We are proud to be featured in the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) 2024-2028 report, highlighting the role of our pioneering AI and automation technologies in addressing critical workforce challenges in offshore wind.
With over 530,000 technicians needed for construction and installation (C&I) and operations and maintenance (O&M) roles by 2028, the global wind industry faces a significant skills gap. This is particularly urgent in regions like the European Union, which aims to achieve 111 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. Yet, to meet this target, the industry must average 8.5 GW of new installations annually until 2028, a pace well below what is required to realise the EU’s ambitious goals.
To bridge this gap, the sector must embrace innovative technologies to improve efficiency and transform traditional processes.
Our inclusion in this year’s report shines a light on Beam’s groundbreaking advancements in autonomous technologies. At Scotland’s Seagreen Wind Farm, the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind facility, we successfully deployed the first fully autonomous offshore wind jacket inspection.
This milestone demonstrates the potential of AI-driven robotics to revolutionise offshore wind maintenance. Key capabilities include:
By reducing inspection timelines by up to 50%, cutting costs, and improving data accessibility, Beam’s solutions are transforming offshore wind operations. These innovations not only advance inspection efficiency but also create opportunities to attract top talent from the tech and oil and gas industries, where many skills are transferable.
Through these advancements, technicians can focus on complex tasks while AI takes on repetitive, manual processes. This evolution in roles, combined with the ability to manage autonomous fleets from shore, enhances worker safety and efficiency.
Technological innovations like ours are critical for aligning with the EU’s dual objectives of climate action and economic growth. They address offshore wind capacity targets while easing workforce supply pressures, ultimately supporting the global energy transition.
As highlighted in GWEC’s report, the future of offshore wind energy depends on the convergence of AI innovation, workforce transformation, and environmental sustainability. At Beam, we are proud to lead this charge and demonstrate the tangible benefits of cutting-edge technology in creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
