Aarhus – Capital of Wind Energy - Aarhus.dk

incipient phase. The techological development was anchoredin what has been called the triple helix model ofinnovation in which businesses, authorities, and scientificinstitutions collaborate closely. In the case of wind turbinetechnology, the civil society – organisations, citizens etc. –is usually regarded as a fourth “helix”. See figure 2.Outside Denmark, the approach was more linear: organisedin a linear fashion from research to production.Businesses depended on researchers and engineers examininghow windmills should be constructed “in theory”.In Denmark, research and development was based on amuch more extensive dialogue and interaction betweenresearchers and manufacturers, continously exchangingknowledge and ideas.Abroad, the innovation agents were big companiesand big research institutions, projecting proportionallybig projects – and building bigger windmills. In Denmark,the scale was much more manageable. The innovationcluster was small, consisting of relatively youngmanufacturers and suppliers, supported by a new smallresearch unit and focusing mainly on a limited marketof local customers. In turn, this approach mobilized significantsupport from the local communities, where thenew – and small – windmills were erected. See textbox.A number of large-scale projects met severe problems.The energy output was less than expected, the constructionsblew over etcetera – and the engineers had to startfrom scratch. The Danish approach proved more flexible.The casual cooperation between researchers, manufacturers,suppliers, and critical customers provided an organisationalstructure that enabled a much tighter connectionbetween research and practical experience. A much morefree flow of experience, ideas and observations on how differentdevices and technological improvements workedPublic Tailwind for the IndustryPublic support has been great since the Danish windindustry’s humble beginnings. The vast majority of thefirst 5,000 Danish wind turbines erected were financeddirectly by local wind syndicates, through which citizenseach bought a share in one. 2,000 of the 5,200 existingturbines in Denmark are still owned by local syndicates.Public support of wind energy remains strong. A surveyfrom January 2010 shows that:• 91 percent of Danes believe that Denmark should expandwind power further• 96 percent believe that parliament should support thewind industry so that it remains a world leader• 62 percent believe that wind power should account formore than half of the country’s electricity production.Source: Megafongave Danish manufacturers a far better basis for ensuringquality, making continous adjustments and improving thetechnology. As a bonus, smaller constructions actuallyproved more robust and cost-effective in the end.“While the USA forged ahead with a high tech developmentprogramme that had no particular contact betweenindustry and research, the practical knowledge of the Danishindustry was integrated in research-based developmentof wind turbine design and wind turbine operation earlyon. This created a platform for development and productionwhich has strengthened the final output in itself. Thatis: the robustness and quality of Danish wind turbines,”says Peter Karnøe of Copenhagen Business School, ascholar on the history of Danish wind energy.Cargo Service– the wind turbine expert in Port of AarhusDuring the last couple of decades Cargo Service hasgained unique experience and expertise within loadingand handling of wind turbines and components. Eachyear the stevedore company is loading in average 80vessels with wind turbines and with a total weight ofabout 120.000 metric tons.Now Cargo Service is allocating additional focus andstrategic attention to the wind energy business segment.Having transferred the container activities to a new jointventure company Cargo Service is now ready to expandits wind turbine activities.Efficient and customised solutionsBy merging the two container terminals in Port ofAarhus, Cargo Service is releasing an area of 100-150.000square meters, which is ideal for handling and storing thelarge wind turbine projects.may have covering loading, handling and storing of windturbines and components.Quality AssuranceCargo Service is currently in the process of developing a newQuality Assurance system for its wind power customers.- We will be able to offer our customers a very thoroughquality check of all wind turbine components. Thecustomers will get a comprehensive quality documentationand they will be offered the convenience of following eachcomponent/project online from reception to shipping,explains Lars Krabbe.OffshoreCargo Service has primarily been handling onshorewind turbines. Going forward however the offshore windturbines will also be in focus.- The location in continuation of the container quay inPort of Aarhus is optimal. Back to back location withthe quay and the very efficient cranes provide us withprime working conditions. We are capable of handlingpractically any lift you can think of. With the heavylift crane we can handle single lifts of up to 182 metrictons in a range of 47 meters, says Lars Krabbe, ChiefCommercial Officer at Cargo Service A/S and adds:- With a unique location in a large port, an extensiveknow-how and all the necessary special equipment andmachinery, we can provide the wind energy industry withefficient and customised solutions of any project they- The offshore turbines are assembled onshore and witha blade diameter of 120 m they obviously require a largeamount of vacant land. That is solved with the newlyreleased area. Furthermore Port of Aarhus is strategicallywell positioned in regards to the projected offshore windpower plants in the Baltic Sea, says Lars Krabbe.He forecasts that Cargo Service will be involved in part ofthe Anholt project where 111 offshore wind turbines willbe erected and connect by the end of 2012.www.cargoservice.dk14 Mondaymorning