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In the discussion about state subsidies for business energy, ENERCON CCO Ulrich Schulze Südhoff points to the expansion of onshore wind energy as a long-term solution. At the Handelsblatt Industrial Summit 2023 in Minden (7–8 December) today, he highlighted the role of onshore wind energy as a partner to business and industry: 'Onshore wind is the most cost-effective means of energy production, which makes it an important factor for the economy. As a partner to business and industry, we are ready tocontribute at the local level to a competitive, reliable energy supply and thelong-term viability of industry locations.'
Land that is near industrial sites, owned by industrial companies or publicly owned could be used for decentralised wind farms as an important pillar of a low-cost, renewable, independent and reliable business energy supply in Germany and Europe. 'The quicker such land at suitable locations can be zoned for wind power and projects can be developed together with local actors, the sooner such projects will be able to secure the industrial production at that location', said the ENERCON COO.
State subsidies may be appropriate as a temporary immediate measure, he added, but they would not ensure the long-term viability of industry locations. 'They fail to eliminate the actual problem',said Schulze Südhoff. 'In the midst of the transformation, the industrial sector is finding itself without a secure, low-cost energy supply. This can only be achieved through a massive acceleration of the expansion of renewable energies – with onshore wind energy as the workhorse. We have already realised successful projects with customers from the industrial sector. These wind farms have been supplying reliable low-cost green power to these industry locations for years. A partnership between wind energy and industry provides the optimal elements for a successful scheme that will retain industrial businesses who have switched to climate-friendly production.'
As a pioneer of wind energy technology and a committed supporter of the energy transition, we have specialised in developing, producing, selling and servicing onshore wind turbines. Pursuing our mission of ‘Energy for the world’, we have been championing sustainable energy generation from onshore wind since 1984. Thanks to our innovative wind turbine technology, high quality standards and many years of experience, we are one of the industry’s leading manufacturers anywhere in the world.
ENERCON and long-standing customer Soler signed contract during WindEnergy Hamburg
ENERCON achieved the technological breakthrough in the 1990s with the legendary E-40/500 kW. The gearless drive concept introduced for the first time with this wind turbine type still characterises ENERCON wind energy converters to this day. It also forms the basis for the new top-of-the-range model E-175 EP5 that ENERCON is currently rolling out in series production.
Following the successful fulfilment of the 750 MW turbine delivery agreements in the first phase, the companies have taken another step towards completing the 1,000 MW project by signing a delivery agreement for the remaining 250 MW capacity.
As of 2026, top model will be available with 7.0 MW and tower of 175 metres