Windnova is web-based software developed by Windnova S.L. It monitors and controls activities associated with the development and operation of offshore wind farms. The development team has drawn on decades of experience in offshore wind and claims the software saves time, improves quality and control, supports conflict resolution and reduces costs.
The details of the three-year contract were confirmed week, as Gemini completed its first quarter using the software on what will be one of the world’s biggest wind farms.
“Windnova is allowing us to have a high level of visibility and control across the different infrastructures in the Gemini Project” said Mick Hoyle, Construction Manager, Gemini Offshore Wind Farm. “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, added that the software has been in development and testing for almost four years. It has been developed in response to industry need, with the input and assistance of experienced professionals from different companies, packages and projects.
Gemini offshore wind farm is located in the Dutch North Sea, 85 kilometres off the coast of Groningen. The facility 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 expected to become fully operational in 2017.
The construction of 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 and the Gemini project is the first commercial project achieving real benefits from the software’s QHSSE and Project Execution modules. This allows the Gemini team to track and record all activities in a very comprehensive way.
Windnova is certified to the ISO9001 Quality Management System and combines several modules and features for project execution and the operation and maintenance of offshore wind projects. It can also be customised, allowing each project to be personalised to meet the user’s requirements. As it is cloud based, Windnova does not need installation processes or hard drive space and it is also very easily updated.
The system’s different modules allow users to connect easily to each other, controlling the volume and quality of communications and minimising the risk of data loss. The modules include a Project Register which tracks key information on contractors, vessels, personnel, ports and turbines. Live tracking of vessels and personnel is available on a real time basis. Safety, risk prevention and quality control are covered in a special module and a document control and reporting system allows comprehensive project reporting.
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