Maintworld Magazine 4/2023

EDITORIAL
I
had the opportunity to visit Iceland a
few weeks ago as part of the EFNMS
General Assembly meeting. The
Icelandic Maintenance Association
hosted our visit, during which we also
had the chance to explore hydro- and geothermal
power plants. It was fascinating
to learn that 75% of Iceland's electrical
energy is generated through hydro power,
while 25% is produced using geothermal
energy. Additionally, geothermal energy
plays an important role in heating both
urban areas and remote houses, making
Iceland a prime example of sustainable
energy utilization.
In Europe, we have been struggling with energy challenges, particularly
concerning gas delivery, which has prompted a renewed focus on innovation
and investments in alternative energy sources. Energy issues affect us all, and
some political analysts argue that energy is a central factor behind many of
the global crises we are witnessing today.
Regarding energy field maintenance, one of the presenters in Iceland
informed us that in the event of a sudden hot lava eruption, they have only a
few hours to evacuate the site. The next step would be a total new investment
of the site – I guess.
In the energy industry, effective asset management is crucial, as the initial
investment is often substantial
compared to the expected lifetime
costs when machinery operates
smoothly during the operational
phase. From an investor's perspective,
it is prudent to meticulously
evaluate and calculate the
types of devices and solutions
needed to ensure optimal equipment
operation throughout its
operational lifespan to optimize the return on invested capital.
Wind power is already a known area with enough competence and understanding
of the maintenance needs. New areas of energy such as large-scale
solar power, hydrogen and small nuclear power plants will most probably
create new needs for maintenance competencies. Nevertheless, the demand
for environmentally friendly and domestically controllable energy sources is
increasing, placing significant pressure on the development of such technologies.
In this edition of Maintworld magazine, you'll find an article from the German
certification organization, TÜV SÜD, which provides insights into the
maintenance of photovoltaic systems, commonly known as solar power. TÜV
SÜD estimates that there are approximately 2.6 million photovoltaic systems
generating solar power on rooftops and sites in Germany. Additionally,
Associate Professor Mirka Kans from Chalmers University of Technology
in Sweden emphasizes the significance of maintenance in a circular economy
environment in her article.
Furthermore, in this magazine you can learn what steps should be taken to
simplify the transition in organisations toward robot-assisted work environments.
While automation is often essential for improving productivity and
cost-effectiveness, it may not always be met with enthusiasm by employees.
In this magazine, we share strategies to introduce new technology in a way
that positively impacts your workforce.
Jaakko Tennilä
Editor-in-Chief, Maintworld magazine
In the energy
industry, effective asset
management is crucial,
as the initial investment
is often substantial.
40
Maintenance
plays a
huge role in achieving a
high level of circularity.
4 maintworld 4/2023