General News
17 April, 2025
Dundonnell rolls out turbine maintenance
BLADES are coming down on 80-turbine Dundonnell Wind Farm as works are underway to replace the bearings on each of the turbines.
A Tilt Renewables spokesperson confirmed works are underway, stating the works are part of the company’s maintenance program which includes the proactive replacement of parts before they wear out, upgrades and replacing damaged or worn components.
“We have a long-term maintenance agreement with Vestas who manage thousands of turbines globally and bring that knowledge to sites like Dundonnell,” the spokesperson said.
“We are undertaking a bearing replacement as part of our maintenance.
“Eventually, all 80 turbines will have upgraded blade bearings.
“This is being managed to maintain operations and electricity supply to our customers.
“The upgraded bearings will have a significantly longer operational life than the current ones.”
The spokesperson said the maintenance program would require each blade to be temporarily removed until the bearings are replaced.
“Dundonnell Wind Farm continues to operate well,” the spokesperson said.
“It should be noted that like all mechanical machines, wind turbines will require maintenance (both scheduled and unscheduled) to continue to operate.
“Upgrades and improvements continue to be deployed on a case by case basis, for example blade bearings.”
Turbines undergoing bearing replacement are expected to be offline for approximately 12 days while the bearings on all three blades are replaced.
The spokesperson said the program would not have a significant impact on generation and was planned to coincide with any additional maintenance which needs to be performed.
“The current program of four turbines is planned for completion in May,” the spokesperson said.
“Bearing upgrades for other turbines are being programmed into our future maintenance program.
“We are not expecting this program to significantly impact generation.
“Our operational program allows for a proportion of turbines to be removed from service at specific intervals for planned maintenance.
“We plan upgrades to coincide with other maintenance activities to avoid unanticipated impacts on generation.”
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