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Keynote Speaker’s Corner: Ole Bigum Nielsen, Vattenfall
He has been involved in all of Vattenfall’s offshore wind parks and today he is the Country Manager for Vattenfall in Denmark as well as Vice President of Engineering & Construction in BA Wind in Vattenfall. Danish Wind Industry Association had a quick talk with Ole Bigum Nielsen about his thoughts on both Vattenfall’s and the indutry’s future.
1. Vattenfall has positioned itself strongly on the offshore market with the winning bid on the new offshore wind parks Vesterhav Nord and Vesterhav Syd (and working on Horns Rev 3) – what is the next step?
Vattenfall is committed to the task of bringing down the cost of electricity produced by on- and offshore wind turbines. HR3 and Danish Near Shore have been proof points on that journey. A journey that we will continue on. Ultimately, the target is to make wind power produced electricity competitive within market conditions. Vattenfall's strategy is to triple the installed capacity in our core markets latest in 2025.
2. Where do you see the largest potential on the Danish wind market?
Both on- and offshore has potential for further development and growth. However from a capacity point of view, offshore has more potential than onshore. Also from a cost point of view, it will be interesting to follow the balance between on- and offshore.
3. What do you see as the biggest challenges for the wind industry?
For many years, Denmark has been and still is a frontrunner within wind expertise and technology. It is however not given that we will keep this position. Other countries are moving fast these years. Therefore, we have to stay focused within all disciplines, such as research and development. It goes without saying that new projects - inclusive test sites - in Denmark is a must for the industry. And not to forget - the importance of political stability.
4. How will Vattenfall continue to strengthen its competitiveness in the future?
By working closely together with the industry and continue to optimize processes and improve technology. That is also in short the Vattenfall LEC (Levelized Energy Costs) road map.
5. What will it take for the wind industry to continue to be a competitive industry in the future?
Wind power produced electricity has to be competitive within market conditions. And the quicker the better. Competitive prices will justify wind power for a number of more years and facilitate a phase-out of conventional power plants, fulfilling the Co2 reduction targets. The energy storage issue will need to be addressed as well.
About WIND ENERGY DENMARK Annual Event
WIND ENERGY DENMARK is the Danish Wind Industry Association's Annual Event. The two-day conference and exhibition is the one Danish wind event that brings together the entire wind industry and research community under one roof. In this unique setup, industry meets research, onshore meets offshore – the entire value chain is brought together – even across borders.
The event grants you access to the heart of the wind industry as Denmark has a unique position in the global wind industry. Denmark is a true wind energy powerhouse and among the world leaders in development and implementation of new products, solutions, and technologies.