Extending turbine lifetimes: Lessons from project WILLOW

Offshore wind is expanding rapidly across Europe, and with that growth comes increasing pressure on grids to manage variability. Curtailment, the deliberate reduction or shutdown of turbines to match grid needs, is becoming more frequent. As Ainhoa explained, these start-stop events can significantly increase structural fatigue, accelerating wear and shortening turbine lifetimes. WILLOW’s response is a “health-aware curtailment strategy”: instead of treating all turbines equally, operators would adapt production based on the real, measured health of each structure.

At the heart of the project is an ambitious integration of structural health monitoring, physical models, and AI-driven tools. WILLOW combines SCADA data, accelerometer readings, corrosion and coating sensors, and machine-learning models to produce far more accurate lifetime predictions. This makes it possible not only to detect damage earlier, but also to make smarter operational decisions. For example, curtailing a turbine already showing signs of degradation rather than one in good condition.

A particularly fascinating part of our discussion focused on corrosion, a silent but critical issue in offshore environments. From splash zones to submerged sections and the mudline, WILLOW is testing advanced sensing technologies in harsh, real-world conditions. 

What stood out to me most was the project’s strong collaboration between research centres, industry partners, and wind farm operators. This mix ensures that cutting-edge science is grounded in operational reality, a prerequisite for real impact. While WILLOW’s targets on cost reduction, lifetime extension, and emissions mitigation are undeniably ambitious, even partial success could set important benchmarks for future offshore wind projects across Europe.

With the project concluding later this year, WILLOW offers a compelling glimpse into a future where offshore wind is not just bigger, but smarter, healthier, and more resilient.

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Flexibility, digitalisation and the energy nexus: How EU projects are shaping smarter energy systems

EU Energy Projects Podcast: How the EU plans to support AI in the energy sector