With the construction of its one hundredth wind farm, Volkswind marks an important milestone in the expansion of renewable energies. Here, Katja Stommel, Head of Axpo’s Wind Division and CEO of Axpo subsidiary Volkswind, discusses current challenges, technological developments, and how wind power has become a strategic area for growth.
What does this milestone mean for Volkswind?
The 100th wind farm made me realise just how many projects we have successfully implemented in over 30 years in wind energy. It makes our development tangible and shows how consistently we are pursuing our path, both as a team and as a company. It is a moment that highlights how far we have come.
What are your memories of Volkswind’s first project?
That was in Germany, at Ostbense in East Frisia: an Enercon E-40, the seventh gearless wind turbine ever built by Enercon. It was an adventure full of challenges. The summer felt like autumn, the ground was muddy, the truck got stuck in the mud, and we had to organise a second crane to recover the turbine. Nevertheless, we persevered!
Despite those initial difficulties, you kept going. What motivated you?
Our vision was clear: to create an alternative to nuclear power. The disaster at Chernobyl was still fresh in our minds, and we firmly believed in wind energy. Today, we can see how important that decision was – wind and solar energy are key building blocks for a climate-friendly future.
What were the biggest challenges and successes on the way to your one hundredth wind farm?
The framework conditions were constantly changing. Sometimes there were positive political signals, sometimes negative ones. There is no straight path in wind power — you have to keep adapting and reinventing yourself. The expansion of renewable energies requires flexibility and an innovative spirit.
How has wind power development changed over recent years?
In the past, a folder was sufficient for the permit application. But today it takes several filing cabinets worth of documents! The requirements have increased significantly as a result of the Federal Immission Control Act. Fortunately, we can now submit some applications digitally.
What does the future hold for Volkswind and Axpo?
We are resolutely advancing the strategic expansion of renewable energies. In doing so, we are focusing on the efficient and cost-optimised realisation of wind farms in our core markets of Germany, France, Finland, Romania, and Switzerland.
Which technological innovations have had the greatest impact?
The rotors are larger and the hub height is higher, which means that more wind is captured and used more efficiently. By way of comparison, our first turbine had a capacity of 0.5 MW, while today the largest Vestas turbine achieves 7.2 MW. These developments help us to make economic use of sites with moderate wind conditions.
How is Volkswind positioned in the wind industry?
In France, we are one of the largest developers outside the major industrial groups. Our focus is on the continuing expansion of wind farms – combined with solar energy as a second pillar.
What are the regulatory challenges?
The rules are constantly changing. This is often frustrating at first, but then we look for new ways to implement projects economically. Axpo continuously analyses market developments and adapts to new circumstances.
Is Axpo planning to expand into new markets?
We’re constantly reviewing new markets and investing where there is high potential for renewable energies.
What role does wind energy play in comparison with other renewable energies?
Wind power is efficient, requires little space and also produces electricity at night. Together with solar energy, it forms the backbone of the energy transition and ensures a sustainable electricity supply.
How does Volkswind manage to develop continuously?
We are always reviewing our processes, remain open to new ideas, and focus on innovative technologies. Wind and solar energy are our strategic growth areas, and we’re working to develop them further in the best possible way.
Katja, finally: in November, at your own request, you’ll be handing over the reins to Klaus Heckenberger, so you can devote yourself to your family business. What advice would you like to give Klaus for the further expansion of wind energy at Axpo and Volkswind? And what are you personally looking forward to the most in your next chapter?
I wish Klaus all the best and every success. Behind all this lies a great deal of resilience, discipline and fighting spirit to master the never-ending challenges of the wind business with a good sense of humour. Personally, I’m looking forward to a little more peace and quiet, and hope the battle to prioritise the tasks on my desk will come to an end. And, of course, I’m looking forward to spending much more time with my family.
