Altitec, rope access blade repair and inspection provider, has signed a five-year joint venture (JV) agreement with infrastructure service provider Obelisk in order to supply customised wind turbine blade and tower services to wind farm owners, operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) operating in the growing wind energy market in South Africa.
Under the deal, Altitec and Obelisk will also train new South African rope access technicians as per the international standards.
Among the core certified services to be provided by the JV rotor-based inspections, composite blade repairs, cleaning and monitoring of equipment and wind turbine tower corrosion protection and repair are included.
At present, the JV has created and developed four teams of technicians, who work directly with project management personnel on the ground.
Altitec managing director Tom Dyffort said: "As key emerging markets move from early stage planning and development and into the commissioning stage, it’s critical that prospective wind power projects remain on track and stay within budget.
"However, while the planning theory stacks up, the operational reality of working within new territories can quickly create unforeseen challenges.
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By GlobalData"Moreover, with many European manufacturers keen to safeguard and protect their equipment during the critical transport and commissioning stage, it’s essential that those technicians working with the equipment on the ground can provide absolute confidence and assurance."
Over the last three years, 15 new wind farms, totalling 1,200MW capacity, were constructed in South Africa.
The government of the country has also committed to obtain energy from another 19 wind farms totalling 2,000MW, in a bid to mitigate the longstanding electricity shortages.
Currently around 4,000 wind turbine blades are operational in South Africa and the proposed JV expects to quickly address blade or tower issues and minimise wind farm downtime in the country.
So far, Altitec technicians have inspected more than 2,000 blades, 660 turbines across the UK, Europe and other markets.
Ireland-based Obelisk mainly provides infrastructure services to the global renewable energy, telecommunications and power markets.
Image: The Altitec and Obelisk JV will train new South African rope access technicians. Photo: courtesy of Obelisk Group
