Pioneers in ADLS – Westfalenwind wind farms

ADLS in North Rhine-Westphalia: Interview with Johannes Grodde, Westfalenwind

Location of the wind farm:	Several wind farms in North Rhine-Westphalia
Number of wind turbines:	A total of 100 wind turbines supplying more than 30,000 households

Die Wind Farm Krammer in Zeeland Niederlande ist zum Schutz vor Lichtverschmtzung mit BNK ausgestattet

Foto: Westfalenwind

In your view, what significance does wind energy have for the future of renewable energies?

Johannes: Our company is active in the wind and photovoltaic sectors. Wind energy is therefore very important to the company, especially as it is the most important and most efficient pillar of the energy transition.

What are the main arguments you hear most often from opponents of wind power?

Johannes: The most common arguments are “blighting the landscape and flashing turbines”, to name just two examples. Of course, you have to take criticism and objections seriously, which is why acceptance-boosting measures are so important. We have noticed that owners and cooperatives are showing great interest in the functionality of the ADLS system.

“You have to take criticism and objections seriously, which is why acceptance-boosting measures are so important.”

– Johannes Grodde

Can you give us a few facts about your organization?

Johannes: The company employs 150 people, and I myself have been with the company for 11 years. We operate 100 wind turbines and supply more than 30,000 households throughout Germany. The areas of work include PV planning and sales, wind power service, commercial and technical operations management and everything else to do with renewable energies.

When did you first hear about Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems and what was your reaction?

Johannes: Gerd Möller (editor’s note: one of LSS‘ founding members) told me about it in 2017. I immediately recognized the potential and was very interested in the topic right from the start, regardless of the legal requirements, which at that time were not yet in place as they are today. I was also made aware of Lanthan Safe Sky through Gerd Möller.

How did the collaboration with LSS go and what is the current status of your project?

Johannes: Initially, the process was quite slow, which was mainly due to the fact that the framework conditions were constantly changing in the first 5 to 7 years. In this respect, it was very unsatisfactory and frustrating for everyone involved. However, what went and still goes well was the cooperation with LSS, which has developed in a very positive direction, especially in recent years.

“Feedback from local residents is a very important aspect because, after all, they are the ones for whom we are doing this acceptance-boosting measure in the first place.”

– Johannes Grodde

Have you received any feedback from residents about the BNK following the successful activation? Is a positive change perceived?

Johannes: Feedback from local residents is a very important aspect because, after all, they are the ones for whom we are doing this acceptance-boosting measure in the first place. Westfalen Wind is therefore very keen to have an intensive exchange with local residents and also actively asks for feedback. We do indeed receive very positive feedback, especially for clusters that are going well. The overall perception is also positive.

“It’s always nice to be a pioneer and drive innovation in the wind energy sector.”

– Johannes Grodde

What would you recommend to others who are interested in ADLS?

Johannes: A good business relationship between the various players is important, so I would of course recommend working with Westfalen Wind and Lanthan Safe Sky.

Gijs van Hout über BNK im Windpark Krammer

Do you have any tips or experience that you have gained during the process?

Johannes: It’s always nice to be a pioneer and drive innovation in the wind energy sector. Of course, this has the disadvantage that you also have to get through the odd “teething problem”, as is the case with innovations. In our case, this meant that one or two loops had to be taken several times, which brings with it a certain potential for frustration and dissatisfaction. In this context, it helped that the operating companies that were selected were also aware of this. It was important to know that we were all pulling in the same direction.

Would you choose LSS again?

Johannes: Definitely!

Thank you for the interesting interview!