win[d] Edition 1 • 2012

“Running smoothly !“ On site with our service team

Interview Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the IEA

Special Forest Sites

Technology and Innovation Places and Markets Projects and Partners Major V112 project – Wind energy picking up again in 50 turbines in Romania – Test passed with flying colors Austria – 80 MW with WEB more than a project

Contents

Editorial ...... p. 3

Interview Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency ...... p. 4

Technology and Innovation Major V112 project – Test passed with flying colors...... p. 6 More yield – First V112 in Ukraine...... p. 7

Special: Forest sites V112-3.0MW – Community wind farm in a Central Franconian forest | Germany...... p. 8 Forest sites are favourable | by Georg Becker-Birck, Vestas Sales Engineer ...... p. 9 Wind energy in the Spreewald region | Germany...... p. 10

Places and Markets “Running smoothly !“ – On site with our service team ...... p. 12 Technician Pipeline...... p. 15 Wind energy picking up again in Austria ...... p. 16 Vestas’ WindTalks in Africa...... p. 18 South Africa: Local manufacturing, black ownership and job creation ...... p. 20

Projects and Partners 50 turbines – more than a project | Pantelimon, Romania ...... p. 22 Off-shore results on an on-shore site | Velsen/IJmuiden, Netherlands ...... p. 24

Tailwind Rotor blade in the heart of Berlin ...... p. 26

Imprint...... p. 27

Quiz ...... back cover

2 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe Editorial

In 2012, there are a few new developments at Vestas Central Europe. As many of you know, Vestas recently underwent a comprehensive, company-wide restructuring process. The changes were made to strengthen our focus on customer needs and raise the company’s profitability in the long term.

Organisational restructuring went hand-in-hand with some changes in staff. Hans-Jörn Rieks, who had been at the helm of the company for 13 years, has left Vestas. I have succeeded him as President of Vestas Central Europe. My name is Dr. Wolfgang J. Schmitz and I was previously in charge of Global Quality Management at the Vestas headquarters in Denmark.

The current edition of our customer magazine focuses on new markets in Africa (p. 18) and Eastern Europe (p. 22). An “older” market is picking up speed again: Austria (p. 16). We take a closer look at our high-performance V112-3.0 MW in different environments and Dr. Wolfgang J. Schmitz markets: The first large-scale V112 project has commenced operation in Germany, (p.6), and the first V112-3.0 MW for Ukraine has been sold on what is a promising wind energy market with excellent wind resources (p. 7). Furthermore, we are proud to report that we recently sold another 30 of these turbines in Ukraine.

Forest sites are set to play an important role in the German market (p. 8), and we provide an insight into the everyday life of our service engineers (p. 12).

The former Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Maria van der Hoeven, is well-known at Vestas since she opened the Vestas office in Arnhem. Today, Maria van der Hoeven is the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). win[d] asked her what role wind energy will play at the international level in the future (p. 4).

Last but not least, we are happy to announce that the German capital, Berlin, has a new landmark: A 44-metre blade has been installed in front of the German Museum of Technology (p. 26). You will find us at the Hannover Messe, If you‘d like to get to know me in person, come and see me at the Hanover Fair at stand hall 27, stand L24. L24, hall 27. I look forward to meeting you there! If you have any further questions or comments in the meantime, please send an e-mail to our communications department at [email protected]. In the win[d] edition 2 • 2012, I will come back to your feedback and answer any of the questions that our readers may have in an interview.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Wolfgang J. Schmitz President, Vestas Central Europe

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 3 Interview

“ Renewables are essential for a secure energy system.” Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency IEA

Maria van der Hoeven (born 1949) took Van der Hoeven: Our recent publication, larly true at a time when governments can over as Executive Director of the Interna- Deploying Renewables 2011, assessed the ill-afford to bear the significant budget bur- tional Energy Agency in September 2011. effectiveness of renewable energy support den usually posed by fossil-fuel subsidies. Previously, she served as Minister of policies in many countries and analysed Economic Affairs of the Netherlands both success stories and failures. At the same time, the IEA believes that fur- from 2007 to 2010. Before this, she was ther growth of renewable energy is essen- Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and What investors need above all is trans- tial for a secure and sustainable energy sys- Science for five years (2002-2007). Van parency and confidence in the stability tem. Transitional economic incentives that der Hoeven is a member of the Christian of the overall policy framework. Incentive decrease over time may be justified. They Democratic Appeal (CDA) party in the schemes are important, but not sufficient. are sometimes needed to stimulate learn- Netherlands. She was originally trained Non-market barriers such as access to ing effects and to invest in the additional as a teacher and worked in education and grids, administrative hurdles and public energy security and environmental ben- training for many years. acceptance issues, must all be addressed. efits that may not otherwise be reflected in market incentives. Many such policies have win[d]: Given that you are a Dutch citizen “Support policies need started to deliver in this respect. That said, and that you served as Minister of Econo- to be more targeted.” in several countries the design of support mic Affairs of the Netherlands, we take it policies has not been ideal. Our Deploying that you have an affinity for wind energy. Moreover, incentive policies should evolve Renewables 2011 publication shows how What role does wind energy currently play, over time to accompany cost reductions of they can be improved. and where will it stand in five years’ time? renewable energy technologies. These evo- lutions must be as predictable as possible, “Renewables will grow even if Van der Hoeven: Wind power is a par- and shield reasonable returns on invest- nuclear power expands.” ticularly fast-growing energy technology, ments. having shown average global annual growth win[d]: In 2011, the German govern- rates of around 25 per cent in recent years. Last but not least, policies must address ment decided to abandon its nuclear On the most favourable sites, on-shore early on the issue of system integration of power programme. Italy voted against the wind power is now competitive with those variable renewable energy sources such as government's plans to resume nuclear newly built conventional power plants which wind. power generation. Belgium's political follow stringent environmental regulations. parties committed to closing the country’s win[d]: With many countries worried about nuclear power reactors by 2015 under Wind power generated 432 TWh last year long-term debt, how do you see the issue of certain conditions. Will these decisions in the world, mostly on-shore, and our pre- energy subsidies? resonate internationally? liminary expectations are that by 2016 it may double to more than 900 TWh, of Van der Hoeven: In general terms we believe Van der Hoeven: There is little doubt that which around 7 to 8 per cent will come from that prices should tell the truth, i.e. they the Fukushima accident has damaged pub- off-shore. should reflect the true costs of provision, lic confidence in the nuclear industry world- including the costs for society (incurred for wide, not only in Germany and Italy but in “Grids, administration and public example through environmental impacts). several other countries both inside and acceptance all need to be addressed.” Our analyses show that most subsidies to outside the OECD. This was one reason why fossil fuels, though usually intended to sup- we developed a Low Nuclear Case in our win[d]: You have recently called for an port low-income families, accrue in practice World Energy Outlook 2011, to analyse the “urgent and radical change of policy direc- to the relatively wealthy. Therefore, such impacts of a hypothetical across-the-board tion” – otherwise the world would “lock considerable amounts of money would be nuclear slowdown. It shows that while such itself into an insecure, inefficient and high- better spent on more targeted policies to an event might create an opportunity for carbon energy system”. What has to be support the poor and to promote equal op- renewables, the obvious risk is that lower- done? portunities for all children. That is particu- than-expected nuclear development leads

4 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe “ I am convinced that nuclear power will continue to play an important role in the overall energy mix.”

to greater fossil fuel use, and finally more local political concerns surrounding such change mitigation goals in all of the IEA’s greenhouse-gas emissions. infrastructure additions, deployment of re- scenarios. newables may be severely hampered. Also, Let me emphasise, however, that we do not while efficiency gains may help shield elec- win[d]: What role do you see in the energy see nuclear energy to be competing with tricity price increases to a degree, we expect debate for wind energy companies and renewables. In our “450 Scenario” (which that such gains will carry their own costs and customers? seeks to reduce greenhouse gasses to difficulties – particularly in a country which 450 ppm in accordance with climate change (to its credit) has already done so much to Van der Hoeven: Industry has a very impor- mitigation objectives), non-hydro renew- improve energy efficiency. tant role to play in the energy policy debate ables grow by a factor of 20, and represent writ large, and the IEA actively engages the biggest contribution to incremental win[d]: Your organisation has called for 400 closely and regularly with the private sector supply even with the significant expansion new nuclear power plants to be built by – particularly through the Energy Business of nuclear. Given the scale of the challenge 2050. Which should be the main countries Council and the forthcoming Renewable to curb fossil fuel emissions, there is a great to host these plants? Industry Advisory Board. We firmly believe scope for renewable energy supply growth that industry participation is crucial to de- to meet demand despite (or alongside) the Van der Hoeven: While a few countries have signing policy that encourages a favorable expansion of nuclear power. decided to phase out nuclear power or limit environment for investment and competi- its growth, in other countries the growth tiveness. “Germany needs to consider of nuclear is set to continue, for example local political concerns.” in China, Russia or Korea. Indeed, those countries, which we expect will count for The International Energy Agency (IEA) win[d]: Germany’s radical change in energy the bulk of nuclear energy’s expansion glo- is an autonomous body within the policies has been perceived worldwide bally, are broadly moving forward at a pace Organisation for Economic Co-operation as an experiment. Do you think this will unchanged since Fukushima. and Development (OECD), working to succeed? “... ensure reliable, affordable and clean With regard to nuclear power generally, I am energy ...” for its 28 member countries Van der Hoeven: This was a sovereign po- convinced that this technology will continue and beyond. litical decision, and indeed Germany is a to play an important role in the overall ener- country whose public may be willing to ac- gy mix. Countries will naturally make their The organisation was originally formed cept higher energy costs to compensate for own political and market decisions about in response to the 1973/4 oil crisis, and phasing out nuclear power. There are, how- the specific nature of that mix, but nuclear has since become one of the leading ever, other difficulties, such as building new power has made an important contribution international organisations for the high-voltage power lines to connect wind to energy security and sustainability world- analysis of energy policy. farms from the North to large consuming wide – and will continue to do so. It repre- areas of Southern Germany. If politicians do sents a low-carbon energy source that will www.iea.org not properly address such issues, including be key to achieving international climate

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 5 Technology and Innovation

Major V112 project in Groß Eilstorf Test passed with flying colours!

The world’s first commercial wind farm A pioneering project was involved as an instructor with the com- with the new V112-3.0 MW is now con- The work carried out in Groß Eilstorf missioning teams. “A tremendous amount nected to the grid. This major under- between the end of August and mid- of background knowledge about the in- taking involved combined efforts and December 2011 ventured into new territo- terplay of various components is required pooled expertise. All specialist areas ry – quite literally, in fact! The foundations here.” Hardy Rißmann was able to share his contributed here – from installation tech- were poured using the anchor cage system, expertise with the dozens of technicians nicians to development engineers and which is new to Germany, and the procedure who had travelled to Groß Eilstorf for train- from instructors through to managers. was optimised. Individual turbine compo- ing. They came mainly from regions where On 14 December 2011, one day before the nents were redesigned in specific areas. new V112 wind farms are to be installed: target date, the first commercially opera- Another aim was to bring the highly com- from the German states of Brandenburg, ted wind farm with the new V112-3.0 MW plex interaction between various individual Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bavaria turbine went into service in Groß Eilstorf systems to perfection, such as the gearbox, and North Rhine-Westphalia, and from in the German state of Lower Saxony. the generator and the V112’s particularly Denmark and Australia too! A number of Previously, only prototypes had been in long rotor blades. What is more, work had Site Supervisors from Vestas Offshore also operation. to be carried out under severe time pres- attended. sure and sometimes adverse weather con- In total, 17 wind turbines with a combined ditions, including storms in November and The range of personnel available made it capacity of 51 megawatts are now in December – this was indeed a pioneering possible to perform tasks in parallel: While service in the Heidekreis district, between project! new towers were being erected, work was Bremen and Hanover. Although this wind progressing on the interiors of the turbines farm is quite large by German standards, Highly complex interaction already in place, and others were already it is actually nothing out of the ordinary One of the challenges was the fact that being commissioned. Additional cranes from an international perspective – for “a wind turbine operates with a total of were ordered so as to make up for lost example, Vestas is currently installing a 34,600 parameters for individual compo- time caused by strong winds. “Coopera- wind farm with a total of 140 of these tur- nents in the computer programmes, which tion between the teams worked very well. bines in Macarthur, Australia. had to be reconfigured for the new wind Everyone learned from everybody else,” turbine type,” explains Hardy Rißmann, who says Hardy Rißmann.

6 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe More yield – First V112 in Ukraine

Vestas Central Europe’s fi rst wind with Vestas’ Business SCADA system and turbine in Ukraine is situated in has already been in operation since the Novorossiske close to the town of middle of February. Kherson in the south of the country, just 400 metres from the Black Sea. Especially during the project’s planning With 11.3 euro cents per kilowatt hour, phase, we gathered experience with gain- Ukraine has a relatively high feed-in ing customs clearance for importing the tariff when compared with the rest of wind turbine and providing documents Europe. for the offi cial permits. Technical coordi- nation on site was also of particular im- It is therefore worthwhile investing in portance, for example regarding the grid Development engineers on site wind energy here – despite the fact that requirements associated with the intro- In addition, specialists from the develop- the fi nancing remains very diffi cult. duction of the Vestas technology. Vestas ment department in Denmark were present This is because Ukrainian banks are still Central Europe also provided advice in on site, with the aim of driving overall opti- not completely confi dent about wind regard to the structural requirements for misation: Engineers who had worked on the energy and the local authority approval the foundations and the crane hardstand- development of the V112-3.0 MW were process is long and complicated. By con- ings. Although this fi rst wind turbine was able to verify the performance of ‘their’ structing the wind turbine, the operator, constructed with the help of international wind turbine in service and to arrange for Vindkraft Ukraine, wants to set a clear Vestas staff, Vestas plans to train local fi ne-tuning where necessary. signal stating that it is worthwhile tap- personnel for future projects. ping into the Ukrainian wind resources. “A task force that came from the parent Green energy for fresh vegetables company in Denmark and was set up specif- Getting more yield out of the wind The operator, Vindkraft Ukraine, is con- ically for V112 projects also provided sup- “With the V112-3.0 MW, the customer nected to one of Ukraine’s largest food port to us. This was a core team from various has chosen Vestas’ most powerful wind producers, Chumak, which principally specialist departments such as Technology turbine. The longer blades consider- processes fresh vegetables from the R&D, Towers and Nacelles,” says Kristian ably increase the wind yield. The V112- region, in particular tomatoes, peppers Ludmann, Vestas Construction Director 3.0 MW already guarantees maximum and cucumbers. It is therefore appropri- for Germany and Switzerland. “There were output with wind speeds of around ate for the V112-3.0 MW wind turbine occasions when we had between 40 and 12 m/s at hub height, whereby the to be located in an agricultural area and, 60 staff on site, which is twice the usual Novorossiske site offers very good wind among other things, to provide electricity number. Working together in interdisci- conditions,” explains Daniel Doherr, the for the food production cold storage at plinary teams, they erected and commis- project manager responsible at Vestas Chumak’s headquarters. This is located in sioned the wind farm in the best possible Central Europe for the supply, construc- the town of Kakhovka, around 71 kilome- manner.” So the test presented by this tion and commissioning of the wind tres northeast of Kherson on the banks of major V112 project was passed with fl ying turbine in Southern Ukraine. The wind the River Dnepr. Two other wind turbines colours! turbine, for which a service agreement are to be erected in Novorossiske by the has also been concluded, is equipped end of 2012.

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 7 Forest sites

V112 – Community wind farm in a Central Franconian forest

Deeply hidden in the forest, the towers nuclear power opponent, who runs two tree stand equivalent to the other half now of two V112-3.0 MW wind turbines rise garden centres. “This tree stand is at most extends south of the forest. up to a height of 119 metres, their rotors 80 years old, species-poor and in ecologi- extending another 50 metres above the cal terms relatively uninteresting. Here in 40 per cent more yield treetops. The Bettelhütlein forest region Central Franconia, at least thirty per cent Following a detailed examination, the belongs to the Wilhelmsdorf community of the entire forest area is covered with this project developer opted for Vestas’ new in Central Franconia, Bavaria. On the poor, kind of forest,” explains Dornauer. “In other V112-3.0 MW wind turbine. The additional sandy ground, about one kilometre from words, there's lots of room for possible wind yield obtained from 3 MW, the large rotor the edge of the forest, eleven million kilo- turbine sites.” diameter and the supply times provided the watts of electricity are to be generated final argument. “40 per cent more yield than each year. This will be enough to supply all 1.5 hectares of reforestation with smaller wind turbines is impressive. Of 1,400 residents in nearby Wilhelmsdorf. Marcus Dornauer, whose Wilhelmsdorf course that also means correspondingly What is more, 145 of them are not just ben- project is now the third of its kind he de- higher investment costs – but at the end of eficiaries of the environmentally friendly veloped, sees only one disadvantage with the day what matters is that the sums add energy, they also have shares in the com- forest locations: “The tree-free space up.” munity wind farm. needed for storage, crane construction and transport.” However, the trees that are cut The Wilhelmsdorf community wind farm “Forest is not just forest,” says project down are entirely reforested, either partly was initially instigated by Mayor Werner manager Marcus Dornauer. “Here we have on site or at another location – and as high Friedrich from the CSU party. A community a purely commercial forest with 95 per quality mixed forest. 1.5 hectares of trees wind farm developed by Dornauer in the cent pine and spruce. For me, oak groves, had to be cleared for the transport and neighbouring district of Hagenbüchach has hundred-year-old beech woods and other- construction of the wind turbines. Once been running since 2010 to everybody’s wise ecologically valuable forest areas are the wind turbines had been erected, half satisfaction, and Friedrich wanted some- not suitable as locations,” says the declared of the trees were reforested on site, while a thing similar in Wilhelmsdorf.

8 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe Georg Becker-Birck, Vestas Sales Engineer Forest sites are favourable

When it comes to selecting the right spot at a forest site is treated as a permanent for a wind turbine, forest sites have sev- forest conversion; equivalent areas then Cross-party agreement eral advantages over sites on open land. have to be afforested at another location. “A community wind farm must work for For example, wind turbines installed in An area must be kept permanently clear everybody involved.” And everyone recog- commercial forests have a significantly for setting up a crane so that mainte- nised that very quickly in Wilhelmsdorf. The lower impact on residents in terms of nance work can be carried out. The total local council always offered unanimous noise and shadows, as they are generally area requirement for a V112 is around and cross-party support for the project. located at a distance from residential 7,200 m². In order to avoid having to clear The shareholders raised 3.3 million euros, buildings. In addition, project developers even more forest area, additional storage a limited company (GmbH) was founded for can often avail of the good infrastructure areas can be minimised by just-in-time the construction and organisation, as was offered by existing forest trails when im- delivery of components. For example, a limited partnership for the shareholders. plementing a project. Vestas installation technicians no longer The wind farm is now owned by 145 citizens temporarily store tower segments on from the immediate neighbourhood, who Relatively high towers must be used if site; instead, they remove the parts from achieve a return of investment of around wind energy is to be harnessed efficiently the truck using a crane and install them six per cent. in commercial forests. Vestas supplies directly. The rotor blades are assembled two models, the V90 and the new V112, one-by-one on the hub, which also saves A municipal utility company has also been with different tower heights. space. brought on board as a strategic partner with a view to providing direct marketing Above the treetops Forest access routes and storage capacities in the future. To achieve optimum results, the wind tur- In total, 18 trucks are required to trans- bines must protrude well above the tree- port a crane to the site alone, and this And Mayor Werner Friedrich can also look tops. If the rotor is positioned at the ap- demands a carefully coordinated deliv- forward to more than 300,000 € of busi- propriate height and wind conditions are ery schedule. Access routes with a width ness tax revenues across the expected run- the same, a forest site is just as favour- of 4 metres and of 5.5 metres on curved ning period of 20 years. able as an open site. sections are required in order to transport the V112. These routes must not have a Increasing trend in the south A V112-3.0 MW with a hub height of slope greater than 8 per cent. A total Christoph Manseder, Vestas Sales Engi- 140 metres can achieve the same yield weight of 141 tonnes has to be carried – neer for Southern and Western Germany, that a 119 metres tower would achieve not always an easy task on forest ground! sees Wilhelmsdorf as the starting point for on open land with the same wind condi- By choosing routes intelligently in coop- an entire region: “We’re expecting rapid de- tions. This is because the new V112, with eration with the site owner, Vestas makes velopment in Southern Germany, which will its large swept area, can harness even every effort to minimise construction get going in 2013/2014. more energy from the wind and is also work and to make the forester’s job eas- excellently suited to forest areas with low ier. Experience has shown that it is a good “Bavaria has undoubtedly the largest un- winds. idea to create a map of approved routes used potential, but Baden-Württemberg together with the forester. As a result of also has a lot of catching up to do. The legal Impact of turbulence this consultation, routes are designed in conditions are being created in both states When a forest site is being planned, the such a way that they can be used perma- to meet the highly ambitious expansion turbulence that may be caused by the nently for timber removal. goals of the respective regional govern- treetops must be taken into account. The ments. Changes in the regional planning loads acting on the wind turbine are in- Close cooperation are also being worked on.” creased by this effect. As a consequence This type of forest site can only be planned of the high turbulence intensity in the sur- on paper to a limited degree. Intensive Bavaria, for example, plans to erect be- roundings, caused by the considerable on-site assessments and planning with tween 1,000 and 1,500 new wind turbines roughness of the terrain, it is necessary owners, foresters, the fire brigade, the by 2021, while Baden-Württemberg wants to plan for a sufficiently large separation police, local politicians and residents are to erect an average of 100 wind turbines distance between the wind turbines. also of vital importance. Vestas develops a year by 2020. The further expansion in the best solutions for each specific site – both federal states is certainly overdue if V112 and area requirements in close cooperation with the local parties they are to reach their intended goals. In the German state of Brandenburg, for and project developers. example, the construction of a foundation

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 9 Forest sites

Wind energy in the Spreewald region 3.6 hectares are being reforested in the region

It’s not her first wind farm, but it’s her Successful dialogue with then started her working career at the first in a forest! Gudrun Petrick, Project local stakeholders Hiddensee bird observatory. In her Developer and Managing Director of Pla- The project development phase, which be- capacity as an ornithologist, she was asked nungsbüro Petrick GmbH & Co. KG, looks gan back in 2003 with the planning of the to carry out assessments for wind farms. very satisfied. Since the end of 2011, the first wind farm in this region, has now come “At the time I was quite sceptical about wind Biebersdorf wind farm at the edge of the to fruition. Thirteen V90-2.0 MW wind energy – however, the realisation that birds Spreewald forest in the German state of turbines with a tower height of 125 me- can cope with situations in their natural Brandenburg has been in operation as tres have already been in operation in habitats that are much more complicated planned. Everything is running smoothly. Briesensee since 2009. At the time, not all than these large, imposing wind turbines Local acceptance of the forest site is good. landowners and local politicians were con- eventually set my mind at ease.” The wind is driving 14 new Vestas wind vinced about wind energy – and especially turbines. This first project by the owner, not about forest sites. Gudrun Petrick and In 1990, she started up her own planning THÜGA Erneuerbare Energien, is proving a others involved in the project have been agency in Brandenburg an der Havel before great success. The development of neigh- working for years on winning over the local relocating to Potsdam in 1999. Her com- bouring project sites is also underway. population. “We have been very successful pany has a branch office in Groß Leine, five Without a doubt, wind energy is booming here in this regard,” says Gudrun Petrick, kilometres from the Biebersdorf wind farm in the Spreewald area. looking back. and in the same district.

The third project in the area, the Biebers- As a biologist, Gudrun Petrick has one ma- dorf wind farm with fourteen V90-2.0 MW jor advantage, namely credibility. After all, wind turbines, each 125 metres high, has local residents repeatedly bring up one been in operation since the end of 2011. particular concern: Won’t the animals in Right from the very beginning, the success the forest suffer when wind turbines are of this expansion has been very depend- erected? ”Birds and bats mainly search for ent on a close cooperation with municipal food close to the ground on forest trails and authorities, citizens, local business, forest- aisles, which is why they generally don’t fly ers, investors and hunters. “When women high enough to be threatened by the wind organise a project,” says Gudrun Petrick turbines. They have a well-developed ra- somewhat in jest, “there are no problems dar system and quickly adapt to new flight getting everyone involved on board.” paths. In general, forest inhabitants tend to No one heard from those who were original- stay in the interior of the forest and rarely ly opposed to wind energy anymore. go more than 60 metres above the tree- tops, so they are not affected by the turn- Gudrun Petrick herself is from Branden- ing of the rotor blades, which only begins burg and actually comes from nearby, so at 80 metres. Ultimately, we don’t know she is familiar with the mentality of people exactly how many bats were living in this in the area. “There are seven women in our area before the project was constructed.” office. We spend a lot of time talking to lo- In order to strengthen the local bat popu- cal residents. Of course they can also be lation, 70 bat houses have now been in- critical, and justifiably so. But in the end, we stalled in the area around the wind farm actually enjoy a lot of support, and people project. “We do this for every farm. This way, trust us. When the municipal administrator we can monitor how many bats are present from Briesensee carried out a survey about in neighbouring habitats in the long term the pros and cons of the expansion of the and see how the population develops,” she wind farm, the majority of the citizens were adds. in favour. This was a major success for us.” Three more V90-2.0 MW wind turbines are To compensate for the forest clearance that now being installed in Briesensee – in the was necessary, around 3.6 hectares in the forest. region are being reforested with oak and pine trees, and with native bushes planted Gudrun Petrick 70 bat houses at the forest edges. This also includes the Gudrun Petrick studied biology and planting of a mixed orchard with 145 wild

10 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe Biebersdorf wind farm Wind turbines: 14 V90-2.0 MW Gridstreamer™ wind turbines (SDL technology) Height: 170 m in total, Hub height: 125 m Rotor diameter: 90 m Sites: 8 WTGs on open land, fruit trees. The total cost of all compensa- 6 WTGs in a pine forest tion, replacement and conservation meas- Power: 28 MW, annual output of ures amounts to around 630,000 €. around 62.4 million kWh, supplies 15,600 households with electricity,

Experience with forest locations avoids 50,000 t of CO2 emissions Biebersdorf is one of the first forest sites for wind energy in Brandenburg. Six of the Expansion of the 63 MVA 14 turbines are located in a private pine for- (Megavoltampere) Lübben-Nord transformer station in its final phase est. “Thanks to the company’s experience and engineering solutions, Vestas was able to master the particular challenges that forest sites pose to the teams with regard to logistics and installation.” Gudrun Petrick praises the on-time delivery of components, the flexibility of the crawler crane, and also the fact that two or even three large cranes were on site at the same time.

Gudrun Petrick has been cooperating with Vestas for more than ten years now. “Our experience has always been positive. Vestas’ 125-metre towers are ideal for sites with low winds and forests. Besides, the V90 has a relatively low area require- ment of 0.4 to 0.6 hectares. These tur- bines offer the best investment cost to performance ratio.”

The special foundations allow the wind turbines to protrude 3.40 metres higher into the sky than originally planned. “The ground water level around the Spreewald area is quite close to the surface. In order to avoid having the foundations submerged in the ground water, the surface under- neath the foundations was compounded before they were put in place. This resulted in the compacted mounds of earth. We are also very satisfied with the service.” The turbines are being serviced under a 15-year full maintenance contract. pany plans to invest one billion euros in re- “These workers now have specialist expe- newable energy sources in Germany by the rience and can also be employed in other THÜGA: 28 municipal companies end of 2020, with a focus on wind energy. areas where wind farms are being installed,” This is the first wind farm project for its THÜGA has a long-term interest in this in- says Gudrun Petrick. owner, THÜGA Erneuerbare Energien vestment, and local residents can see this GmbH & Co. KG, which is a joint venture be- in the fact that jobs are being created and In the neighbouring local authority, plan- tween 28 municipal utility companies in secured. Since 2009, for instance, con- ning is underway for another wind farm with the THÜGA Group. “In addition to the eco- struction companies from the region have V112-3.0 MW wind turbines from Vestas. nomic viability, our main concern about employed around 90 construction workers Gudrun Petrick is already looking forward the project was the acceptance of the lo- to improve the local infrastructure – for ex- to the new V112-3.0 MW: “A hub height of cal population,” explains Dr. Kay Dahlke, ample, by building access routes that will 140 metres! This will be an extremely effi- Managing Director of THÜGA. The com- also have to be maintained in the long term. cient wind turbine.”

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 11 Places and Markets

“Check correct installation of tower Two out of 750 105 metres in 60 seconds vibration damping system. Execution ac- Yesterday, the two engineers picked up all The team gets on with the preparations: cording to the respective drawing relating equipment and materials from the decen- The turbine is brought to a halt from below, to tower height and turbine type. Correc- tralised depot and made the journey from data and settings are saved on the laptop tions must be documented and mailed to Lüneburg. The service team will spend two and all meter readings are recorded. The Vestas.” – Henning Schulz and Jürgen working days on this assignment. As a rule, wind farm operator is notified upon arrival Lohmann are on the job, carrying out the the two engineers work five days a week and departure. half-yearly maintenance service on a touring different sites, usually not too far V90-2.0 MW. The engineers are working from home but mostly too far to make it Tools and equipment bags are just about their way through a 30-page checklist. back in the evening. Henning Schulz, 45, to be lifted by the crane. Henning Schulz Although, upon arrival, they are equipped is a qualified metalworker and mechanical has already ascended by elevator to carry with their maintenance catalogue and technician. In April, industrial electronics out the necessary preparations, opens the a vast amount of monitoring data, they engineer Jürgen Lohmann, 50, will have hatch and lowers the cable winch for the never know what awaits them up in the been with Vestas for 14 years. The two equipment bags. Jürgen Lohmann is align- nacelle. technicians are part of a team of 750 in- ing the turbine from below – 90° off the stallation engineers at Vestas Central wind. On their way up, the bags must not At the Buchholz wind farm in Lower Saxony, Europe that are on duty every day. collide with the tower. three of the 18 turbines are rather slow Today, weather conditions are rough at today. Vestas maintenance teams are minus 7 degrees. High above inside the Henning Schulz looks down 105 meters working out in the field, as the bi-annual nacelle, temperatures are a bit warmer at his doll-sized colleague. This is also the check-up under a full-maintenance service – around 10 to 15 degrees. When the escape hatch in case of emergencies. A contract is due. No specific malfunctions engineers venture outside onto the nacelle sophisticated emergency concept has have been reported to Henning Schulz cover – for example, to check the anemo- been developed, and technicians undergo and Jürgen Lohmann. However, the team meters – they will once again be exposed a special training course each year. Evacu- has been asked to pay special attention to to the freezing cold. So they brought the ation using the rope, for example, means tower vibrations. necessary flexible clothing and full equip- getting out of the nacelle through the ment – the service car has it all ready! hatch and down the rope in 60 seconds.

12 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe “Running smoothly !” On site with our Service team

Fortunately, an emergency has not yet oc- they arrest the brakes, adjust the blades, curred. “In the past, I never thought about and take care of other issues – tooling takes it,” says Henning Schulz. “It was all an ad- time. Everything has to be in the right place venture to me. Today, I‘m aware of the risks to leave sufficient space for work and to al- involved and I pay attention to every step low both engineers to find the right tool at of the way, every safety measure.” Helmets the right time. Colleagues who have worked must be worn everywhere on the premises, on submarines report that the nacelle is safety belts are equipped with snap hooks just slightly bigger than the inside of a sub- for secure tying in extreme positions. Safe- marine. ty devices secure staff on the ladders, and safety glasses appropriate to the respec- The two old hands know every last detail tive vision are worn, as well as kneepads, about their turbines. The safety require- various gloves for different jobs and safety ments have become second nature to shoes, of course. them, too. Fitness and flexibility are neces- sary in the tight machine. The engineers are Almost like in a submarine required to enter the nacelle on their stom- The coloured bags have now arrived in achs under the gearbox and check oil pres- the nacelle. They contain, among other sure in the restricted space between the items, tool box, nitrogen cylinders, vari- gearbox and the hub. Team spirit is another Jürgen Lohmann, industrial electronics engineer ous measuring devices, automatic grease essential requirement: Service engineers top: Mechanical engineer Henning Schulz on the gun, grease, filters, hydraulic oils, cleaner, need to be sure they can rely on each other nacelle roof a torque wrench, anemometer and water – – not only with regard to technical matters necessary especially in summer when it is but also on the personal level. f hot up here. Today though, the engineers have brought hot tea. As a first step, they connect the service box enabling them to control the turbine from the nacelle. Next,

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 13 Places and Markets

On to the lab wind direction and the blades angle them- hatch, greasing the bearings and check- Today, the maintenance programme be- selves according to the measured wind ing the mechanical parts. To finish off, they gins with the lubrication of the main bear- speed. The busy engineer has no time for carry out an extra mission: the transformer ings connecting the gearbox and the rotor. the fantastic view of the wind farm stretch- inspection. This requires all machines in the The engineers insert 2.4 kg of grease and ing all the way to the motorway. “However, nacelle to be shut off and disconnected. bleed the used excess grease. “Everything sometimes, when the farm is shrouded in is running like clockwork,” says Henning wafts of mist and all one can see are the All in all, maintenance covers two full days, Schulz with a smile. “It’s a satisfying feel- rotors turning above the fog, that’s an im- including the cleaning of the turbine. ing to identify and remove the fault that pressive sight,” admits Jürgen Lohmann. has caused the malfunction, and to get the He then turns his attention to the hydraulic In the next six months, if everything goes turbine to run smoothly again,” adds Jürgen station, where a small leakage has been well, the technical operations manager may Lohmann. Here too, everything is going detected, and removes it on the spot. come up once for a short inspection. Apart according to plan and checklist. from that, the turbine is expected to run Next, the nitrogen cylinder is required. The smoothly until its next maintenance. Jürgen Lohmann checks the flow/pressure pressure accumulator, designed to pitch monitoring. This may not sound very spec- the blades off the wind when necessary, There‘s always more to learn tacular; however, if anything fails to work at contains nitrogen – and that needs to be Jürgen Lohmann and Henning Schulz are al- a certain pressure, oil pressure will plummet refilled. ready on their way to the next job. This time, and the turbine will stop. Next, he extracts they‘re off to a troubleshooting mission to an oil sample in a glass, which is sent to the Not long after, Henning Schulz discovers a Beedenbostel, near Celle. “The proportional laboratory to check whether the golden fault in one of the fan motors and replaces valve needs to be replaced. It represents liquid is still up to standard. The resulting a relay as a precaution. the connection between electronics and analysis is also sent to the wind farm opera- hydraulics and controls the pitch cylin- tor in case any corrections are necessary. Inspecting the transformer room der, allowing the blades to turn,” explains The engineers also need to rely on their Jürgen Lohmann. So far so good! As of next On top of the world hearing. If a bearing in the generator or Monday, he will explain these matters to In full gear, Henning Schulz climbs on top the gearbox makes a strange noise, a spe- young colleagues as part of their hands-on of the nacelle. Temperatures are so low cial team may have to be called in. Today training course in Dahlenburg. There is al- that he finds it hard to grip the screwdriver. though, everything sounds fine. A special ways more to learn, not only for their young Is the heater on the sensor working? It’s task force is in charge of inspecting the colleagues but also for Jürgen Lohmann quite an important aspect at these chilly elevator, belts and crane. This would take and Henning Schulz themselves. “Of course temperatures. Are the wind direction and too much of the engineers’ time on the cur- we can do the V80 and V90 blindfolded, speed measurements correct? After all, rent assignment. However, they are now but now we’re undergoing training for the the nacelle aligns itself according to the inspecting the rotor blades through the new V112!”

14 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe Technician Pipeline Germanischer Lloyd certifi es Vestas training programme

At the training simulator in Husum

The Technician Pipeline is a global training The Technician Pipeline comprises: Furthermore, Vestas offers special courses programme developed by Vestas. It has within the different levels that qualify en- been established with the aim of provid- Level D: Maintenance assistant gineers in further fi elds, such as operating ing in-depth, multi-level training courses (assists experienced installation authorisation processes, rotor blade serv- for Vestas staff in the fi elds of installa- engineer on site) ices, and safety team management. tion, commissioning and maintenance. Vestas Central Europe has also implement- Depending on their qualifi cations and ex- Level C: Maintenance manager, ed this concept. With the new V112 being perience, service technicians are assigned trained for a certain turbine type fi rst introduced on the German market, it to specifi c levels, where they receive the (e.g. V66-1.75 MW to V112-3.0 MW) has been the fi rst Business Unit to use a respective instruction and specialise in training simulator for this turbine type. With various fi elds. the exception of the gearbox, the simulator is capable of simulating all V112 systems – Level B: Installation engineers in the from pitch system, hydraulics and the new fi eld of fault correction / repair. permanent magnetic generator to the con- At this level, engineers receive troller and converter. training in troubleshooting certain controller types. Level B consists of a At the training centre in Husum, six techni- basic course focussing on a system- cal instructors teach theory and ten fi eld atic fault detection approach and an trainers oversee hands-on training on the advanced course focussing on the top turbines. Since the start of 2011, they 40 malfunctions of the respective have been offering new training courses turbine platform. for the V112 and all other available tur- bines. Around 90 engineers have already been trained for the new V112-3.0 MW at B-Level. A further 200 will follow this year. Level A: Specialist programme All in all, close to 1,000 participants have offering a selection of tailor-made passed through the various training levels courses (e.g. special grid streamer, of the Technician Pipeline. software or analyzer training, dealing both with technical and operational Vestas is the fi rst wind energy company aspects). offering its staff a Germanischer Lloyd- certifi ed training system.

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 15 Places and Markets

Wind energy picking up again in Austria! Three wind farms inaugurated in 2011 80 MW framework contract concluded with WEB

The new Green Electricity Act 2012 will trigger an investment volume of creates a solid basis for the further de- 3.2 billion euros. Following the market velopment of wind energy in Austria. stagnation in 2009 and 2010, this now The Act, which was passed in the middle provides the project development depart- of 2011, foresees the installation of an ment at Vestas Austria with an opportunity additional 2,000 megawatts of wind to construct wind farms rapidly and reliably. energy by 2020 in addition to the existing Vestas Austria reported 107 megawatts capacity of approximately 1,075 mega- of incoming orders at the end of 2011. watts. According to the Austrian Wind Energy Association, IG Windkraft, this EVN Naturkraft orders V112 Following the lull in the market, Vestas was able to hand over the Tattendorf Wind Construction of the Farm, which has eight V90-2.0 MW wind Höflein Wind Farm turbines, to EVN Naturkraft shortly before the end of 2011. EVN had already taken over the Markgrafneusiedl project, with nine V90-2.0 MW wind turbines, at the end of September. Both projects are located in WEB’s Höflein Wind Farm – a premiere Lower Austria, which next to Burgenland for the MK7 version is the region in Austria with the best wind Last autumn saw the official inauguration energy conditions and, consequently, with of WEB Windenergie AG’s Höflein Wind the most wind turbines. IG Windkraft es- Farm, which is also located in Lower Austria timates that the carbon emissions saved near the Parndorf Plain, one of the windiest annually by the wind turbines is equiva- regions in Central Europe. Although WEB lent to that of around 350,000 cars a year. began planning the project back in 2001, EVN Naturkraft has also ordered three of construction did not begin until autumn the new V112-3.0 MW wind turbines for a 2010 when Vestas installed the footings, wind farm in the rural district of Deutsch- which included the use of deep pile foun- Wagram. dations. The turbines were erected in July Inauguration of the Höflein Wind Farm

2011 and then commissioned in August. be hard to beat. We value the longstanding The wind farm comprises six V90-2.0 MW partnership with Vestas – and I would par- wind turbines with 105-metre hub heights. ticularly like to highlight the very good col- This is the first time that the MK7 version laboration with Vestas in Austria.” of the V90 has been erected in Austria. This wind turbine type is technically optimised Service contracts – Major transformation and features a cooler in the form of a spoiler in the cooperation on the nacelle roof. The water cooler utilises Vestas Austria has positioned itself very the energy from the wind and therefore well in the service field, too. For exam- does not consume any internal power. Vari- ple, the conclusion of a comprehensive ous access points in the nacelle have been service package at the end of last year designed in a user-friendly manner. marked a major transformation in the col- laboration with Windkraft Simonsfeld AG. 80 MW with WEB – and a new availability record WEB Windenergie AG currently operates 153 wind turbines at 43 sites in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, France and – in the future – Canada. With around 3,360 mostly private shareholders, the company is Austria’s largest commu- nity joint venture in the field of renewable energy.

WEB has now concluded a framework Almost 60 per cent of their wind turbines contract with Vestas Austria amounting in Austria are now secured by Vestas’ AOM to 80 megawatts, which covers its com- 4000 service contract. ImWind Operations plete project pipeline for further projects in GmbH also relies on the service contracts, Austria and Germany until 2014. For since this means that Vestas assumes the Austria, this will include twenty of the new largest part of the maintenance risk. Both V112-3.0 MW and seven of the tried and companies rank among the pioneers in the tested V90-2.0MW wind turbines. industry and have worked with Vestas from the Black Sea coast to the heights of the Referring to the contract, Dr Frank Austrian Alps. Dumeier, Technology and Operations Officer at WEB, says: “For us, it’s not just the Vestas currently has 422 megawatts con- procurement costs for the wind turbines nected to the grid (at the end of 2011) and that matter but also, of course, the life- employs 105 staff at its Schwechat site cycle costs. In 2010 we concluded a com- southeast of Vienna. The entire spectrum prehensive service package with Vestas. of services, ranging from sales and the con- This has already had a positive impact on struction of wind turbines to operation, is our production results for 2011 – we were now organised from Austria. able to reduce the servicing and mainte- nance costs while simultaneously increas- ing the availability of the wind turbines. The At the opening ceremony of the Höflein Wind 97.2 per cent overall availability is a new Farm, an observation platform attached to a record for WEB that, in comparison with crane invited the public to enjoy the view of the other companies in the sector, will surely wind turbines.

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 17 Places and Markets

Vestas’ WindTalks Supporting emerging markets by sharing knowledge and experience

Vestas’ brand says “Wind. It means the world to us.” It emphasizes the idea that Vestas is an industry leader with a glo- bal outlook and global scope. With this in mind, Vestas Central Europe recently decided to more actively engage with its new and emerging markets in Africa, with the goal of helping these markets to find their ideal path to building a wind energy sector.

Because energy development in Africa to a large extent is driven by political institu- tions, the best approach for Vestas was to share its knowledge and experience to edu- cate political and regulatory stakeholders and accelerate the development of wind energy in their country. To do this, Vestas created a new platform called WindTalks, a workshop where key decision-makers from government, utilities, energy regulators, developers and other energy stakehold- ers come together with wind experts from Vestas and other wind energy institutions From left: Stephen Karekezi, Director of AFREPEN/FWD; Kasper Dalsten, Senior Specialist to share their knowledge. The first work- Government Relations, Vestas Mediterranean; Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, Coordinator of the shop in Namibia showed that it’s not only Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute of the Polytechnic of Namibia. a subject of interest to those developing nations, also many developers in Europe cus on speeding up the pace of wind energy for next steps to address them – which are looking at projects in places like Africa – development in Namibia, which has good Vestas will support where possible,” as there are good wind resources, growing wind resources and a looming short-term said Malte Meyer, Director Government energy demand and attractive financing energy supply shortage. A quick develop- Relations, Vestas Central Europe, who de- available. ment is highly recommended. One of the veloped the WindTalks concept. “Wind- most interesting presentations was from Talks Namibia really helped government Namibia Carlo van Wageningen, the Chairman of the and the key energy institutions under- The first WindTalks-Workshop (End 2011) Lake Turkana Wind Power project in Kenya, stand the role that wind energy can play in in Windhoek, Namibia, was successfully who shared his experience of wind project helping to fill an imminent energy supply presented to an audience of 50 key energy development in Africa. The Namibian shortage that Namibia will face at the sector stakeholders. During the workshop, Minister of Mines and Energy and senior end of next year,” says Hans Vestergaard, Vestas and its partner organisations (The representatives from National Utility Nam- Senior Vice President Sales, Vestas Central United Nations Development Program and Power, and Namibia’s national energy reg- Europe. the Polytechnic of Namibia) spent an entire ulator, the Electricity Control Board also day in in-depth discussions, listening to at- spoke. “We hope to learn from the inter- COP 17 tendees to better understand the current national experience of Vestas and others WindTalks Namibia confirmed that the status of wind energy in Namibia and what invited today on how others have walked next step should be to present a broader support can be provided to overcome the on a journey we are embarking on,” said workshop with stakeholders from several challenges. At the WindTalks workshop, Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy Isak African nations at COP 17 in Durban, South Vestas had an excellent line-up of speak- Katali. Africa in early December. ers who presented on topics including regulatory frameworks, grid integration, “The workshop was effective in focus- Shortly thereafter, the world – and espe- financing, power purchase agreements and ing attention on the current barriers cially the energy sector – watched as rep- project development. There was a strong fo- to wind energy projects, and in looking resentatives from the world’s governments

18 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe gathered at COP17 in Durban to try to ne- the many potential wind projects in emerg- energy security and support their grow- gotiate an agreement to limit carbon emis- ing markets and developing countries. For ing economies. Presentations followed by sions and manage global warming. such projects 2015 is not far away." a representative from the South African Energy Ministry and from Jens Carsten Expectations were low, and those expec- WindTalks Africa Hansen, of Risö DTU National Laboratory tations were, unfortunately, mostly met. Vestas was present in Durban to observe for Sustainable Energy, on a very success- Delegates agreed to extend the Kyoto pro- the negotiations and to raise the profile of ful South African wind mapping project tocol (scheduled to expire this year) for a wind energy as a solution to global warming supported by the Danish Embassy and second five-year commitment period, with and a way to achieve energy security. When Risö DTU. final details still to be finalized later this Vestas announced its WindTalks Africa year. There was also agreement to set up workshop at COP17, there was an enthusi- Sessions followed that focused on finding a process by which an emissions reduction astic response. the right regulatory framework to develop

Namibian landscape agreement will be reached by 2015, with There was a strong interest in wind energy wind energy in Africa, grid integration and implementation by 2020. at COP17, thanks to the previous day’s project financing models with partner or- announcement by the South African ganisations (the Namibian Renewable Ener- Within this context, did the outcome have Energy Minister on the winning bidders gy and Energy Efficiency Institute and the any meaning for the renewable energy for the country’s first round of renewable African Energy Policy Research Network). sector, and specifically for wind energy? energy projects (see page 21: Process of Vestas’ Senior Vice-President of Group wind energy in South Africa). Vestas is the The WindTalks Africa workshop generated Government Relations Peter C. Brun says preferred turbine supplier on two projects a great deal of interest in Vestas and wind the green climate fund – a multi-billion representing 138 MW. energy and resulted in open requests from dollar fund to provide money for mitiga- several African countries to do a custom- tion and adaptation projects in developing At the WindTalks Africa workshop at the ized WindTalks workshop. Compared to nations – is where there are more tangible COP17 conference the aim was driving the relatively slow progress on the climate possibilities. greater interest in wind energy from gov- talks, many delegates were pleased to see ernments. The hope was that by attracting that concrete efforts were being made to “This Green Fund can still materialise as the interest from promising African countries promote renewable energy for developing big pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, that need strong support in kick-starting nations. “Interactions with various African which would benefit green investments and wind energy, Vestas would be able to bring governments have shown that their coun- wind power projects. But no one realistically targeted WindTalks workshops to those tries are getting ready to harvest their expects the fund as currently structured countries and offer much more practical rich wind energy resources,” states Malte to generate the one hundred billion dol- support. Meyer. ”But still, many local investment lars a year of financing that was agreed to projects are blocked by regulatory, techni- last year. Without a global agreement, it is Done in partnership with the Danish Em- cal or finance hurdles. We will respond to even less likely that the substantial funding bassy in South Africa, the WindTalks Africa the strong need for knowledge-sharing and promised last year will materialise. So this is workshop kicked off with Hans Vestergaard technical assistance with a systematic roll- not for the short term, but Vestas will close- making the case for wind energy as an out of our WindTalks initiative across the ly follow developments in the coming years appealing option for countries looking for continent.” as additional financing will be key to unlock a way to reduce carbon emissions, build

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 19 Places and Markets

South Africa: Local manufacturing, black ownership and job creation State obligations made to competitive advantage

win[d] talked to James White, Sales national priorities the government is try- exchange and is a wholly owned compa- Account Manager for Vestas Southern ing to achieve. The main focus is on job ny. However, we decided to embrace this Africa, for insights into the promising creation and local manufacturing. So, request with the Vestas Empowerment South African Market. element number one is local content. This Trust, which is a broad based charitable single element will be the key deciding trust that is focused on education, with an win[d]: How does a European manufacturer factor as to which wind turbine manufac- ownership of 20 per cent of our local entity of wind turbines like Vestas enter the South turers will be successful in South Africa. Vestas Southern Africa. African Market? Vestas is seriously considering how and what we can manufacture locally. Our focus The last element of job creation is spe- James White: As a manufacturer in the is on building towers because South Africa cific to South Africa in the sense that when renewable energy sector Vestas needs to is advanced in the competencies and re- employing you need to consider race and consider one stakeholder only: the govern- sources required for tower manufacturing. ment. In the Republic of South Africa and James White indeed in all of Southern and Eastern Africa Specific South African issues consti- the governments are completely in control tute the other elements that you need to as to where the energy market is heading respond to, e.g. black ownership. Under to. And they want the supporting indus- BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) you try to go in a certain direction. In South need to maximize black ownership. How- Africa this means 1,850 MW of wind ener- ever, the RFP regulations add certain man- gy in a short term period; in the long term, datory commitments to this by saying po- 9,200 MW (see page 21: Process of wind tential turnkey contractors, such as Vestas, energy in South Africa). need to have a minimum of 8 per cent black ownership and target 20 per cent. In order to have your share of that market as a manufacturer, you need to play by the This was a challenge for Vestas, as it is rules of the government and answer the publicly listed on the Copenhagen stock

20 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe

Process of wind energy in South Africa target of 20 per cent), job creation and South Africa has big plans for renew- equitable employment (we shall also meet able energy. A total of 3,725 MW this target and try to employ as equitably of renewable energies – of which as possible). In terms of the other two ele- 1,850 MW is wind energy – will be ments on the private side – being cheap and tendered through fi ve windows as being reliable – Vestas is certainly not the described under the Request for cheapest turbine supplier out there. But we Proposal (RFP) issued last year by the are one of the, if not the leading supplier in Department of Energy (DOE). This is terms of reliability. From a safe investment the fi rst large state tender for renew- point of view Vestas scores highly, and we able energy in South Africa. are working hard to come down in terms of pricing. Vestas has also engaged in sup- The fi rst round was concluded in De- porting knowledge-building of wind energy cember 2011 at the COP17 meeting and industry development through interac- in Durban, when the DOE released the tions with various partners in South Africa names of who are the preferred bid- and in the region – as we want to be seen as ders. 633.99 MW are awarded to eight the best partner to support a healthy wind wind energy projects. Vestas is in two energy sector in South Africa over the long of them. These projects now have a term. preferred bidder status. By the end of June they are required to close their social background in addition to your usual Our credo: Let us embrace these fi ve ele- projects with the banks, manufactur- parameters. Local manufacturing, black ments and turn them into a competitive ers etc., and then they can sign the ownership and job creation are the three advantage rather than resist and try to get Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with main factors from the point of view of the round them. national utility Eskom and the Direct public sector, and for any international Agreement with the DOE. Once this company these elements might appear win[d]: In terms of the commitment on the is done, the projects can begin con- quite foreign. market, what does Vestas do? struction, most probably in 2013. The second round of the tender has started From the point of view of the private sector James White: You need to be committed to with the submission date on March 5. you need to look at the costs and the reli- this market to actually be able to respond According to the 2010 Integrated ability of your product to be competitive. to the list of requirements. The government Resource Plan – which covers the next Everyone is, of course, looking at the lowest doesn’t want to see people who are just in 20 years – 9,200 MW of wind energy costs per MW energy, and one needs to be here to fl og equipment and leave. You need shall be added over this period, starting reliable. to demonstrate a degree of commitment with this tendering process. through local content, job creation, black All in all we are looking at fi ve key infl uences ownership. Those actions speak louder when you want to enter the SA market. than words and demonstrate your long term commitment. win[d]: How does Vestas position itself in Johannesbg. this market? As we speak, Vestas is employing people, and we are moving into bigger offi ces. We James White: As to the way we position decided to fully embrace black ownership Durban ourselves, Vestas has chosen to embrace and there will be no window-dressing. It will SOUTH AFRICA those fi ve elements to the degree we can: get the right amount of money, and it will be local content (local tower manufacturing), there to deliver on the national priorities of Cape Town black ownership (we have reached the the government. Port Elizabeth

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 21 Projects and Partners

50 turbines – more than a project Pantelimon, Romania - Vestas’ first full turnkey project in Eastern Europe

With the construction of the 150 mega- Central Europe therefore decided at the related to the construction agreements. watts wind farm in Pantelimon, Romania, beginning of 2011 to investigate the po- It was crucial to examine the project in Vestas Central Europe has created a new tential for moving forward with the project Pantelimon not as a supplier, but through type of venture in Eastern Europe. At in order to minimise the risks for potential the eyes of an investor, as Andreas the wind farm, 50 V90-3.0 MW wind tur- investors and to attract more risk-adverse Thomas, Senior Vice President Business bines with a height of 105 metres will be investors. In conjunction with Monsson and Development at Vestas Central Europe installed and put into operation by sum- external specialists, a Vestas team carried explains: “We wanted to adapt the project mer 2012. Together with the Monsson out a range of technical, legal and finan- more to market demands, which is why we Group, a major Romanian wind energy cial studies on the due diligence for the incorporated the input from a lot of investor developer and energy producer, Vestas Pantelimon project. Because of the com- discussions into our decisions. At the end of has developed the first turnkey project plexity and high demands of the project, this process, we were aware of the project in Eastern Europe of this size. Although they analysed the individual conditions and quality when examining it from the inves- already proven in other markets such as demands for the construction and develop- tor’s point of view.” Germany and Bulgaria, and at a smaller ment in depth. This raised the quality of the scale, turnkey projects are a unique fea- sale and made it extremely transparent. Minimising the risk for the customer ture in Eastern Europe. As a turnkey project supplier, Vestas as- Seeing through the eyes of an investor sumes the risk when constructing the Due diligence research Based on this knowledge, Vestas Central Pantelimon wind farm and its infrastruc- Vestas Central Europe initially launched the Europe and Monsson then took the next ture. This means that the client is exposed project in 2008 as a standard sales project step. They planned the wind farm as a full to almost no risks during the construction of with a turbine supply and service agree- turnkey project with Vestas as the contrac- the farm. The developer, Monsson obtained ment. However, in the years following the tor. With the help of Vestas’ team-selling the necessary approvals while Vestas is financial crisis, the project’s size turned out approach, Vestas called on the expertise responsible, amongst others, for the quality to be challenging for investors in Romania. of its different departments and external of the site roads, foundations, installation Together with the Monsson Group, Vestas experts to cover and coordinate all aspects cranes and the electrical infrastructure.

22 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe All parties involved have to be coordinated connection. The internal interconnection tire region: For instance, roads have been and supervised by a project management has to go through a transformer and a graded and surfaced with gravel. Accord- team. Vestas is also in contact with and in substation to join the national grid and its ing to the Monsson Group, the different charge of the subcontractors. These include 110-kV transmission lines, which is situat- companies involved in the construction, the Austrian company Strabag, which car- ed approximately 13 kilometres away from security and maintenance of the site have ries out the main construction, site roads, the wind farm. created more than 200 new jobs – in an crane platforms and foundations, and area with a high rate of unemployment. Schneider Electric and the Romanian com- Joint construction work pany Energobit, which are responsible for Various Vestas departments worked to- Strategic partnership with the the electrical systems, the internal collec- gether at the Pantelimon site. Project Monsson Group tion and earthing systems as well as the manager Georgi Strashimirov Todorov, Vestas Central Europe has signed a long- connection station and underground for instance, comes from Vestas Bulgaria. term strategic partnership agreement

cabling. In this EPC project (Erection, “Although this is the first time that we have to facilitate new joint projects with the Procurement, Construction), Vestas guar- dealt with a project as large as the Pante- Monsson Group. The company, which has antees the safety and quality of the super- limon wind farm, we have been able to draw already developed 2,400 megawatts of vision for the whole project and will hand on our experience in other regions with wind energy, has considerable experience over the ready-to-operate wind farm to the turnkey projects. Many parties are involved, in developing, constructing and operat- client. and the Romanian legislation is complex. ing wind farms for investors. The company The deadlines have been tight, but so far underlines its excellent working relation- On the fringes of the Wallachian plain we have been able to meet them,” he says. ship with Vestas. “The wind farm will be The extensive wind farm, which covers an Also on site is Narcis Ion, the Romanian site equipped with 50 Vestas V90-3.0 MW area about eight kilometres in diameter, is manager responsible for the turbines – de- wind turbines, which have produced excel- located near a group of villages in the south- livered from Vestas Germany – and their lent results throughout many years of oper- eastern part of Romania. Called Pantelimon, installation. Simon Groenkaer from Vestas ation, with more than 7,400 MW installed in this commune is a flat area on the fringes of Denmark is the site manager responsible total. Vestas is and will continue to be a key the Wallachian plain in the Constanta region, for safety and for supervising the quality of strategic business partner for us,” declares 260 kilometres east of Bucharest. With the civil engineering works. Andrei Muntmark, Commercial Director at an average wind speed of 7.4 metres per Monsson Group. second it has excellent and constant wind Shortly after the Pantelimon project was conditions. To ensure a continuous supply launched in mid-2011, Vestas Central Pantelimon will not remain the only turn- of all necessary parts, a special storage fa- Europe started negotiations about the key project in Eastern Europe in the future: cility was built on-site. take-over of the finished wind farm. By “There is an increasing demand for turnkey spring this year, the roads and foundations projects, particularly in Eastern Europe, In Pantelimon, the internal cross-linking will be completed; five turbines are already and with projects like this we will be able to and the interfaces with the national grid installed. The final handover will take place adapt to the market demand,” emphasises are particularly complex. All turbines are in June and July 2012. The construction of Andreas Thomas. interconnected via an internal 33-kV power the new wind farm will also benefit the en-

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 23 Projects and Partners Off-shore results on an on-shore site “Noordpier Wind is one of the best sites in the Netherlands.’’

Netherlands, providing a capacity of more than 300 MW.”

Quieter and more profitable Besides Nuon, another party was also in- terested in the dune area along the Dutch North Sea coast: Wind Groep Holland. With more than thirty turbines, this project developer has been specialising in the operation of suitable wind sites for over ten years. In 2004 it was given permission by the Dutch government to use a stretch of Tata Steel’s company premises in IJmuiden land of around five hundred metres, next to Nuon’s site, for the purpose of erect- Since November 2011, three eighty- ing wind turbines. As the two parties had metre-high Vestas V90-3.0 MW wind tur- often collaborated in the past, they began bines have been gracing the Dutch coast working together on the preparations for near IJmuiden, around thirty kilometres repowering the wind farm. The old, thirty- west of Amsterdam. In a relatively short metre-high turbines, with a total installed period of time, energy supplier Nuon and capacity of just over 1 MW, had seen better Repowering in the dunes project developer Wind Groep Holland days. Technological advances now made it have managed to generate more energy possible to generate energy more profit- from wind – thanks to the ‘Noordpier Wind’ ably – and more quietly. which are relatively lightweight but of- repowering project. fer excellent resilience to heavy loads and Neighbourhood safety were therefore comfortably able to meet Nuon has been managing a wind turbine Within a 50/50 partnership structure, the the safety requirements.” The distance site on this stretch of the North Holland two organisations began working on the to the surrounding industrial site is now coast just above IJmuiden since 1994. project, with Vestas quickly being called in 250 metres, meaning that the safety Back then, the company, a subsidiary of to supply the turbines. The powerful V90 standards imposed have been met. the Swedish energy company Vattenfall, turbine seemed ideal to take full advantage erected five Micon wind turbines on the of the very high average wind speeds of Delicate ecology site. As a Project Manager at Nuon, Gijs 9 metres per second on the Dutch coast. Although both Gijs Nijsten, Project Nijsten has been involved in the develop- As it turned out, the original goal of erect- Manager at Nuon, and Hans Schouten, ment of the Noordpier Wind farm. He be- ing five of these turbines was not feasible, Managing Director of Wind Groep lieves that, alongside the generation of as neighbouring industry would have been Holland, found that the whole project ran energy from solar power and hydropower, inconvenienced excessively by the impos- quickly and easily, it was not entirely with- wind energy fits in perfectly with the aim of ing structures. A permit for three turbines out obstacles. Protecting the delicate increasing sustainability: “We want to make was, however, issued in 2009, although dune area was one such issue, of course, a significant contribution to the genera- this was still under the condition that strict but careful management was also re- tion of energy from renewable sources. In safety standards were employed. “At that quired to keep the road alongside the tur- the area of wind energy in particular there time, only the V90 was suitable to be erect- bines accessible. Reyndersweg is the only is a great deal of potential. At the moment ed there,” says Nijsten. “Vestas was the access path to the beach and the sea at we own almost 250 wind turbines in The only supplier then that had carbon blades, that point and therefore had to remain

24 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe accessible in case ships in the area got into Good returns at a low price off-shore site, while still benefiting from difficulties. “There was a considerable im- In the spring of 2011, building consortium very strong winds, meaning that good pact on the construction process, as an Dura Vermeer began building the founda- returns can be achieved at a relatively low area of dune had to be prepared – with tions for the three turbines. “We were not price.” permission from the authorities – for the able to complete everything in one go,” construction cranes to be erected,” explains Schouten explains, “as this would have had Taking advantage of the strong winds Nijsten. “The community and the nearby an adverse impact on the special fauna The Noordpier Wind farm is being managed beach cafés are benefiting from this now, found there. The sand lizard lays its eggs by Wind Groep Holland. As it has an office thanks to the extra parking that has been in that area at that time of year and our in the area, it can get to the scene quickly in created.” In addition, the dune area also activities would have interfered with this the event of a fault.The Managing Director had to be scanned once again due to the process.” Hans Schouten says, “personally, I get an im- possibility of ammunition from the Second mense kick out of the big turbines. We had World War being found there. It had to be The three landmarks were finally in place so much wind in December, 25 metres per searched layer by layer, but, partly thanks in autumn and the builders are able to second, that, in line with protocol, the tur- to the first inspection carried out in the look back on the project with satisfaction. bines automatically stopped and automati- 1990s, nothing substantial was found this Schouten: “Naturally it was a shame that we cally started again when the wind speed time. “We did come across an old bunker, were not able to erect five turbines, as this dropped. Given the quality of the V90s, but as it was not in the way we left it there,” is one of the best sites in the Netherlands.” I expect that, with regular maintenance, the recounts the Nuon manager, who managed Nijsten agrees: “You’ve got an off-shore new turbines will generate good profits for the project on behalf of the collaborating situation on an on-shore site. We were the next fifteen years.” parties. able to save ourselves the high costs of an

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 25 Tailwind Rotor blade in the heart of Berlin

The new eye-catcher in front of the was transportable and could be disassem- pended under the cross beam and installed German Museum of Technology in Berlin is bled again in order to preserve the dynamic, in a horizontal position,” explains Grawe. “If a 44 metre-long Vestas V90 rotor blade. free-standing character of the rotor blade. you tried to place it an angle of 70 degrees, This rotor blade is part of the “Wind- The special foundation required extremely the rotor blade would slip out. Back in early stärken” special exhibition, which deals high-precision positioning. The steel struc- 2011, we carried out trial lifts at the Vestas with all aspects of the phenomenon of tures had to be put in place on the prepared factory in Lauchhammer to find out which wind. The installation of the temporary concrete foundation with a tolerance of just lifting equipment and support points were foundation and the transport and erec- 1.50 cm. A lot of on-site coordination was necessary.” Once the installation techni- tion of the rotor blade presented unique necessary in order to install the rotor blade cians had precisely positioned the rotor engineering and logistical challenges. support structure with the required milli- blade on the bolted flange and the highly metre-level accuracy. pre-tensioned bolt connection had been Vestas Blades Germany provided the rotor put in place, the rotor blade was finally at- blade itself and the transport, while Notus The relevant district authority in Berlin tached to the foundation. energy Potsdam planned and coordinated played its part, and the building permit was this unusual project – including the founda- granted in a record time of just six weeks. This impressive piece of engineering can be tion. The rotor blade was transported overnight viewed up until the end of February 2013. from Lauchhammer to Berlin at the end of During this time, the “Windstärken” special “We would never have succeeded in im- November 2011. Torben Rafn, driver for exhibition in the German Museum of Tech- plementing this project without the out- Vestas’ in-house transport service, had nology in Berlin will be presenting the his- standing teamwork and the exceptional to call upon all his skill during the final leg tory of wind and its influence on nature, art dedication of all who were involved,” said into the city. “This part of the journey was and culture, right through to the idea of har- Frank Weise, Managing Director and Vice spectacular, often clearing traffic lights nessing the power of the wind for energy President of Vestas Blades Deutschland and road signs with just a few centimetres supply. GmbH, praising the close cooperation be- to spare. This was a spectacle that Berliners tween the companies involved. The project certainly don’t get to see every day,” said German Museum of Technology with a volume of over 250,000 € was jointly museum curator Reiner Schipporeit enthu- Trebbiner Strasse 9, 10363 Berlin implemented by the project sponsors. siastically about the project and the great Germany | www.sdtb.de interest shown by the public. Precision work Also involved in construction were: “A rotor blade of this size in the centre of Perfection IB Linke, IB Fröhling & Rathjen, Werner & Sy, Berlin, at an inclination of 70 degrees – this The work of the two crane operators had to Vermessungsbüro Krause, Schmees Bau is a one-off,” said Gunnar Grawe, project be perfectly coordinated, with one operator and Schmees Anlagenbau, manager at Notus, describing the chal- responsible for one of the upper support Adolf Cornels GmbH, Schwerlast- lenges that had to be addressed. It was points and the other for one of the lower transporte Pusch and Bohlen & Doyen. necessary to construct a foundation that support points. “A rotor blade is usually sus-

26 win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe Imprint Quiz

win[d] Nr. 14 Edition 1 • 2012 Answer to the last quiz and the winners from win[d] 13: Vestas Central Europe Each rotor blade on the new V164-7.0 MW Otto-Hahn-Strasse 2-4 offshore turbine is as long as nine double- 25813 Husum, Germany decker buses lined up one after the other. Phone: +49 4841 971 0 Fax: +49 4841 971 360 The iPod Shuffle/2 GB was won by: [email protected] • Tim Wochatz Spremberg, Germany Conceptual design and implementation Vestas Central Europe A Soccer ball went to: Christina Buttler, Andrew Hilton • USG Innotiv, Marianne Beumer in cooperation with RECOMM Berlin Arnhem, Netherlands www.recomm-berlin.de Editing: Anke Kuckuck • Bus Handelmij, Petra Schotman Design: Gerhart Schneider Deventer, Netherlands

Authors • Thomas Holdenried • Andrew Hilton Hannover, Germany • Stefanie Klamm • Anke Kuckuck • Pfalzwerke, Bastian Kreis • Andrea Marshall Ludwigshafen, Germany • Detlev Reichel • Wolfgang Scherreiks • EDF-Luminus,Nicolas Bauer Seraing, Belgium Editing Vestas Benelux Wendy Ketels in cooperation with kwoot b.v., Netherlands

Editing Vestas Austria/Eastern Europe Carolina Zabulica

Translation Services • TL Translationes, Berlin, Germany • Esperanto WBT Arnhem, Netherlands

Picture credits Vestas picture archive, others: Cover, p. 12-14: Pablo Castagnola p. 3: Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Jesper Balleby p. 5: International Energy Agency p. 6: Vestas Central Europe (CEU) p. 8: Heinz Wraneschitz View of the Berlin TV Tower, taking in the p. 10: WindSale GmbH rotor blade installed at the German Museum p. 11: THÜGA Erneuerbare Energien, WindSale GmbH of Technology, Berlin p. 15: Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Frank Boutrup Schmidt p. 16/17: Markus Hörl | entfalter p. 16 left bottom: Vestas Austria/ Eastern Europe p. 18: Vestas CEU p. 19: istockphoto/Lucyna Koch, dasbild p. 20: michaeljung – Fotolia.com p. 20 right bottom: Detlev Reichel p. 22/23: Vestas Austria/ Eastern Europe p. 24/25: Jorrit Lousberg/Nuon p. 26/27: Jan Oelker back cover/Quiz: istockphoto/Craig Dingle

Printing Ruksaldruck Get in touch with win[d]! us whatTell you think:

win[d] | 1 • 2012 | Vestas Central Europe 27 Quiz

Bats quickly get used to taking new fl ight paths – even in forested areas with wind turbines. How do they orient themselves while fl ying?

• Ultrasound

• Infrasound

• Smoke signals win[d] Navigator

Forest sites Please tick your answer on the card and send it to Vestas Major V112 project Biebersdorf, Germany page 10 Central Europe by 28 May 2012 fax it to +49 (0) 40 46778 5333, Groß Eilstorf, Germany page 6 or email your answer to [email protected].

Correct answers will be entered for a draw to win an iPod Shuffl e/ 51° 59‘ N 13° 58‘ E 2 GB and fi ve Soccer balls. Please also let us know what you 52° 49‘ N think of win[d] 1 • 2012. Many thanks. 09° 27‘ E

See page 27 for the answer to the last competition question Wind farm opening and the winners from win[d] 13. Repowering project Höfl ein, Austria Velsen/IJmuiden, Netherlands page 16 page 24

48° 04‘ N 16° 47‘ E 52° 27‘ N 04° 36‘ E Email City Postcode, Street Name Company Smoke signals Smoke Infrasound Ultrasound answer: right the tick Please Quiz magazine, from now on free of charge. Please send me win[d], Vestas Central Europe’s Forest sites Turnkey project | 50 x V90-3.0MW Wilhelmsdorf, Germany Pantelimon, Romania page 8 page 22

49° 34‘ N 44° 33‘ N 10° 44‘ E 28° 20‘ E

WindTalks in Africa Windhoek, Namibia | Durban, South Africa page 18

22° 33‘ S Germany 20251Hamburg 1-2 Christoph-Probst-Weg team Editorial win[d] Europe VestasCentral 17° 05‘ E

Vestas Central Europe Otto-Hahn-Straße 2 - 4 25813 Husum Germany

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