Progression and perspectives on the ramp-up of offshore wind Interview with Albert Winnemuller, Vestas

Albert Winnemuller gives an overview about recent developments in the offshore wind industry regarding technological improvements, focus markets, challenges within global supply chains and securing the future work force.

In your opinion, what are the most interesting technological developments in wind energy referring to digital tools for instance?

Over the past two decades, offshore wind turbine technology has witnessed remarkable progress. Offshore wind turbines have grown significantly in terms of nominal capacity and physical size.
The advancements in simulation tools have been a key enabler, ensuring quicker and more accurate simulations before new products hit the market. Concurrently, turbine controller software has been becoming more sophisticated. Digital tools also provide a highly accurate depiction of the operational state of a wind turbine and can aid in optimizing energy production. Moreover, they offer real-time information for the service organization, enabling the optimization of maintenance activities. Especially in offshore settings, meticulous planning of maintenance is crucial to ensure timely execution, prioritizing safety above all else.

Which are the most promising markets in Europe right now and why?

That is an interesting question, as 'promising' can be interpreted in different ways. One could look at emerging markets like Lithuania, Sweden, and Norway, which undoubtedly hold mid- to long-term potential. However, I believe that the most promising markets are actually the established ones with a positive outlook on projects. Examples include Germany, the UK, Poland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. For the project outlook to materialize, it will be critical to establish the right boundary conditions. I would consider negative bidding/auctions as a potential threat, as they could lead to speculation in order to realize a business case under cost pressure. Consequently, this may result in projects not being realized in the end.

Which challenges are producers actually struggling with concerning the supply chain?

Offshore wind is poised for a substantial ramp-up in the coming years. This necessitates significant investments from both us and our supply chain partners. However, these investments can only be justified when there is certainty regarding the project pipeline. After all, empty factories serve no one's interests. Additionally, certainty on the products to be manufactured is crucial. At Vestas, we maintain a clear vision regarding product certainty. We are keen on prioritising the industrialisation and standardisation of our V236-15.0 MW turbine, which has proven to be a highly competitive and appealing option in the offshore wind market.

How do you deal with the topic of missing personnel?

Alongside our standard ongoing recruitment efforts, we are not currently facing any immediate personnel shortages. Nevertheless, addressing this issue is vital to sustain the anticipated growth in wind energy, particularly within the offshore sector. The upcoming expansion will demand a substantial influx of new colleagues, making the selection, training, and onboarding processes critical steps in our strategy. This holds true not only for us but also for the broader offshore wind industry. At Vestas, we prioritise Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in our workforce, actively guiding our efforts in this direction. We firmly believe that fostering a diverse workforce enhances our company, leading to better decision-making and improved execution across the board.

 

Albert Winnemuller will also be a speaker during Hamburg Offshore Wind Conference 2024 on 14 May 2024 at the panel: What is the industry need to deliverable a sustainable / reliable value chain?