Global CEO Excellence 2017

CEO MONTHLY / GLOBAL CEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 43 , A truly ground breaking project, the Gemini Wind Park is currently producing about 2.6TWh per year and avoiding about 1.25million tons of CO2 per year. Uniquely, Gemini is also one of the largest ever project-financed wind project, financed by more than 25 commercial banks with an overall construction budget of about €2.8 billion. The project is owned by a consortium, including Canadian sustainable energy producer Northland Power (60%), wind turbine manufacturer Siemens (20%), marine engineering contractor Van Oord (10%) and energy and waste materials organization HVC (10%). Responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the park and liaising with contractors to ensure that the park achieves its goals, Matthias’s role is varied and requires experience and dedication, as he explains. “Personally, I joined the Gemini Wind Project as Chief Executive Officer in January 2014. Prior to my role here I was Chief Operating Officer at the wave energy company Aquamarine Power, during which time I was an executive director responsible for all technical and contractual/ commercial issues within the company. I also served as non- executive director of Oceanflow Energy, at tidal energy company. This broad experience helps me to succeed in my current role and The Gemini offshore wind park, located in the DutchNorth Sea, is one of the world’s largest wind farms, both in terms of size and production. With a total of 600megawatt capacity, it produces sufficient electricity for 1.5 million people. We spoke to CEOMatthias Haag to explore the part he has played in the firm’s success. Alternative Energy CEO of the Year & Best Wind Energy Company - Europe ensure operational excellence for the Gemini Wind Park. “Since we are a project specific company we deal mostly with contractors and project partners. A good set-up with clear responsibilities from the start and the right team was essential to make a large international project a success, and as such I am proud of what the team has achieved and how well the project is now operating.” Looking to the future, Matthias is keen to share the wealth of his knowledge and experience and build upon his current success, as he proudly concludes. “Moving forward, I would like continue learning and to do challenging work, but also start to share my experiences with younger businesses, projects and people. This could be through a non-executive role or by providing coaching to staff within and outside our own business. There are many options open and I am excited to find out what the future has in store.”Company: Gemini Wind Park Address: Amstelveenseweg 760, 1081 JK, Amsterdam, Netherlands Phone: 0031 20 723 00 00 Web Address: www.geminiwindpark.nl