Startup Nefino , founded by scientists from the local university, utilizes, for example, research results from the Institut für Integrierte Produktion Hannover (Hanover institute of integrated production, IPH) , whereby its software calculates when it is worth continuing to operate a wind turbine – or whether it would be more economical to demolish or replace old components (‘repowering’). In future, it will be possible to perform tests and get an initial assessment on the website wind-turbine.com . In addition, Nefino also offers to check the expected ROI of planned wind farms. With national subsidies set to come to an end for every second wind turbine in Europe in the next decade, the inventors see great potential for their service.

Meanwhile, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) is sounding the alarm because the expansion of wind energy in Germany has stalled. The economy is worried about the current “snail’s pace” – especially given Germany is in the process of phasing out both coal and nuclear energy. One in four industrial companies are already reporting being affected by brief power outages.