In 2010, the renewable energy market continuous to achieve remarkable growth rates. Participants along the value chain must be prepared for that. To answer new challenges and support the development in this sector, SGS appointed a new Global Renewable Energy Competence Centre Manager and welcomes new colleagues in the Technical Office Wind Energy.

In 2010, the whole Renewable Energy Sector will continue to achieve remarkable growth rates. Participants along the value chain must be prepared for the anticipating demand. To answer the need for high quality inspection, verification, testing and certification services in the Renewable Energy Sector, SGS announces the extension of the Renewable Energy Competence Center and the Technical Office Wind Energy in Germany.

The attraction of offshore power generation accounts for the extension. Due to extremely large offshore wind resource, relative law energy costs and by now manageable project risks, the offshore technology remains the most economically feasible of all renewable energy technologies.

SGS is currently involved in 18 offshore wind farm projects all around Germany and continuous to put an emphasis on this technology. To strengthen SGS's position, following assignments has been made:

Torsten Muuss, has been appointed to the position of Global Renewable Energy Competence Centre Manager, effective January 1, 2010. In his new role Torsten will focus on driving and supporting the development of the renewable energy services, particularly for wind and solar energy across the worldwide SGS network. He will ensure a continuous level of expertise required to execute the SGS Global Renewable Energy Services on a qualified, reliable and consistent basis.

For the development and build out of services for the Renewable Energy Sector, SGS appointed Daniel Hopeas Global Business Development Manager. In his position, Daniel will have the responsibility to ensure that all SGS Wind Energy services are harmonized globally and carried out in accordance with the highest technical requirements of the Wind Energy Industry.

Within the Global Competence Centre for SGS Renewable Energy Daniel will assist in developing the SGS Group Strategy and Business Plan for Wind Energy Services focusing on regional business development. Daniel joined SGS in November, 2009.

In addition, SGS has extended its Technical Wind Energy Expert team with three professionals and welcomesFabian Broicher, Axel Schweighardt and Christoph Urch on board. To strengthen SGS's position in offshore and onshore wind farm project development, these colleagues will support the service work.

Fabian Broicher studied Aeronautical Engineering in Hamburg. He has experience in the design of new structural concepts for huge blended wing body configurations, in composite materials and in composite structures. As a Technical Wind Energy Expert, he will focus on rotor blades and on offshore wind farm certification.

Axel Schweighardt studied Environmental Technology at the university of Applied Science Hamburg.

Axel has extensive experience in the review of technical reports for the construction and planning of wind farms, for the technology and for the operational performance. In addition, he has in depth knowledge of quality standards and experience working with authorities, manufacturers and owners.

Christoph Urch graduated in 2003 in Essen, Germany. He has strong background in the international wind energy industry as designer and analyzer of statically and dynamically exposed structures for steel constructions in civil and mechanical engineering. He has experience in establishing proven, static calculations as well as accompanying the certification processes with the relevant certifying bodies.