Wind power storage service contract

Why is a service and maintenance agreement important for offshore wind farms?

Taking the perspective of the owner at an offshore wind farm (OWF), it is key to secure the right contractual terms and conditions in the service and maintenance agreements (SMA) to facilitate a smooth ramp-up and efficient operations.

What is a wind storage system?

A storage system, such as a Li-ion battery, can help maintain balance of variable wind power output within system constraints, delivering firm power that is easy to integrate with other generators or the grid. The size and use of storage depend on the intended application and the configuration of the wind devices.

Are energy storage systems a viable alternative to a wind farm?

For this purpose, the incorporation of energy storage systems to provide those services with no or minimum disturbance to the wind farm is a promising alternative.

What is co-locating energy storage with a wind power plant?

Co-locating energy storage with a wind power plant allows the uncertain, time-varying electric power output from wind turbines to be smoothed out, enabling reliable, dispatchable energy for local loads to the local microgrid or the larger grid.

How do energy storage contracts work?

For standalone energy storage contracts, these are typically structured with a fixed monthly capacity payment plus some variable cost per megawatt hour (MWh) of throughput. For a combined renewables-plus-storage project, it may be structured with an energy-only price in lieu of a fixed monthly capacity payment.

What are O&M Contracts on offshore wind projects?

Indeed, O&M contracts on offshore wind projects often travel under different names including service and warranty/availability agreements and long-term services agreements.