As the world transitions toward more sustainable energy systems, integrating renewable sources such as wind power is essential to ensure a reliable and low-carbon electricity supply. Offshore wind farms, in particular, have great potential to contribute to grid stability by participating in ancillary service markets, including reserve markets. By adjusting their power output dynamically, wind turbines can help balance supply and demand, mitigate frequency fluctuations, and enhance overall grid reliability.

However, the increased flexibility required for such participation may induce additional mechanical loads, potentially impacting the structural integrity and lifespan of wind turbines. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing their operation while ensuring their long-term reliability. This research focuses on evaluating the impact of reserve market participation on wind turbine lifetime by analyzing the mechanical loads they experience under different operational scenarios. Using real-time structural measurements from fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and high-fidelity numerical simulations, this work aims to provide insights into the trade-off between grid support capabilities and structural durability.