crane offer better visibility and safety for crane operation. There is also reduced potential for fuel spillage, significant reduction in carbon footprint due to electrical operation, and improved operational availability due to higher operational wind speed capability.
LiftWerx managing director Eelko May said: “We are proud and excited to have completed these turnkey major component exchanges for ScottishPower as a first in Europe.
“This project marks the start of our UK and Europe-wide on and offshore operations and we are grateful for ScottishPower’s innovative and ambitious outlook, which has given us the opportunity to show just what this technology can do.
“This is what takes our industry to the next level, reducing the cost of renewable energy and making our society more sustainable. We look forward to working with ScottishPower again in the near future.”