Across Europe and further afield, wind turbines can now be seen across the panoramic landscape – out in the water and grouped together on solid ground. When they first started appearing their striking designs and large-scale certainly stood out. Nowadays members of the public are used to seeing them up close, and in the background, as they drive by.
Insight from Statista showed that wind power capacity in Europe has steadily increased across the last decade, last reported at 240,624 megawatts in 2022. That’s a lot of wind turbines, all of which need maintaining and keeping in good condition to ensure they can continue to efficiently generate power for decades to come. So how do you maintain a wind turbine? That’s where Major Component Exchange (MCE) comes in.
What is Major Component Exchange?
Major Component Exchange (MCE) is a critical aspect in wind turbine maintenance. At its core, it involves the replacement of significant elements of a wind turbine, such as the rotor, gearbox, and generator, to sustain turbine efficiency and longevity. This process significantly propels the lifecycle performance and overall productivity of ageing wind turbines.
The major advantage of the component exchange is its cost-effectiveness. Instead of a complete wind turbine replacement, refurbishing the critical parts through an exchange programme significantly reduces capital expenditure. This is particularly beneficial where wind turbines face harsh weather conditions, leading to advanced wear and tear. Through wind turbine MCE, operators can ensure that their turbines remain operational for a long duration, thereby maximising return on investment.
Implementing an MCE programme also helps to minimise downtime while essential maintenance takes place. The process is conducted meticulously for minimum interruption of energy production - ensuring turbines are up-and-running promptly, delivering high efficiency levels.
Extending the life of wind turbines
The MCE programmes help to extend the life of the wind turbines, reducing the need for large-scale replacement projects that bring it with an increased cost and crucially bigger carbon footprint. MCE offers an effective solution to ensure wind turbines can continue to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Did you know?
NRL has its own team of MCE experts who work across Europe to undertake Major Component Exchange programmes. From remote locations to harsh weather conditions, our MCE Supervisors work across the continent to undertake the MCE requirements for our clients, with an absolute focus on delivering a high standard of service and efficiency.
The latest net zero roles from NRL
Across the renewable energy and net zero industries we’re always looking to hear from candidates looking for a new career challenge. Check out some of our latest vacancies below:
SENIOR / PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
UK-wide, permanent, competitive salary
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior / Principal Geotechnical Engineer to join their geotechnical team across the energy markets. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leading role in the ground engineering input to some of their most challenging projects.
RIGGER / STEEL ERECTOR
Birmingham, Contract, salary negotiable
A Spanish subcontractor in the Energy from Waste industry is currently on the lookout to recruit Steel Erectors / Riggers for a major project, with work available to start ASAP.
CIVIL SITE SUPERVISOR
Lochgelly, Contract, competitive salary
Our renewables client based in Lochgelly Fife, is looking to recruit a Civil Site Supervisor on an initial 12 month contract – outside IR35.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR
Newcastle upon Tyne, contract, commission based
NRL are very proud to be working with a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of the energy transition,Kavaken.In this role, you will utilise your network and connections, to introduce them to Kavaken and their AI-powered SaaS platform. This technology is revolutionising the way the renewable energy ecosystem is run through operational data.
CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
UK-wide, permanent, competitive salary
Our client is looking for a Chief Environmental Engineer to form the core of a newly created environmental team, working primarily on supporting onshore projects through their complex planning and consenting process, and offshore projects as required supporting clients across the UK, providing environmental engineering expertise.
Looking for more roles?
To see more wind energy and renewable job vacancies, click on the link below:
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