Sarens Set to Play Big Role in North American Wind Energy

March 24, 2021 Sarens is looking to play a major role in wind-energy construction through the U.S. and Canada in coming years.

The well-respected Belgian company has been involved in both onshore and offshore wind farm construction for decades.

Its 60 years of experience in heavy lifting and transport includes more than a decade of wind installation projects, including construction of the world’s first offshore wind farm and having installed more than 5,000 wind turbine generators worldwide.

Now, Sarens offices in North America are looking forward to applying the company’s wind-energy experience to projects here as the wind industry continues to expand.

To date, there are at least 12 new farms obtaining permits for construction in the U.S. and in one in Canada set for 2022.

The reentrance of the U.S. to the Paris Climate Agreement signaled a commitment to expanding renewable energy, which will require the undertaking of massive projects in the next decade.

According to the U.S. Energy Department, the U.S. is on track to reach 86 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2050, as more states approve the project plans and legislation required to begin construction.

Sarens’ wind division has assisted in the installation of dozens of wind farms all over the globe through their vast history, further demonstrating their ability to complete similar projects with ease.

The Special Initiative for Offshore Wind’s recent projections of a $70 billion pipeline in U.S. offshore wind projects in the next decade have led Canada to enter the market as well. That entrance has been made easier by the augmented supply chain for their construction, which will be brought in by wind projects off the Atlantic coast.

Sarens has expanded accordingly in the Canadian market by opening five regional offices to widen their reach in this area.

“These numbers showcase the great potential of the international market and represent a great opportunity to continue growing our business in different strategic industries where Sarens has truly demonstrated, not only its technical capabilities, but its proved solvency, leading important and key projects for society, economic and national development,” said Lee Rowe, country manager for Sarens Canada.

Onshore Wind Farms

Sarens’ expertise in the wind sector is not limited to offshore wind farms. Its global reach in renewable wind energy extends decades back and all over the globe, including in Australia, where it installed the nation’s tallest wind turbines to date at the Sapphire Wind Farm, and in Serbia, where it participated in construction at Kovacica, one of the largest wind farms in the country.

Canada, a country with 301 active wind farms, is no stranger to renewable energy and is on track to reach its 2030 renewable energy goals with 23.5 GW of installed wind energy capacity. 

Sarens recently participated in an ongoing construction project at the Golden South wind farm in Saskatchewan, installing some of the biggest wind rotors in Canada, with some hubs measuring up to 105m (345’) in diameter.

The outlook for the wind energy industry is bright as North America looks to catch up to Europe and Asia and reduce its carbon footprint by investing in new energy sources, and Sarens, with cranes specifically designed for lifting and installing massive turbines, is prepared to contribute strongly to this dynamic industry.




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