An empirical analysis of complexity management for offshore wind energy supply chains and the benefits of blockchain adoption

Abstract

The supply chain plays an essential role in the cost reduction of offshore wind energy. Supply chain complexity is a major driver of end-to-end supply chain costs and at the same time a source of competitive advantage. In this study, a strategic complexity management approach is suggested for analysing and controlling the complexity of the supply chain in offshore wind energy. The adoption of blockchain via the development of software architecture and a discussion of its impact on complexity are provided. A comparative study focused on two UK offshore wind farms based on real industrial data illustrates the complexity analysis and the contribution of blockchain technology to the strategic management of this complexity.