Meet Team Nordex – Sanna Rissanen, Commissioner
For this month we have interviewed Sanna Rissanen, Commissioner in Nordex Group’s Nordic region. Sanna is working from Finland, but her work take her to all Nordic countries in order to commissioning new wind farms.
Can you tell us a little about your background and previous work experience?
Sanna Rissanen 29, Electrician and electrical engineer.
Before Nordex did my electrician apprenticeship and summer jobs as a lineman. Constructing and maintaining power grid in Lapland.
2015 started my journey with Nordex as a Junior service technician.
2017 started electrical engineering school as evening studies while working as service tech.
2021 Graduated and changed from Nordex to another company to work with grid protection and high voltage systems.
2022 join Nordex again as a wind turbine commissioner.

How did you first become interested in working in the wind energy industry?
To be honest i had no expectations and experience on wind when going to job interview with my first foreman at Nordex. He got me hyped by saying that he does not know any other woman working as an electrician in wind turbines. I felt like this would at least be a fun and interesting adventure. Then when I was selected I thought why not.
What do you think are your strengths as a Commissioner in the Nordex Group Finland company?
Commissioning is team work and we need different types of people to get the best dynamic in the group and best results. My strengths as a commissioning team member are definitely strong electrical knowledge and technical knowledge of Nordex wind turbines. I bring also relaxed but effective working atmosphere to my colleagues and lot of bad jokes.
How do you stay up-to-date with developments and changes in the industry?
This is tricky especially on technical tasks like commissioning is. Development of machines and new components, software and tools force you stay updated. Nordex offers us turbine and manufacturer specific trainings to meet requirements what it comes to testing our machines. Personally I like to take part in different events and additional trainings outside work to improve my knowledge and connections on energy sector.
What drew you to Nordex Group specifically, and how did you first end up working for the company?
I searched for work after graduation and an interview with Nordex got me interested. I got the feeling that wind industry is a new and exciting field full of people who are highly motivated. I still think it is 9 years after I was first hired.
How would you describe the company culture at Nordex Group, and what do you think sets it apart from other companies in the industry?
In my point of view Nordex culture is made from of million micro cultures. Every country and every service point and even site office has its own ways. I also know people from other companies in the wind industry. I must say that the good and bad in Nordex differs by the effect each individual can have on their style of commitment to work.
How has your role or responsibilities evolved during your time at Nordex Group?
As a Junior service technician i did not have so much responsibility. I mainly worked on service points with maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. More or less the same goes with the service technician role. There I was expected do more challenging tasks and also got to be part of main component exchanges and commissioning groups from time to time. Teaching and instructing younger colleagues were also expected.
As a commissioner I take responsibility for how the turbine commissioning is going. I do measurements and tests and record results so the turbines can produce electricity in a safe and correct way. At work sites we commissioners are also responsible supporting project management on technical tasks. To instruct new colleagues is also something you have to take responsibility for.
Could you describe a time when you had to navigate a complex challenge or issue at work, and how you handled it?
I have had them so many it is hard to pick. I think every service technician and commissioner has technical issues every day which are hard to relate for others. I tell a story from beginning of my career that shows partly where my commitment to Nordex comes from.
Too young to rent a car:
At beginning of my career, I was sent to Estonia to support local service when another service technician was on holiday. I arrived at Tallinn airport completely stressed and hyped. It was my first work trip alone. When I went to the car rental to pick up the car they said, “You don’t get a car in Estonia, you have to be at least 21 years old.” I was 20 at the time. Completely clueless and sorry that I were already late while my new Estonian colleague was waiting for me, I did not know what to do. I felt stressed to let him down so I called him to explain the situation. Surprisingly my Estonian friend started laughing on the phone and promised to pick me up. He was more than one hour away but not angry at me. The whole working week he had to drive me to work but we had a fun time and I got the feeling that at Nordex people take care of each other.
Could you describe your most memorable project or experience at Nordex Group?
I must say again there are so many. But maybe the first that comes to mind is a couple of main component projects from Sweden. Another is where I was assisting my colleague to dismantle a burned turbine. We had so much unexpected situations due to missing and breakage of tools. But with creativity, a lot of flexibility and team work we somehow got the project done more or less in time. Another one is from a Beta turbine gearbox replacement at wintertime. The site was extremely remote and weather so challenging that actual work was ridiculously hard. What reflected in these two examples is that it is possible to maintain good humor and complete trust to your colleagues even in extremely challenging conditions.
What are your aspirations for your career development within Nordex Group?
I like a lot what I do now. It is nice for me that I get to take a part on different projects and feel that my presence is valuated.
Looking ahead, what trends or developments in the wind energy industry do you think will have the greatest impact on Nordex Group, and how do you think the company can stay ahead of the curve?
I would say AI and maintaining key characters on field. I think regarding AI every company lead should have been thinking now how I can make most of it and what works the best for us. I think in short term there is some advantage to be taken in competition but if no investment is done into it then the competition is already lost.
In this industry, like many others, it takes long time for new people to get in to company culture and be profitable, but also to feel important and happy. Now when we are competing with other companies it’s hard to keep workers who are known for their skills or personality. So, part of the challenge lies in how you keep your key players working for you. Also to understand how you keep them motivated and make them feel appreciated for what they do.