Over 550,000 workers will be needed in the renewable energy sector in the coming years in the United States alone, confirms a recently published legislation by President Biden. And not only the U.S. is expecting a huge expansion in clean energy:
Global investment in the low-carbon energy transition totaled $1.1 trillion in 2022 […]. Renewable energy […] remained the largest sector in investment terms, achieving a new record of $495 billion committed in 2022, up 17% from the year prior.
This huge shift in the sector involves changes in operations, maintenance, and safety, as well as technology and deployment. Getting together on March 1-3 in Florida, experts and industry leaders are discussing these matters at the American Clean Power Association’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference (ACP OMS 2023).
Learning from each other
In the near future, the industry expects major changes in leadership, technology, culture, and solutions. Through presentations, discussions, keynotes, and panel talks, attendees can discover ways to solve upcoming industry challenges and needs, learn from each other’s failures and successes, and establish new partnerships.
In the exhibition area, the conference offers additional networking opportunities and gives companies the chance to present their innovative industry solutions for the years to come. SKF is also joining the lineup of industry experts and showcasing its special wind gearbox bearings which enable downsizing and increased wind turbine reliability.
Leading the wind industry through change
Increasing power rating while reducing costs and keeping turbine sizes within transport limits is probably the greatest challenge the wind industry is facing right now. Gearbox bearings with a stronger surface can help solve the issue. A prime example are the “SKF DuraPro for wind turbine gearboxes”.
In manufacturing, the special bearings are treated with thermo-chemical heat which enriches and strengthens the surface layer. This has also been tested and validated by full-scale bearing tests. Due to their fine microstructure, hardness, and compressive residual stresses, they last longer and are less prone to premature failure or downtime, which lowers operation and maintenance costs. On top of that, the bearings are up to 25 percent smaller than before.
Connect with SKF
Want to learn more about SKF DuraPro and how wind farms can benefit from SKF’s full range of wind energy solutions? Connect with us at the SKF booth 703 at the American Clean Power Association’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference at the Orlando Marriott World Center on March 1-3, 2023.
