IWES: International cooperations boost performance

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s internationalization strategy follows clear principles: scientific value creation for Fraunhofer and positive effects for both Germany and the respective partner country are key goals of strategic cooperations with foreign partners. International research cooperations are successful and long-lasting when complementary competences generate added value for the partners as well as value creation.

The expansion of green hydrogen technology and offshore wind energy in the North Sea and Baltic Sea in particular requires international networking in order to be able to utilize the energy produced even more efficiently in the future. For example, Fraunhofer IWES is conducting the ReliaBlade project in cooperation with project partners from Germany and Denmark with this goal in mind. Blade design, component tests, and damage predictions should significantly improve the structural reliability of rotor blades. The collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) promotes joint projects at EU level. Utilizing data from the UK’s leading Technology Innovation and Research Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE Catapult) on offshore wind turbines, Fraunhofer IWES is optimizing the framework conditions for the planning of offshore wind turbines and grid connection systems. The University of Oldenburg with the Center for Wind Energy Research (ForWind), the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, and Fraunhofer IWES form the German consortium of the European research project NEWA (New European Wind Atlas). In cooperation with their partners from all over Europe, new methods for assessing wind conditions have been developed and validated in order to support the search for optimal locations for new wind farms.

In the ICON project “NEMO – New methods for turbulence measurements and models in offshore wind”, IWES and France Energies Marines are working together closely to improve site assessment for offshore wind farms. The aim of the Franco-German cooperation is to promote the use of renewable energies in the offshore wind energy sector.

Participation in international expert committees

As an industry institute for the wind energy market and the growing hydrogen market, Fraunhofer IWES has connections to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), operators, and suppliers, all of which are active all over the world. We support the development of business relationships and cooperations via our local presence through Representative Offices and Senior Advisors in China, India, and Brazil.

The IWES test portfolio was developed in close cooperation with leading industrial companies, which also offered support in both the design stage and the development of test methods and processes. The combination of a globally unique testing infrastructure with comprehensive methodological expertise is what makes Fraunhofer IWES stand out as a research partner for companies all over the world. Participation in international expert committees makes us an active trailblazer for technological developments and quality assurance in the wind energy sector and hydrogen industry.

Wide range of cooperations abroad

The many years of successful cooperation in research alliance projects, networks, and standardization committees have resulted in a sustainable network of relationships around the globe. Fraunhofer IWES is active within the EERA, ETIPWind, and EAWE as well as for IEC, ISOPE, and IEA matters. Furthermore, Fraunhofer IWES is regularly represented at the largest wind energy and hydrogen trade fairs and specialist conferences all over the world.

International networking, its own employees based locally, and a vast array of collaborations with exceptional partners in other countries also increase the attractiveness of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as an employer for highly qualified personnel. Via its international contacts in science, business, and politics, it represents Germany as a reliable partner in the world and promotes it as a center of innovation.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft operates subsidiaries in Europe, North America, and South America. In Asia and the Middle East, Fraunhofer Representative Offices and Fraunhofer Senior Advisors form the bridge to the local markets, and an office in Brussels acts as an interface between Fraunhofer and the institutions of the European Union.