The Intelligent Integration of Renewable Energies
Interview with Niklas Hinz, Managing Director and Partner of EEF Renewable Energies Factory GmbH
The energy transition is in full swing, but it requires innovative solutions and visionary approaches to unfold its full potential. Niklas Hinz, Managing Director of EEF Renewable Energies Factory GmbH, is one of these visionaries. His company aims to reach the next level of Energy Transition 2.0. By intelligently combining wind energy, photovoltaics, and storage technologies as well as using artificial intelligence, EEF wants to fundamentally change the way we produce and use energy.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Hinz, you co-founded EEF Renewable Energy Factory GmbH at the beginning of the year with your co-founders. What was the decisive reason for this step and how did the founding come about?
Niklas Hinz: Founding EEF Renewable Energy Factory GmbH was a logical step for us after we had all gathered extensive experience in the renewable energy sector. In particular, the desire for greater independence and the opportunity to pursue more comprehensive and holistic approaches were driving forces. My co-founders Nigel Nyirenda, Roman Bredlow, and I have worked in various areas of the industry in the past, from technical implementation and strategic consulting to project financing. At the beginning of 2024, we then decided together to pool our expertise and establish a company that not only develops projects but also operates them long-term, using innovative technologies such as digitalization and artificial intelligence. The market currently offers great opportunities, especially through legal simplifications and the designation of priority areas, which allows us to enter this market with a strong foundation.
Wirtschaftsforum: You mentioned innovative technologies. Can you explain how these are used in your projects?
Niklas Hinz: Our strategy is based on the intelligent combination of wind energy, photovoltaics, and storage technologies, supported by AI software. These technologies enable us to fully exploit the potential of renewable energies. In practical terms, this means that we can optimize energy production and storage using artificial intelligence. For example, through AI-based analyses, we can predict when it is sensible to store energy or feed it into the grid, thus maximizing the efficiency of our projects. Additionally, we tailor our solutions to local needs by considering regional energy requirements and consumption profiles. This allows us to offer customized, future-oriented energy solutions that are both ecologically and economically sustainable.
Wirtschaftsforum: You place great emphasis on corporate culture. What values define your company?
Niklas Hinz: Our corporate culture is a central part of our work and is based on four core values: "Energy in Collaboration", "Innovation through Openness", "Living Authenticity", and "Competence in Action". "Energy in Collaboration" stands for a strong sense of community within the company. We promote close cooperation among team members from different departments, so that we can learn from each other and support one another. "Innovation through Openness" means that we encourage our employees to be open to new technologies and ways of working. We want them to continuously question and improve existing processes.
"Living authenticity" stands for authenticity and respectful cooperation. Everyone should feel comfortable in the company and be able to be themselves. After all, we place great importance on "competence in action", which means continuous further training. We offer training and mentoring programs to develop our employees both professionally and personally. These values create a work environment where our employees can thrive and simultaneously contribute to Energy Transition 2.0.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your long-term goals for EEF Renewable Energy Factory GmbH?
Niklas Hinz: In the next three to five years, we plan to launch our first projects and operate as an energy provider. We are planning to integrate innovative technologies such as the combination of wind and solar energy with storage and hydrogen. Our goal is to take a leading role in the field of renewable energies. In the long term, we want to become well-known beyond the industry and generate widespread acceptance of renewable energies among the public. We firmly believe that Energy Transition 2.0 can only be successful by using the most advanced technologies and involving local people. In doing so, we want not only to be economically successful but also create real added value for the environment and future generations.
Wirtschaftsforum: What personally drives you to commit so intensively to renewable energy?
Niklas Hinz: The birth of my daughter has further strengthened my motivation to work in this industry. It is a personal concern of mine to create a livable and low-CO2 world for future generations. I see it as my responsibility to contribute to ensuring that our children grow up in a world that is sustainable and worth living in. This thought motivates me to continue even in difficult times and to advance our company. The opportunity to make a decisive contribution to the future through our work motivates me anew every day.