How do wind currents develop and how can wind power be measured? What requirements must the rotor, tower and foundation fulfil? What different types of turbines are there and how does the connection to the power grid work? In the area of technology, further education teaches the basics of physics and meteorology, mechanical engineering, construction and electrical engineering.

Wind potential

Dr Hans-Peter Waldl, Overspeed GmbH & Co KG, Oldenburg

If you want to use wind energy effectively, you have to deal with its resource, the wind. Physical and meteorological correlations form the basis for analysing the wind potential at the respective location and forecasting yields. Central topics of the unit:

- physical and meteorological relationships
- wind flow: causes and influencing factors
- instruments and methods of wind measurement
- creating and assessing yield forecasts

System concepts and mechanical engineering components

Prof. Dr Dipl.-Ing. Martin Kühn, ForWind, University of Oldenburg

Different concepts of wind turbines differ in terms of their form of use, their structural design and the aerodynamic principle. A visit to the GE Wind Energy training centre provides additional practical insights into turbine technology and production. Central topics of the unit:

- common turbine concepts and their differences
- drive train concepts and mechanical engineering components
- regulation and control concepts
- different manufacturing methods

Rotor, aerodynamics and loads

Prof. Dr Jochen Twele, University of Applied Sciences (HTW), Berlin

The rotor converts the energy of the wind into mechanical power. The design and material of the rotor blades must fulfil high requirements. Central topics of the unit:

- basic aerodynamic principles
- requirements for rotor blades and their optimisation
- different load cases
- safety standards and requirements for the design

Flow effects in wind farms

Dr Wolfgang Schlez, ProPlanEn GmbH, Heidelbergnbsp;

Flow effects influence the performance of a wind farm and the load on the individual turbine. With the help of models implemented in common planning software, yields can be optimised and loads reduced. Central topics of the unit:

- Influence of turbulence on the wind field in the wake
- Modelling turbulence and wake in wind farms
- Wind farm design and optimisation

Tower and foundation

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Lochte-Holtgreven, Bremen University of Applied Sciences

Towers and foundations of wind turbines are exposed to high static and dynamic loads. Different types of construction for use on land (onshore) and at sea (offshore) ensure the greatest possible stability. Central topics of the unit:

- Types of construction and construction methods
- Dynamic behaviour
- Design and production
- Structural requirements and verifications

Electrical system

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lutz Hofmann, ForWind, Leibniz Universität Hannover

The generator of a wind turbine must fulfil high requirements. The generator types differ in design, function and application. Central topics of the unit:

- Design and function of the most important generator types
- Important power electronic components
- Forms of grid feedback on wind turbines

Power grids and grid integration

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Lutz Hofmann, ForWind, Leibniz Universität Hannover

Complex rules derived from the functioning of electricity grids apply to the grid connection of wind turbines. Grid expansion and the connection of offshore wind farms are associated with further challenges. Central topics of the unit:

- Functionality and tasks of electricity grids
- Rules for grid connection and the resulting requirements for wind turbines
- Special features of the grid connection of offshore wind farms

Technical operations management

Dr Hans-Peter Waldl, Overspeed GmbH & Co KG, Oldenburg

Technical operations management ensures high availability of wind turbines on the grid with the lowest possible maintenance costs. It aims to achieve the optimum balance between expenditure, precautions and additional yield. Central topics of the unit:

- Tasks of technical operations management
- Basic principles of quality management
- Condition Monitoring System (CMS)
- Important measures for optimum availability

Offshore wind

Johannes Sattinger, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy GmbH & Co. KG, Hamburg

This unit complements the focus of the wind study programme - onshore wind energy in Germany - with perspectives on differently structured markets. It examines offshore wind energy with regard to its specific challenges. Central topics of the unit:

- turbine technology
- logistics
- maintenance concept

What is important when choosing a site? When does a wind energy project have a legal chance of success? What steps are required in the authorisation process? And what does a solid financing plan look like? Anyone who plans or operates wind farms, finances them or advises operators needs sound knowledge. In the area of management, the further education programme imparts specialist business, legal and planning knowledge - from financing to contract law.

Construction and authorisation law

Christoph Brand, LL.M, RAe Berghaus und Partner, Aurich

In order to successfully plan and realise a wind farm, you need to know the legal basics. The regulations on authorisation and environmental impact assessments, for example, are important. Key topics of the learning unit:

- Authorisation procedures under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)
- Environmental Impact Assessment Act (UVPG)
- Building regulations and construction planning law
- Current case law

Planning and development

Dirk Ihmels, InnoVent, Varel

The sound planning and development of a wind farm lays the foundation for at least 20 years of operation. Legal, technical, economic and political aspects must be well harmonised. Central topics of the unit:

- Identification of a suitable site
- Economic viability and site planning (micro siting)
- Proposal for construction and operation in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act
- Participation in the tendering process
- Getting ready for construction

Energy law

Dr Heidrun Schalle, M.Jur., Aecoute PartmbB, Berlin

The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) provides the framework for the expansion of renewable energies. It regulates the connection of wind farms, the obligation to purchase wind power as well as tendering and remuneration. Key topics of the unit:

- Development of the EEG
- Grid connection, purchase and transmission obligations
- Tendering, direct marketing and market premium
- Tendering procedure
- System integration and expansion paths

Contract law

Stefan Dierkes, Dierkes & Kollegen, Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, Oldenburg

The topic of "contract law" runs like a red thread through various legal areas, such as civil law, commercial law and public law. Questions of contract set-up and corporate forms are highly relevant for the planning and operation of wind farms. Central topics of the unit:

- company forms and tax law
- warranty law and managing director liability
- common contract types such as purchase contracts, service and maintenance contracts

Financing of wind energy projects

Sabrina Cordes, Alterric GmbH, Aurich; Jandrik Suhr, Norddeutsche Landesbank, Oldenburg

The financial plan for a wind energy project must take into account technical and legal framework conditions and fulfil the requirements of the banks. Key topics of the unit:

- Factors influencing costs, income and profitability
- Assessment of financial risks
- Various forms of financing
- Assessment of wind energy projects based on framework data and key figures

Commercial management

Wilfried Schäfer, GLS Beteiligungs AG, Bochum

The commercial management of a wind farm bears the economic and technical responsibility and is obliged to the owners or shareholders. Entrepreneurial behaviour and sound planning are important here. Central topics of the unit:

- business management
- implementation of requirements and legal regulations
- maintenance, refurbishment and optimisation of wind farms
- annual financial statements, shareholder meetings

Marketing of wind power

Fritz Halla, enervis energy advisors GmbH, Berlin

The remuneration models for wind power are changing: competitive tenders, direct marketing and long-term electricity sales contracts are replacing statutory prices. This enables new business models and requires new risk analyses. Key topics of the unit:

- Direct marketing and EEG market premium model
- Wholesale marketplaces and pricing
- Continued operation after the subsidy expires (post-EEG)
- Long-term power purchase agreements (PPA)

International markets

Hannes Helm, NOTUS energy Plan GmbH & Co. KG, Potsdam

This unit complements the focus of the wind study programme - onshore wind energy in Germany - with perspectives on differently structured markets. It examines international wind farm projects with regard to their specific challenges. Key topics of the unit:

- Special features
- Business models
- Project development