WKN GROUP

WKN FRANCE

POLAND

W K N and the fifth

quarter

German-French
relationship

PAGE 2

PAGE 3

Polish parliament
passed the Renewable
Energy Act
PAGE 8

WIND
MEASUREMENTS
Foundation for assessing
the suitability of locations
PAGE 9

WKNnews
N O . 2 | 2 0 1 5 | A P R I L

THE HOUSE OF FUTURE ENERGIES MAGA ZINE

WKN GROUP BELIEVES:

Life without
wind energy
is possible, but
senseless
PAGE 4 7

Win d i s g re a t

02

WKN news | 2/2015

The fifth quarter

TOWARDS THE END OF 2014 THERE WAS PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT

The sales and construction departments were particularly busy:

the famous notorious fifth quarter in the wind industry had started.
Projects were sold; turbines were connected to the grid before the end
of the year and on top of that came Christmas.

AT WKN.

For instance, the WKN Group

sold the Looft II wind energy project in Schleswig-Holstein to the
Hamburg-based holding company
CEE. This project in the Steinburg
district of Schleswig-Holstein
comprises a total of four wind turbines. Two turbines of Vestas type
V112 with an output of 3.075 megawatts each are erected at a hub
height of 94 metres, whereas two
other turbines of Vestas type V90
with an output of 2.0 megawatts
each are erected at a hub height
of 105 metres. The wind farm is scheduled to be
commissioned in the second quarter of 2015 and
construction is currently proceeding at full speed.
Shortly before the end of the year WKN AG sold
another wind farm to the KGAL Group. The project Siebenbumen is an extension of the Kastorf
wind farm that had already been sold to KGAL and
brought into operation. The wind farm extension
in Siebenbumen, Schleswig-Holstein, comprises
two wind turbines of type V112 with an output
of 3.075 megawatts each. The commissioning of
these two turbines is scheduled for August 2015
and construction is already underway.
To top it off, there was the Weidehof wind farm in the district
of Dithmarschen. In spite of the
very ambitious schedule of this
repowering project all of the turbines were connected to the grid
as planned on the more favourable terms of the old EEG (German
Renewable Energy Act). Eight
new and more powerful Enercon E70 wind turbines replaced
the existing eight turbines of the
Vestas types V47 and V52, which
were for the most part erected in
1999. In total the Weidehof wind
farm now has an installed output of 18.4 megawatts.

WKN CFO Jrgen Dambrowski equally appreciates the high level of confidence placed in WKN
by both existing customers such as KGAL and
new partners including CEE. Our business partners value the high quality and careful planning of
WKN projects.

According to WKN COO Roland Stanze, the Weidehof repowering project demonstrates evidence
of the PNE WIND Groups comprehensive value-added chain: WKN planned and erected the
original turbines. We have supported them over
their lifespan both technically and commercially via our subsidiaries and have now successfully
implemented their replacement with significantly
higher output. When customers come back again
today it shows that they fully trust us. /

03

German-French
relationship continues
to grow
between Schleswig-Holstein and the twinning
region Pays de la Loire in France is to be further intensified. At the end
of January Minister President Torsten Albig along with a delegation of
the state government visited the French city of Nantes. The head of WKN
France and the project developer Emilie Leonardon were also present.

THE RELATIONSHIP

This meeting is the continuation of the well-cultivated relationship between the two countries.
Already in 2014 the project developer WKN was
the host of the German-French Discovery Day. The
WKN Group is represented in both countries with
its headquarters in Husum and its subsidiary WKN
France in Nantes. Insofar, we expressly encourage
the extraordinary cooperation and support maintaining contact on both sides, the double native
speaker Nicolas Knig comments as he presents the
activities of WKN France at the meeting in Nantes.

students have taken advantage of the opportunity

to participate in an exchange. For instance, WKN
also offered the 17-year-old Romane from Nantes
the opportunity to dive into the Husum world of
wind for two weeks in February. /

The French region Pays de la Loire and Schlesw igHolstein, the home of WKN, have been twinned
since 1992. The focus of their work together is
above all cooperation in schools and vocational
education. Since the beginning of the twinning
relationship hundreds of pupils, apprentices and

In the middle Minister President Albig, in the

second row on the right Nicolas Knig and Emilie
Leonardon, both of WKN France
Courtesy of Conseil Rgional des Pays de la Loire

04

WKN news | 2/2015

Life without wind

energy is possible,
but senseless .
The adaptation of the famous quote by the German humourist legend Loriot is
the motto of a current survey amongst Husum wind experts. Why does the
WKN team do what they do? Why wind energy? Why not power plugs, nuclear
energy or sausages? Here are some of their answers:

At WKN we are part of

something bigger and for
this we are continuously
rewarded with deep
appreciation with WKN

we can really make a difference for

wind energy! I feel as if I am part of it

within WKN and within the wind industry.

My motivation to be a part of WKN is,

firstly, our PURPOSEFUL and SUSTAINABLE
work that allows me to sleep at night
with an easy conscience. Secondly, we
have a GREAT WORKING ENVIRONMENT
and an EXCELLENT TEAM,
that is fun to work with.
Marc Przykopanski,
Site Acquisition Germany

Sven Hnefeld, Project Development Germany

Great team, fair working relationship

and the possibility to learn a lot.
Christopher Schramm, Project Development Germany

Because I believe in the

possibility of 100% energy
supply from renewable
energies! Watching the
development of world affairs in
the media simply confirms my
feeling, again and again, that we have to become
less and less dependent on fossil fuel energy
carriers and consequently also on other countries.
Alice Gonnsen, Site Acquisition Germany

Why do I prefer to make electricity out of

wind rather than do nothing about it? Wind
energy makes the air cleaner so that our
children and our grandchildren can still take
deep strong breaths! Wind energy helps
us to free ourselves from fossil
energy a chance for a peaceful
coexistence around the world.
Stefan Siegmund,
Project Development Thuringia

05

Why all of
this? Working
independently
in a fantastic,
self-determined
environment on
a distinct and
sustainable step in
the energy transition
together with a
great team that is
something.
Joschka Kleist,
Project Development Germany

and gross negligence. The signs

of our times and our obligation require
us to provide for the energy of tomorrow:
ecologically and economically wise.
That is why I work in wind energy. Being part of the
transformation of the energy market is a fascinating and
complex task, but with well thought out structures and a super
team that is easy to get along with, it is fun. That s why WKN.
Petra Helmers, Public Affairs

MY MOTIVATION IS to be part

of a young team with high

ideals that strives to apply a
generally simple technic to
complex projects in order to
MAKE A HUGE CONTRIBUTION TO
ENVIRONMENTALISM. Also, I hope that

we belong to the Davids that beat the

Goliaths!
I find it remarkable and incredibly

Thorkild Croll, Project Development Germany

exciting how all of us here at

WKNAG work together from
the start to the finish on the
realisation of a wind farm
installation. Its fascinating and in the end when the
giants are erected, we can say: We made this happen.

For ME, the use of wind energy

is clearly number one among the
renewable energies. We have the wind, we
have the space and with that we create more jobs.
Sylvia Weilbye, Site Acquisition Germany

The WKN team is brilliant;

its like being part of a big
family. The Husum location
allows me to work close to home. My job is
interesting and diverse. I can contribute to
the energy transition.
Andreas Bunzen, Project Management Germany

Its clear: a life without wind energy would not only be without
meaning but in the interim practically impossible. We coastal
inhabitants are constantly surrounded by wind anyway and at
every moment we are aware of its immense power so what could
we possibly do that makes more sense than to use it?
Catrin Petersen, Communications & Marketing

06

WKN news | 2/2015

Because I want to make a

change. Because I want to
make the world a little
better by doing what I do.
Because I believe that what I do is
right. Because here I am surrounded by
people who also believe.
Nadine Bhre, Project Development Germany

For me to work for

WKN AG means:
Not only working for
my future but for our
future. Together with
motivated colleagues
in a great team, we strive daily for
one thing: 100% renewable energy
for one and all! Wind energy is
an important part of the overall

I really like working for WKN

because I consider it necessary to
drive the energy revolution forward.
As far as I am concerned,
energy should only come from
renewable resources.
So I stand 100% behind our
corporate philosophy.

concept of renewable energy that

in total contributes to protecting
our environment and slowing
climate change. That is what drives
me forward and I am glad to be able
to do my part at WKN AG.
Eyke-Elisabeth Tatsch,
Commercial Apprentice

Besides, its fun to work in such a

great atmosphere. Its always a
pleasure to go to work.
Thorsten Schella, Site Acquisition Germany

Several years ago I attended a lecture by the

climate researcher Professor Latif. Since then it
has been clear to me just how important it is that we do

With lots of know-how and

everything we can to maintain our living conditions here

expertise in the field of wind

on earth. For me, its amazing that I can make a small

energy, we can make an im-

contribution through my work at WKN. I passionately

portant contribution. We work

follow how our team again and

regionally and yet nationwide

and have already completed lots

again develops and implements new

of projects. The WKN corporate

philosophy in terms of equality, quick decision making
and the casual but respectful collaboration with one

projects. The working climate at

WKN is healthy and consequently

another promotes the thought that we are working for

something that is really important.
Mario Gldenitz, Project Development Brandenburg

supports me in my private life.

Marion Friedrichsen, Site Acquisition Germany

My whys are definitely:

The super WKN team, great colleagues

and an exciting field of work
Enjoying my work and most of all having a purposeful
job particularly in view of the green concept
Eva Velten, Project Development Germany

07

Wind energy is already at grid

parity in a lot of countries and
markets and getting closer
and closer to grid parity in the
remaining countries. Wind
energy is quickly installed and therefore very
attractive for solving generation issues in states
with a lack of power generation. Aside from
all the environmental benefits associated with
wind energy, it makes economic sense. Therefore
wind energy is certain to create only Win-Win
situations!

AS A CHILD OF THE COAST,

THE SPIRIT OF WIND ENERGY IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ME.
Harvesting the winds power is
one of the simplest solutions there
is for ensuring a sustainable and
autonomous energy supply and for preserving the
environment as a habitat for many generations. Sure,
we at WKN follow a high ideal and from that almost
impossible aspiration comes our strength.
Felix Marquardt, Site Acquisition Germany

Frank Kraatz, Senior Vice President

Every time I look into my childrens eyes, I am aware of

the immense value of my work. The name WKN is pure
and I often refer to us as the white knights of the
north (I got that from a newspaper article that was written about WKN). That is how I make a
good impression on people while putting WKN in a positive light.
Steffen Waldow, Project Acquisition Germany

I am sure that one day we will achieve

100% renewable energy, even if my
contribution is small. The work with
my colleagues is simply great and
walking through the door of the House of Future
Energy brings a smile to my face
Franziska Wilbert,
Site Acquisition Germany

On the one hand, my motivation

comes from the HIGHLY MOTIVATED
TEAM and its great team spirit. On the
other hand, I want to make an ACTIVE
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENERGY TRANSITION so that
Germany can not only abandon nuclear energy but
also make the necessary reduction in greenhouse gases.
This is really good working with wind energy!
Marina Berg, Project Development Germany

One of the most important challenges

of our generation is the transformation of
our energy supply. It is necessary
for all of us to manage this
transformation; in order to limit conflicts,
to ensure our standard of living and to
maintain a healthy environment.
Making a contribution on a daily
basis to ensuring our livelihood is a dream
come true for me. WKN AG offers an
excellent setting to do so.
Ole Hildebrandt,
Project Development Germany

08

WKN news | 2/2015

New energy law

in Poland
after a heavy debate, the Polish parliament
passed the Renewable Energy Act (RES Act) that had been under
discussion since 2012.

AT THE START OF THE YEAR

When it comes into force on 01 January 2016 the

present funding will be adapted to the new auction
model. A corresponding auction is to be conducted at least once a year. The reference price for the
relevant year will be listed by the Polish Ministry of
Economics at least 60 days before the first auction.
The new systems are to replace the Green Certificate (GC) system. Separate auctions are also
planned for existing turbines in order to gradually
remove them from the Green Certificate system.
The new RES Act will bring about many changes
for the energy industry in Poland. The tender mod-

el for future projects makes significantly higher demands in terms of the efficiency and quality of the
projects than is currently the case. In future new
projects will compete more strongly with each other. This is where we see our opportunity, WKN
Poland boss Jaroslaw Smialek assesses the situation. With the WKN subsidiary Sevivon we have
been well-established in neighbouring Poland for
years and we believe we are extremely well-positioned with our carefully planned high-quality
projects. /

09

Measuring the wind

are without
doubt the most reliable foundation for assessing the suitability of project
locations.
COMPETENT AND STANDARDISED WIND MEASUREMENTS

The so-called Wind & Sites Department of Husum-based WKN AG conducts comprehensive
wind measurements to check locations, assesses
these and carefully calculates the expected energy
yields. In addition to the suitability of locations
for potential projects, it also thoroughly tests the
impact of noise and shadow of wind turbines. At
the end of the day a project should be economically
viable and take into account the concerns of local
residents and nature conservation issues.
The project developer WKN AG has been accre
dited for a number of years as a testing laboratory
for the implementation and assessment of wind
measurements conform to DIN ISO 17025 and
now also provides this service to external clients.
Working principles and processes comply with
the technical guidelines of the Frdergesellschaft
Windenergie (FGW) Part 6 and the requirements
for wind measurements as indicated in the IEC Directive 61400-12-1.
We are now also making our skills in wind mea
surement available to others, Head of Wind &
Sites Lars Levermann reports. The value of experience of this WKN department is remarkable: In
addition to the home market of Germany, the team
has already measured and assessed wind in Poland, France, Italy, Sweden, Scotland, South Africa,
Ukraine, the USA and Jordan.

The range of services offered by the

Husum-based project developer includes:
Wind measurements on masts up to a
height of 140 metres
Wind measurements using LiDAR
Energy yield calculations
Noise and shadow assessments

There is no doubt, wind expert Levermann comments, that wind measurement is a broad subject
and the results must be absolutely reliable. Anything
else is nonsense and bad business for everyone. /

L ARS LEVERMANN

Head of Wind & Sites

10

WKN news | 2/2015

Retroactive damage from

transformer substations, cable
routes and transfer stations
insurance broker Capital-Concept Assekuranz GmbH
at the House of Future Energies in Husum has been receiving more inquiries for protection
against so-called retroactive damage.

SINCE THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR,

It has been possible to insure against this risk for

some time. But apparently to date the demand was
not estimated to be high, CCA director Stephan
Koth suspects.
Wind farms and individual turbines feed the electricity generated into transformer substations and
increasingly into the grid via external cable routes/
transfer stations. If damage occurs in these areas
e.g. a fire the electricity cannot be fed in. If the
necessary spare parts are not available or only after a delay the wind farm operators suffer a loss.
The longer the downtime, the higher the financial
consequences for the operators.
As we are hearing from insurance companies and
our customers, damage has occurred recently that
could not be resolved immediately, Koth continues.

What requirements have to be met in order to

insure against retroactive damage?
The technical usability of a particular transformer
station or a cable route including a transfer station
is interrupted or adversely affected as a result of unforeseen property damage. The insured items may
not be owned by the wind farm. The wind farms
annual yield is used to calculate the insurance premium. If additional coverage has been agreed, the
insurance will cover the lost business in the event
of a claim whilst taking into account a time-based
retention and a maximum liability period.
The policy excludes interruption damage that is increased by the owner of the insured items not having adequate capital for the repairs or for the new
purchase in good time. It also excludes damage for
which the policyholder can claim compensation
from the owner due to statutory or contractual
provisions.
Koth explains, We have adjusted our quoting system to address these issues. All offers include the
option to insure against this retroactive damage.
The additional coverage is, however, not restricted only to new wind farms. Farms that have been
feeding their electricity into the grid for years as
described can also extend and optimise their insurance protection. /

CC A DIRECTOR STEPHAN KOTH

is available to advise you

personally and will gladly provide further information.

He can be reached at telephone number +49 4841 8944-938
or at s.koth@cca-gmbh.de.

11

Annual Stockholders Meetings 2015

MARCH
31/03/2015

JUNE
Meerhof

APRIL

02/06/2015

Kuhla

04/06/2015

Krempdorf

09/06/2015

Hedwigenkoog, Schwalkenstrom

02/04/2015

Seelow

12/06/2015

Zitz-Warchau

07/04/2015

Bttel

16/06/2015

Fiefbergen, Norderwhrden III

09/04/2015

Ldersdorf

18/06/2015

Rugenort, Rosenschlo

14/04/2015

Huje

23/06/2015

3. WP Werder

16/04/2015

Looft

24/06/2015

REE Werder

21/04/2015

Zinndorf

25/06/2015

GW Hambergen

23/04/2015

Rantrum

26/06/2015

Airpower I Nordwalde

27/04/2015

Hslwang

27/06/2015

Airpower II Lausitz

30/04/2015

Whrden II, Whrden V

28/06/2015

Energyworld I Lausitz

MAY

SEPTEMBER

04/05/2015

Apensen

29/09/2014

Trasse Reinsbttel

07/05/2015

Puls

30/09/2015

Lausitz GbR

08/05/2015

Lbz/Werder/Lutheran

30/09/2015

I. VENTUS

11/05/2015

SEG

30/09/2015

II. VENTUS

12/05/2015

Bentfeld

16/05/2015

Westkste

19/05/2015

Whrden I

21/05/2015

Srup

26/05/2015

Wulfsdorf

29/05/2015

Keula

New at the House of

Future Energies
Again, new colleagues have joined
the WKN-Group. WELCOME!

JANUARY 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Lukas Mylonas

Emilie Besnier

Wind & Sites Assessment

Project Manager

WKN AG

WKN France

Imprint
PUBLISHER
WKN AG
House of Future Energies
Otto-Hahn-Strae 1216, 25813 Husum
EDITOR
Catrin Petersen, WKN AG
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House of Future Energies

Competence Centre and Think Tank
WKN AG
Development, financing and turn-key erection
of wind and solar projects
Tel.: 04841 89 44-100, info@wkn-ag.de
www.wkn-ag.de
WKN Windkraft Nord Beteiligungs-GmbH
Full partner of windfarm KGs
Tel.: 04841 89 44-221, info@wkn-gmbh.de
www.bgz-gmbh.de
BGZ Fondsverwaltung GmbH
Administration of energy farms
Tel.: 04841 89 44-825, info@bgz-gmbh.de
www.bgz-gmbh.de
Capital-Concept Assekuranz GmbH
Insurance Broker since 1991
Tel.: 04841 89 44-938, s.koth@cca-gmbh.de
www.cca-gmbh.de
energy consult GmbH
Technical Operations Management
Tel.: 04841 89 44-413, info@energy-consult.net
www.energy-consult.net
Innovative Wind Concepts GmbH
Development of wind energy projects in Middleand Eastern Europe
Tel.: 04841 89 44-100, info@iw-concepts.com
www.iw-concepts.de