Board of Directors of BGZ Beteiligungsgesellschaft Zukunftsenergien AG (Future Energies Holding Company), Husum

“Something really big is happening here”

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

I have been very interested in all matters relating to the natural world and the environment since his youth – without foreseeing the later significance of regenerative forms of energy and without there being any specific trigger. To this day, it is general concern about the environment and energy issues that motivates me in my work.

What motivates you?

During my first few months as CEO at the wind power plant constructor Vestas in the early 1990s, I realised that “Something big is happening here”. This realisation continues to provide me with my main motivation, as well as the intensive commercial and private engagement with questions concerning the environment, global warming and the key issue of future energy supplies. In the early days above all, it was always clear to me that wind power would only stand a real chance if it succeeded in generating the necessary capital volumes. A notion that has more than proven itself to be correct – one only has to consider offshore projects with comparatively high capital volumes.

Where do you see renewable energies in the year 2020?

I see unimaginable possibilities for renewable energies worldwide. As well as the utilisation of wind power, I also see huge potential in the application of solar energy, and also biofuels (as long as these are not in competition with foodstuffs!). In my view, the finiteness of fossil sources is not a vision, but a grim reality. I see a key role for hydrogen technology in this context.

What still needs to be done to achieve this?

Huge efforts are underway to improve the storage capacity of renewables, with realizable concepts expected shortly. The combi power plant presented in late 2007 also offers relevant solutions in this regard. But independently of this, I believe that hydrogen technology must also be made significantly cheaper (e.g. through use of microbes that produce methane). Research in this field is extremely important and should receive state funding in the interests of all. I also believe that energy supply companies must also make a contribution to the process of storing wind and solar power. For example, the construction of direct current lines for the virtually loss-free transfer of electricity from Norway to Sicily, would ensure appropriate European compensation within the power requirement. Direct current lines have been installed in many European countries, but not however in Germany. If this is to become an issue for energy supply companies, the construction of direct current lines must also be politically desirable.

When the day’s work is done, how do you like to relax and switch off?

By enjoying the beauty of the natural world!

Expertise: All renewable energy technologies, economic cost-benefit calculations for plants, acceptance, climate protection

Press Enquiries: Catrin Petersen, +49.4841.8944516, c.petersen@bgz-ag.de