Irina Lucke
Managing Director, Omexom Renewables Offshore / Chairwoman of the Board of BWO
Pioneering achievement on the high seas: How alpha ventus founded the German offshore wind industry
With alpha ventus In 2010, the first German offshore wind farm began operations – under challenging conditions and with a lot of improvisation. Irina Lucke was the researchproject was a highlight of her professional career. She remembers a time when there were no ready-made answers to many questions – but a great deal of courage, team spirit, and creative drive.
The first offshore wind farm alpha ventus went online in 2010 – how did it feel to be involved in such a pioneering project?
"It was unique and certainly one of the highlights of my professional career. When you're part of a project that's actually being implemented for the very first time, you sense incredible energy and dynamism at every step. As a team, coming from completely different corporate cultures, we overcame numerous obstacles and created something truly innovative. We laughed a lot, tried a lot, doubted a lot, and worked very hard. It was very special that the approval authorities, politicians, manufacturers, and service providers all pulled together as far as they could. gemoved. It was really one great honor to have been part of this community. "
What were the biggest challenges during the construction phase?
"The biggest challenges? Where should I start? There were no suitable logistics. We used vessels from the port construction or oil and gas industry. They were either far too small or far too large. Concepts and procedures, especially in the areas of occupational safety, installation, or communications technology, were completely rethought and had to be tbe theoretically played through again and again. Contractual aspects, such as etwa Dealing with bad weather or insurance coverage were a constant source of extensive fundamental discussions. What is considered state of the art today was very thick boards that had to be drilled - and the is only 17 years here ."
What was the significance of alpha ventus for the further development of offshore wind-Branch in Germany?
"Alpha ventus was the starting signal for the German offshorewindiindustry. The project has impressively demonstrated that offshore wind energy can be successful in Germany. In many respects, alpha ventus the frame of reference that is still clearly noticeable today. It remains a beacon to this day and will remain so in its own way."
What 2010 specifically was important:
- 60 MW alpha ventus goes online
- Federal government presents energy concept – with expansion target for offshore wind energy: 25 GW by 2030
- In Europe, 308 new offshore wind turbines worth around 2,6 billion euros will be fully connected to the grid
