Specialist Insurance for Onshore Wind Energy Projects
Onshore wind farms operate in some of the UK’s most exposed environments, with turbines expected to generate electricity reliably over many years despite constantly changing weather and demanding operating conditions.
Protecting these assets requires insurance that takes account of both the technology within each turbine and the wider infrastructure supporting the wind farm.
Modern wind turbines combine high-value blades, gearboxes, generators and control systems, often positioned at considerable height and in locations where access can be challenging. A relatively localised fault can therefore result in substantial repair costs and an extended period without generation.
At Network Alliance Brokers, we work with onshore wind farm developers, owners, investors and operators to arrange specialist insurance suited to the characteristics of their assets.
Whether you’re developing a new wind energy project, operating an established wind farm or managing a portfolio of turbines across multiple locations, our team can help you explore suitable insurance solutions.
Understanding Onshore Wind Farm Insurance
The insurance requirements of an onshore wind farm are influenced by much more than its generating capacity. Insurers may consider turbine make and model, age, maintenance history, site conditions, exposure to severe weather and the arrangements in place for monitoring and servicing equipment.
Access is another important consideration. If a major component needs replacing, specialist engineers, heavy lifting equipment or cranes may be required, potentially increasing both the cost and duration of a repair.
Insurance arrangements should therefore reflect the individual wind farm, its technology and the financial consequences of turbines being unavailable.
Who We Work With
- Wind Farm Developers
- Wind Farm Owners and Operators
- Renewable Energy Investors
- Independent Power Producers
- EPC Contractors
- Asset Managers
- Operations & Maintenance Providers
- Multi-site Wind Energy Portfolios
Key Risks Facing Onshore Wind Farms
Blade Damage
Turbine blades operate continuously in exposed conditions and can be affected by erosion, impact damage, manufacturing defects and severe weather. Even relatively small defects may require specialist inspection and repair to prevent further deterioration.
The height and location of the turbine can make accessing and repairing damaged blades a significant undertaking.
Gearbox & Generator Failure
Gearboxes, generators, bearings and other drivetrain components are fundamental to turbine operation. Mechanical failure can result in expensive repairs, particularly where major components need to be removed or replaced.
Regular condition monitoring and preventative maintenance can help identify developing issues before they result in a more serious failure.
Electrical Damage
The height and exposed position of wind turbines makes lightning an important consideration. A strike can potentially affect blades, electrical systems and control equipment.
Transformers, switchgear, cabling and grid connection infrastructure can also be vulnerable to electrical faults and power-related damage.
Severe Weather
Onshore wind farms are designed to operate in demanding conditions, but extreme wind, storms, ice and other severe weather can still affect turbines and supporting infrastructure.
Site location and historical weather exposure can therefore form an important part of an insurer’s assessment.
Access & Repairs
Wind turbine repairs can be considerably more complex than repairs to assets at ground level. Specialist technicians, replacement components and heavy lifting equipment may be needed, while adverse weather can further delay work.
These factors can increase the overall financial impact of an insured incident.
Loss of Generation
When a turbine is unavailable, the financial consequences can extend beyond the physical repair. A major failure affecting one or several turbines may result in a significant period of reduced electricity generation.
Business Interruption cover can therefore be an important consideration within an onshore wind insurance programme, subject to the individual policy and circumstances.
Your Onshore Wind Farm Insurance Questions Answered
What information do insurers need about an onshore wind farm?
Insurers may consider the turbine manufacturer and model, number and age of turbines, generating capacity, location, maintenance programme, claims history and details of electrical and grid infrastructure. Information about service agreements and risk management procedures may also be required.
Can individual wind turbines be insured?
Yes. Insurance solutions can be considered for individual turbines as well as larger wind farms and portfolios containing assets across multiple locations. The appropriate approach will depend on the ownership and structure of the project.
Can insurance be arranged while a wind farm is being constructed?
Yes. Insurance requirements during construction and installation differ from those of an operational wind farm. Cover can be considered for the construction phase before moving to an operational insurance programme following testing and commissioning.
Why Choose Network Alliance Brokers?
Onshore wind projects combine specialist engineering with assets operating in challenging environments, making it important that insurers understand the individual characteristics of the wind farm.
At Network Alliance Brokers, we take the time to understand your turbines, maintenance arrangements, site conditions and commercial requirements before approaching suitable insurance markets.
This allows us to help arrange insurance that reflects the particular exposures of your wind energy assets, with ongoing support as your portfolio and requirements develop.
Talk to Us About Your Onshore Wind Assets
Whether you’re developing a new wind farm, operating established turbines or managing a growing renewable energy portfolio, Network Alliance Brokers can help arrange insurance suited to your assets and operations.
Contact our team today to discuss your Onshore Wind Farm Insurance requirements and find out how we can support your renewable energy project.
Insurance Professionals
Decades of experience is put to use when arranging insurance solutions to protect your assets.
Insurance Network
Membership of Willis Networks helps us to offer a compelling proposition for the benefit of our clients.
Claims Support
Our team will work hard on your behalf to help settle your claim in the most timely and efficient manner possible.