7 October 2024
Interview with Ana Goyen, Ingeteam
Can you tell our readers a little about your organisation?
Ingeteam is a technological company with more than 80 years of experience providing creative solutions to specific problems to electrify society innovatively and sustainably through cutting-edge technology – specialised in the conversion of electrical energy. The company is an important player in renewable generation (wind, photovoltaic, hydroelectric, green hydrogen), storage, the smart transmission network and efficient and clean consumption. Ingeteam is headquartered in Spain and operates from five state-of-the-art manufacturing locations on four continents with a global workforce of approximately 3,500 in 15 countries.
In the wind industry, Ingeteam is a world-leading independent solution provider for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), utilities and asset owners in the wind industry. We are committed to providing power converters, generators, control cabinets, and SCADA systems that best satisfy our clients’ demands using cutting-edge technology. We also service these products throughout their lifecycle in any way possible.
Earlier this year, the company divested its O&M Services division. What does this mean for your customers and the industry in general?
The decision to divest our operation and maintenance services division enables us to focus on technology development and the products we are experts in. But we do this throughout the lifecycle of these products, meaning we continue supporting our customers through the entire life of these products in every way possible – such as supplying spare parts, and repairs, providing technical support (both remote and onsite), support during commissioning, revamping or any overhaul or update and training customer’s field technicians, but now focused only on converters, control cabinets, generators and SCADA systems, and not on the whole plant, and even closer than before.
Being a global technology company and original equipment manufacturer, we are uniquely positioned to care for those products with our expert servicing. The quality of service is only as good as the expertise behind it. Being an original manufacturer, we know the equipment better than anybody else.
You mentioned Ingeteam’s multi-industry experience. Tell us a little more about this.
Yes, in addition to wind energy, Ingeteam is active in various industries and has emerged as a specialist in renewable energy generation, such as solar photovoltaic, hydroelectric, energy storage, green hydrogen and grid transmission. This diverse experience enables Ingeteam to offer valuable insights and innovative solutions to address technical challenges across industries.
Ingeteam is transparent in demonstrating to both current and prospective customers how its culture, commitment to quality, high standards, advanced manufacturing capabilities, substantial investment in research and development, and comprehensive technician training programmes can support leaders in today’s wind industry. These factors are vital for maintaining success in an evolving and challenging market.
What challenges are wind turbine manufacturers currently facing?
Competitive auctions have significantly reduced the cost of wind energy in recent years, prompting the industry to vigorously pursue the commercialisation of larger, more efficient turbines to drive down the levelised cost of energy (LCoE). As global demand grows and new wind markets emerge, supply chains have become increasingly complex. Moreover, current geopolitical challenges, cost inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, policy delays and indecision all add further complexity. In this environment, wind turbine manufacturers and operators are looking for partners who can match their long-term commitment and ambition. And so it’s important to select the right partner who can consistently deliver on this front, providing reliable technology and after-sales services to support the global wind industry sustainably and safely for the future of our society.
What are the most exciting developments you have seen in the wind industry?
From a technology developer standpoint, supporting our customers in the challenging race for the next-generation wind turbine and the massive integration of renewable energies in the grid has been both very exciting and highly demanding. But this is our expertise and we have shown a great deal of commitment while doing that. We have built strong partnerships along the way.
What changes would you like to see in the wind industry?
We are concerned about the sustainability of the wind industry as a key contributor to the goals of the energy transition in general. Both public institutions and private companies must be aligned and should guarantee that the market frame allows for fair-play competition. And that externalities such as the creation of high-value employees are considered so we can continue to contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet and the well-being of European citizens.
Going forward, what role do you see your organisation playing in the future development of wind energy?
A similar role we have been playing during these last 50+ years: a technology partner with a strong R&D focus on developing world-class products and solutions to support decarbonisation and clean energy.
How has WindEurope membership benefited your organisation?
WindEurope provides us valuable access to industry insights, networking opportunities, advocacy, and policy influence. It also fosters collaboration through its many working groups and keeps members informed about the latest challenges and changes that our industry faces.
If we look ten years ahead, what do you hope to have achieved?
We hope to have contributed to changing the energy consumption and generation model, having electrified demand and having turned generation green. With our knowledge and expertise, we hope to overcome the challenges derived from the highest share of energy generation from renewable energies delivered into the grid. We hope to have been able to continue researching, innovating and developing new technology – delivering wealth and well-being for the citizens of Europe.
Find out more about Ingeteam
