WindEurope once again pulls in the crème de la crème of the wind industry. Over 9,800 participants, 334 exhibitors and around 250 speakers took to Bilbao, where SKF presented its own services and solutions – and offered wind farm stakeholders an opportunity to rise to current and future industrial challenges.

Germany is one of the world's top wind energy players. Nevertheless, the construction of new wind turbines has been stagnating for some time and the global positioning of the German wind industry is faltering. The so-called "Easter Package" is intended to change that.

Every part of a wind turbine is recyclable... almost. One of the few components that pose a problem are rotor blades. To help tackle the issue, researchers from companies all over the world are trying to find a solution, and it might not be so long until they do. On top of that, it could be that other industries benefit too.

The German government’s National Hydrogen Strategy highlights the significance of hydrogen in the energy transition. This scheme has been bolstered by a major project in the north of the country, which also underlines the importance of close cooperation between wind farm operators and hydrogen producers.

Drones are fast, agile, and make light work of reaching high altitudes. But that doesn't necessarily mean they will revolutionize wind turbine maintenance overnight. Incidentally, we are still waiting for the big drone breakthrough in the industry. When is it going to happen?

In western Europe, the seasons are fairly predictable. Winds are higher in winter. Whereas in summer, the sun is out more often. While this might sound like stating the obvious, it is for this reason that a 16-company-strong consortium is planning to build the first hybrid offshore park off the Belgian coast.

The wind industry is in a fierce race to reduce the levelized cost of energy to become competitive with other energy sources. New developments in rolling bearing technology allow to reduce the drivetrain weight which significantly reduces the costs and even increases the power. This allows to increase the onshore turbine sizes within the limitations for transport.

Wind farm operators count on a long and trouble-free bearing service life. The right grease is crucial for this, but lubrication requirements differ depending on the bearing type and area of application. What do operators need to consider when selecting one that is right for them?

The demand on wind turbines is increasing. It is the same for the roller bearings that enable their smooth operation. These bearings must withstand ever-higher loads, moments, and harsh conditions, while still increasing efficiency and reliability as demand rises. To help companies meet these challenges, SKF analyzes large-scale roller bearing behavior under extreme and real conditions at the Sven Wingquist Test Center.