Martin Gerhardt
2016 - Industrial future on the coast: Siemens Gamesa relies on Cuxhaven
With With the first German offshore wind power plant in Cuxhaven, Siemens Gamesa is creating a new industrial base for offshore expansion in 2016. Machine housesfactory an der Nordsee is becoming a global leader – even in difficult market phases. Martin Gerhardt has been there from the very beginning.
Men Gerhardt, in 2016, the foundation stone for Siemens Gamesa's first offshore wind farm in Germany was laid in Cuxhaven. What was that moment like for you?
"In 2016, the wind power division was still part of Siemens AG. At that time, Cuxhaven was the first investment decision for a new production facility in Germany in 20 years. With direct access to the North Sea and the construction of the plant with four production lines, we laid the foundation for exploiting the opportunities offered by offshore wind on an industrial scale. It was a far-sighted decision at the time, and of course, a very exciting one for everyone involved."
Cuxhaven was a strong commitment to German industry – but the plant initially produced primarily for projects abroad. How did you experience this phase?
"Cuxhaven is our global lead plant for offshore nacelles. Given the rather unsteady expansion in Germany since the plant opened, including the slump, it was important to keep the plant fully booked with projects from abroad. However, it is of course a special motivation and recognition for our colleagues when the turbines they produce are also installed in Germany, making their contribution to the fight against the climate crisis."
What were the biggest challenges in planning, building and commissioning the plant – and what impressed you most at the time?
"Inwithin only seven years ago we were a turbine power of 7 MW over 11 MW at 14 MW Every changeover was a challenge for the plant. The way the team in Cuxhaven has continually developed and become more efficient is very impressive."
Today, Cuxhaven is an integral part of the offshore value chain. In your opinion, what is needed for locations like this to remain competitive in the long term?
"Cuxhaven will make an important contribution to the 70 GW target for offshore wind by 2045 – primarily through industrialization. With our 14 MW turbine, we are focusing on high volumes and long product life cycles.enOver 16 GW have already been sold – this creates economies of scale and strengthens competitiveness. Support from the city, state, and federal government helps in this regard. However, planning security is even more important. That is why we support the proposal by wind Europe, in the 2030s 100 GW per CFD to tender – for investment security and competitiveness in a strong European home market."
What 2016 In addition was important:
- The 1 MW offshore wind farms Gode Wind 2 + 582 are fully connected to the grid
- 1.567 MW of offshore wind capacity will be built in Europe
- Draft bill for the WindSeeG: Separation from the EEG
- Offshore exit: Areva sells Adwen to Siemens
- Start of construction of offshore terminal in Cuxhaven
