Belgian company Sarens has completed the replacement of a wind turbine blade at the Theparak Wind Farm in Thailand, supporting the continued operation of a facility that offsets approximately 150,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
The project was commissioned by GE Renewable Energy Thailand at the Theparak Wind Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, a key renewable energy site contributing to Thailand’s clean energy transition since 2018. The wind farm provides electricity to more than 30,000 households and supports the country’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. Before the operation, Sarens conducted a detailed site assessment, evaluating crane access, ground bearing capacity, and lifting sequences to ensure safety and efficiency. Based on this study, the company deployed its SCC8000A crawler crane with a main boom and wind jib, offering a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes, suitable for turbines over 150 meters in height.
The replacement involved a blade measuring 67.2 meters and weighing 17.5 tons, installed on a tower with a hub height of 157 meters. The operation included removing the damaged blade, lowering it to the ground, and lifting the new blade into position. The total lifted load reached 41.5 tons.
Challenges included limited working space, restricted access, and strong winds, requiring careful planning, strict traffic control, and precise crane positioning. Lifting was conducted within permitted wind limits with continuous monitoring. The SCC8000A was transported to the site over five days in 44 movements and assembled within five days, completing the work on schedule.
Theparak is the largest wind farm in Nakhon Ratchasima province and supports Thailand’s target of generating 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
(Source: Sarens)
