Offshore wind farms are increasingly reaching their limits. Climate change is leading to ever more violent extreme winds, which threaten existing and planned offshore installations. A recent study by an international research team confirms this trend and warns of an increase in long-term wind peaks in over 60 percent of coastal regions. This development increases the risk for operators and, at the same time, complicates the energy transition. Only through intelligent construction and protection concepts can the structural integrity of offshore wind turbines be ensured in the future. (spectrum: 05.11.25)
Stress limit is approaching: Extreme storm pressure is increasing
Wind data collected over eight decades paints a clear picture: the U50 value – the maximum wind speed that statistically occurs only once every 50 years – is continuously rising. At a height of 100 meters, where modern offshore wind turbines operate, these extreme winds are increasing measurably. The risk of structural damage is growing.
Europe is also massively affected. In the North Sea, particularly frequent strong gusts of wind are forcing offshore wind turbines to operate close to their load limits. Coastal areas of Germany, Denmark, and Great Britain are experiencing a strain that has accelerated over the past ten years. Often built at the limit of their load-bearing capacity, many installations remain vulnerable.
Offshore wind farms need new safety concepts
Around 60 percent of all coastal regions worldwide now suffer from an increased risk of storms. Three out of four wind farms in the North Sea already regularly face capacity bottlenecks. Those planning new projects must pay closer attention to increasing extreme winds in the future and integrate devices that fail in a targeted and controlled manner when danger arises.
One suggestion from the researchers is: “strong column, weak beam.” Instead of simply building stronger towers, the rotor blades should serve as predetermined breaking points to protect more expensive components from permanent damage. This principle improves safety, even in the face of massive weather hazards.
Energy Transition in the Storm’s Path
The energy transition is hardly conceivable without offshore wind farms. But if expansion stalls, setbacks in the energy transition are inevitable: production losses, repair costs, or complete failures. The situation becomes particularly risky when increasingly extreme weather events exceed the structural limits of the turbines. Therefore, new installations must not be built based on past experience alone, but must be designed with the future in mind.
Current developments necessitate identifying risks in advance to prevent failures. Those who rely on robust construction and develop solutions in a timely manner will remain competitive even during periods of dangerous storms and high winds.