The basis for this unique district-wide cooperation is the common philosophy, which aims to ensure a consumer-friendly and affordable energy supply as part of the provision of services of general interest in the entire region. The cooperation partners are working together with local authorities, citizens and businesses to achieve the goal of providing regional electricity at reliable and affordable conditions.

District Administrator Franz Löffler: "The energy transition is everyone's responsibility. It is a task that must be tackled with courage, but not overconfidence." In addition to PV systems and energy storage systems, wind turbines are also necessary for the right energy mix. In Max Bögl Wind AG, the company has found a partner that can deliver "everything from a single source", from project development to planning and construction.

"The Cham model is unique and can really serve as a beacon."

Johann Bögl, Partner of the Max Bögl Group

Unique Cham model

The Max Bögl Group is the market leader in Germany in the manufacture and construction of hybrid towers for Wind energy (onshore)," explained shareholder Johann Bögl. The company has also realized well over 100 turbines itself as a project developer. "The Cham model is unique and can really serve as a beacon," said Johann Bögl, assessing the idea behind the regional plants, which enables all citizens to participate, particularly in deciding what happens to the electricity generated.

For him as an entrepreneur operating throughout Germany, a district is the right size to be able to offer energy in its entirety. "As a regional, family-run partner from the Upper Palatinate and one of the market leaders in the planning and implementation of wind projects in Bavaria, we are delighted to be involved in this flagship project. In this way, we can and will increase acceptance for the use of renewable energies locally and enable many people to participate. We are looking forward to this long-term partnership!"

An inter-municipal energy park design is being developed for the wind farms, which includes transformer stations, storage facilities and PV systems, explained Regionalwerke board member Martin Ritt. In this way, feed-in points into the electricity grid are to be used effectively and unnecessary line costs avoided. The next step on the way to implementation, according to the Board of Directors, will be species protection checks, turbulence studies and wind measurements at the sites. Fellow board member Dr. Klaus Amberger added: "Just like Max Bögl Wind AG, Regionalwerke can offer everything from a single source and thus be successful even in an unstable economic environment. Both citizens and regional companies will be able to participate in all plants and Max Bögl is also available for investments."

Using energy for the common good

Mayors Max Schmaderer (municipality of Schorndorf) and Christian Raab (municipality of Michelsneukirchen) were also convinced that the municipalities should "hold the reins". "Our goal must be to use energy for the common good. Let the wind blow. This is how we strengthen the district, the region, the economy and create jobs," said Schmaderer. Raab reported on the high level of acceptance among the population and the good cooperation with the regional plants.

Prior to the announcement, the representatives of the 37 participating municipalities and the district voted in favor of this partnership between the joint municipal company Regionalwerke Landkreis Cham and Max Bögl Wind AG in a closed meeting of the Board of Directors. The Sengenthal-based family business had prevailed in the Europe-wide award procedure, which was accompanied by the law firm BBH.

Picture: District Administrator Franz Löffler hands over the contractual documents for the joint wind power partnership to Johann Bögl
Picture credits: LRA Cham press office