Monika Krämer: “What makes MEASNET unique is its openness and focus on technology” (part 1)
Determination, passion, and belief in the power of collective intelligence to solve issues are some of the traits that could define Monika Krämer, MEASNET Chairwoman and Managing Director of windtest grevenbroich.
Recently re-elected by the Council of Members, Krämer continues her commitment to the organization that began during her first term in 2010. This is no small feat, considering that women are still a minority in the renewable energy industry.
In this interview -which will be published in two chapters due to its length-, the MEASNET Chairwoman reveals her motivations for continuing to lead the organization and advocates cooperation to achieve common goals, and contribute to the development of renewables.
An interview by Carolina Prada, MEASNET Communications Manager
QUESTION.- You have just been re-elected as the MEASNET Chairwoman eight times in a row. What is your motivation to continue leading the organization?
ANSWER.- It is the same motivation I have had since I first applied to become the MEASNET Chairwoman. My vision was, and still is, that
accredited test labs in the wind industry need an organization like this to discuss and develop technical guidelines and solutions to improve their quality, and the general industry’s quality, in a calm, trustworthy environment. MEASNET is a platform where technical experts from around the world can share their knowledge and help the organization grow.
This organization is independent of political and business interests. Its exclusive focus on technology is paramount.
Q.- In that sense, could we say that MEASNET is a unique organization in the world of wind energy?
A.- Yes, definitely. Of course, there are other organizations in the industry with different interests and stakeholders. However, MEASNET is the one where test labs are organized and technically focused, with no commercial or political interests. This is why it is a trustworthy environment where the conversation is at a very high technical level. We are not a lobbying organisation. Our focus is enhancing quality, moving forward together, and contributing to the evolution of the wind energy sector.
“Proficiency testing is now a well-stablished system in the wind industry that gives us many chances to improve our quality and gain new members”
Q.- From your perspective, how has the organization evolved over these years?
A.- Many milestones have been reached in the history of MEASNET since I was first elected Chairwoman in 2010. One of the most significant was its establishment as an official organization in March 2011. Initially, we were just a few test labs that met on a voluntary basis. We all worked hard to achieve our goal of becoming official. Nowadays, the organization is more professionalized, with two employees in the secretariat and communications departments. This has notably improved the internal and external functioning and awareness of MEASNET. Its perception as a well-known and valued industry player has changed dramatically in the last 15 years.
We have also seen a remarkable growth in the number of members: we have passed from 16 in 2010 to 29 from all over the world. MEASNET used to be more Europe-oriented, while now we have members in China, Australia, the USA… and from other countries in the near future, hopefully.
Additionally, MEASNET has undergone significant changes in its expert groups. In 2010 there were five Expert Groups, mainly specializing in measurements services to collect and process data. Today, we have seven, with the addition of Site Assessment and Remote Sensing, which also work in modelling and other state-of-the art fields.
Another major milestone in the last 15 years was becoming an official PT provider of IECRE. Proficiency testing is now a well-stablished system in the wind industry that gives us many chances to improve our quality and gain new members.
Lastly, I would like to mention our A-liaison with the IEC TC 88 Group to promote technology transfer and accelerate the process of development and updating of technical guidelines.
Q.- What are the Executive Board’s priorities for MEASNET over the next two years?
A.- The time has come to rethink our organization’s strategic vision for the next five to ten years. One crucial question is whether MEASNET should expand to include other renewable energies besides wind. This cannot be decided within the next two years, but we must open this discussion, since many members are now deeply involved in all kinds of sectors, such as PV or marine energies.
In the short and medium term, increasing the number of members is always a priority. Additionally, we are boosting our internal and external communications, to provide better services to members and increase brand awareness. We are working to be more active on LinkedIn and also on our rebranding and website relaunch.
We have also in mind to establish the Remote Sensing Expert Group as an official one and, of course, continue being a PT provider for IECRE to perform new proficiency tests in the near future.
Regarding our collaboration with IECRE, our goal is to make our TC 88 A-liaison more active, so that MEASNET can contribute its ideas and knowledge to the TC 88 world and work more closely.
Last but not least, MEASNET will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027. In an industry that is less than 40 years old, MEASNET has existed for 30 years. I would say that is a successful, long history!
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