Rethinking Energy Grevenbroich wind test field. Powering the future of wind energy

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1 Rethinking Energy Grevenbroich wind test field Powering the future of wind energy

2 The idea Rethinking Energy Award-Winning Project Grevenbroich wind test field In order to drive the transformation of the energy system forward, wind energy must be used as efficiently as possible. The Grevenbroich wind test field offers opportunities to do this that are unique in Europe. The joint project tests wind turbines under real conditions mostly moderate or low winds. It therefore supports the reliable optimisation of technologies and helps to save CO 2 in Grevenbroich itself, too. 500,000 MWh of wind power have been fed in since ,000 t of CO 2 have been saved since permanent jobs have been created. 40 guided tours of the test field are given each year. For strong performance in low winds Is it only by using computer simulations that wind turbines can be developed so that they take local conditions into account as precisely as possible? In Grevenbroich, they have chosen a different path. Since 1998, innovative wind turbines and components have been tested for industrial and scientific purposes at the Grevenbroich wind test field. Not in theory, but in practice, and over many years of testing, with a particular focus on special characteristics at medium or low wind levels. The results also benefit the region, because the clean electricity is fed directly into the grid. The wind test field is operated as a joint public-private project by windtest grevenbroich gmbh. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) owns one quarter and RWE International SE has the largest share, 37.5 per cent. The TÜV NORD Group (through Energy Engineers), the Rhine-Kreis Neuss district and the town of Grevenbroich are also involved. Together they are committed to ensuring that wind turbines are made even more efficient, quieter and more durable in the future.

3 The project Rethinking Energy The interface for research and industry New technologies for new momentum Our focus is on strengthening Germany as a business location, promoting a change in attitude and enabling technology transfer. Technologies that are tested here contribute to the global expansion of wind power and therefore to climate protection. Monika Krämer, Managing Director of windtest grevenbroich gmbh You stand the best chance of making ground-breaking innovations if you bring the latest developments and ideas together, says Monika Krämer, Managing Director of windtest grevenbroich gmbh. The operating company therefore believes in the importance of close cooperation with partners in science and research, working with the universities in Aachen, Jülich, Düsseldorf, Duisburg and Cologne, for example. At the same time, windtest grevenbroich acts as an important interface, establishing contact with industry. The many successful projects, which have contributed to the significant increase in the efficiency of wind turbines since 1998, demonstrate how well this works. The test field has already supported many innovations from ATS, Juwi and Siemens. The company is currently working intensively with RWTH Aachen University s Center for Wind Power Drives as part of an international working group to develop measurement guidelines for nacelle test benches in order to optimise testing methods. On the test field, up to six inland wind turbines in the multi-megawatt class can be tested simultaneously using state-of-the-art measuring technology in accordance with international guidelines. Usually, a turbine is installed there for a period of seven years. During this time, all of the components can be thoroughly tested. The manufacturers then use the data collected from various measurements, such as loads, power curves or electrical properties to optimise the components and the mechanical, dynamic and electrical properties of the wind turbines. The focus is currently also on new technologies for inspecting the turbines. For example, there are plans to test a robot that inspects the rotor blades in Grevenbroich. For a similar purpose, test flights of a drone are being performed. With its infrastructure and the many services that it provides, the wind test field is always able to adapt to new requirements. At the same time, the site will continue to undergo further development as long as technologically new prototypes are being designed.

4 An engine for progress Rethinking Energy Good for the climate, good for the region From lignite to wind energy The region around Grevenbroich is characterised by its declining lignite mining industry. This is good for the environment and climate protection, but it also has an impact on the local labour market. Grevenbroich wind test field supports structural change in two respects. Firstly, the budgetary burden on the town and the district is eased in the long term, thanks to the wind energy generated. Indeed, since 1998, some 500,000 megawatt-hours of wind power have been fed into the grid and, in comparison with Germany s average energy mix, around 300,000 tonnes of CO 2 have been saved. Secondly, the company has created 45 permanent jobs. Grevenbroich wind test field is also an international showcase project. Each year, around 40 groups are given tours of the test field not just high-profile political delegations, but also associations, universities and school classes from NRW, who can find out about wind energy in expert lectures. The wind farm is also integrated as a stop on the town of Grevenbroich s Energy Trail. Sited on one of the old lignite mine s slag heaps, the Grevenbroich wind test field could hardly be in a more symbolic location. Its position allows it to offer optimal testing opportunities for innovative wind turbines intended for regions with medium to low wind levels and makes it a widely visible symbol of structural change and the transformation of the energy system in the region and throughout the whole of NRW. Even on a global scale, there are very few services of this kind. Internationally renowned companies in the industry appreciate this and avail themselves of these opportunities. Innovative, climate-friendly technologies are tested and continually evolved and optimised in Grevenbroich in close association with the world of science and research. At the same time, the wind test field provides clean electricity for the region. It is a prime example of the successful transformation of the energy system and the expansion of renewable energies in NRW and throughout the world. Grevenbroich wind test field is, quite literally, an efficient driving force in the energy transition. In the process of regreening the lignite region, the involvement of the wind test field has increased acceptance of wind turbines and contributed to enhancing the region. Grevenbroich has earned an international reputation in the field of wind power and provides exper - tise to China, India and the United States, among other places. Monika Stirken-Hohmann, Managing Director, Entwicklungsgesellschaft Grevenbroich (development company Grevenbroich)

5 Expo Fortschrittsmotor Klimaschutz GmbH Munscheidstraße Gelsenkirchen Germany windtest grevenbroich gmbh Frimmersdorfer Straße 73a Grevenbroich Germany On behalf of the state government, KlimaExpo.NRW presents North Rhine-Westphalia s technological, economic and scientific potential for climate protection and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The initiative is both a showcase and a laboratory of ideas for the state of NRW. Every year, KlimaExpo.NRW presents awards to three projects in four thematic fields, which illustrate climate protection as an engine for progress particularly well. Rethinking Energy New ideas are constantly emerging from business, research, municipalities and civil society on how we can fundamentally change our energy systems to be climate-friendly and how the transformation of the energy system can succeed. Saving Resources NRW aims to lower resource consumption and reduce emissions through new materials, innovative technologies, greater productivity and the promotion of sustainable consumption patterns. Enhancing Communities Metropolitan regions shaped by industry, urban districts and rural areas make NRW the ideal showplace for climate-friendly redevelopment of urban infrastructure, reorganising the relationships between cities and rural areas and implementing measures for adapting to climate change. Shaping Mobility Passenger and freight transport should be efficient and climate-friendly. NRW is addressing this challenge with the development of alternative drives and fuels, and by testing and establishing sustainable mobility concepts.