Edition 2-2009
CUSTOMER MAGAZINE OF E.N.O. ENERGY
PlaNNING OFFICE Dresden APPROVAL OF Wind parks OPTIMAL INSURANCE DEVELOPMENT OF e.n.o. 92
Š 2-2009 e.n.o. energy
cONTENT 04
Local agreement Lawyer Dr. Andreas Hinsch of the Blanke Meiers Evers law firm explains the planning permission procedures for wind parks
05
Successful sale of wind park portfolio e.n.o. energy sold a tender of 6 wind parks
06 Drive technology and hydraulic products make Rexroth a strong partner for wind turbine manufacturers 07 Filming with MATO Media Berlin
e.n.o. energy planning office in Dresden
08 MV-Minister for economics Seidel visits Hannover Messe trade fair
Optimism at the trade fair in Hannover
09 e.n.o. 82 receives a lot of attention at the ICCI in Istanbul 10 The ewec European wind fair and conference in Marseille
The design concept for the e.n.o. 92
11 12
Marsh ensures optimum insurance cover Interview with Martin Grentzinger Technical data e.n.o. 82
Publisher e.n.o. energy management GmbH StraĂ&#x;e am Zeltplatz 7 18230 Ostseebad Rerik . Germany Fon +49 (0)3 82 96 . 746-0 Fax +49 (0)3 82 96 . 746-20 info@eno-energy.com www.eno-energy.com Editor-in-chief Dipl.-Kffr. Britta Kunis (BK) Artwork WERK3.de
the exhibition stand of e.n.o. energy at ewec
03 e.n.o. mag
EDITORIAL Dear Readers, We have a lot of positive news to report for the last quarter. The sale of the project portfolio of 6 wind parks (P. 05) means that the financial year has developed very successfully. We noted the industry’s optimism at the exhibitions (P. 08 and 10) in which we participated. In contrast to other sectors, the financial crisis has obviously passed-by wind energy. The discussions and contacts at the events were indicative of the good feedback we had.
Karsten Porm
Gudrun Gottschalk (P. 07) is pleased to have so many project planning-related tasks. She is head of the planning department at e.n.o. energy’s Dresden office and is responsible for projects in Germany and France. We can take advantage of professional support for any project-related issues which need to be clarified. The Blanke Meier Evers law firm (P. 04) is one of the leading legal advisors on planning permission procedures for wind energy plants. Their lawyers have wide-ranging expertise in all issues relating to renewable energy legislation. Contractual reliability is just as vital as comprehensive insurance cover. We are working closely with Marsh GmbH on safeguard concepts for our wind turbines. An interview with Martin Grentzinger, member of the ‘Renewable Energies’ industry team, is published on P. 11. In it he provides an overview of the industry as well as of e.n.o. energy’s development and discusses the insurance package options for the e.n.o. 82. This magazine will also report on the follow-up model to the e.n.o. 82: the e.n.o. 92. The beginning of erection is planned at the end of 2009.
Britta Kunis
Dipl.-Ing. Karsten Porm Managing Director
Dipl.-Kffr. Britta Kunis Marketing/PR
04 e.n.o. mag
Dr. Andreas Hinsch (49) · lawyer · specialist lawyer for administrative law · studied law at the University of Hamburg, · publications on administrative process and public planning legislation · fields of expertise: public building · legislation, legislation on renewable energy; immission control legislation
The Blanke Meier Evers law firm is one of the leading legal advisors for operators of renewable energy systems, in particular proposed wind parks. Lawyers at the firm are extremely
Local agreement
The local council’s attitude to proposals for realisation of a wind park is crucially important. As a rule, working together with the council makes it possible to find a design for the wind park which corresponds both to the interests of the council and the turnover expectations of the wind park planner. Failure to reach such an agreement often results in disputes during the approval process. The result can be the council refusing to give its official agreement to the proposal.
well-versed on all matters relating to renewable energy legislation. Blanke Meier Evers can also
Agreement Legal protection options for councils
draft all the contracts required under private and company law to realise and construct energy plants for project developers, plant manufacturers and operating companies, also taking tax considerations into special account. An additional service is the drafting of prime contractor; operational management, rental and other usage and service contracts to which partners involved in the technical and commercial planning for renewable energy projects are subject. The corresponding main focuses are the scrutiny of input contracts, in particular with regard to EEC rulings, as well
In accordance with Sect. 36 Para. 1 Clause 1 of the German Federal Building Code any decisions concerning the permissibility of outdoor proposals have to be made with the agreement of the local council. ‘Agreement’ means that a positive decision (i.e. permission) can only be made with the agreement of the local council concerned. On the other hand, the authority issuing the approval is not bound by the council’s positive assessment of planning legislation issues. Even if the local council has agreed to proposals the authority issuing the approval can still turn them down if they fail to fulfil planning legislation.
as the representa-tion of clients’ interests in dealings with the authorities in the event of administrative law prob-lems. In the event of disputes we will assert the rights of our clients – as we do for com-panies within the e.n.o. energy group – during planning permission, appeal and other legal proceedings. Dr. Andreas Hinsch is the partner responsible
Should the authority issuing the approval make a ruling on the planning application without the local council’s agreement or despite its refusal, this decision, which is at the expense of the local council, will be deemed to be clearly illegal and will be repealed following legal proceedings.
for the fields of public building legislation, immission control legislation and energy legislation.
As
a
lawyer
specialising
energy generation-related projects during the planning and approval processes.
Substitutes for agreement
in
administrative law he oversees renewable
the planning legislative aspects of the proposal that the local council’s refusal to agree is illegal, then it can substitute the illegally refused agreement. Doing this is considered to be a separate legal act, establishing the agreement of the local council which was previously lacking. This act can take place either at the same time as the approval notification for the disputed proposal is issued or when a separate ruling on the substitution of the agreement is made. The prerequisite is, however, that the local council has withheld its agreement illegally.
The authority deemed responsible by the relevant state’s legislation can, however, take the place of the local council, as it were. Generally, the authority issuing approval is also the authority deemed responsible for the process by the relevant state’s legislation. Should this authority come to the conclusion while examining
There is currently disagreement concerning the circumstances under which local councils can object to substitution of their agreement and/or granting of a corresponding approval. The case law of the German Federal Constitutional Court on this issue allows varying interpretations. Some higher administrative courts (Bavaria, Brandenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Lower Saxony) assume that, since councils are allowed to withhold their agreement for reasons resulting from Sect. 35 of the German Federal Building Code, it would be incumbent on them to examine the overall permissibility of the proposal in terms of planning legislation. Councils can defend this acknowledged legal position against any substitution decision made by the authority responsible for issuing approval. It would therefore be possible for a council to, for e.g., cite conservation interests or regional planning considerations as an argument against approval of a wind park. Problematic in this regard is the fact that the purpose of Sect. 36 of the German Federal Building Code is to protect councils’ planning authority as a matter of principle. The planning authority of councils does not, however, cover the above mentioned interests, so the protection accorded (also by the Basic Constitution) only extends to planning developments on a council’s territory. Asserting general interests such as nature or ancient monument conser-
05 e.n.o. mag
Successful sale of wind park portfolio vation issues thus actually means that it is not possible to argue that planning authority has been infringed upon. Against this background other higher administrative courts (Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, SaxonyAnhalt) are of the opinion that councils can only oppose a proposal if their planning authority is directly affected, in particular for e.g. if the effect of a project on issues relating to a council’s land development plan has not be sufficiently taken into account. Councils cannot, on the other hand, cite matters of general interest. In this context councils are in the position of a neighbour who can only object to a proposal insofar as his own rights are infringed upon. Regulations concerning the granting of agreement by councils do not grant any rights transcending planning authority, but rathermore assume that these rights are a precondition. More recent rulings by the German Federal Constitutional Court also point in this direction; have, however, left the question open up until now.
e.n.o. energy was able to begin the new financial year with a particular success. The project portfolio, spanning all of Germany, was sold in March 2009.
most of its profit expectations for 2009 at the beginning of the year. This is particularly significant in an overall economic environment which can be characterised as ‘difficult’.
The total of 6 wind parks are primarily equipped with Vestas and Enercon turbines, with an overall capacity of 26.7 MW. Start up of the parks was between late 2007 and January 2009.
The sale of wind parks which are up and running to international investors is one of the e.n.o. energy group’s three business segments. In addition to this e.n.o. energy is active as the operator of a steadily growing number of wind parks. The third segment, the sale of e.n.o. 82 wind turbines developed and manufactured by the company itself, is about to begin its activities.
e.n.o. energy issued an invitation to tender for sale of several megawatts from its own portfolio in the middle of last year. The response from globally active investors was extremely positive. Following careful examination of the numerous bids a contract covering the entire portfolio was eventually signed with an infrastructure fund from Benelux. Thanks to this transaction with a financial volume of some 50 m e.n.o. energy was able to fulfil
Conclusion For the approval of wind parks, which are generally constructed outdoors, this new legal ruling means that legal protection options for local councils in the event of substitution of their agreement have been severely limited. Key interests which could make the approval of wind parks problematic, e.g. nature conservation and landscape protection; issues relating to immission control legislation and similar, are, at any rate, not appropriate means to successfully assist any legal action brought by a council against an approval. This development, which is good news for the renewable energy industry, must, however, continue to be closely watched. In particular it remains to be seen exactly how the German Federal Constitutional Court will comment on this issue.
Dr. Andreas Hinsch wind park of the tender
In the course of the year e.n.o. energy will be assembling its next wind park portfolio, which will then also include parks equipped with the e.n.o. 82 – 2.0 MW and projects outside of Germany. Depending on the volume achieved and market conditions this portfolio will again be offered for sale in an international invitation to tender. BK
06 e.n.o. mag
Drive technology and hydraulic products … … make Rexroth a strong partner for wind turbine manufacturers.
Bosch Rexroth AG is one of the world’s leading specialists for drive and control technologies. Under the brand’s umbrella the company develops tailor-made solutions for the control and movement of machines and systems for more partner for systems components and factory automation as well as for renewable energy applications. As ‘The Drive & Control Company’ Bosch Rexroth develops, produces and markets its components and systems in over 80 countries. In 2008 the company, a member of the Bosch Group, achieved a turnover of some 5.9 billion Euros with 35 300 employees. For more information visit: www.boschrexroth.com
Bosch Rexroth, a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, can look back on a 200year-old tradition. With 12 sites and 6 regional sales centres in Germany; subsidiaries in 38 countries and a network of sales and service partners in over 80 countries worldwide Rexroth is ideally positioned as a global partner for industry. This enables the company to guarantee professional service on site; fast deliveries and reliable service – worldwide. The Rexroth brand stands for tailor-made solutions for driving, controlling and moving industrial automated systems; mobile machines and renewable energy sources.
Innovative gearbox systems for wind turbines Rexroth develops and manufactures all the gear systems required to drive wind turbines: from efficient main gearboxes for conversion of the revolution speed of slow running rotors into high speed for generators to precise yaw drives for permanent wind tracking to compact pitch drives for rotor blade adjustment. Rexroth thus supplies REDULUS GPV 444 main gearboxes; MOBILEX GFB 9 pitch drives and MOBILEX GFB 110 yaw drives for the e.n.o. 82.
Top performance from beginning to end
Rexroth has developed an innovative, patented gearbox concept for multi-megawatt class wind turbines – the REDULUS GPV-D main gearbox with a differential design As well as increased system performance and high reliability this gearbox also provides weight advantages of up to 15 % compared with current conventional gearbox concepts.
In addition to electromechanical pitch drives for wind turbines Rexroth, the world’s leader in industrial hydraulics, also offers hydraulic solutions, manufactured in Lohr am Main, for such applications.
Within the scope of their development cooperation to design a new, even larger wind turbine of the multi-megawatt class e.n.o. energy and Rexroth are working on a tailormade solution for a differential gearbox and a new electromechanical pitch drive.
© Bosch Rexroth
Innovation is given top priority at Rexroth: in 2008 almost 5% of turnover, representing a total expenditure of 263 million Euros, was invested in research and development.
Gearbox for the e.n.o. 82 during full load testing, source: Bosch Rexroth
Rexroth is an expert across the entire process of gearbox manufacturing. The process chain stretches from mechanical processing using modern CNC machines to heat treatment; assembly with full load testing; coatings and delivery. In Germany Rexroth manufactures wind turbine gearboxes at its main plant in Witten and its new manufacturing plant in Nuremberg. A manufacturing plant in Peking serves new markets in China and Asia.
Certification in accordance with the current DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 norm is the basis of, and guarantee for, a consistently high standard of quality. In addition to quality management environmental sustainability also plays an important role. Rexroth has thus passed an eco-audit in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001. Hans-Gerd Buller © Bosch Rexroth
than 500,000 customers. Bosch Rexroth is a
Rexroth supplies gearbox technology and hydraulic systems for wind turbines
07 e.n.o. mag
Filming with MATO Media Berlin
MATO Media Berlin GbR Tobias Göhr www.mato-media.com info@mato-media.com
Young production company MATO Media Berlin was awarded the commission to make the film.
man Consulate-General in New York, covering a student exchange project. The film was initially planned to document just the visit of 4 New York schoolchildren to Oranienburg in Germany. The client, however, liked the approx. 10 minute film so much that MATO was also commissioned to film the second part of the documentary, when 4 school children from Oranienburg visited New York.
The company is made up of Tobias Göhr, producer, and Marius Wiggenhauser, camera/cutting. The two met while studying applied media studies in Berlin. Both have a Bachelor of Arts degree. Their cooperation began with a documentary film for the Ger-
MATO Media Berlin exclusively uses stateof-the-art high definition equipment, such as also used by CNN camera teams. This ensures that the image films, event films, interviews and documentaries filmed are of the highest quality.
In addition to e.n.o. energy satisfied customers also include Lufthansa, N24, GASAG and Sat.1. BK
© MATO
Since recently we have been able to show our customers, business partners and interested parties a film about our company. The film presents all the e.n.o. energy business fields.
from left, Marius Wiggenhauser and Tobias Göhr during filming
e.n.o. energy planning office in Dresden In addition to planning offices in Rerik on the German Baltic coast and St. Pol de Léon, France e.n.o. also has an office in Dresden. The office primarily manages projects in Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony.
city of Dresden as an outpost. “The regional proximity to projects in southern Brandenburg and in Saxony-Anhalt has paid off,” she says in praise. “Distances, particularly to the authorities in Saxony-Anhalt, are, on average, one hour, making it possible to react quickly”.
The team around Gudrun Gottschalk is also the contact for French colleagues in Brittany. “Regular contact with the planners is enormously important,” says Ms Gottschalk. “We place value on assisting each other with our knowledge”. Both sides can thus benefit from the other’s project experience.
Our external office in Dresden was set up in late 2004 and has, for the last two years, also been home to the Planning Department’s management. 4 employees are currently employed there. In addition to this, the office also coordinates the activities of field sales staff who are responsible for purchasing sites in Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schleswig-Holstein, RhinelandPalatinate and Saxony which may be suitable for wind turbines. The head of the planning department, Gudrun Gottschalk, is still pleased that the decision was made to select the
Thanks to the regional presence planning activities have become easier. Even the new development of potentially suitable areas, so-called “white site identification”, has been improved thanks to close contacts with planning groups and associations on the ground.
from left: Jana Ehrhardt, department head Gudrun Gottschalk, Martin Schramm, René Schulze
The colleagues in the Saxon capital city have, at any rate, not yet noticed any signs of an economic downturn. “Thanks to ongoing projects with around 80 MW we’ve got more than enough to do!” emphasises Gudrun Gottschalk. BK
08 e.n.o. mag
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister for Economics Seidel visits Hannover Messe trade fair
Great interest in energy efficiency, wind power and mechanical engineering
© Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus
“The right companies from MecklenburgWestern Pomerania are here to represent the topic,” said Minister for Economics Jürgen Seidel during a visit to the industrial fair in Hanover, this year dominated by issues relating to energy efficiency in industrial processes, business and mechanical engineering. As in the previous year 36 companies and institutions
3rd from right, Minister for Economics Seidel at the M-V Invest exhibition stand, Source: Ministry for Economics, Labour and Tourism
from M-WP were exhibiting their products, 18 of them on a joint stand sponsored by the state. “This industrial fair is an indicator for the key areas of the economy; despite the difficult conditions organisers Messe AG and the exhibitors are displaying cautious optimism,” said Seidel. “Small companies in particular also have to look for markets outside of their local region. Trade fairs are an important instrument in this regard.” Seidel was campaigning for more small and medium-sized companies to exhibit at trade fairs. “These companies should continue to pay attention to sales outside of their region.” Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has developed a new policy regarding subsidies
for exhibiting at trade fairs which is geared to this. The guidelines for the exhibition subsidies which individual companies can claim have thus been amended to make it possible to better support the exhibition activities of smaller companies. Subsidies are now available for small participations at trade fairs costing upwards of 1,000 Euros. Parallel to this the Ministry of Economics has increased the funds earmarked for subsidising exhibition activities from 400,000 Euros to 650,000 Euros. “The new ‘Wind’ fair offers enormous opportunities for companies from MecklenburgWestern Pomerania,” said Seidel. e.n.o. energy also took advantage of this opportunity, with its own stand at Hannover Messe. BK
’WIND’ trade fair characterised by confidence
6,150 exhibitors from 61 countries exhibited their wares at the world’s most important technology event of the year. The highlight was, without a doubt, the new ‘Wind’ fair covering all wind energy-related issues. With a total of 156 exhibitors the fair had a successful debut and was able to establish itself as the central platform for the wind energy industry. Together with ‘Energy’ (conventional and renewable power generation) and ‘Power Plant Technology’ (design, building and operation of power plants) the fair was the organisers’
response to increasing energy consumption and thus also to what, in political terms, is a crucial economic factor. Parallel to this it became apparent at the exhibition that future energy requirements can only be met with a mix of conventional and renewable energy. The ‘Wind’ fair in particular was thus characterised by confidence and innovation.
© Deutsche Messe Hannover
The motto of this year’s Hannover Messe industrial trade fair in Hanover was “Energy”. One of the key focuses was on wind energy. All significant wind turbine manufacturers, thus also e.n.o. energy, were represented.
Exhibition tour of German Federal Minister for Economics KarlTheodor zu Guttenberg with Friedhelm Loh, President of the German Central Association of the Electrotechnical and Electronics Industry
The great interest in wind turbines was also obvious on e.n.o. energy’s stand. There were large numbers of visitors on all 5 exhibition days and both managing directors Karsten Porm and Ralf Breuer had to be on hand permanently to answer the many questions, particularly concerning the new e.n.o. 82 – 2.0 MW turbine. Industry experts had obviously noted the start of serial production with great interest. In future the ‘Wind’ fair will take place every two years in rotation with the HUSUM WindEnergy fair. Wind energy is currently also a very relevant topic at political level. This was demonstrated in particular by the visit of German Federal Minister for Economics Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. BK
09 e.n.o. mag
e.n.o. 82 receives a lot of attention at the ICCI in Istanbul e.n.o. energy’s participation at the wellknown ICCI at the Convention Centre in Istanbul was a first. Numerous notable representatives from politics and industry as well as planners and manufacturers were present. The 15th International Energy and Environment Fair and Conference (ICCI) took place in Istanbul from 13th to 15th May. The event has been organised on a regular basis since 1994 and serves as a platform for some 3000 local and foreign participants to exchange information on energy and environmental technologies.
erect wind turbines with a capacity of up to 500 kW, any landowner can thus produce electricity for his own requirements. Taking into consideration Turkey’s above mentioned political and economic goals the invitation made to e.n.o. energy to present its services and products at the ICCI was obviously the result of much thought and demonstrates the high esteem in which the company is held, also on the international stage. Istanbul was a premiere for our
One of the highlights of the conference was the lecture given by Taner Yildiz, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The Minister provided an optimistic outlook on the development of the energy sector. Energy generation from wind power will be strongly promoted in the coming years. e.n.o. energy participated for the first time and took advantage of the opportunity to present its own wind turbine, the e.n.o. 82 – 2.0 MW. In Turkey the share of wind-generated electricity is currently still relatively small despite excellent natural conditions for the use of wind energy. The market has, however, seen distinct movement since developing wind energy use has long been a declared political goal and the payment system has now also been significantly improved. Wind parks with an overall capacity of 85,000 megawatts are feasible. Turkey has currently only installed 350 MW. Of the 3063 MW which have been approved by the government, construction and power grid connection of wind turbines with some 1,070 MW is planned by 2010 alone. Since Turkey does not require licenses to
e.n.o. energy presents itself at the ICCI
company and thus of special importance. Our own wind turbine, the e.n.o. 82 – 2.0 MW, was the focus of the presentation. Interest in the wind turbine from Germany was extremely lively. ICCI participants took advantage of the opportunity to learn more details about the e.n.o. 82. The feedback was definitely positive. A meeting at our headquarters in Rerik to discuss the details relating to possible market entry in Turkey is planned for June. BK
10 e.n.o. mag
The ewec European wind fair and conference in Marseille
The design concept for the e.n.o. 92
ewec, the industry’s most important international event, took place in April in Marseille, France. The combination of conference and exhibition is viewed as the event on the international wind energy community’s annual calendar.
engineers at e.n.o. energy are building on the e.n.o. 82 to develop the e.n.o. 92. The new model represents a further technical development.
390 exhibitors registered for Europe’s largest wind fair. A total of 7500 visitors passed through the exhibition halls at Parc Chanot. Exhibitor and visitor numbers were up by approx. 20 % over the previous year – despite the continuing economic crisis. Restrained interest was noticeable on the part of visitors. The climate in the industry has undoubtedly been affected by the fact
that financing of projects and investments in wind energy projects have become more difficult. The wind industry has, however, not been hit as hard as other sectors of industry. It is thus to be expected that the number of wind parks realised in 2009 will once again increase. An important objective for e.n.o. energy was to meet the players on the French wind energy market. e.n.o.’s presence at the events was a matter of course since it owns a subsidiary in Brittany, EEF S.A.S. The corresponding discussions with project developers and investors reflected current developments on the French wind energy market. BK
Assembly of the e.n.o. 92 with a power rating of 2.2 MW is planned for the end of the year. The rotor diameter will be around 92.8 m, giving a swept area of 6764 m². Hub heights of 80 m, 103 m and 125 m should be possible. The proportion of components derived from the e.n.o. 82 will be very high, making it possible to re-use the proven power train design. A special characteristic of the e.n.o. 92 will be its full-scale converter, making for improved connections to electric grids. This technology fulfils all current grid codes. As in the case of the e.n.o. 82 the design is based on proven technology, guaranteeing safe, long-term operations. The generator will be supplied by VEM; the gearbox will come from Bosch Rexroth. LM Glasfiber has been commissioned to supply the rotor blades.
2009
MARSEILLE
Due to the evolutionary newly developed e.n.o. 92 the existing operator und service friendliness in the 90 m-range will be guaranteed and more increased. For more details on the e.n.o. 92 visit sales@eno-energy.com. BK
Managing Director Karsten Porm, 2nd from left, describing the benefits of the e.n.o. 82
the stand was consistently well-visited
Model sketch of the e.n.o. 92
11 e.n.o. mag
Marsh ensures optimum insurance cover
Marsh GmbH is Germany’s leading independent risk and insurance broker for industry and medium-sized businesses. We spoke to Martin Grentzinger, member of the ‘Renewable Energies’ industry team, located in Hamburg. Marsh GmbH (formerly Gradmann & Holler) represents the interests of numerous, established wind turbine manufacturers; their suppliers; well-known project designers; international investors and wind turbine operators. Thanks to its know-how the company also has a good standing with banks, receiving assignments in the field of ‘Due Diligence’. Marsh GmbH has amassed a Europe-wide onshore wind turbine portfolio amounting to over 9,000 MW. In addition to wind energy the Hamburg-based company is also active in the fields of photovoltaics, geothermics, biomass/ biogas and power plants. How did the partnership with e.n.o energy get started? Firstly, let me take this opportunity to congratulate managing director Karsten Porm on the plan to launch his own wind turbines on the market, an idea which has now been successfully realised. e.n.o. energy’s management invited us to a kick-off event at a very early stage of the project. We were thus able to provide assistance by contributing our extensive experience with manufacturers. From the outset we were lucky enough to be able to establish a very friendly, trusting relationship with the company’s management and personnel. As the account manager for the e.n.o. energy group I must say: it’s a real pleasure to be able to participate in the company’s development. What do you think about the e.n.o. 82 wind turbine? The performance of the prototype in Fienstorf, which has been running smoothly for over a year, is very promising. This is backed up by the expert opinions of specialists and service
companies. The insurance companies also view the turbine positively. The prototype’s operating availability has almost exclusively been in the range of over 97 %. In this regard I must mention that the components used for the e.n.o. 82 are standard products readily available on the market. As a result the wind turbine didn’t have to be developed from scratch. At the beginning of this year three additional wind turbines, the e.n.o. 82 pilot series, were commissioned in Domnitz. As far as I know, additional sites are planned to follow in the near future. What kind of insurance protection does e.n.o. energy have? In order to fulfil the exacting demands of the banks financing the project and the numerous potential e.n.o. energy wind turbine customers we are, of course, continually negotiating to get the best possible insurance cover for our client as well as to correspondingly further develop this cover. We have, if I may, for once, be allowed to praise my own company, been successful in this regard. I’m sure I don’t have to go into more detail regarding the fact that we have obtained comprehensive insurance cover for the e.n.o. energy group. This, of course, also covers the new production site in Rostock. I am pleased to have this opportunity to announce that we, as insurance brokers, have initiated development of a five year guarantee option for the e.n.o. 82. Far more important, however, is the fact that, following evaluation of additional technical tests and expert opinions and, parallel to this, the continued positive development of the prototype and the pilot series, e.n.o. energy can, in the near future, be expected to be a position to purchase so-called “balance sheet protection” from leading German insurance companies. Other than e.n.o.’s own contribution, this balance sheet protection will explicitly cover manufacturer’s series claims up to an annual maximum liability limit and thus significantly reduce the risks for the
Martin Grentzinger (39) · trained insurance expert · 15 years’ experience in the field of optimum safeguard concepts · joined Marsh GmbH 2 ½ years ago as an account manager · member of the ‘Renewable Energies’ industry team
manufacturer. The balance sheet protection coverage will replace the classic guarantee insurance including the series claim clause. This reflects the interests and wishes of all parties concerned. We have also created “coverage” for operators of e.n.o. energy wind turbines enabling them to take out comprehensive insurance against machine breakages and operating downtimes at competitively priced premiums. The new e.n.o. Advanced Care service package will, in future, have a positive influence on the cost of premiums and the conditions for operators as per the risk distribution which will be carried out at that point in time. Do you think current market conditions mean that e.n.o. energy is in for a difficult time? e.n.o. energy could certainly not have foreseen the market changes caused by the economic crisis. A relatively “tough” seller’s market for wind turbines has now reverted back to a relatively “soft” buyer’s market. Cancelled projects mean that established manufacturers can currently supply their wind turbines quickly and at competitive terms. e.n.o. energy, however, has informed us that its own project pipeline for Germany, and also for France, is looking good, so there will be enough applications for the turbines. If all goes well, by the end of 2009 20 wind turbines will be in service.
Thank you for the interview. BK