Source: energate

"Of course we have to do a lot of convincing on the ground," said Stefan-Jörg Göbel, senior vice president of Statkraft Germany, in an interview with energate . Resistance is visible. "We would sometimes like to see more local enthusiasm," Göbel said, adding, "On a big stage, many say they are for wind power." But those who come to the meetings are usually those who see it critically.

Feedback to be incorporated into planning

In the meantime, there is a financial contribution of 0.2 cents/kWh for the municipalities. Wind farm operators earn the levy through the EEG surcharge, which does not reduce their own profits. Göbel describes this as a great added value. But that alone does not create acceptance. If wishes can be fulfilled, Statkraft responds to local needs: "If, for example, we can preserve the visual axis to the village church by moving the turbines a few metres, then we'll do that," stressed Göbel. Statkraft also offers cooperative models. But for this, the company depends on the commitment of the residents. We can't set up a cooperative, reported Göbel. That has to be done by someone on site.

The decision as to which developer is allowed to use the area for wind power is ultimately made by the owners, often farmers. The law only provides for the participation of local residents after planning during the approval process. In addition to the amount of the lease fee for the land owners, Statkraft advertised that it can reliably realise projects. "The promised lease is of no use if, for example, a project does not come to fruition due to poor management," said Göbel.

People accept renewables even in their own vicinity

In theory, a large majority is in favour of the expansion of renewable energies, even in their own neighbourhood. If people were asked before the installation of plants in their neighbourhood how they felt about them, the acceptance would decrease slightly. It is even higher after the wind turbine is built than among people who only think about wind energy in the abstract, Professor Ellen Matthies of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg told enegate. People need to be involved in the planning processes, Matthies argued.

Market for acquisitions running hot

Statkraft is relying on organic growth for the expected upswing in the wind industry. The project developer is ruling out further acquisitions for the time being. Statkraft recently acquired the British solar developer Solarcentury. Instead of project companies, existing wind farms could be added to the portfolio, if at all. In 2021, for example, Statkraft had acquired the 350 MW wind farm portfolio from Bremen-based operator Breeze Three Energy. "This market has also run very hot and prices are correspondingly high," said Göbel, limiting the prospects for further purchases of portfolios.

< back