customer magazine nordex 360

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Issue 1 | 2014 The all-round Nordex review – Wind. Energy. Performance. Generation Delta News One year of Nordex Academy Inside A perfect start Uruguay An interview with COO Lars Bondo Krogsgaard N131/3000

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Page 1: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Issue 1 | 2014 The all-round Nordex review – Wind. Energy. Performance.

Generation Delta News

One year of Nordex Academy

Inside

A perfect start Uruguay

An interview with COO Lars Bondo Krogsgaard

N131/3000

Page 2: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Publishing informationPublished by: Nordex SE, Langenhorner Chaussee 600, 22419 Hamburg, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)40 300 30 1000 E-mail: [email protected]

Project management and text: Sandra Jaekel

Legally responsible under German press law: Ralf Peters

Photos: Nordex, unless stated otherwise

Design: Orange Cube Werbeagentur, Hamburg

Printing: Rasch Druckerei und Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Bramsche

Paper: This customer magazine is printed on Novatech satin, 150 g / m².

Circulation: 10,000 (4,000 German, 6,000 English)

Reproduction, including extracts, and electronic distribution only with the express permission of the publisher.

Design criteriaEconomic efficiency is the most important aim when developing a wind turbine generator. For strong wind there have been efficient products on the market for a long time now. In recent years, the main challenge has been to develop an efficient technology that investors can use economically in light-wind regions. Here we have been very successful.

With the N117/2400, we offer our customers one of the most efficient tur-bines in its class for light-wind areas – which the trade magazine Windpower Monthly has just declared “Turbine of the year” for 2013. We have further developed this machine and are now launching the light-wind turbine of our Generation Delta on the market. With the N131/3000, we have been able to reduce the cost of energy even further, setting new standards in terms of economic efficiency at IEC 3 sites.

I know from our customers that they enjoyed certain advantages when applying for approval for the quiet N117/2400. This is why the sound power level was the second key criterion when developing this turbine: the N131/3000 stays below the N117/2400 figure while generating higher yields. To be honest, I am really proud to be able to present such a convincing product to you in this issue of our customer magazine.

But why not find out for yourself?

Yours,

Lars Bondo Krogsgaard,Chief Customer Officer (CCO), Nordex SE

Top Topic12 | N131/3000A highly efficient turbine for inland sites – an interview with COO Lars Bondo Krogsgaard

16 | Generation Delta in the fieldKick-off for the series

12 N131/3000

TURBINES 2.1-3.5MWWINNER 2013

2 |

Page 3: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

One year of Nordex Academy in Hamburg 24 Perfect start

in Uruguay6Inside 4 | Nordex TechnikumEnsuring product quality

6 | One year of Nordex Academy in Hamburg Current courses offered

10 | Faster, cheaper, betterProject management at Nordex

Outside18 | TPI starts production of Nordex blades100 sets of NR 58.5 blades leave the Turkish plant in 2014

19 | Prime Minister in TurkeyErwin Sellering visits the Zeytineli wind farm

20 | Technical know-how for challenging wind sitesSuccess in inland areas in Germany

24 | Perfect start in UruguaySuccessful market entry

26 | Nordex enlarges workforce in FinlandSetting up a local organisation

29 | Inauguration with musical accompanimentCelebration in the Midtfjellet wind farm

Knowledge30 | Technical LexiconPart 2: The gearbox

31 | Market incentive systemsPart 2: In the UK, it’s the quota that counts

| 3

Page 4: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

The first N131/3000 is due to be installed towards the end of the year. Until then the Nordex Technikum has plenty of work on its hands. Just last summer Nordex had extended its test centre in Rostock and set up additional test benches. Always at the centre of attention: product quality.

N131/3000: The road to initial installation always leads through the test centre

At the moment, the Technikum is preparing to test var i- ous systems and components from the Generation Delta low-wind turbine. Helmut Resing-Wörmer, Head of the Test and Prototype department: “Component and system tests make our products even more reliable and the development of new products more efficient. In this way we prevent avoidable faults from occurring, if possible from the outset, because these cost both

our customers and us time and money.” The most conspicuous innovation in this machine is its large rotor: The new NR 65.5 rotor blade measures seven metres more than its predecessor and is undergoing static and dynamic stress tests conducted by Nordex Blade Development on the company‘s own test bench.

The Technikum performs thorough-going tests on fur-ther components. “The larger rotor blade means that greater strains are placed on the N131/3000 pitch system.

Nordex Technikum: ensuring product quality

1 |

INsIDe NOrDex TecHNIKUm4 |

Page 5: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

2 |

3 |

The drives, batteries and switch cabinets with pitch inverters had to be adapted accordingly – and are therefore put on the test benches”, explains Helmut Resing-Wörmer. The project validation plan for the N131/3000, in other words the test list, is currently being drawn up. This plan states which components are to be tested at what time, with what objective and using which methods. These tests are due to start in the summer, and the first turbine of this type will be installed as of the end of 2014.

Nordex invests in extended system tests

Last summer Nordex had added 3,900 square me-tres to its test centre, setting up additional system test benches. The company spent EUR 3.5 million

on this extension. Now, with its more than 15 test benches, it tests the functions of the systems under extreme climatic and mechanical conditions, amongst others in long-term stress tests. In this way Nordex ensures that its developments fulfil stringent qual-ity criteria and that a top-quality product goes into series manufacture.

The most important innovation: the climate chamber, which is now larger and more efficient. With its almost 140 cubic metres and a temperature range of −40 to +60 degrees Celsius, plus a humidifica-ti on system, it is able to subject turbine systems to extreme climatic (endurance) tests. In addition

to this, the Nordex Technikum now also has a grid simulator, making it possible to test the capabilities of the systems under difficult grid conditions. The simulator emulates the grid voltage and frequency at the design limits and is able to create dynamic grid faults as well as harmonics. Here, Nordex tests all the electrical systems of its products – especially the yaw system and pitch, which is important for safety reasons.

The information obtained from these tests is con-tinuously fed into the innovation process while the results are used in the development process. In this way they ensure high product quality.

3 | The new climate

chamber measures 140

cubic metres, meaning

that climate tests can

be conducted on large

components.

2 | The N131 / 3000 pitch

drive is also tested on

the single-axle pitch

test bench.

4 | The Nordex Blade

Development test

bench is designed for

the dimensions of the

65.5-metre blade.

1 | endurance test of slip

ring test specimen in the

small climate chamber

4 |

INsIDe NOrDex TecHNIKUm | 5

Page 6: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

“We want to structure the knowledge from the divisions in meth-odological and didactic terms and pass this knowledge on.” Academy Head Susanne Michaelis

Page 7: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Happy Birthday, Nordex Academy! Over the coming days, our training centre will be celebrating its first anniversary after the move to the city of Hamburg. Nordex 360° asks some questions: What courses are currently being offered and how did the first year go?

At the end of 2012, the Nordex Academy moved to Hamburg from Rerik in Mecklen-burg. Not only is there much more space available there, but the direct vicinity of the Nordex-Forum in particular offers some advantages. “We are now outstandingly linked to the head office – which makes it easier to work together with our experts in the departments” , describes Academy Head Susanne Michaelis the situation. “On top if this, it’s much easier for our course participants to reach us.”

Structuring specialist knowledge and passing it on

Nordex has revised the structure of the Academy and the contents of the training courses. Three trainers currently run the courses and a fourth will be joining the team in the coming weeks. All the trainers are specialists from Commissioning and Service with many years of practical exper - ience in the field at Nordex. In turn, they work together closely with experts in the individual divisions. For instance, together with Nordex Engineering they have defined the content of training courses on the next technical turbine generation, Delta. Ultimately, precisely this is the Academy’s overall aim. Susanne Michaelis: “We want to structure the knowledge from the di - v isions in methodological and pedagogical terms and pass this knowledge on.”

The new training centre buildings have been adapted and modernised. The Academy has 1,200 square metres of factory space available for its courses. This provides space for large components such as a

mock-up nacelle made of scaffolding for rescue training, various hubs and switch cabinets. The heart of the factory hall comprises a working training turbine for teaching technical contents. “All Nordex turbines are well maintained, but this one is looked after by far the best”, jokes trainer Ulf Wegner. Lessons on theory are given in modern seminar rooms and an electric laboratory.

Tailor-made courses

In the past, the Nordex Academy geared the courses offered very much to the re-quirements of the company’s own staff. Today, the focus is still on technical training

for staff – from the basics for service en-gineers down to the teaching of specialist knowledge relating to converters – as well as rescue training. One current example is “Delta Training”, in which colleagues from Engineering, Service and Production are taught about the special technical features of this turbine generation. With its new concept, the Nordex Academy aims to include more customers and subcontrac-tors as well.

At the moment, the Nordex Academy offers five different course modules for customers. The scope and type of content depend on the participants’ area of responsibility and the respective turbine technology. ›

One year of Nordex Academy in Hamburg

The new premises in Hamburg now offer more space and a good connection.

INsIDe NOrDex AcADemy | 7

Page 8: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Operation Manager- Service provider of the owner

- Engineering Of�ce Investment company

- Ensuring turbine availability

Owner

- Owner of the wind turbine generator or the wind farm

Service Coordinator- Monitors the wind farms

- Draws up availability reports and statistics

- Coordinates deployment of technicians

Field Organisation Manager- Manager and controller of the wind farms

- Reports to operations manager

- Control service coordinators

C01 Control technology (NC2-Level 200)

C02 Wind farm management

C04 Reporting system

T03 OJT safe behaviour

C01 Control technology (NC2-Level 200)

T03 OJT safe behaviour

C01 Control technology (NC2-Level 200)

C03 Maintenance structure

C04 Reporting system

T03 OJT safe behaviour

C01 Control technology (NC2-Level 200)

C02 Wind farm management

C03 Maintenance structure

C04 Reporting system

T03 OJT safe behaviour

Customised training packages

Nordex employees during

rescue training

“We offer tailor-made training with dif-ferent information modules. Of course, a service coordinator needs wider know-ledge than a turbine owner, for example. Moreover, each customer has different machines with different configurations. So it’s not possible to mix groups of participants”, explains Rada Krohn-Cortés, who is responsible for organising cus-tomer training courses at the Academy. Another new feature comprises courses for subcontractors – on the mechanical and electronic installation of Nordex technology as well as on process routines on the construction site. Rada Krohn-Cortés: “In this way we are able to ensure

a standard installation quality for our customers worldwide, no matter which subcontractor is used.”

Training courses are in demand

Susanne Michaelis gives a positive summary of the first year: “We are satisfied all-round. In the year of our opening we invested a lot of time on setting up the structures. As a result, with more than 2,200 participants in some 300 training courses, we made a good start.” Positive feedback for the Academy team also came from their own ranks: at the end of October, many Nordex empl oy ees

took advantage of an Open House day to take a look at the new training centre and see extracts from the courses.

This year the Academy will be focusing on further developing its training courses. And there are also plans to extend the customer training programme. Additional courses are to be included, which the Academy is currently in the process of working out together with Sales and Service, for example on the subjects of maintenance, hydraulics and NC2 application software. Susanne Michaelis: “This means that we are able to react more flexibly to customers’ wishes.”

As a rule, the training courses are held in the Nordex Academy, but on request can also be held on your premises.

Overview of training modules

Training module Duration Prerequisite Participants

C 01 Control technology 2 days 6 – 8

C 02 Wind farm management 1 day C 01 6 – 8

C 03 Maintenance structure 1 day C 01 6 – 8

C 04 Reporting system 1 day C 01, C 02 6 – 8

T 03 OJT safe behaviour 1 day C 01 4

INsIDe NOrDex AcADemy8 |

Page 9: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

What does the Nordex Academy do?

The Nordex Academy is the company’s own training centre. Knowledge from the key specialist divisions in the company is structured here and passed on in a targeted manner. One focus is on teaching technical content. In addition to this, the Academy offers training for managers and

on methods as well as cross-divisional courses to further develop social and personal skills. Its programme of courses is geared to staff, customers and subcon-tractors of the company. Following eleven years of training operations in Rostock and Rerik, in January 2013 Nordex reopened the Academy in Hamburg with an exten d- ed concept.

contact: Nordex AcademyOehleckerring 6b22419 Hamburg, GermanyTel.: +49 (0)40 300 30 28 [email protected]

course participants take a close look

at the hub pitch box.

Page 10: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

At the beginning of the year, Nordex launched Projects@Nordex, a comprehensive working method-ology for planning, managing and processing pro-jects. The aim: to continuously improve efficiency in project processing. Thomas Osbar, Head of Global Project Management, explains: “For us it’s not enough to hand over projects to our customers on time, at the calculated costs and in the expected qual-ity. We want to find ways and means to become even faster, more inexpensive and better over the long term.”

This approach creates standards and defines a constant quality. No matter how large a project is or which project manager implements it in which country – the results in terms of quality are com-parable. “That’s important for our customers and for us because it makes for dependable planning – and we are already at 95 percent in Europe”, adds Thomas Osbar.

Project analysis: “After the game is the same as before the game”

Improving efficiency requires above all one thing: uniform evaluation standards. Only these make it possible to compare individual construction sites, thereby creating the basis for specific project evaluation. For installing wind farms, benchmarks, such as the time required for installation or com-missioning in hours per turbine and the number of defects in relation to defined milestones (the so-called quality gates), make it possible to generate a statement on the efficiency of a construction site. For this reason, the division has defined processes and instruments that ensure this standardisation precisely at this point.

“Trace” as an example: This instrument is used by site managers every day to record working hours and

progress, among other things on their construction site. So it helps them check the current status on a given day and monitor the level of achievement with regard to goals. For instance, waiting times and the costs of a project can be precisely evaluated. The “golden turbine” is a reference machine aimed at ensuring efficient installation and checking. In each project at first a fault-free turbine is fully installed and accepted in accordance with the terms of the contract. This turbine now serves as a template for all work steps. Even if construction site teams and management change, the defined quality standard for this project is guaranteed. A “uniform snag list” creates transparency with regard to the current status of the turbine and who is responsible for which reworking activities.

Professionalisation: the constantly learning organisation

This methodology looks at the entire value chain in the process instead of seeing each individual division independently. The individual processes over time are defined as are the responsibilities at the interfaces to other departments involved. Certain milestones are only passed if the planned status of the turbine has been achieved. The management level sets targets, which are broken down in the organisation structure as far as the individual turbine in a project. In turn, the degree to which the target has been met, but also any faults occurring, are regularly reported from bottom to top.

This structure ensures that important information is passed on to the organisation, making it able to learn. Thomas Osbar describes this: “If problems occur, we consistently determine the causes and remove them. In this way we avoid repeating mistakes.” This is intended to be the key step from more short-term efficiency programmes to a long-term automated process of improvement.

Project management at Nordex:

faster, cheaper, betterAn increasing number of installations, ever larger projects in more and more countries. This is the chal-lenge that Nordex Project Management has to face. And the quality must always be right. How can Nordex realise wind farm projects even more efficiently in the future?

INsIDe effIcIeNcy PrOGrAmme10 |

Page 11: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Projects@Nordex

Nordex spent almost three years working out this methodology. Based on the best-practice approach, the project team looked at processes in particularly successful projects and standardised them for the company. Processes and instruments were developed and following a pilot phase refined on the construc-tion site. After all employees gradually changed over to applying the new working method last year, a comprehensive analysis could then be conducted.

Nordex Project Management set up the Continuous Improvement department in order to manage

this project and other efficiency programmes. It trained all members of staff in applying the new processes and instruments and will be making regular visits to construc tion sites to check imple-mentation and make any necessary adjustments in the instruments.

The Head of Project Management expects to obtain meaningful data as of mid- 2014. “The results will help us find further potential for improvement and identify the correct points of adjustment for even more efficient project processing.”

INsIDe effIcIeNcy PrOGrAmme | 11

Page 12: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

A highly efficient turbine for light-wind locations

N131/3000

At EWEA in February 2013, Nordex showcased the fourth turbine generation of its multi-megawatt platform, the N100/3300 strong-wind turbine and the N117/3000 for sites with medium wind speeds. At the end of the year, the manufacturer completed its Delta genera-tion product portfolio and launched an IEC 3 turbine on the market. Nordex 360° spoke to COO Lars Bondo Krogsgaard about the turbine and its chances on the market.

12 | TOP TOPIc N131/3000

Page 13: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Up to 28.6 percent higher yield at

light-wind sites: Nordex N131/3000.

TOP TOPIc N131/3000 | 13

Page 14: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

360°: Mr Krogsgaard, what is the outstanding feature of the Delta light-wind turbine? What is new?

The key feature? Very definitely its economic efficiency! That’s what our customers would say as they make their decisions above all on the basis of profitability. The N131/3000 can obtain an up to 28.6 percent higher yield from sites compared to our current light-wind machine. This is a giant step – and a major contribution to further reducing the cost of energy. However, the word “new” is actually out of place here. This turbine is rather our “best-of”, as it combines the best features of our N117/2400 with the strengths of Generation Delta.

360°: What exactly are you referring to?

Well, the light-wind turbine in our Generation Gamma had rapidly established itself on the market thanks to its outstanding efficiency. And its sound power levels are particularly low – which in many cases is crucial for the layout and obtaining building permission. The N131/3000 is now even better when it comes to these two points. In addition, “Team Generation Delta“ plays in the 3 megawatt division. Based on our many years of experience in the field with multi-megawatt turbines, we have also optimised some technical systems, especially in terms of availability. On top of this, a service interval of one year and protected hub access make Delta turbines particular - ly service-friendly.

360°: You mentioned an additional yield of up to 28.6 percent. How does the turbine achieve this?

Firstly, the N131/3000 has an impressively large rotor. Compared to the N117/2400, its diameter is 14 metres larger, which increases the rotor sweep by almost 26 percent. Secondly, for this turbine we raised the rated capacity by 25 percent to three megawatts. These two factors have a positive effect on the energy yield. Higher hubs can further optimise yields. This is why we offer this turbine for international markets on tubular steel towers of 99 and 114 metres. For Germany, a 134-metre hybrid tower will also be available. This means that we are taking full advantage of the overall heights permitted in our target markets.

*series start mid-2015

The Nordex product range

WTG type/ Wind classes

N90/2500

N100/3300

N100/2500

N117/3000

N117/2400

N131/3000*

IEC 1 IEC 2 IEC 3

TOP TOPIc N131/300014 |

Page 15: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

360°: This means that you have two light-wind turbines in the portfolio – is Nordex becoming a light-wind specialist?

No – of course, we shall continue to cover the whole market. But we are focusing: our aim is always to have a competitive product in each wind class. To this ex-tent, the N131/3000 follows on from the N117/2400. However, we will continue to offer our Gamma light-wind turbine as long as there is a demand for it from our customers. This means that both turbines will be on the market at the same time over the medium term.

360°: Which are these target markets and how do you rate the chances for the N131/3000?

The N131/3000 is the right turbine for many inland areas of Europe, such as in France or Germany. But we can also find locations with lower wind speeds away from the coast in Scandinavia and Ireland or in some regions of Africa and the Americas. Our Delta light-wind turbine is currently the most efficient turbine of its class on the market. I believe it will be every bit as successful as our N117/2400 – where we have our hands full to meet the huge demand.

360°: When will series production be starting?

We plan to install the first N131/3000 at the end of this year. The start of series production is scheduled for 2015.

Detailed information about Generation Delta at: www.nordex-online.com/delta-generation

*Only available in Germany

N100/3300 N117/3000 N131/3000

Wind class IEC 1a IEC 2a IEC 3a

Rotor diameter 100 m 117 m 131 m

Rated power 3.3 MW 3.0 MW 3.0 MW

Tower heights 75 m, 100 m 91 m, 120 m, 141 m* 99 m, 114 m, 134 m*

Sound power level 105.5 dB(A) 106.0 dB(A) 104.5 dB(A)

Generation Delta: the data at a glance

New dimension for light-

wind – the rotor blade of

the N131/3000 measures

7 metres more than the

N117/2400.

| 15TOP TOPIc N131/3000

Page 16: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

TOP TOPIc GeNerATION DelTA16 |

Page 17: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Around one year ago, Nordex launched Generation Delta with a tur-bine for IEC 1 and IEC 2 sites respectively. The first machines have now been certified and are in the field – so is everything ready for series production?

In mid-2013, Nordex installed the first two Gen-eration Delta turbines at the Janneby wind farm in Germany: one N100/3300 on a 100-metre tower and one N117/ 3000 on a 91-metre tower. Further Delta turbines were connected to the grid in Denmark and Finland. With regard to certification, Generation Delta is also right on schedule: the DIBt type approv -als and IEC Design Evaluation Conformity Statements (DECS) are available for all types.

So the fourth generation of the multi-megawatt plat-form is now ready for series production. The first large project with 24 N117/3000 turbines in the “cold-climate version” fitted with their own Anti-Icing System will be set up by the company in northern Sweden in summer 2014. At year’s end, the first Delta light-wind turbine will go into the field.

Generation Delta: series kick-off

Above: The first Delta turbine

leaves the factory.

Installation in Janneby

TOP TOPIc GeNerATION DelTA | 17

Page 18: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Nordex uses the NR 58.5 rotor blade for the N117/2400 and in future will also be using it for the N117/3000. “This three-supplier strategy now in place will allow us to considerably increase our capacity for the N117 turbine in future, guaranteeing even greater dependability as a supplier”, explains Nordex CEO Dr Jürgen Zeschky. Furthermore, this step is intended to keep the price of blades at a stable level. Nordex sees this partnership as a great success. “We now have one of the most experienced manufacturers of

products made of compound materials at our side. With an output to date of more than 10,000 rotor blades, TPI has a good name in the wind sector”, says Zeschky.

The plant in Izmir is well located for transporting the large components by land and sea to Turkey, but also to other countries.

In addition to this, this partnership also means that Nordex is able to increase its local value added

TPI starts production of Nordex blades

Last summer, the Nordex Group signed a long-term contract with TPI Composites for the supply of rotor blades. In 2014, this American component manufacturer is to produce some 100 sets of NR 58.5 blades in its Turkish factory in Izmir – equating to almost one third of Nordex requirements for one year. The first set of blades is due to leave the plant in the coming weeks.

OUTsIDe TUrKey18 |

Page 19: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

contribution and will in future be able to secure more favourable feed-in rates for its customers in Turkey. In the past, the company mainly sourced its towers locally.

The Americans use the “built-to-print” method, ac-cording to which an exclusive design is manufactured strictly to specifications, thereby ensuring high product quality. “TPI manufactures exactly according to our specifications, using the same processes and materials – the result is a kind of tailor-made suit”, explains Florian Matthes from Nordex Procurement, who is responsible for the blades. “A blade developed in-house is part of a holistic concept and optimally suited to the turbine technology.”

TPI spent six months modernising and refurbishing its 33,000 square metre factory hall for the Nordex blade. Always in attendance: an alternating team of Nordex specialists from Development, Production and Quality Assurance for technical acceptance tests, start-ups and training courses. The company is now able to produce the required quantities on a total of three blade moulds with the required ancillary moulds.

TPI manufactures Nordex blades exactly in line with

design specifications.

Prime minister sellering visits Nordex wind farm in Turkey

The head of the government visited the Zeytineli wind farm, which Nordex had commissioned in the vicinity of Izmir shortly prior to this. The purpose of the delegation’s trip was to expand existing business contacts and make new ones. In recent years, the Turkish economy has performed at an above-average level. So the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania sees good opportunities to strengthen the position of Turkey as a market for products from the region.

For Nordex, Ibrahim Özarslan, Managing Director Nordex Enerji A.S. Turkey, participated in the delegation’s trip. Ibrahim Özarslan: “Turkey is an important focus market for Nordex. In 2013, our order intake will be considerably in excess of 150 megawatts. To ensure that this remains the case, we are tak-ing this opportunity to do some more networking in important circles.” Nordex has operated in the Turkish market since 2007 and has set up around a quarter of the installed nominal capacity in this country (Turkey overall: around 2,800 MW as at the end of 2013).

In summer 2013, Erwin Sellering, Prime Min-ister of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, visited Turkey with a 40-person trade delegation.

Ibrahim Özarslan

Above: (from left to right)

secretary of state

stefan rudolph;

Altu Bilgin, management

Board member of

Bilgin enerji; Prime

minister erwin sellering

and Ibrahim Özarslan

“With TPI, we have an experi-enced partner at our side.” Dr Jürgen Zeschky, Nordex CEO

Page 20: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Photos: Ulrich mertens,

Atelier für Kunst

und fotografie

“Highly efficient turbines make inland locations economically feasible.” Jörg Hempel, MD Nordex Germany

OUTsIDe GermANy20 |

Page 21: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Around one third of Germany comprises wooded areas that are largely unused. So forests offer major poten - tial for wind energy waiting to be technically exploited. And the demand for products especially designed for inland and forest locations is correspondingly high. Another trend is towards supplying industrial sites with elec tricity produced by their own wind turbine gener- ator. Nordex has already built turbines on sensitive refinery sites or on the grounds of a modern car manu-facturing plant, and has done this without interrupting production operations. Jörg Hempel, Managing Director Germany: “We offer suitable products and wide-ranging experience in project management at challenging sites.”

Efficient turbine technology for every location

In order to make economical use of IEC 3 regions, wind farm operators need a turbine that can exploit even light winds to the maximum. With their large rotors, the N117/2400 and N131/3000 are highly efficient. “Turbines with a capacity factor of some 40 percent make inland sites economically feasible. For our customers, profitability is a key criteria when deciding what to buy”, explains Jörg Hempel. Siegbert Pump, Sales Manager Germany, adds: “The technical components of our Delta turbines have already pro- ven their series maturity and availability at sites for high and medium wind speeds. Now we are bringing out the large rotor for light-wind sites. Good performance figures for full-load operation, a low sound power level of max. 105 decibels together with certified grid characteristics according to SDL Wind V characterise the two turbine classes.

Another criterion comprises the high towers. Near the ground, where there is vegetation, turbulence is created that affects the yield of a wind turbine generator. Higher towers bring the rotor out of this turbulent range to higher average wind speeds, thereby increasing the yield of the wind turbine. Nordex offers hub heights of up to 141 metres and has a wide range of experience with hybrid towers. Jörg Hempel: “We installed our

first hybrid towers in 2008 – at that time still using the in-situ concrete method.” However, this was a very time-consuming procedure allowing for only small numbers. As a result, since 2011 Nordex has been using towers made of prefabricated segments. “A lot of development work has gone into this manufacturing processes with our partner companies – the manufac-turers work exactly according to our specifications.”

Furthermore, various technical options make it easier to ideally adapt the wind turbine generators to their sites and to meet the requirements for obtaining of-ficial approval. For example, building close to wooded or residential areas requires adequate fire protection, in the form of fire-alarm and fire-extinguishing systems. Then again, the results of the environmental im pact assessment may show that a system to protect bats has to be installed. A modular solution developed by Nordex ensures that the turbines are switched off at times and in weather conditions when there is a high incidence of bat flight. ›

Technical know-how for challenging wind sitesLast year, Germany’s importance as a wind market increased still further. For Nordex too: with around 260 megawatts of installed capacity, in 2013 the company succeeded in significantly increasing its market share in Germany. How can this success be explained and how can Nordex handle it in structural terms?

Green electricity

for Hamburg’s industry:

Nordex turbines

in the port

OUTsIDe GermANy | 21

Page 22: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

SP AHRENVIÖL

SP NEUMÜNSTER

CSO NORD

CSO NORD

SP NEUENWALDE

SP KARSTÄDT/SUCKOW

SP ROSTOCKSP JARMEN

SP SPORNITZ

SP WILLMERSDORF

SP KEMBERGCSO MITTE

SP AROLSEN

SP IHLEWITZ

SP KIRCHHEILINGEN

SP WIEDEMAR

SP CHEMNITZSP AACHEN

SP MECHERNICH

SP PRÜM / ORMONT

SP WÜRZBURGSP HERMESKEIL

SP BITBURG

SP GEBHARDSHAIN

SP NÜRNBERG

SP ALSFELD

SP NEU-ULM

SP KIPPENHEIM

SP EMMERICH SP PADERBORNSP ATTELN

ERFURT

SP UETZE

SP THRANSHEIDESP BASSUMSP NEUSTADT

SP OSNABRÜCK

STANDORTE DEUTSCHLAND

SERVICE EMEA GERMANY

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE

SERVICE POINT

2 | 3 |

1 | rotor blade traverse

in use

service is growing in line

with the product sites.

2 | saves space: the

tower crane erects itself

vertically.

3 | The blade adaptor

vehicle can handle even

the most difficult routes.

SP AHRENVIÖL

SP NEUMÜNSTER

CSO NORD

CSO NORD

SP NEUENWALDE

SP KARSTÄDT/SUCKOW

SP ROSTOCKSP JARMEN

SP SPORNITZ

SP WILLMERSDORF

SP KEMBERGCSO MITTE

SP AROLSEN

SP IHLEWITZ

SP KIRCHHEILINGEN

SP WIEDEMAR

SP CHEMNITZSP AACHEN

SP MECHERNICH

SP PRÜM / ORMONT

SP WÜRZBURGSP HERMESKEIL

SP BITBURG

SP GEBHARDSHAIN

SP NÜRNBERG

SP ALSFELD

SP NEU-ULM

SP KIPPENHEIM

SP EMMERICH SP PADERBORNSP ATTELN

ERFURT

SP UETZE

SP THRANSHEIDESP BASSUMSP NEUSTADT

SP OSNABRÜCK

STANDORTE DEUTSCHLAND

SERVICE EMEA GERMANY

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE

SERVICE POINT

SP AHRENVIÖL

SP NEUMÜNSTER

CSO NORD

CSO NORD

SP NEUENWALDE

SP KARSTÄDT/SUCKOW

SP ROSTOCKSP JARMEN

SP SPORNITZ

SP WILLMERSDORF

SP KEMBERGCSO MITTE

SP AROLSEN

SP IHLEWITZ

SP KIRCHHEILINGEN

SP WIEDEMAR

SP CHEMNITZSP AACHEN

SP MECHERNICH

SP PRÜM / ORMONT

SP WÜRZBURGSP HERMESKEIL

SP BITBURG

SP GEBHARDSHAIN

SP NÜRNBERG

SP ALSFELD

SP NEU-ULM

SP KIPPENHEIM

SP EMMERICH SP PADERBORNSP ATTELN

ERFURT

SP UETZE

SP THRANSHEIDESP BASSUMSP NEUSTADT

SP OSNABRÜCK

STANDORTE DEUTSCHLAND

SERVICE EMEA GERMANY

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE

SERVICE POINT

SP AHRENVIÖL

SP NEUMÜNSTER

CSO NORD

CSO NORD

SP NEUENWALDE

SP KARSTÄDT/SUCKOW

SP ROSTOCKSP JARMEN

SP SPORNITZ

SP WILLMERSDORF

SP KEMBERGCSO MITTE

SP AROLSEN

SP IHLEWITZ

SP KIRCHHEILINGEN

SP WIEDEMAR

SP CHEMNITZSP AACHEN

SP MECHERNICH

SP PRÜM / ORMONT

SP WÜRZBURGSP HERMESKEIL

SP BITBURG

SP GEBHARDSHAIN

SP NÜRNBERG

SP ALSFELD

SP NEU-ULM

SP KIPPENHEIM

SP EMMERICH SP PADERBORNSP ATTELN

ERFURT

SP UETZE

SP THRANSHEIDESP BASSUMSP NEUSTADT

SP OSNABRÜCK

STANDORTE DEUTSCHLAND

SERVICE EMEA GERMANY

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE

SERVICE POINT

Innovative installation technology for complex projects

It’s not only the turbine technology that has to be adapted to difficult sites. Construction sites in wooded or industrial areas also call for special logistical and installation concepts. These projects are often dif-ficult to access and the space for setting up cranes and assembly areas is limited. This is where Nordex makes use of innovative systems.

The tower crane, for example, erects itself vertically section by section. So its boom does not have to be completely assembled on the ground as with conventional cranes. “Precisely at forest sites, particu-larly high towers are used, for which we need large cranes with a hook height of up to 150 metres – so

this really saves space”, explains Eike Schmidt, who is responsible for project management in Germany. “However, the range of this type of crane is only half as wide. So the blades have to be driven right to the foot of the tower and that is only possible if we also use a rotor blade traverse.” Together with partners and service providers, Nordex developed various rotor blade traverses designed for different project requirements. These systems are attached to a crane for the assembly of individual blades. The latest model is able to pick up the rotor blades directly from the trailer or the ground in any rotational position so that they can be rapidly transported to the hub. Compared to spider assembly, the rotor does not have to be pre-assembled, which requires a lot of space. This is particularly advantageous for the large rotor diameters used on light-wind turbines.

An innovative concept for transporting rotor blades to difficult-to-access construction sites is the blade adaptor vehicle. Here, the blade root is firmly bolted to a tiltable blade adaptor. The blade can be rotated or its tip inclined upwards by up to 60 degrees while the vehicle is in motion. With this tilting facility and

Service network in Germany

22 | OUTsIDe GermANy

Page 23: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

1 |

In Hohenahr, Hesse, Nordex built seven N117/2400s with a hub height of 141 metres in a forest for ABO Wind. Oliver Bieber, Head of the Wind Energy Planning department, ABO Wind:

“Thanks to the many years of experience of both Nordex and ABO Wind in the construction of wind energy systems at forest sites, the collaboration in Hohenahr was outstandingly successful. Transport from hand to hand: Nordex transports the turbine parts to the wind farm, while ABO Wind secures the necessary land for passing through from the motorway exit to the wind farm as well us obtaining approvals to comply with conservation and forestry laws. As Nordex offers both spider and individual blade assembly, in sensitive areas we are able to assemble the rotor blades individually, thereby avoiding damage to trees. For ABO Wind, Nordex is a depend-able, professional partner for the rapid installation of wind farm projects in forests.”

The Port of Hamburg, an industrial site: Nordex installed an N117/2400 with a hub height of 141 metres at the Eurogate Container Terminal. This is the first terminal to operate its own wind turbine generator. The green electricity is used by the company itself, making it largely independent of price trends on the electricity and energy market. Gordon Friza, Project Coordinator for renewable ener - gies, Eurogate:

“The partnership with Nordex flowed smoothily in every phase of the project. The key to this was above all mutual confidence – each taking the other at his word – short com-munication routes without red tape and project work that was always geared to solutions.”

What ourcustomers say:

its extremely narrow wheelbase, the self-driving vehicle is able to pass through particularly challenging route sections, as it can also get through tight bends and deal with obstacles.

Ready for new requirements in the future

In 2013, Nordex installed more than twice as many turbines in Germany as in the previous year – this constitutes a challenge especially for the departments installing and later servicing the turbines. For this reason, German Product Management has increased the size of its teams. Nordex Service will be mas-sively enlarged. “Because of the many installations at light-wind sites, we will now be stepping up our service network in central and southern Germany”, says Volker Bartolles, Head of Service Germany. For example, in 2013 Nordex doubled its service points in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to four by adding two more, in Nuremberg and Neu-Ulm. Volker Bartolles: “Service is growing in line with the product sites. Our aim is to create a decentralised, regional structure close to the turbines and with clearly defined responsibilities – this always enables us to get to the sites faster.” This year, Nordex plans to double the workforce at the service points in southern Germany once again.

Siegbert Pump sees a suitable, mature product as the basis for this success as well as for a promising future: “The N117/2400, with its hub height of 141 metres, is one of the most economically efficient turbines for the light-wind regions prevailing in Germany. With the N131/3000, as of 2015 we will be able to offer an even more economical alternative – and the economic efficiency factor will become even more important for our customers as a result of the expected amendments in the energy feed-in law.” For the German market, the company aims to obtain the certifications necessary for building approval and grid connection – which is more than is generally done. “The right documents will simplify the planning process for our customers”, explains Siegbert Pump.

Page 24: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Perfect start in UruguayThe wind is blowing in our favour in Uruguay: an increase of 1,400 megawatts of installed capacity by 2015 has been forecast by MAKE – one reason for Nordex to focus its sales activities on this market. Last year, we succeeded in entering the market with two large-scale projects.

OUTsIDe UrUGUAy24 |

Page 25: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Market entry with two large projects

FLOridA (50.4 MW)

JuAN PABLO TerrA (67.2 MW)

“We anticipate considerable potential for our busi-ness from Uruguay because this country has made a clear commitment to renewable energies. With our N117/2400 turbine for light-wind sites, we have the ideal product to take full advantage of the wind resources here”, says Dan McDevitt, CEO Nordex Americas. In addition to this, adequate transmis-sion integration with Brazil and Argentina increas- es the country’s chances to export electricity, giving a long-term boost to the use of wind power. To date, Nordex has installed turbines or signed contracts for 117.6 megawatts – equating to a market share of around 20 percent. McDevitt: “In the medium term, we are targeting an annual sales volume of around 100 megawatts in Latin America, including installation on a turnkey basis should the customer require it.” By the end of 2013, the company installed 21 N117/2400 turbines on 91-metre towers for Akuo Energy, marking a successful entry into the Uruguayan market. The 50-megawatt wind farm is located in southern Uruguay, some 100 kilometres from the capital, Montevideo. Juan Negro, General Manager of Akuo Energy Uruguay: “Our country is moving towards an energy turnaround at the moment. Renewables – and especially wind energy – play an increasingly important role in the energy mix. Nordex and Akuo Energy stand for safe and low-cost electricity supply and there is a demand for both these qualities in Uruguay.”

A second Nordex project has been in progress in the north of the country near Artigas since the summer of 2013 – this time a turnkey solution. With its 28 N117/2400 machines, Juan Pablo Terra will be the biggest wind farm operated by the state power utility Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas (UTE).

Gonzalo Casaravilla, President of UTE: “In signing this contract, we have acquired a provider for the

project who stands for good quality and a high level of expertise. Furthermore, both parties are commit-ted to the targeted expansion of wind energy. And that’s a good match.” Construction work is due to be completed by mid-year. Nordex already installed a wind turbine generator for UTE in 2000 – the first one in Uruguay. The N27/250 had much smaller dimensions, but is still running successfully.

“We are highly satisfied with this start”, says McDevitt summing up and adds: “On top of this, the country offers sound financial and legal underlying conditions – so Nordex is now setting up a local organisation to support continued successful business relations.”

On request, Nordex

also installs wind farms

in Uruguay on a

turnkey basis.

OUTsIDe UrUGUAy | 25

Page 26: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

In summer 2012, Nordex succeeded in entering the Finnish market – with a master agreement for 111 megawatts. The first projects have now been installed with a total of 220 megawatts under contract. For this year, the company expects demand to increase and is investing in enlarging the local organisation.

Nordex enlarges workforce in finland

The turbines are shrouded in mist

following a cold night.

OUTsIDe fINlAND26 |

Page 27: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

“Sauna” is the best-known Finnish word in the world. It translates approximately as “sweat room”. But saunas used to be much more than this: as the warmest and clean-est room in the house, it was used as a sick and birthing room in addition to being a place for cleaning up and relaxing. The traditional Finnish form is the wood-fired smoke sauna (“savusauna” in Finnish).

As in the past, today the sauna is an integral part of every day Finnish life. This can be seen from the large number of them to be found there: expressed in figures, there is one sauna for every three Finns! This is because not only do many apartments have their own “sweat room”, but they are also to be found in schools and companies. Many Finnish families have a “sauna day” twice a week. Going to the sauna also has considerable social import ance in Finland – as a place to meet. It’s quite normal for business people to gather there and make their business decisions. There’s even a sauna available in a tent when the Finnish army goes on manoeuvres. And since 1986, the sauna has even had its own public holiday, the second Saturday in June.

There are no special sauna rules in Finland. Usually, men and women go there separately. And people stay in the sauna as long as they want. Whoever is sitting closest to the sauna stove pours the water on. Unlike in Germany, for example, this is usually done without adding aromas. When entering the sauna room, it is considered polite to pour a ladle full of water over the stones to make up for the “subjective” temperature loss when the door is opened. A special mas-sage effect and increased perspiration can be achieved in Finnish saunas by gently beating your skin with birch twigs, also known as “vihta” or “vasta”.

By the way, in Finland, the sauna even has its own public holiday.

Part of finnish culture: the sauna

Finland is a market with potential: the country has set itself ambitious targets for the extension of renewable energies. New wind power capacity of 2,500 megawatts is to be installed between 2013 and 2020. Alexander Morber, Country Manager for Finland, Norway, Denmark and the Baltic region: “This equates theoretically to 357 megawatts of newly installed capacity a year. With our N117/2400, we offer one of the most efficient turbines for the IEC 3 sites in many parts of the country. So we are optimistic that we can obtain a few more projects.” This means there are plenty of reasons for setting the points to continue our good business performance.

At the moment, the Nordex office in Helsinki employs a staff of six. In the course of spring, the team will be increased by three members to nine. “We consider local expertise important – this is why we only employ Finns here. Apart from this, all of our staff have many years of experience in the sector. We can therefore handle our projects rapidly and without problems in this demanding market”, Morber explains.

Experience counts

Regarding project processing in Finland, the company benefits especially from the experience gained in Sweden and Norway. In the north, weather-related downtimes have to be allowed for because of the harsh climate. “We plan our Scandinavian projects very conservatively. It must be realistically possible to meet deadlines under difficult conditions because our customers want an optimal result without any financial risks”, says Morber. So the team was even able to complete the first project ahead of schedule – which meant that the customer was able to feed in electricity faster than planned. Long-standing collaboration with local crane and transport service providers is also important for drawing up a dependable timetable. Nordex has had fixed Finnish partners on board since the first Swedish projects in 2008 – so the procedures are familiar. ›

field Operation manager Heikki Pukkila and Project manager

Peter Becker are looking forward to reinforcements.

OUTsIDe fINlAND | 27

Page 28: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

At some locations, snowcats are part of the

standard equipment in scandinavia.

Nordex follows a standardised concept when setting up its service organisations in new markets. Pre-defined processes and structures ensure that service oper-ations run smoothly from the outset. The advantage for Nordex customers: avail-ability that can be dependably planned thanks to minimal downtimes.

Put simply, Nordex provides its Field Operation Managers in the new service points with a manual featuring all the important information. This contains the most important contacts, for example for technicians, management and service providers, as well as checklists such as for stocks of spare parts. To this are added the country-specific rules and regulations, for example for training technicians and HSE provisions – sometimes they also deal with the equipment to be used. For instance, normal vehicles can only be used to a limited extent in Finland. The climatic challenges here call for all-wheel-drive cars and possibly also snowcats as standard equipment. Service Manager Walter Consul was in charge of drawing up the concept and describes it a follows: “It’s our tried-and-tested guideline for colleagues on site. It means that less individualism is called for and we can be sure of achieving a good result very fast.” The concept draws on a quality initiative launched by Nordex Service. The basis comprises best-practice experience from service operations.

market entry: Proven standards ensure dependable planning in the service division

Service – efficient and close

One focus when it comes to enlarging the organisation in Finland will be on the local service structures. Nordex has set up two service points there to date: Pori near the Honkajoki wind farm and Oulu to look after the Raahe and Nybi wind farms. Alexander Morber: “We take care of service ourselves and make use of subcontractors at most for support. This is why further service points will be created as and when needed.” Especially the size of projects and the distances involved are the key factors when planning new service points. They are located directly in large wind farms or in such a way that several small projects can be dealt with. Technicians are to be stationed at a maximum of 100 kilometres from their wind farms. “This equates to travel time of around one hour to ninety minutes with a speed limit of 80 km/h – in winter it can take much longer“, Morber points out. The number of service employees will be almost doubled in the course of 2014, from the current seven to twelve. Nordex believes that this positions it well for future business developments.

28 | OUTsIDe fINlAND

Page 29: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

calendarfirst half of 2014

eWeA 2014, Barcelona 10–13 March 2014

final figures on fiscal year 2013 Press conference 24 March 2014

Hanover fair 2014 7–11 April 2014

IccI 2014, Istanbul 24–26 April 2014

Windpower 2014, las Vegas 5–8 May 2014

Interim consolidated report 1st quarter 2014 14 May 2014

PWeA 2014, serock 27–28 May 2014

AGm 3 June 2014

Inauguration with musical accompaniment

For Nordex, this was an important event, as the harsh winter on the Norwegian island meant that the con-struction phase presented quite a challenge for the installation team (Nordex 360°, Issue 1). Bryan Grinham, Managing Director EMEA North: “In spite of the difficult conditions, we succeeded in completing this important reference project. A big ‘thank you’ goes to the team and all those who made a contribution!”

Nordex installed the wind farm in two construc-tion phases comprising a total of 44 N90/2500 and

N100/2500 turbines. This makes the wind farm one of the largest in Norway as well as the first to be installed according to the new certification system that Norway developed together with neighbouring Sweden.

The local school band provided the celebratory mood by playing a piece they had composed especially for this occasion. The mayor of the district of Hordaland, Tom Christer Nilsen, and Ole Vidar Lunde and Johannes Koløen from Midtfjellet Vindkraft addressed the 160 invit-ed guests. Bryan Grinham spoke on behalf of Nordex.

A celebratory mood on the Norwegian Atlantic coast: last autumn, Midtfjellet AS inaugurated the first part of the Midtfjellet wind farm.

Above: midtfjellet

Vindkraft celebrates the

inauguration of the wind

farm with 160 guests and

an orchestra.

Below: The mayor is also

in attendance!

Photos: stein erik Gilje,

midtfjellet Vindkraft

Page 30: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

Technical Lexicon

Part 2: The gearboxNordex has always used a drive train with a gearbox, as this technical concept has proved successful. The gearbox transfers the low revolutions per minute (rpm) of the rotor to the fast rpm of the generator that creates the energy. In the case of the N100/2500, for example, the gearbox raises the rpm from approximately 15 to 1,150. The faster the shaft on the generator rotates, the smaller, lighter and cheaper it can be designed. The gearbox of Generation Gamma weighs roughly the equivalent of 17 small cars and has to be designed to process forces that are around nine times as strong. So the torque achieved at a turbine’s rated output is the same as the weight of 150 small cars suspended at arm’s length from the gear shaft.

Tooth engages tooth

Conventional gearboxes for the multi-megawatt class consist of between two and four consecutive gear stages. Engineers distinguish between planetary and spur-gear stages. The planetary stages are at the rotor end. They have to absorb the highest torques and consist of several gearwheels: the central sun gear, surrounding planetary gears and the outer ring gear. The stages at the generator end are mostly spur-gear stages and work with only two gearwheels.

Nordex generally uses three-stage gears in its turbines. The turbines contain two planetary stages and one spur-gear stage. In addition to this, Nordex works together with a sup-plier who builds so-called differential gears. The differential gear consists of four gear stages which, unlike conventional gearboxes, are not connected in series. At the gearbox input at the rotor end, the torque is distributed over two planetary stages connected in parallel. One absorbs 60 percent of the torque and the other 40 percent. These are followed by a power-adding planetary stage, the differential stage, and a driving spur-gear stage.

In the “Technical Lexicon” section, Nordex 360° explains the central components of a wind turbine generator. Last issue’s rotor is now followed by the gearbox.

KNOWleDGe TecHNIcAl lexIcON30 |

Page 31: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

This country’s funding policy is currently based on the so-called Renewable Obligation (RO) system and a feed-in tariff for wind farms with a capacity of less than 5 MW. The capacity of most wind farms is far in excess of 5 MW, so, as a rule, the RO model applies. This is a quota system in which certificates, so-called Renewable Obliga-tion Certificates (ROCs), are issued to operators of plants generating electricity from renewable energy sources. Originally, generators received one ROC for one MWh of elec-tricity from onshore turbines, with an ROC currently being worth roughly GBP 42.00. The generators sell these ROCs on to energy suppliers who do not produce their electricity on a regenerative basis. This allows conventional electricity producers to “buy their way out” of their negative CO² balance.

Following a review which concluded in 2012, newly accredited onshore wind generators earn 0.9 ROCs per MWh produced. This value is fixed till 2017. In April 2017, RO will close to new entrants and be replaced by an alternative mechanism known as Feed-in-Tariff with a Contract for Difference (CfD). Under the CfD, generators enter into 15-year contracts with a govern-ment owned entity. The contracts guarantee a fixed price per MWh for the length of the contract, known as the strike price. The subsidy contribution to this will vary – in effect, the government-owned entity will “top up” the power price generators achieve in the market (known as the reference price) to the level of the contracted strike price. Where the power price alone exceeds the strike price, generators will pay back the difference. The graph above illustrates this system (though the reference price is not an annual price but an aggregate day-ahead figure).

The CfD scheme opens next year, so from 2014 to 2017 generators have a choice of the support mechanism they

choose to proceed with. The strike prices for onshore wind were revised down from draft prices consulted on earlier in the year. These are now GBP 95 per MWh

until 2016/2017 and then GBP 90 per MWh. Furthermore, the government intends to bring forward competitive allocation of CfDs in reverse auctions. Though the detail is currently lacking, the consequence of this seems to be that generators are unlikely to even achieve the strike price in their contracts, but rather will have to bid below the strike price in order to stand a chance of a successful bid. The strike prices, therefore, once competitive allocation is introduced, represent maxima.

As Tim Carpenter, Head of Sales EMEA North at Nordex UK, confirmed: “Clearly, this would suggest that we should focus on capitalising on a potential ‘rush’ of contracting for projects that are consented and ready to build prior to the strike prices taking full (non-optional) effect from April 2017. Beyond that date, with the reduced tariff and the potential for competitive allocation, we may see some of the more marginal projects become unviable and fall away. However, our current business development strategy in the UK and Ireland is already founded upon the need to minimise the impact to Nordex from the potential negative effect arising out the Electricity Market Reform process and other market volatility that may ensue.”

Market incentive systems, part 2:

In the UK, it’s the quota that countsIn this issue, our series on energy market incentive schemes takes a look at the UK. Apart from feed-in tariffs for wind farms generating less than 5 MW, the system there is based mainly on quotas and certificates.

Elec

tric

ity p

rice

GBP/

MW

h

Year

Generator topped upto strike price

Generator pays back

Strike price

–20

0

1 2Reference price (e.g. annual Ø electricity price)

FiT CfD top-up

Monthly electricity price

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

20

40

60

80

100

Source: www.gov.uk

Stro

mpr

eis

GBP/

MW

h

Jahr

Aufstockung auf den Ausübungspreis

Rückzahlung durch den Windparkbetreiber

Ausübungs-preis

–20

0

1 2Referenzpreis (z.B. Ø Jahresstrompreis)

Aufstockung FiT CfD

Monatlicher Strompreis

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

20

40

60

80

100

Quelle: www.gov.uk

Page 32: Customer Magazine Nordex 360

A WORTHWHILEINVESTMENT:

UP TO 31% HIGHER YIELD WITH GENERATION DELTA. More than 28 years of experience. 2,700 multi-MW turbines installed – mature technical solutions form a sound basis for the fourth generation of the Nordex multi-MW platform. With larger rotors and an increased rated output in each wind class, the N117/3000, N100/3300 and N131/3000 obtain an up to 31% higher yield from IEC 1 to 3 sites.

Generation Delta. Proven technology at a new stage of evolution.

Further information under: www.nordex-online.com/delta-generation

B_131205_AZ_NOR_Delta_FU_RealPower_210x297.indd 1 06.12.13 11:23