"Looking back, we can say that we were very much on schedule with our ADLS retrofits: Of the around 4,000 wind turbines equipped, 90.5% were completed on time, i.e. with activated on-demand night-time lighting. The remainder are awaiting final approval from the licensing authority or are new projects with implementation from commissioning," summarises Martin Lassen, Sales Manager Complementary Products & Services at Deutsche Windtechnik.

Increasing routine and time savings

Since September 2020, Deutsche Windtechnik has worked intensively on equipping wind turbines with ADLS systems. "In the first few years, we had to react flexibly due to the recent pandemic and political changes in Europe, such as material shortages. However, by continuously training and deploying specialised teams, we were able to plan and establish a routine, enabling us to continuously increase our installation figures – 200 ADLS systems in 2020 and over 1,000 in 2024," summarises Eike Feder, ADLS Project Manager at Deutsche Windtechnik. In addition to existing customers, the ADLS system has won over many operators who have their turbines serviced by the manufacturer. "The approach of equipping wind farms with different turbine inventories with just one ADLS was a complete success for the operators and us."

Greater efficiency allows cost benefits to be passed on

Now that the deadline for implementing the mandatory ADLS has passed, the ADLS business in Germany will be much quieter than in the last four years. In addition to the low-cost maintenance of installed ADLS, newly installed turbines will be equipped with ADLS. The requirement to install ADLS on wind turbines is mandated by law and should serve as a foundational element for fostering future acceptance. As a rule, wind turbine operators endeavour to find their own ADLS provider at new locations, looking for synergies and cost efficiency. Deutsche Windtechnik is responding to this demand with a more efficient cost structure: "The efficiency we have gained over the years allows us to pass on the cost benefits to our new customers," says Martin Lassen. "In addition, ADLS are now increasingly being installed and maintained by our regular service teams. This means that operators also benefit from our excellent, Germany-wide service network with regard to their ADLS."

Internationally, it is expected that ADLS will also be introduced in Austria. The laws have already been drafted, but not yet passed: the regulations are still missing. Martin Lassen: "We are directly represented on the ground in the majority of European countries through our country units and are keeping a close eye on the direction in which the ADLS debate is developing. Germany is the absolute ADLS pioneer, other countries are still hesitating. Our ADLS solution will be ready as soon as further requirements develop."