Frequently Asked Questions

Interesting information about wind energy

What are the advantages of wind energy?

Wind is available in almost unlimited quantities – we only have to use it. Electricity production from wind power is climate-friendly and reduces dependence on electricity from unreliable supplier countries. In addition, wind energy is the most technologically advanced method for the production of electricity from renewable sources and therefore already makes economic sense today.

Who profits from the expansion of wind power?

Electricity from wind is of benefit to all participants. Saving climate-damaging CO2 emissions benefits society as a whole. By providing the necessary land, communities and farmers are offered a secure and profitable source of income. In addition, the expansion of wind energy promotes the creation of new, future-oriented employment. Finally, by making an investment in the right companies, investors are provided with an attractive investment – ecologically correct and economically lucrative.

Is the subsidy provided for wind power by the fixed remuneration for feeding electricity into the grid justified?

Definitely. Since the first overland transmission cables were constructed more than 100 years ago, the German electricity market has been regulated and controlled by the State. This is because the security of electricity supplies is necessary for the operation of our economy. In addition, the continuing worldwide increase in climate pollution by conventional electricity production means that a change in mindset is urgently needed.

It is therefore quite right that the guaranteed remuneration for feeding electricity from renewable energies into the grid should be partially financed by the end user. However, wind power is already contributing to falling electricity prices, because electricity generation in conventional power plants is becoming ever more expensive. From 1990 to the present day, the cost for a kilowatt hour of wind-generated electricity has fallen by around 70 percent. In 2008, wind power was already cheaper than the official exchange price for conventional electricity in more than 600 hours. Apart from that, feeding wind power into the grid reduces exchange prices.

What is the significance of wind power in an international context?

A steadily increasing number of countries is recognising the potential in wind energy. For this reason, remuneration systems based on the German EEG model have been introduced in many countries. This shows that our sector is growing in significance and that PNE WIND AG has excellent prospects of long-term involvement in it. We have set our course for positive company development, particularly by targeting the future international growth markets.

What is the typical development of a wind farm project?

Every project begins with an analysis and the acquisition of a suitable wind farm site. We select the plant to be erected on the basis of local conditions and then take care of the necessary approval procedure.

A further important point is the financing. Here, PNE WIND AG has considerable expertise due to our many years of experience. In addition to the financial analysis, this phase encompasses the legal structure of the ultimate operating company, the sale of the wind farm to investors and securing the actual project financing.

Once the approval has been granted, the wind farm is built (in certain cases, the sale of the rights to the project is also an option). First of all, a connection to the electricity grid and provision of the corresponding infrastructure are required. Then the wind turbines are assembled and upon completion, they are commissioned.

Normally, the wind farm is then handed over to the operator. This is either an investor, or we will take over the wind farm ourselves.

What does the term “Repowering” mean?

“Repowering” is a term which means exchanging older wind energy turbines for new, more efficient systems. In the medium to longer term, a greater increase in repowering is to be expected in established markets such as Germany. This will further optimise the efficiency of wind energy overall.