Environment
Our commitment to environmental responsibility
Environmental protection is an integral part of our core business and deeply rooted in our company. As a clean energy solutions provider, we make a significant contribution to climate protection and promote the expansion of renewable energy.
For a sustainable energy supply
Climate change
As a clean energy solutions provider, our vision is to enable a climate-neutral, stable and sustainable energy supply worldwide. In doing so, we take into account both our own impact on the climate—such as heating our office locations or the fuel consumption of our company fleet—and the potential climate risks and consequences to which our business model is exposed.
Our goal is to reduce climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions and thus actively contribute to the protection of the environment, nature and society.
For nature conservation and species protection
Biodiversity & ecosystems
The protection of biodiversity is a key criterion in the selection of potential sites for our projects. Even in the early planning stages, we analyze the ecological conditions and assess how our projects can best be reconciled with nature conservation and species protection. In doing so, the PNE Group strictly adheres to the legal requirements and guidelines of the relevant federal states and nature conservation authorities.
Even before submitting the application documents, we begin conducting extensive ecological analyses. These include, for example, avifaunal surveys that monitor breeding birds, migratory birds and stopover birds over a period of up to one year. At the same time, we identify potential conflicts with nature and species conservation and develop targeted measures to promote biodiversity.
Comprehensive environmental assessments are required for applications for permits to construct and operate wind power and solar power plants. These assessments, including environmental impact assessments, specialized species conservation reviews and landscape management plans, ensure that all relevant aspects of nature and species conservation are taken into account throughout the permitting process.
In the subsequent planning phase, we identify specific biodiversity modules—such as flower strips, orchard meadows, or nesting aids—and coordinate these with experts and regulatory agencies. During the construction and operational phases, we consistently implement these measures and track their effectiveness through regular monitoring. In this way, promoting biodiversity is not an afterthought, but an integral part of our project development.
During the operational phase, we take seasonal agricultural activities such as mowing and harvest times into account. To protect wildlife and prevent collisions, we establish specific shutdown periods for these times.
In addition, PNE pursues improvements to technical systems and advancements that add value to biodiversity conservation. This includes, for example, the further development and use of anti-collision systems to protect against bird strikes.
We have implemented the following measures in our projects:
- Installation of diversion screens for red kite nesting sites, as well as hedgerows and hedges to protect the hazel dormouse at the Hamwarde wind Farm
- Conversion of approximately 14,000 m² of permanent grassland to extensive management and creation of 6,000 m² of flower strips at the Bokel wind Farm
- Presence surveys to prevent operational killings of the hobby at the Groß Oesingen wind farm
- Construction schedule regulations to protect open-country and woodland breeders at many wind farms
- Operating schedule regulations during mowing and harvesting operations
For the sustainable use of resources
Circular economy & resource use
We focus on the efficient use of resources. As part of our commitment to sustainable business practices, we are placing greater emphasis on the reuse and recycling of materials. We also explore ways to optimize processes and extend the service life of equipment.
Recycling plays a particularly important role in connection with repowering—that is, the replacement of older wind turbines or parts thereof with modern, more efficient turbines.
What happens to the old wind turbines?
Old wind turbines are typically sold to specialized dismantling companies, which then handle the dismantling, disposal and recycling.
In some cases, the wind turbines can be reused in their entirety or as spare parts at other operators’ sites. If reuse is not possible, the components are dismantled and disposed of properly. In the material recovery process, some components can be fed into recycling processes, while others are used for energy recovery, for example. The greatest challenge in the recovery and recycling process lies with the glass fiber composites used in rotor blades, among other components. There are already disposal specialists who have developed facilities for the recovery of glass fiber composites. In addition, there are numerous industry-specific initiatives aimed at further improving the recyclability of materials and recycling capacity.
Crushed concrete from old wind farms is used, when possible to fill new foundations.
Resource use & circular economy
How PNE Contributes to Improving the Circular Economy
PNE places a high priority on responsible waste management in accordance with the waste hierarchy, requires documentation of disposal and recycling and, since 2025, has been evaluating suppliers’ environmental practices for decommissioning projects based on qualification criteria.
In addition, the PNE examines critical materials that may be used in the wind energy industry and develops strategies to prevent or minimize their use.
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- Coordination with suppliers on topics such as:
- avoiding critical materials, such as SF6 and PFAS
- Identification of potential uses of critical raw minerals
- Coordination with suppliers on topics such as:
- Identifying low-CO2e alternatives in consultation with suppliers
- Studies on the most environmentally friendly transportation routes
- Implementation of avoidance and mitigation measures to protect species and ecosystems
- Use of green electricity to power the facilities (during downtime)
- CO2e savings for end users through the generation of renewable electricity compared to conventional electricity
- Implementation of operational species conservation measures
- Application of evaluation criteria for environmentally friendly practices in the selection of demolition contractors
- Obtaining disposal and recycling proofs
