Originally published by:Westermans International
M4S Take

Market growth: EU led 2023 renewable consumption at 21.98%, with the USA at 11.66%.

  • Wind fabrication: Towers use steel above 80 mm thick, requiring SAW and welding rotators.
  • Solar requirements: Precision MIG and Flux-cored welding prevents structural distortion.
  • Hydro maintenance: Turbines shed roughly 1 kilogram of metal daily from cavitation.

The share of primary energy consumption from renewable sources is quickly increasing worldwide, and that growth is translating directly into fabrication work. In 2023, the European Union led with 21.98% renewable energy consumption, followed by the United Kingdom at 20.52%, China at 16.16%, and the USA at 11.66%.

Thick Steel, Thin Margins for Error

Wind tower fabrication demands submerged arc welders (SAW) for steel above 80 mm thick, plus column and boom welders and welding rotators for circumferential joints. Solar structures require the opposite approach: precision MIG and Flux-cored welding with minimal heat input to prevent distortion.

Maintenance Keeps Hydro Running

Did you know hydro turbines can shed about 1 kilogram of metal daily due to immense water pressure and cavitation?

Weld cladding machines, laser cladding, and hardfacing alloys address that wear.

M4S Take:: Shops quoting renewable work should match equipment to sector: SAW automation for wind, low-heat processes for solar, cladding capability for hydro repair contracts.

SM

Simon McLoughlin

Founder & Editor, M4S News

20+ years in manufacturing and engineering. I started M4S News to cut through the noise and deliver real intelligence to the people who actually make things. When I'm not writing or editing, I'm talking to engineers on factory floors.

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