SkySpecs, an Ann Arbor-based provider of operations and maintenance solutions for the wind energy industry using drones, today announced it has signed a partnership agreement with TEPCO Ventures to serve the Japanese wind energy market.
SkySpecs provides condition-monitoring for wind turbines in 26 countries around the world and has conducted more than 50,000 wind turbine inspections using its fully automated robotic solution (drones). Horizon, the software platform developed to monitor, analyze, and make asset management decisions, is one of its flagship solutions.
“We are excited to be partnering with TEPCO and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” says Danny Ellis, CEO of SkySpecs. “Japan is expected to account for over 60 percent of the world’s offshore capacity by 2050, so the timing couldn’t be better.”
TEPCO Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holding Inc., Japan’s largest electric utility. It promotes global initiatives with an international team of partners to create the future of energy together. The partnership is expected to benefit both companies’ long-term expansion goals as well as create opportunities to make clean energy more affordable and profitable in the future, according to the companies.
“SkySpecs is pushing the envelope when it comes to data-driven decision making and technological advancement for the wind energy industry,” says Shinji Akatsuka, president of TEPCO Ventures.
“Their automated inspections and already-established expertise will enable customers to measure the health of their fleet which is essential for the sustainable usage of offshore wind in Japan. This partnership is one of TEPCO Ventures’ strategic initiatives to further expand renewable energy in the region.”
SkySpecs reports that it has experienced rapid growth in the past two years as key players in the industry adopt a more data-driven approach to maintaining their fleet of wind turbines, which now require closer attention and more predictive maintenance as they age.
