Fraunhofer-Institut für Windenergiesysteme

Clean Energy from Wind

The research work of Fraunhofer IWES covers the entire spectrum of wind energy. Fraunhofer IWES secures investments in technological advancements through validation, shortens innovation cycles, accelerates certification processes and increases planning accuracy through innovative measurement methods in the field of wind energy and hydrogen technology.

Currently, about 250 scientists and employees as well as more than 100 students are employed at five locations: Bremerhaven, Hannover, Bremen, Hamburg and Oldenburg.

Thanks to far-reaching funding support, unique test rigs, e.g. for rotor blades, nacelles and support structures, bearings and main shafts, as well as a measurement infrastructure and laboratories have been built since its foundation in 2009. With an electrolyzer test field, the methods for hydrogen production can be systematically tested at Fraunhofer IWES and far-reaching synergies can be created. The test portfolio has been developed in close cooperation with leading industrial companies, which have accompanied the development of test methods and procedures from the conception phase. The combination of a globally unique testing infrastructure with methodological expertise distinguishes IWES as a research partner for companies around the world.

Through its participation in international expert committees, the institute is an active pioneer for technology developments and quality assurance in the wind industry.