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The rapidly increasing energy demand and the inevitable negative effects on the environment caused by fossil-fuelled energy production have made renewable energy technologies increasingly important and preferred among the widely used energy sources during the last decades. Wind energy is one of the leading renewable energy technologies. Wind energy is a carbon-free, environmentally friendly and competitive technology. A step forward in production of wind energy is offshore and onshore wind turbines, with their numerous advantages. Today, the increasing energy needs make onshore and offshore wind turbine applications an increasingly widespread renewable energy source. However, with this change, challenges arise during the operation phases as being associated with the strength of the wind turbines. Potential failures must be known in advance so that they can be dealt with strongly and effectively in the design phase. Damages and failures have a negative effect on the continuation of the operation and cause material and economic impacts. In this paper, the findings from a collection of failure data are presented. The database is available on request. The novelty of this paper is to assess and analyse the damages to wind turbines onshore and offshore in order to reduce the risk of potential failures, damages and collapse of wind turbines. According to the results of these studies and analyses, the database of failures experienced is considered to represent the general failure rate in the industry. This paper brings solutions and suggestions for future studies by pointing out risks and the failure situations that wind turbines are exposed to. It can help innovative solutions with the presentation of a detailed view of risk and failure situations.

At present, most of the insurance claims in the offshore wind industry are due to cable failures where a large percentage occurs during the installation of the array and export cables. As the reliability of the cables depends on the location and installation method, it is important to map the risks involved, which can compromise the cable’s integrity in individual projects. This paper presents sensitivity analyses conducted on crucial parameters in the cable laying process, with an objective of successful installation of subsea power cables without any damages to the cable. The analyses focus on the peak tension loads with reference to key parameters as cable self-weight and laying geometry, as well as the cable deployment position on the installation vessel. Finite element analyses were conducted with both static forces and dynamic forces for irregular vessel motions, by the aid of the well-tested software OrcaFlex.

There are substantial economic opportunities in extracting minerals in the Arctic region. However, it has proven difficult for operators to ensure reliable supply chains (SCs) north of the Arctic Circle. This paper uses a case study approach to illustrate the challenges of SCs reliability for mining projects in the northern Baffin Bay and on Greenland, discussing the technological and organisational developments that can mitigate them. A bow-tie approach shows the challenges faced by the industry and the effect of mitigating initiatives. We conclude that increased traffic will require technological, organisational and infrastructure developments to manage SC hazards and increase SC reliability. The available protective and preventive barriers have focused on avoiding periods where hazards could impact SC reliability. However, this strategy is unsustainable in the long term as a viable strategy for mining operations. It exposes the operations to Arctic hazards that are difficult to mitigate when time is limited. The consequence is that SCs often lack access to effective Arctic hazard barriers, ensuring increased SC reliability.