The thermal protection of silicone firesleeve is important across a wide range of sectors, but never more so than it is for offshore wind power generation.
Wind turbines are exposed to some of the most extreme conditions, including damaging winds, corrosive salt spray, high temperature operation and high voltage electrics. What’s more, these conditions are endured in isolation, far from the reach of expert engineers and their regular maintenance checks. If a fire breaks out on an offshore turbine, or a mechanical failure occurs, the damage can reach catastrophic levels and cause irreparable damage long before any kind of help arrives from the mainland.
That’s why, when it matters most, more and more offshore energy operators are turning to National Firesleeve to protect their assets and their energy supply.
The growing wind energy market
Wind energy is growing rapidly in the United States. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Offshore Wind Energy Market Assessment, the US wind energy sector grew by 53% in 2023, adding up to a potential generating capacity of 80.5GW when all planned projects are completed. That’s enough to power 28million US homes.
A multitude of new wind farm projects are underway across the country, including 4.1GW from three new projects in the Atlantic, 25GW from the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of Mexico and the Oregon coast, and a further 12.4GW of capacity from 15 other contracts across multiple states. In total, there are 37 leases under development, targeting 56.363GW of power.
Looking further forwards, state targets are pushing hard for more renewable energy from wind power. The Department of Energy estimates that the United States could develop a total of 86GW of offshore wind projects by 2050
Combatting climate change
Wind energy is an essential part of the Net Zero future, both for the United States and for the wider world. It’s essential that we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and cut the carbon emissions these produce, if we are to hope to combat climate change.
The renewable energy industry also has a key role to play in America’s economic future too. The NREL report estimates that $65billion will be invested in wind power projects by 2030, supporting 56,000 jobs. $10billion has already been announced to support the supply chain, including ports, specialist vessels and staff.
Essential protection for wind turbines
Wind turbines may be essential, and vital to our sustainable energy future, but they also create the perfect storm for problems. By their very nature, they not only carry electrical currents, but also operate at high power levels as they generate this electricity from the wind. What’s more, the rapidly rotating turbines generate substantial heat. Both pose a significant fire risk, but in both cases, this can be significantly reduced using National Firesleeve protective silicone firesleeves.
Silicone firesleeves protect electrical cables from arcing or short circuits that cause fires, while at the same time protecting the cables themselves from localised heat sources that can cause damage. The same silicone firesleeves also provide mechanical protection from abrasion in this dynamic environment and protect cables, hoses and pipework from the extremes of the harsh marine environment.
Together, the protection of silicone firesleeves can help operators to meet the most stringent safety, environmental and regulatory standards set by the industry, ensuring complete compliance, while also protecting your investment, your assets and your people.
To find out more about how National Firesleeve silicone firesleeves are playing a vital role in creating clean, renewable energy for America, get in touch with our team today, or check out our Offshore Wind Power Generation page on our website for more details.
