4.9.2008 Press release ENERCON at HUSUM WindEnergy 2008 Review of Renewable Energy Sources Act makes German wind projects more attractive At this year’s HUSUM WindEnergy, ENERCON GmbH will be presenting an even wider product range. Germany’s largest wind turbine manufacturer has expanded and enhanced its range of models. In the smaller category, the compact E-10, with its metal nacelle and rotor blades and a rated power of 30 kW, is ideally suited for isolated regions. In the large category, the first E-126/6 MW prototype was erected last year. This new multi-megawatt wind turbine is a sophisticated version of the E-112. Given the proper conditions, this machine makes optimum use of the wind’s energy both at inland and coastal sites. Another one of the company’s particular assets is the variety of tower types available for all ENERCON models (e.g. the new 138 metre tower for the E-82) – a tower to suit any local conditions. Currently, ENERCON is experiencing growing interest in German wind farm projects. This positive development is largely due to the revised Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). “According to the EEG, the initial power purchase price for wind energy is scheduled to rise in 2009 – a big step towards achieving Germany’s climate protection objectives“, says Stefan Lütkemeyer, Manager of ENERCON Sales. “With a power purchase price of 9.2 cts per kWh, far more projects can be realised at German inland sites than in the recent past.” A closer look at the revision of the Renewable Energy Sources Act would be well worth the while. An important new point is the technology bonus of 0.5 cts per kWh of power injected to the grid. “Provisions which conclusively defining the technical specifications required to qualify for the bonus have not yet been issued by the Ministry of the Environment”, says Andreas Düser, Head of ENERCON Sales in Ense. As long as these criteria are not available, one cannot make any statements concerning the general economic conditions for new turbines under the revised EEG. However, Düser thinks owners of older turbines should already begin taking action now. “It makes sense for owners to get in touch with the manufacturer to check out whether options are available to retrofit an older machine in order to qualify for the technology bonus.” Sales estimates that after an upgrade, approx. 2000-2500 older machines would be eligible for the technology bonus if the criteria for the incentive remain at the current status of discussions with the Ministry of the Environment. Furthermore, the new Renewable Energy Sources Act makes provisions for a Repowering-Bonus: The premium for electricity produced by renovated wind farms is 0.5 cts/kWh starting next year. “This provision is a considerable incentive. The positive factor is that the bonus applies to the turbine’s initial power purchase price”, explains Düser. ENERCON has received numerous requests for repowering and advises owners and planners to start contacting communities and local authorities. “By revising the EEG, the Federal Government is paving the way for repowering older farms and individual wind turbines. Now it is up to politics to ensure that communities actually provide the necessary general conditions for planning and realising such projects.” If Germany wants to reach its objective of 18 % renewable energy out of the total final energy consumption by the year 2020, a third of which applies to the electricity sector, it will have to fall back on roughly 70 % wind power. “That means, we will have to install approx. 3,800 MW every year until 2020”, says Düser. In reality, though, things look quite different. This year, Germany will be probably install less than 2,000 MW in new turbines and next year's schedule does not look much better. Düser: “If the Federal Government seriously intends to reach its climate protection targets, it has to ensure that areas are provided to fulfil the plans. This means that it will have to do everything possible to promote and realise new and repowered projects.” ENERCON GmbH has been Germany’s leading wind turbine manufacturer for many years now. On the international scene, the enterprise has gained a strong foothold with a global market share of 14 %. In nearly 25 years of experience, the turbine manufacturer has continued to set new standards in wind energy technology. Its WECs are distinguished by a direct drive system – fewer rotating components reduce mechanical load and extend service life – and an extremely efficient blade design. In operation, these technical achievements are especially remarkable due to above-average yield and a longer lifespan.