Wind energy is central to the sustainable energy transition and deeply rooted in northwestern Germany. The universities of Bremen, Oldenburg, and Hannover have united their expertise in ForWind, a joint center for wind energy research. This alliance demonstrates how successful strategic collaboration across institutions can be – not only through joint projects, but also through a deliberate allocation of strengths.
When it comes to wind energy, northwestern Germany is in a league of its own. For over 20 years, ForWind has brought together scientific expertise in wind energy research. Nearly 30 research groups from Bremen, Oldenburg, and Hannover collaborate within this network, supported by partners such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) and industrial companies.
“ForWind is not a traditional project, but a research center with no fixed end date,” explains Managing Director Dr. Stephan Barth. This long-term continuity is one of its greatest strengths; it ensures stability beyond the fluctuations of the wind energy sector.
Reimagining Collaboration
The nature of its collaboration sets ForWind apart. Rather than focusing on individual projects, the universities each specialize in distinct areas. This specialization is the network’s core strength.
Oldenburg focuses on physical fundamentals and wind resource assessment, Hannover contributes its expertise in civil engineering, while Bremen addresses electrical engineering issues. Together, these complementary strengths create a holistic view of wind energy that no single university could achieve alone. “We all benefit from working as a team,” summarizes Barth. The network fosters a very unique culture of cooperation. Professor Johanna Myrzik from Bremen’s Institute of Automation Technology emphasizes, “Every area of expertise is equally valued, and competition has no place here. ForWind is a network where collaboration isn’t just a concept, but lived reality.”
Shared Infrastructure, Collective Strength
A key factor in this success is the shared use of research infrastructure. The network is developing large-scale facilities and labs that all universities share, in close cooperation with Fraunhofer IWES. This not only maximizes efficiency and reduces duplication, but also strengthens northwestern Germany’s position as a national and international leader in wind energy research.
Research with Real-World Impact
ForWind spans the full spectrum of wind energy research – from wind as a resource and material issues to turbine design and grid integration. By combining complementary areas of expertise, the alliance can tackle complex, interdisciplinary issues that go far beyond the scope of any single discipline. This extends beyond foundational research. A key objective is the transfer of knowledge to industry. Close collaborations with industry partners ensure that research findings are quickly put into practice, for example, in designing more efficient wind farms.