Why wind projects fail and how the community wind farm does things differently
Wind projects rarely fail due to technology; instead, they often fail due to a lack of public trust. The community wind farm concept gives people what others prefer to keep: the majority stake, a say in decisions, and direct returns on investment.
Switzerland wants wind energy. The expansion targets are set, the Electricity Act is in place, and the locations have been identified. And yet, progress remains slow.
Wind projects frequently fail because of a lack of trust from the people who live where the turbines are to be built.
Utilities are familiar with the problem: promising projects stalling because of the local population. It is often difficult to build local relationships and trust when, due to a lack of a majority stake, the community is forced to watch from the sidelines while the profits flow away without them having a voice.
The community wind farm turns this around
Up to 74.9% of the shares remain in the community. Participation starts at 1,000 CHF. The local public limited company is based on-site and collectively decides on dividends, duration, and operations. Landowners in the project area receive a fair, broad-based share of the proceeds. Additionally, a portion of the annual earnings flows into charitable projects within the municipality.
The result: Community presidents who stand behind the project. Farmers who participate. Citizens who invest. And wind projects that succeed because the people are truly involved.
For utilities and regional decision-makers who want to realize wind projects with genuine support: Visit us at the Powertage at the joint stand dedicated to wind energy.
