UN Economic Changes Impact Wind Farm Inspections

How UN Economic Changes Impact Wind Farm Inspections

The UN recently approved counting wind farms as part of national economic calculations from 2030. This means wind turbines will now be valued as economic assets, not just power-generating equipment.

What this means for wind farms

When wind farms become counted in economic figures, their documented condition will likely become financially significant. Regular inspections move beyond just keeping turbines running – they directly impact economic value reporting.

This potentially creates three practical implications:

1. More detailed documentation needed
   Wind farm owners will likely need better evidence of turbine condition to support economic valuation. Our high-resolution drone images and testing data provide the detailed records needed for accurate asset reporting.
2. Data quality becomes critical
   Since data itself is now an economic asset, inspection results must be consistent and measurable. Our LiDAR-equipped drones capture precise measurements without needing scaffolding or rope access.
3. Focus shifts to preserving value
   Maintenance will likely focus more on maintaining economic value, not just operational status. Our combined inspection approach using drones, rope access and testing techniques provides comprehensive assessment to support this new priority.

Our strategic recommendations

Asset owners should consider implementing:

• Standardised condition assessment protocols aligned with potential valuation requirements
• Enhanced data management systems capturing both technical and economic metrics
• Inspection technologies providing quantifiable defect assessment

This accounting change recognises wind energy as a mature economic sector. Inspection methods need to adapt accordingly, combining technical checks with economic asset management.