NextWind Aims for Leadership in Germany's Wind Energy Industry

A leading provider of optimized renewable energy sites in Germany, NeXtWind, is kicking off the year with major developments. The company has strengthened its team with the addition of former EWE Chief Technology Officer Dr. Urban Keussen, who will take on the role of COO. Additionally, NeXtWind has moved into a larger, state-of-the-art office in Berlin's Upper West. Earlier in January, the company acquired twelve wind farms from Nadara, located in northern, eastern, and western Germany, expanding its repowering potential to 1.4 GW — equivalent to the energy production of approximately 1.5 nuclear reactor units. This capacity enables NeXtWind to supply green electricity to around one million households annually. By 2028, NeXtWind aims to achieve a total repowering capacity of 3 GW, positioning itself as a leader in Germany’s wind energy sector.

"NeXtWind stands for innovation and speed in the wind energy industry. We are advancing Germany's energy transition with renewable energy," said Lars Meyer, Co-CEO and co-founder of the company.

Team Growth and Strengthened Management

Last year, the team grew from 30 to 80 colleagues. To create space for this, we have now moved into a new office in the Upper West in Berlin. “With this office, we are sending out a clear signal of our growth strategy and our desire to aim high in the industry in the truest sense of the word. We offer modern workplaces for creativity and bring young talent together with experienced experts,” says Lars Meyer. “Our team is growing strongly in all areas - it is the engine of our innovative strength.”

Dr. Urban Keussen, previously Chief Technology Officer at EWE for more than six years and a longstanding executive in the energy sector, including more than ten years at E.ON, will play a key role in NextWind's ambitious growth strategy as the new COO. “With his many years of experience, he will provide us with significant support in optimizing processes and further expanding the portfolio,” says Ewald Woste, Executive Chairman and co-founder.

Industry Leadership in Wind Energy

Founded in 2020, the Berlin-based startup currently operates 37 wind farms. By 2025, NeXtWind will have more than 260 aging turbines in operation, ready for repowering over the next three years. The company focuses on efficient permitting processes, with approximately 80 turbines already in permitting stages and an additional 50 to 60 planned for submission this year. Simultaneously, NeXtWind is planning investments worth several hundred million euros in new installations.

By strategically securing the best wind sites in northern Germany and working closely with over 1,600 landowners, NeXtWind is positioning itself as a leader in the German renewable energy industry. The company aims to reach a total capacity of 3 GW by 2028, claiming a top position in the wind energy market. At the beginning of 2024, its capacity was just 350 MW.

NeXtWind collaborates closely with local communities and partners to make wind energy both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. With over 150 legal entities and a focus on optimizing existing sites, the company plays a crucial role in advancing Germany’s energy transition.

The company is committed to optimizing existing wind energy sites by replacing outdated turbines with more efficient ones and expanding the number of turbines in collaboration with local communities. By integrating complementary and flexible technologies, NeXtWind can further increase and better manage energy production.

"NeXtWind ensures that wind energy is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically profitable for Germany," said Prof. Dr. Werner Süss, Co-CEO and co-founder.

NeXtWind | http://www.nextwind.com