How does RWE deal with challenges regarding MW turbines? While offshore wind turbines move to 5MW and more, developers have to find a way to deal with the technical and design challenges while keeping a low CoE. Heiner Strauß, Senior Project Manager Nordsee Ost at RWE Innogy GmbH give his view concerning the development of multi MW turbines in an interview. Read the interview here: http://bit.ly/StraussH_interview

1. Expert Interview
RWE Innogy GmbH on challenges & chances regarding
the development of multi MW turbines
Heiner Strauß, Senior Project Manager Nordsee Ost at RWE Innogy GmbH, will be
chairing IQPC’s international conference Giant Offshore Wind Turbines this November
in Bremen, where experts will share first hand experience, technical challenges and
design properties for multi MW turbines. We are excited that we had the chance to talk
to Heiner Strauß already before the event. Read the full interview with our Chairman
here!
IQPC: What – in your opinion - is the current
challenge for the wind industry regarding the
development of multi MW turbines?
Heiner Strauß: If we look at the overall wind
industry we need an environment that makes
further investments possible. Therefore we need
feed in tariffs that are reliable. This will only be the
case if there is an overall concept for the future
energy supply.
The development of multi WM turbines need to fit
to a concept, not to a mechanism of subsidies.
IQPC: How could the industry face these
challenges?
Heiner Strauß: The industry has to provide general
concepts. Here I mainly think about the general
electrical concept of the operation of offshore wind
farms and clusters. So it needs a common approach
of the different market members.
All parts of the industry need to lower the costs and
need to develop reliable concepts to reduce the risk
of time and budget overruns.
IQPC: Where do you see potential to save cost?
Heiner Strauß: First of all, there is a good chance to
reduce the costs for logistics and installation. These
are the main areas of cost overruns during a lot of
projects.
Cost savings can also be achieved by using proven
technologies for installation. It is not necessary or
desirable to always look for new solutions, further
development on proven methods can also be a
solution.
IQPC: Designers and manufactures have invested
a lot of work into new prototypes – can you
briefly explain the main challenges which come
along with the installation of this new class of
multi MW turbines?
Heiner Strauß: The handling of the very long blades
will be the main challenge. At the moment it is not
clear up to what wind speed it is possible to operate.
All other components shouldn’t be a problem. The
new installation vessels in the market are able to
carry out this job.
IQPC: Do current vessel specifications meet
future market requirements?
Heiner Strauß: From my point of view, yes.
As stated previously, the blades will create problems.
There are not too many vessels available in the
market. This will result in high prices.
www.giant-offshore-turbines.com