The Gemini
Offshore Wind Farm has agreed
a contract to become the first commercial users of Windnova, brand new
project management software, designed specifically for the offshore wind
sector.
The web based software, developed by Windnova S.L, monitors and controls
activities associated with the development and operation of offshore wind
farms. Windnova claims its software saves time, improves quality and control,
supports conflict resolution and reduces costs. Details
of the three year contract, for an undisclosed value, were confirmed this
week, as Gemini completed its first quarter using Windnova on what will
be one of the world’s biggest wind farms.
Mick Hoyle, Construction Manager, Gemini
Offshore Wind Farm said, “Windnova
is allowing us to have a high level of visibility and control across the
different infrastructures in the Gemini Project. It helps us to create,
manage and monitor all elements of QHSSE and Construction, allowing a full,
reliable reporting process of the works.”
Alvaro Fernandez, Managing Director, Windnova
said, “This software has been in development and testing for almost
four years and we are extremely pleased that its first commercial use will
be on one of the world’s biggest offshore wind farms. The system has been
developed in response to industry need, with the input and assistance of
experienced professionals from different companies, packages and projects.
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He further commented: "Any offshore wind farm involves a lot of
risks, mostly relating to the work and performance of the multiple contractors
involved. Full control and proper management of these works is therefore
crucial to success. Experienced people in the sector who needed a structured
way of working and reporting have assisted in the development of Windnova.
The Gemini project is the first commercial project achieving real benefits
from Windnova’s QHSSE and Project Execution modules, allowing the Gemini
team to track and record all activities in a very comprehensive way.”
Located in the Dutch part of the North Sea,
85 km off the coastline of Groningen, the Gemini
offshore wind farm will have
a capacity of 600 MW, producing around 2.6 TWh of renewable electricity.
Construction at sea will start in the summer of 2015, with the wind farm
projected to be fully operational in 2017.
