Schleswig-Holstein as a business location

Schleswig-Holstein is the cradle of windpower. The first wind farms were built along the North Sea coast, and today the west coast sees a unique concentration of wind-sector businesses and institutions around the wind energy capital of Husum. Manufacturers of wind energy plants such as REpower Systems and Vestas, suppliers from many trades, service and maintenance companies and service providers from all relevant areas are centred here. In other locations, such as Brunsbüttel, Kiel, Lübeck and Rendsburg, the wind sector also forms an important pillar of the regional economy.

The trade fair HUSUM WindEnergy is known throughout the world for the presentation of innovative onshore and offshore technologies. It is the leading international exhibition for the wind industry. The new energy trade fair is rapidly becoming established as a major exhibition for small wind turbines.

In terms of training and vocational training Schleswig-Holstein is also setting benchmarks. Of particular note is the Education Centre for Renewable Energies (BZEE) which runs onshore and offshore training courses for wind energy technicians. The research organisation CEwind e. G, a network of Schleswig-Holstein’s universities, sets high standards for academic courses; the Master’s course in Wind Engineering trains tomorrow’s leaders.

Testing of new wind turbines is a major element in the development of innovations. Schleswig-Holstein has the highest wind speeds in Germany and thus provides excellent conditions for the testing and certification of new components and technologies. Windtest Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog, for example, has been in Schleswig-Holstein for over 20 years and has achieved an excellent international standing as a certifier of wind power plants. Several development companies have been set up in the Rendsburg region, including the development centre of REpower Systems.

We must continue to make use of and promote this positive development to ensure a successful future for Schleswig-Holstein’s companies and institutions – both in the region and in the growing global market.