Global Wind Turbine De-Icing Accessories Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

Global Wind Turbine De-Icing Accessories Market reached US$ 322.5 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 619.4 million by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Supportive government policies, incentives and regulations promoting the development of renewable energy, including wind power, have a positive impact on the wind turbine de-icing accessories market. Subsidies, feed-in tariffs and tax credits encourage wind farm operators to invest in de-icing solutions, driving market growth.

Many wind turbine operators are increasing adoption unmanned drones for carrying out de-icing activities. Aerones Engineering, a startup based in Riga, Latvia, utilizes special drones for carrying out wind turbine de-icing and other maintenance activities. The usage of drones for wind turbine de-icing is likely to increase significantly during the forecast period due to the maturation of drone technology.

Market Dynamics

Increased Focus on Asset Optimization

Wind farm operators are increasingly focused on optimizing the performance and energy production of their turbines. Icing on wind turbine blades can significantly reduce their aerodynamic efficiency, leading to decreased power output. By investing in de-icing accessories, operators can mitigate ice-related performance losses and maximize energy production, ensuring the turbines operate at their highest potential even in icy conditions.

Ice formation on wind turbine blades can cause mechanical stress, imbalances and potential damage, leading to unplanned downtime for repairs. Wind farm operators are aware of the financial implications of such downtime and seek to minimize it. De-icing accessories play a crucial role in preventing ice buildup and reducing the need for maintenance, allowing turbines to operate continuously and minimizing costly downtime.

Effective asset optimization through de-icing accessories can result in cost reduction and improved return on investment (ROI). By maximizing energy production, minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of wind turbine assets, operators can improve the financial performance of their wind farms.

Advancements in De-Icing Technologies

Technological advancements have led to the development of more efficient and effective de-icing techniques and accessories. Modern de-icing technologies allow for precise and targeted ice removal. Advanced sensors, monitoring systems and control algorithms enable operators to identify ice accumulation on wind turbine blades accurately. The information can then be used to activate de-icing systems selectively, focusing on the areas most prone to ice buildup.

Advancements in de-icing technology have enabled better integration with wind turbine systems. De-icing accessories can now be seamlessly integrated into the design and structure of wind turbine blades. The integration ensures optimal performance, minimal interference with turbine operation and improved durability of the de-icing systems.

Coatings and materials used in passive de-icing methods have been improved to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide long-lasting ice mitigation. Active de-icing systems have become more robust, reliable and resistant to wear and tear. The increased durability of de-icing accessories reduces maintenance requirements and enhances the overall cost-effectiveness of wind turbine operations.

High Installation and Maintenance Costs

The installation of de-icing accessories for wind turbines involves a significant upfront investment. Active de-icing systems, such as electrical heating elements, require additional components, wiring and control systems, increasing the initial cost. Passive de-icing methods may also involve expenses related to coatings, surface treatments, or other materials. The higher upfront costs can deter wind farm operators from adopting de-icing accessories, particularly for projects with tight budgets.

De-icing accessories, particularly active systems, consume energy during the de-icing process. The energy consumption for heating elements or electrical systems adds to the operational costs of wind turbines. The increased energy demand can impact the overall efficiency of wind farms and add to the operational expenses. Balancing the energy consumption and costs of de-icing with the need for uninterrupted power generation poses a challenge for wind farm operators.

Wind turbine de-icing accessories require regular maintenance to ensure their proper functioning and longevity. Active systems may need periodic inspections, repairs, or replacement of heating elements. Passive methods might require reapplication of coatings or treatments over time. The costs associated with maintenance activities, including labor, materials and downtime, can be substantial. The ongoing expenses contribute to the overall cost of ownership and may pose financial challenges for wind farm operators.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the availability of components and materials necessary for manufacturing wind turbine de-icing accessories. Restrictions on international trade, factory closures and challenges pertaining to transportation have led to delays in the production and delivery of these accessories. It resulted in project delays and hindered the expansion of wind farms.

During the pandemic, there were stringent restrictions on travel, workforce availability and on-site activities. It affected the routine maintenance and service activities for wind turbines, including the inspection and repair of de-icing accessories. Limited access to wind farms and reduced service operations led to deferred maintenance schedules and increased downtime, thus leading to decreased performance and effectiveness of de-icing systems.

Ukraine-Russia War Impact Analysis

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a profound change in the energy landscape of Europe. After western countries imposed sanctions on Russia for the war, Russia retaliated by cutting off energy supplies. The disruptions in gas supplies from Russia coupled with the volatility in global oil markets led to a major increase in energy prices in Europe.

Many European countries, under the auspices of the European Union (EU) are charting long-term policies for the diversification of energy supplies away from Russia. Many countries are significantly increasing investments in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar energy. The coming years are likely to witness increased demand for wind turbine de-icing accessories from the European market.

Segment Analysis

The global wind turbine de-icing accessories market is segmented based on type, component, application, end-user and region.

Enhanced Efficiency, Flexibility and Control Makes Active De-Icing Accessories Most Preferred by Operators

Active de-icing accessories, such as electrical heating systems or blade heating elements, offer a a more radical approach to de-icing. Active de-icing accessories generate heat to prevent ice formation or remove existing ice from wind turbine blades. This allows for more efficient and controlled de-icing, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal turbine performance.

Active de-icing accessories can be designed to target specific areas prone to ice accumulation on wind turbine blades. By focusing the heat on critical sections, such as the leading edge, active systems can effectively prevent ice buildup without the need for blanket heating the entire blade. The targeted approach helps optimize energy consumption and minimize the overall de-icing process.

Active de-icing accessories provide greater flexibility and control over the de-icing process. Operators can adjust the intensity and duration of the heating, depending on weather conditions and ice accumulation levels. This adaptability allows for optimal energy management and responsiveness to changing de-icing requirements.

Geographical Analysis

Expansion of Wind Energy Projects in Northern Areas will Augment Market Growth in North America

North America is expected to account for nearly a third of the global market. Wind energy adoption is rapidly increasing across North America, with the region adding 14.8 GW of wind energy capacity in 2022, according to data from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). The growth of wind energy in North America opens up new opportunities for adoption of wind turbine de-icing accessories.

Both U.S. and Canada have witnessed a sharp increase in new projects. In January 2023, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., a U.S.-based energy company, signed a long-term power purchase contract for the Boswell Springs wind energy project in Wyoming, U.S. The project is expected to become operational in 2024. Canada is increasingly undertaking new wind energy projects to power its remote northern areas. For instance, in January 2023, Nordex SE, the European wind energy company, won a contract to develop a 200MW in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Governments in North America are providing special grants and subsidies from the developmnet of wind and solar energy in remote areas. The ongoing expansion of wind energy in the frigid and remote northern territories of U.S. and Canada is likely to augment demand for wind turbine de-icing accessories in medium and long-term.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: Vestas Wind Systems A/S, General Electric, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, S.A., ENERCON GmBH, Polytech A/S, Nordex SE, Mita-Teknik, Borealis Wind, AMP Services Ab Oy and Wicetec Oy.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global wind turbine de-icing accessories market segmentation based on type, component, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of wind turbine de-icing accessories market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global wind turbine de-icing accessories market report would provide approximately 64 tables, 66 figures and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Renewable Energy Companies
• Wind Turbine Component Manufacturers
• De-Icing Chemicals Manufacturers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies