GE Vernova Faces Another Setback with Blade Failure at Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm in the UK

"On August 22, a turbine at Dogger Bank wind farm experienced a blade failure. No injuries occurred, and GE Vernova is investigating."
GE Haliade-X

This article was updated at 15:05 on 23 August 2024 with a statement from GE Vernova.


A wind turbine blade at the Dogger Bank A offshore wind farm in the UK, currently under construction, has sustained damage and failed.

The blade failure occurred on the morning of 22 August. According to the Dogger Bank Wind Farm consortium, no one was injured or in the vicinity when the damage occurred. The surrounding marine area was restricted, and relevant authorities were notified.

The consortium is working closely with the turbine manufacturer, GE Vernova, which has initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.

“On August 22, a turbine at the Dogger Bank wind farm experienced an isolated blade event that occurred during commissioning. No injuries occurred, and GE Vernova’s Wind Fleet Performance Management team has initiated investigation protocols into the event in coordination with our customer,” a GE Vernova spokesperson said in a statement to offshoreWIND.biz.

Dogger Bank A is currently in the wind turbine installation stage. In July, 20 turbines were fully installed at the project site, with several more in place but only with towers and nacelles installed.

The installation of blades at Dogger Bank was affected by a blade failure on a GE Vernova wind turbine in the US last month and the subsequent investigation and quality control work.

As reported on 25 July, the breakage of the blade on one of GE Vernova’s Haliade-X wind turbines at the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind farm in the US was caused by a manufacturing deviation, according to the preliminary investigation.

GE Vernova has launched a quality check of all offshore wind blades made at its factory in Gaspé, Canada, where the blade that was installed at Vineyard Wind 1 and broke off was produced.

Meanwhile, work on the US offshore wind farm was halted by the government, which later removed some restrictions, allowing for the installation of nacelles and towers to resume. This means the same wind turbine installation work is currently being carried out on both Dogger Bank A and Vineyard Wind 1.

Two months before the blade incident at Vineyard Wind 1, there was another blade event at Dogger Bank A.

At the beginning of May, a blade on an installed turbine at Dogger Bank A also sustained damage, after which GE Vernova launched an investigation. Initial findings indicated the damage was due to an installation error.

Dogger Bank A will comprise 95 GE Haliade-X 13 MW wind turbines and is the first of three 1.2 GW phases of what will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm once completed.

The Dogger Bank Wind Farm project is owned by a consortium of SSE Renewables, Equinor, and Vårgrønn.

The entire 3.6 GW Dogger Bank Wind Farm project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

Trending News

Federal Funding Targets Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution at US Ports


The U.S. government has announced a new initiative to tackle carbon emissions and air pollution at the nation’s ports. This effort comes with the allocation of federal funds aimed at modernizing port infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. The goal is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of port operations, a critical step in addressing climate change.



Significant Investments in Green Technologies


The initiative involves substantial investments in green technologies, including electrified equipment and renewable energy sources. Ports are major contributors to air pollution, primarily due to emissions from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. By adopting cleaner technologies, the U.S. aims to cut down on the release of harmful pollutants.



Government and Industry Collaboration


The program calls for collaboration between federal agencies and industry stakeholders. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for reducing emissions, offering ports technical assistance to implement sustainable practices. This partnership is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to specific port needs.



Impact on Local Communities


Local communities, often disproportionately affected by air pollution from ports, are expected to benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes. The initiative emphasizes the importance of involving community organizations to ensure that the changes address local concerns.



Monitoring and Accountability


To ensure accountability, the program includes measures for monitoring emissions reductions and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented technologies. This data-driven approach facilitates continuous improvement and demonstrates the benefits of federal investments in environmental sustainability.



Long-Term Environmental Goals


This federal funding aligns with broader environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. government continues to prioritize policy changes that support these objectives and drive progress within the transportation and logistics sectors.