Why welds and welding remain vital in the renewable energy revolution
Welding is a cornerstone of industrial construction that has played a pivotal role in shaping the global energy landscape. Traditionally associated with the oil and gas industry, and perhaps considered part of a disappearing industrial past, in fact welds and welding will be a vital part of the growing renewable energy market. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy, the importance of welding cannot be overstated. In this article, we explore its significance in energy production, look at ways of ensuring strong welds and discuss how skills and processes, honed in traditional energy markets, can contribute to the success of renewable energy projects.
Welding’s legacy in oil and gas
Welding has been an integral part of fossil fuel production since its beginning. Vital for constructing and maintaining infrastructure, reliable and durable welds have always been of paramount importance. Weld failures have caused some of the world’s most destructive energy disasters, with the result that the oil and gas industry has devoted significant effort to improving welding processes and developing meticulous standards, quality control measures and safety protocols.
Bridging fossil fuels and renewables
Renewable energy production depends on the fabrication, implementation and maintenance of metal structures, such as wind turbines. Often sited in locations with harsh conditions, such as underwater, at sea or in extreme temperatures, the safety and effectiveness of these metal structures will depend on precise and durable welds. Welding techniques that have been refined over decades in fossil fuel extraction are now being adapted and optimised for renewable energy applications.
Standard and regulations: a unified approach
The fossil fuel industry has developed rigorous regulations to ensure the integrity of welded structures. These standards, created and refined with years of experience and lessons learned, can provide a solid foundation for the renewable energy sector. Adapting these standards for use in the renewable energy industry allows the sector to benefit from established best practices, accelerating construction and deployment of clean energy infrastructure.
Weld inspection and remediation in the clean energy sector
Over past decades, oil and gas operators have discovered the need for inspecting welds so that they meet high standards created by organisations such as ISO, DNV and API. As renewable energy production has an equally important requirement for durable, high quality welds, renewable operators are adopting the inspection and remediation methods used in fossil fuel production to ensure welds within their industry meet the same rigorous standards.
OMS weld inspection and remediation
OMS has been a trusted supplier of measurement, weld inspection and remediation technology and services to the energy industry for over twenty years. We have assisted with pipe measurement, fit-up, weld inspection and remediation on most global oil and gas projects. Having recently completed work on a major European offshore wind installation and qualified our equipment for nuclear energy, we are now fully operational in the renewable power sector.
OMS offers award-winning measurement and fit-up services that ensure pipes and components are assembled in the optimum position to ensure strong welds. Following fabrication our AUGA.node weld inspection system uses state-of-the-art laser sensors and ultra HD cameras to build a comprehensive 3D picture of a weld, identifying and quantifying defects to allow clients to make rapid in-field decisions. Our latest service, SmartGrind, not only identifies and quantifies weld issues, but also provides targeted grinding to remediate defects and polish internal surfaces, leaving surfaces perfectly prepared for coating or operation.
Growing presence in renewable energy
With the completion of successful projects in wind energy and successful factory acceptance testing of our equipment, OMS presence in the renewable energy sector is growing. Our technology and services help clients ensure asset integrity – something equally important in renewable energy as in more traditional markets. If you are interested in working with us, our team is always available. Contact them on info@omsmeasure.com.
Innovation and collaboration for a sustainable future
As the demand for renewable energy grows, collaboration between traditional fossil fuel production and clean energy becomes increasingly crucial. Collective knowledge and expertise amassed in traditional energy, particularly in welding technology, processes and standards, can contribute significantly to ensuring renewable energy infrastructure reliability.
Disparate industries working together
Welding has played a pivotal role in the oil and gas industry – and will do so in the growing renewable energy sector. Although it seems that fossil fuel production and clean energy are worlds apart, in fact new sustainable energy will depend on infrastructure – sometimes even the same infrastructure – as oil and gas. The two industries will both benefit from the transfer of skills, standards and techniques. As the world continues to embrace cleaner energy alternatives, welding will play a vital part in shaping a sustainable future. It is in all of our interests to ensure welds are reliable in all energy sectors.
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Published: 01.02.24
[5 minute read]
By Paul Eagle, Sales Director