The transition to a sustainable global energy system is non-negotiable, and wind energy stands as a vital pillar. While the sector boasts impressive growth, its continued expansion hinges on overcoming complex, multi-faceted challenges that translate directly into operational risk and investor uncertainty.
TWEED (Training Wind Energy Experts for Digitalisation)
is a strategic, collaborative effort involving some of Europe’s top-ranked universities Doctoral Network.
We are not just training the next generation of researchers; we are engineering solutions to critical industry bottlenecks. Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic excellence and industrial utility, ensuring a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable wind energy future.
The Three Pillars of Digital Transformation
TWEED is strategically focused on three core research questions, which represent the key areas where advanced digitalisation is essential for maximising ROI and accelerating the energy transition:
Pillar 1: De-risking Investment & Enhancing Predictability
Planning a new wind farm, whether onshore or offshore, demands monumental investment. Inaccurate modeling of energy yield or structural resistance can severely undermine investor confidence and project viability.
Approach : Our research develops high-fidelity numerical tools, integrating advanced machine learning, to provide solid, accurate predictive modeling. By delivering data-driven certainty, we are significantly decreasing the financial risk associated with large-scale wind energy projects, a crucial step for securing the next wave of capital.
Pillar 2: Optimised Value Extraction & Sustainable Operations
The goal is not simply to harvest power, but to maximise the extracted value while responsibly mitigating external impacts. Issues like community noise complaints often force operators to curtail turbines at night, resulting in heavy penalties and lost production. Furthermore, the construction and operation cycle carries an inevitable carbon footprint that must be addressed.
Approach: We are developing intelligent systems to optimise operational control. This includes advanced computational models that harmonise energy production with regulatory compliance, market fluctuations, and environmental impact. The result: reduced operational costs, increased social acceptance, and minimised environmental impact across the entire asset lifecycle.
Pillar 3: Asset Lifetime Extension & Predictive Maintenance
A typical wind turbine is designed for a 25-year lifespan, but component failures, driven by factors like frequent start-stop cycles or vulnerability in complex components (e.g., generators), often lead to costly, unplanned downtime. Maximizing the lifespan of these multi-million euro assets is paramount.
Approach: Our fellows leverage data and AI to build robust prediction systems. These systems accurately forecast component failure and optimize maintenance scheduling, transforming reactive maintenance into highly efficient, predictive interventions. This work is essential for extending asset life, maximising power output, and significantly reducing operational expenditure.
The Virtual Wind Farm Hub: Our Collaborative Output
The answers to these three critical questions are being woven together by our interdisciplinary team of 12 doctoral candidates(10 focused on core research and 2 dedicated to data standardisation).
Their collective work is converging to create the Virtual Wind Farm Hub: a state-of-the-art digital platform that serves as a centralised repository for:
- Standardised Codes and Data Lakes
- Validated Knowledge Models
- Essential Training Resources and Utilities
This Hub is designed to accelerate innovation by offering the European scientific and engineering community an organised, easy-access resource for fundamental wind energy R&D needs. It is the definitive embodiment of our commitment to Open Access Science and fostering robust collaboration between academia and industry.
Are You Interested in Shaping the Future of Wind Energy?
If the research questions within TWEED align with your field of expertise or spark your interest in collaboration, we invite you to reach out. We believe that true excellence in research is achieved through partnership.
Follow our journey here on the blog for documented outcomes and opportunities to engage with the digital revolution in wind energy.