Dominik Bahn, Head of Generation and Renewable Energy at Stadtwerke Bochum, commented: “As an operator, safeguarding the long-term value and availability of these turbines is crucial for us. In Deutsche Windtechnik, we have found an experienced partner who fully understands the specific requirements of these prototypes and can provide comprehensive support.”
Offshore turbine technology, serviced onshore
Achim Berge Olsen, CEO of Deutsche Windtechnik’s offshore unit, added: “This project is somewhat unconventional for us, as our core focus is typically on the maintenance and repair of offshore turbines. Due to the specific nature of these turbines, our offshore team will now, for the first time, be responsible for servicing onshore units as well. The Adwen turbines were originally designed for offshore deployment but were installed onshore for testing purposes. Given our expertise, we are pleased to take on responsibility for this niche technology, including spare parts management, at the Bremerhaven test site.”
From mid-December 2025, Deutsche Windtechnik will also maintain 40 Adwen AD5-116 turbines (previously known as Areva Wind M5000) with a total capacity of 200 MW at the Trianel Offshore Windpark Borkum I. Before this, the company was responsible for Adwen services at the offshore wind farm alpha ventus for several years.
Test retrofits demand adaptability and expertise
The four Adwen prototypes are unique in many respects: Their onshore installation at Bremerhaven’s Überseehafen and Lehe test fields has provided wide-ranging opportunities to trial new retrofit concepts for offshore technology under real-world conditions. The various technical modifications and component variants make each of the four turbines unique. This presents particular challenges for both operators and service providers, requiring a high degree of flexibility and specialised expertise. It is precisely at this interface that Deutsche Windtechnik’s extensive offshore and onshore experience becomes invaluable.
About Stadtwerke Bochum
Stadtwerke Bochum is committed to driving the energy transition forward and focuses on expanding renewable energy generation. Their current portfolio comprises around 139 MW of generation capacity from wind and solar power, including stakes in offshore wind farms, as well as their own assets such as wind turbines in Iserlohn and Bremerhaven and a ground-mounted photovoltaic installation in Gnodstadt. In Bochum, the company operates 16 photovoltaic systems and a hydroelectric power plant on the river Ruhr. By 2030, generation capacity is set to increase to 230 MW, enabling the company to continue making a significant contribution to sustainable energy supply and climate targets.
