A complex dilemma for energy generators in Brazil
In the current scenario of Brazilian Electrical Sector, defined since 2004, the expansion of onshore wind energy has become a milestone, with the segment exceeding 25GW of installed capacity. After two decades of reforms and growth, generators now face the challenge of deciding on the best approach to Operation and Maintenance (O&M) management of wind farms, especially as turbines come out of manufacturer warranty.
Experts from AQTech and TWPL emphasize that the choice between insource or outsource O&M management does not have a single answer. This decision, which affects high-value assets, must be based on careful planning, technical and financial analyses, initiated at least one and a half years in advance. Such preparation covers several stages, from financial provisions to team formation and logistical structuring.
Decision time: Insource or Outsource
Thiago Kleis, from AQTech, signals that the question about insource or outsource arises as wind turbines begin to fall out of manufacturers' warranty. Companies must then choose between continuing with the O&M provided by the manufacturer, opting for a Independent Service Provider (ISP) or take on O&M management internally.
The decision could also lead to mixed models, which combine the outsourcing of specific maintenance with the internal management of large components. Kleis emphasizes the challenges, including the need for capital, technical expertise and technology to analyze asset performance. When the service is outsourced, access to data may be limited, which makes it difficult to see an overview of turbine conditions.
Primarization as a strategic solution
Insourcing requires investment in a dedicated internal infrastructure and a team of experts. This approach allows for closer monitoring of machines, with the collection and analysis of data on their operation. One example is AQTech's Condition Analysis Center (CAC), which offers real-time monitoring, helping generators transition to insourcing by detecting any faults early.
The selection of suppliers for spare parts is crucial to avoid prolonged downtime, which can generate high costs. A primarization, therefore, stands out for offering long-term savings, greater effectiveness, efficiency and transparency in the management of wind farms.
TWPL's strategic role and economic advantages
TWPL, with its global expertise in asset management, highlights that the tendency to prioritize the maintenance of wind farms reflects greater control over assets and can generate significant value for the business. According to Renato Bossolan, from TWPL Brasil, although maintenance by the manufacturer may seem advantageous initially, a detailed analysis shows that insourcing can significantly reduce costs over the years.
For a successful sourcing strategy, it is vital to establish effective maintenance plans, right-size teams and parts inventory, and develop an efficient supply chain. Effective maintenance plan management and risk sizing, aided by software and predictive technologies, are fundamental.
Although the savings generated by insourcing vary according to each operation, the market indicates a potential savings of between 15% and 30% in O&M costs. Furthermore, optimizing asset management can lead to significant gains, as shown in successful cases where TWPL consultancies resulted in million-dollar savings and a drastic reduction in turbine downtime.
In this scenario, power generators must carefully consider between insourcing and outsourcing, taking into account the particularities of each wind farm and the long-term benefits of each strategy to optimize the management of your valuable assets.
Source: Luan Martendal, Dialetto Agency – AQTech Power Prognostics Advisory.
