Vattenfall - Jan Grönbech

Jan Grønbech

Service Manager, Vattenfall Windpower in Aalborg, Denmark

What do your duties consist of?

I am in charge of 12 service engineers, and we are responsible for the operation and maintenance of 372 on-shore and 80 off-shore wind turbines in Denmark. A large part of my work obviously consists of leading and distributing the service work. We deal with operation problems that arise, and we also carry out routine maintenance of the wind turbines in accordance with predetermined plans. I also keep in touch with suppliers of the wind turbines and deal with the agreements we have with them. Strategic planning is also part of my work, and I take part in various projects, including participation in the planning of the vast expansion of the wind farm that Vattenfall will undertake. We develop an operation and maintenance strategy that will support the expansion.

What do you enjoy most in your work?

The great challenges we face. Being in charge of a service department is a challenge in itself, but the heavy Vattenfall investments in wind power make the work even more exciting. Vattenfall is planning to expand its wind farm from 480 turbines at present to 2000 turbines by 2016. It corresponds to eight more TWh and an investment about 40 SEK milliard. Taking part in developing the service organization that will be handling such a vast wind farm is an incredible challenge. How many persons must the department have? What competence must we have?

What do you consider most important for ensuring that your work will produce good results?

The most important aspect is to have good cooperation with my subordinates and encourage them to take their own responsibilities. We are working with a system of autonomous groups, which means that the service technicians have great responsibility for the work on site and must be able to solve most of the problems themselves. To be able to take this responsibility, they participate in the planning of the operations and have knowledge of the processes associated with the operation itself.

What do you think is the great benefit of working at Vattenfall?

As I mentioned earlier, it is the fact that Vattenfall is investing so heavily in the area in which I am working. It is interesting to be part of it and it is exciting to see how it progresses. Another positive aspect is that I get to know many new people. I really appreciate the cooperation with my Swedish colleagues. Our views on certain things sometimes differ, and this in itself is rewarding.