Digitalization of supply chain in the offshore wind sector.

Atolagbe, M.

Abstract

The offshore wind sector (OSWS) has flourished in recent years generating 68 Giga Watts (GW) of electricity globally in 2024. However, this is incommensurate with the net zero target set by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRNEA) in conjunction with Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) to generate 380GW of energy from offshore wind in 2030 and 2500 GW of energy in 2050. Meeting the set target requires taking measures that will cut costs and enhance greater efficiency. Digitalizing the offshore wind supply chain is one measure that will encourage greater collaboration amongst supply chain participants, enhance visible logistics and unified planning which will lead to reduced costs and increased investment. This research aims to create a workable and functional supply chain digitalization framework that can be applied in the offshore wind sector across different geographical regions and political climates across the globe. The methodology adapted for this study is the sequential multiphase design where various methods were used to examine the research problem. Firstly, exploratory studies which involved pilot interview was deployed to explore the current state of the offshore wind supply chain and analyzed using content analysis. Secondly, a questionnaire survey (quantitative research) was deployed in, establishing the rate of deployment of digital technologies and supply chain digital maturity, this was analyzed using statistical analysis and relative importance index. Thirdly a semi structured in-depth interview (qualitative research) was deployed to examine the culture of the industry, supply chain processes and in-depth investigation of the questionnaire survey, this was analyzed using thematic analysis. The exploratory study constituted 4 professionals involved in the offshore wind supply chain. The quantitative section of the research entailed a survey constituting 93 respondents from 30 countries, the data was fetched from across supply chain practitioners, project managers, engineers and contracts/procurement personnel in the offshore wind sector. The qualitative section of the research which involved semi-structured interviews from 12 participants was analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the findings of the study, a workable and functional supply chain digitalization framework for the offshore wind sector was created.

Citation

ATOLAGBE, M. 2025. Digitalization of supply chain in the offshore wind sector. Robert Gordon University, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2929152

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 21, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2929152
• Keywords: Data analytics; Renewable energy; Wind; Cloud computing; Machine learning
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2929152
• Award Date: Feb 28, 2025