In Riedstadt, the focus was on economic efficiency and citizen participation
What role does wind energy play in the energy transition, and how can citizens participate financially in relevant projects? These questions were the focus of the 30th workshop discussion held by the town of Riedstadt on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Goddelau Town Hall. More than 20 interested individuals attended the event, titled "Wind Power: Profitable.".
The focus was on the economic viability of modern wind turbines, their importance for regional energy supply, and the possibilities of investing in renewable energy projects through an energy cooperative.
Wind power complements photovoltaics in winter
Benjamin Krick, redevelopment manager of the city of Riedstadt, opened the event with an overview of the historical development and economic viability of wind energy.
He explained in particular the interplay of different renewable energy sources throughout the year. "Wind power is especially important in winter because photovoltaics produce very little electricity then," Krick explained.
According to him, modern onshore wind turbines are among the technologies with the lowest levelized cost of electricity. They could therefore make an important contribution to a regional and independent energy supply.
Energy cooperative presents participation models
In the second part of the workshop discussion, Dr. Thomas Otterbein, Chairman of the Board of BürgerEnergieRheinMain eG (BERMeG), presented the work of the energy cooperative.
The cooperative invests in regional renewable energy projects. These include photovoltaic systems, the Mörfelden district heating project, and currently the Minden community wind farm.
Since its founding in 2012, BERMeG has grown from 32 to more than 300 members, according to Otterbein. The cooperative now manages over five million euros in citizen capital, which is invested in sustainable projects.
A large portion of the funds is provided through so-called subordinated loans. These are loans whose repayment in the event of insolvency is subordinated to other claims. This form of investment therefore involves particular risks for investors.
Otterbein explained that the cooperative had always reliably paid interest on the subordinated loans.
Strong interest in financial participation
During the event, visitors took the opportunity to ask questions. There was particularly great interest in the specific conditions of membership in the energy cooperative.
Discussions included topics such as the subscription of shares, collateral for subordinated loans, and their payment modalities.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the participation opportunities of BürgerEnergieRheinMain eG can find relevant information at www.bermeg.de.
The presentations of both speakers are also available on the website of the Climate-Friendly Riedstadt project:
www.klimafreundliches-riedstadt.de
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Featured image: Speaker Thomas Otterbein explains BERMeG to an interested audience. Photo: City of Riedstadt
