Renewables Asset management at 150 metres
15.06.2023 • 8 Reading Time
Asset management doesn't always take place just at the desk. On the contrary. With Commerz Real as an expert for tangible assets such as real estate, wind turbines or solar power plants, asset managers are often on the move around the world. On site, they deal with questions and problems relating to the respective assets. And for this, they – like asset manager Michael Volkmer – also ascend to heights of up to 150 metres.
Local contact person
As asset manager, Michael Volkmer and his team manage the tangible assets managed by Commerz Real and included in the portfolios of the individual investment funds. In addition to real estate assets, this also includes numerous sustainable infrastructure assets, such as wind farms or solar power plants.
Many asset management tasks can be done by asset managers from the office. But in some cases, being present on-site helps to negotiate or act as a mediator. Michael Volkmer’s tasks include inspecting wind turbines in the event of serious malfunctions: if liability issues arise, external assessments are unclear or a manufacturer fails to meet its warranty obligation, Volkmer travels to the asset in question. In such cases, Volkmer’s assessment helps in the final decision-making.
Many asset management tasks can be done by asset managers from the office. But in some cases, being present on-site helps to negotiate or act as a mediator. Michael Volkmer’s tasks include inspecting wind turbines in the event of serious malfunctions: if liability issues arise, external assessments are unclear or a manufacturer fails to meet its warranty obligation, Volkmer travels to the asset in question. In such cases, Volkmer’s assessment helps in the final decision-making.
A job with special challenges
But this task also has its drawbacks. Fear of heights or claustrophobia, for example, are not what you need when inspecting a 150-metre-high wind turbine. The challenge starts at ground level: a narrow aluminium box serves as a lift and ascends inside the tower. If the electric motor should fail, the 150 metres must be climbed on a ladder. Personal protective equipment, helmet, safety shoes and ear protection against noise are all of course essential. With the additional 30 kilogrammes of equipment, the way up quickly becomes difficult.
The last ten metres up to the nacelle must be climbed independently. Various accesses are possible, from the roof hatch to external access. In the nacelle itself, space is tight and – depending on the weather and wind conditions – very noisy. Volkmer must always be careful here, because he is in the middle of a small power plant. In some places, the outer shell is only a few centimetres thick, so a wrong step can be quite risky.
In order for Volkmer to be able to do this practical part of his job at all, he must undergo an annual health and altitude suitability test. Training courses on rescues at heights are also included here, in order to be able to guide himself and anyone accompanying him down safely in the event of an accident.
The last ten metres up to the nacelle must be climbed independently. Various accesses are possible, from the roof hatch to external access. In the nacelle itself, space is tight and – depending on the weather and wind conditions – very noisy. Volkmer must always be careful here, because he is in the middle of a small power plant. In some places, the outer shell is only a few centimetres thick, so a wrong step can be quite risky.
In order for Volkmer to be able to do this practical part of his job at all, he must undergo an annual health and altitude suitability test. Training courses on rescues at heights are also included here, in order to be able to guide himself and anyone accompanying him down safely in the event of an accident.
The inspection of a wind turbine nacelle by our asset managers is necessary if there are discussions about liability issues in the course of disruptive situations, if expert assessments are not clear or if the manufacturer does not fulfil its warranty obligation.
The people behind the assets
Michael Volkmer is not a mechanic and is therefore unable to carry out repairs or solve technical problems on site. His task is to identify and understand the causes of faults or malfunctions. Equipped with this knowledge, he negotiates solutions with contractual partners. In doing so, he represents Commerz Real Asset Management externally and therefore always has investors’ interests in mind.
Commerz Real does not rely on third-party assessments or external expert opinions. It sees the decisive value in the competence of its employees and in the human interaction with contractual partners. In many areas, a competent look and a personal conversation are worth more than numbers or data. As digital and networked as the tangible assets of Commerz Real are, meeting on an equal footing is and remains the driving force.
Commerz Real does not rely on third-party assessments or external expert opinions. It sees the decisive value in the competence of its employees and in the human interaction with contractual partners. In many areas, a competent look and a personal conversation are worth more than numbers or data. As digital and networked as the tangible assets of Commerz Real are, meeting on an equal footing is and remains the driving force.