The transition to renewable energies is currently one of the most important topics. Power generation is to become more sustainable and Atlas Copco Tools is playing a key role in these efforts.
Sebastian Pesdicek has been working on this highly topical theme for several years and outlines the next development steps in this interview. As an assembly expert and product manager, Pesdicek is in intensive contact with wind turbine manufacturers, construction contractors and operators, and is thoroughly conversant with their requirements.
Expert Hub: Mr. Pesdicek, everybody is talking about the changes in the energy sector. How do you see these changes?
Sebastian Pesdicek:We see that the transformation from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is gathering pace. Wind turbine manufacturers are developing more and more efficient models with higher and higher performance and assembly has evolved over the past few years from workshop-based production to something approaching genuine industrial mass production.
Our product manager Sebastian Pesdicek with the high-torque battery nutrunner SRB HA
Expert Hub: That sounds as if there is still considerable potential in this sector?
Sebastian Pesdicek: There certainly is. In 2020, wind energy accounted for 27 percent of the power mix in Germany and was therefore the most important single energy source. The climate protection goals of the German government are based on an even stronger emphasis on wind power. The output of the offshore wind power fleet is due to rise to 10.8 GW by 2025 and the objective is to achieve an offshore capacity of 20 GW by 2030. Currently, new project areas are being tendered; these will already be connected to the grid from 2026 onwards. Major onshore wind farm projects which will use our latest assembly tools are also in the pipeline. Under the Renewable Energy Act passed last year, the current capacity of about 55 GW is to be boosted to 71 GW by 2030.
Expert Hub: Has Atlas Copco Tools discovered an entirely new market in view of these bright prospects?
Sebastian Pesdicek: No, this is by no means a new market for us. To meet the ambitious climate protection targets, growth of 30 percent will be needed. The prospects are certainly bright and the companies involved will require the right equipment. Atlas Copco is not new to this sector. We have been working in the wind energy sector for more than 30 years and have developed from a supplier into a strategic partner. At the beginning, relatively simple pneumatic, electric and hydraulic tools of the type offered by a number of different suppliers were adequate. But the sector now faces a tremendous transformation
Expert Hub: So you are suggesting that the demand for tools to assemble wind energy systems is shifting.
Sebastian Pesdicek: Definitely, the simple windmill of the past has become a highly complex facility with an output of several megawatts. In the design phase, we already provide support to manufacturers in the form of tightening analyses to ensure the optimum design of critical joints. Many companies also use our smart connected assembly solutions in production to avoid errors and ensure secure and reliable processes.
But that is only half the story. People working on site face tremendous pressure on time and costs and the health and safety requirements have also become considerably more stringent.
Expert Hub: What can we do in the face of such dramatically changing conditions?
Sebastian Pesdicek: We want to break down the boundaries of factory halls and take our smart factory into the field. It really makes no difference whether a construction site is located onshore or offshore. Atlas Copco Tools offers a full product range for the construction and maintenance of wind energy facilities. This range features extremely high reliability, availability and user-friendliness and we refer to these applications as Smart Connected Bolting. We offer tools that are light, ergonomic and sturdy to ensure the proper assembly of very heavy components at considerable heights, complete with automatic documentation. This approach avoids reworking and transmission errors caused by manual reporting. This way, the installation and maintenance of wind turbines becomes quicker, safer and smarter.
Expert Hub: That sounds like genuine progress, especially for wind energy installation and maintenance teams. How can people who are interested obtain further information?
Sebastian Pesdicek: In addition to the information on our Wind energy website, we offer everyone who is interested detailed product descriptions and brochures. Our experienced application technicians and sales engineers are also pleased to provide advice on site.
Expert Hub: Mr. Pesdicek, thank you for giving us this interview!
Our Expert Hub article describes how we are taking the smart factory into the field so that wind turbines can be installed, operated and maintained to Industry 4.0 standards even on the most remote construction sites. You will find the next in our series of Expert Hub articles on wind energy here. Take part in our Smart Connected Bolting webinar and find out how you can benefit from innovative Atlas Copco solutions. Register here!