Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind energy, has launched the world's first heavy-lift cargo drone (HLCD) operations at the Borssele 1&2 Offshore Wind Farm. This deployment marks a major advancement in operational efficiency and safety within the offshore wind industry.
For the first time, heavy-lift cargo drones will transport critical cargo from a vessel to all 94 wind turbines at the Borssele wind farm. These drones, which weigh 70 kg and boast a wingspan of 2.6 meters, are capable of carrying up to 100 kg of cargo. This operational campaign builds on successful trials conducted last year at the Hornsea 1 Offshore Wind Farm in the UK.
This campaign focuses on updating critical evacuation and safety equipment in each turbine. Traditionally, this process involved a vessel sailing from one turbine to the next, using cranes to transfer the equipment. However, with the new drone technology, the cargo will be flown directly from the offshore supply vessel to the top of the nacelle. This method significantly reduces the time required for each delivery from approximately six hours to just four minutes per turbine, resulting in a 10-15 fold increase in efficiency.
"Ørsted has led offshore wind’s journey from a niche technology to a cost-competitive and large-scale source of renewable power," said Rasmus Errboe, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy-CEO at Ørsted. "The drones at Borssele 1&2 are a great example of this, as they will improve safety, bring down carbon emissions, and reduce the cost of operating offshore wind farms, which all further improve the commercial fundamentals of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations."
The implementation of drones at Borssele 1&2 is expected to bring several benefits, including cost reduction, improved safety, and increased operational efficiency. Unlike traditional methods, the use of drones eliminates the need to shut down wind turbines during cargo delivery, minimizes risk to personnel, and reduces the number of ship journeys, thus lowering carbon emissions.
Ørsted is setting a precedent in the industry by integrating heavy-lift drones into larger operational campaigns. The company is also actively seeking partnerships with top cargo drone delivery operators and service providers to expand its supply chain.
This initiative is a testament to Ørsted’s commitment to innovation, which has been a cornerstone of its business strategy. The company's technological advancements have already made renewable energy more cost-competitive with fossil fuels. Ørsted continues to explore cutting-edge technologies to further enhance the affordability, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of green energy across the value chain.
Ørsted's in-house R&D team, comprising experts in science and engineering, oversees more than 300 projects and collaborates with over 50 universities and research institutes worldwide. This collaborative approach ensures the transition of groundbreaking ideas from the lab to real-world applications, driving forward the future of renewable energy.
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