Jan, what does a Senior Technical Asset Manager in renewables actually do all day?
"The core is to safeguard the technical and economic value of our existing systems in the long term and to develop them further in a targeted manner - both in Germany and internationally.
Specifically, I monitor the performance of our wind farms, coordinate operations managers and technical service providers and manage the optimal technical management of our portfolio. Together with the team, I develop strategies to continuously improve the technical performance of the plants, reduce downtime while keeping an eye on costs.
Another important aspect is the support of licencing requirements from a technical point of view. My role also plays a central role in transactions: I prepare technical data and support the Q&A process for purchases and sales.
No two parks are the same, no regulatory framework is the same - that’s exactly what makes the task exciting and challenging every day. "
As a Senior Technical Asset Manager, you need a G41 certificate. Why do you say that?
"Our role is to regularly inspect systems ourselves, technically assess their condition on site and identify optimization potential. This is not possible from the desk.
A prerequisite for working at height in Germany is an occupational health examination in accordance with G41, which ensures that you are physically and mentally suitable for these tasks. I have this altitude capability and have already been on numerous plants.
Climbing up the tower by car, the last few metres to the nacelle via the ladder or working on the nacelle roof - here every handle has to be right. A possible evacuation must also be controlled at all times. This is why annual rescue courses and regular suitability tests are firmly part of our professional ambition. "
What do you see above that doesn't appear in an expert opinion?
"My job is to keep an overview: targeted management of external appraisers, providing them with the right input and technically classifying and implementing their results.
When I am on the road at our assets myself, I can immediately use insights from the entire asset context:
What is the history of a claim? What is the reason for this? Who is responsible for this? Are there warranty claims?
The combination of in-house technical experience on site and the expertise of external assessors is often much more valuable than an isolated report. It forms the basis for sound negotiations with operations managers, manufacturers and service companies.
These insights flow directly back into our financial models. The better we understand our investments, the more informed our decisions are - also for future acquisitions. "
What makes your work at Commerz Real special?
"It is the combination of international portfolio breadth and genuine in-house expertise. We successfully manage wind, photovoltaic and other infrastructure investments in several European countries.
We work closely with international and local operations managers and consultants. This diversity opens up a wide range of solution approaches and makes it possible to develop and implement best practices across national borders. At the same time, team spirit, professional exchange and a high degree of personal responsibility characterise our daily cooperation.
In my senior role, I also set technical standards, coordinate best practice formats and support the induction of new colleagues. The area is developing dynamically: new markets, new technologies, new asset classes.
After almost 15 years in the industry, I can say: There really is no standstill here - and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. "
