Executive Chairman of wpd AG

When did you first get involved with renewable energies? Was there a particular trigger or inspiration?

As a qualified lawyer in the early 1990s, I advised or represented farmers among others in the construction of single wind power plants. The sector was and still is characterised by many innovative minds with a common goal to develop a response to the ecological and economical challenges of our time using renewable energies (and primarily wind power). This challenge has always had a defining influence on myself and my company.

What motivates you?

Today, the management board of wpd is responsible for almost 260 employees worldwide. We are of course also motivated by our strong position on the German market, which we intend to consolidate and develop. We are also following growth processes in other European countries, in Asia, the Americas and Australia. Market entry in these nations is at once a challenge and a motivation. In addition, we’re committed to realising the first commercial offshore park – Baltic I – in 2009. That’s pure motivation, if you ask me.

Where do you see renewable energies in the year 2020?

The German government and the EU are talking about a 20 % share by 2020. I think we’ll achieve considerably more and do a great deal to spur on development of the sector outside the EU.

What still needs to be done to achieve this?

Grids need to be expanded quickly. We need reliable frameworks. We must dismantle restraints (height restrictions and distance regulations). We must meet the growing need for skilled personnel by funding training and qualification programmes.

Expertise: Wind energy, offshore wind, grid integration of renewable energies, financing and project development, communal use and acceptance of renewable energies, national and European frameworks / EEG, research and development

Press enquiries: Christian Schnibbe,+49.421.1686625, c.schnibbe@wpd.de