Support in identifying locations for wind and solar power

Local planning authorities play a central role in implementing the expansion targets for renewable energies. Nefino supports you in identifying suitable locations for photovoltaic and wind energy plants, thereby not only meeting political requirements for the designation of areas, but also achieving financial benefits and increasing local acceptance.

Ground-mounted photovoltaics

Planning sovereignty for ground-mounted photovoltaics lies with the municipal planning authorities, which should control the expansion in a targeted manner in order to avoid competing uses. In cooperation with the planning authorities, we are developing a list of criteria that takes technical, legal and local circumstances into account. This involves identifying areas eligible for subsidies under the Renewable Energy Sources Act and privileged areas under Section 35 (1) No. 8 b) BauGB.

Arable yield and soil figures are an important component of our analyses. This enables you to ensure that the best arable land in your municipality remains available for agriculture.

Our analysis incorporates a wide range of geodata. This includes data on settlement structure, bodies of water, protected areas, nature and landscape conservation, aviation, infrastructure, soils and state and regional planning.

Site concepts for wind energy

With the amendment of the Wind Area Requirements Act, it will be necessary to adapt the regional plans and expand the area available for wind energy. The towns and municipalities are then obliged to adapt their land use plans to the priority areas in the regional plan. It is therefore in the interest of the municipal planning authorities to identify spatially compatible areas on their own initiative in order to actively incorporate them into the planning process and represent their interests in the expansion of wind energy.

Repowering analyses for potential areas

We investigate both the potential for new wind turbines and the repowering of existing turbines. With an extensive database on operators and the age of the turbines, we can derive the repowering potential by identifying the existing turbines within the identified potential areas. This allows municipalities to benefit from more powerful new turbines at established locations.

As part of the potential area analysis, we also identify the repowering potential in the area under investigation. In addition to the analysis, this is based on our nationwide data set of wind turbines.

The evaluation of the initial potential areas gives you a basis for making decisions on investor inquiries. Here is an example of how different inquiries could be dealt with on the basis of the analysis:
Investor A: Area is not part of the potential area. The application can be rejected directly.
Investor B: Area is part of the potential area, but has few favorable criteria and is located near a settlement. The request should be examined again in detail.
Investor C: The site is part of the potential site landscape and has a large number of favorable criteria. Application can be accepted in principle.

Individual area analyses

In addition to overall spatial location concepts, we also carry out detailed analyses for individual areas. These detailed analyses support the prioritization of sites for a planning area. Site profiles are created that contain all relevant information for the initiation of land-use planning on the basis of maps.

Ground-mounted photovoltaics

Planning sovereignty for ground-mounted photovoltaics lies with the municipal planning authorities, which should control the expansion in a targeted manner in order to avoid competing uses. In cooperation with the planning authorities, we are developing a list of criteria that takes technical, legal and local circumstances into account. This involves identifying areas eligible for subsidies under the Renewable Energy Sources Act and privileged areas under Section 35 (1) No. 8 b) BauGB.

Arable yield and soil figures are an important component of our analyses. This enables you to ensure that the best arable land in your municipality remains available for agriculture.

Site concepts for wind energy

With the amendment of the Wind Area Requirements Act, it will be necessary to adapt the regional plans and expand the area available for wind energy. The towns and municipalities are then obliged to adapt their land use plans to the priority areas in the regional plan. It is therefore in the interest of the municipal planning authorities to identify spatially compatible areas on their own initiative in order to actively incorporate them into the planning process and represent their interests in the expansion of wind energy.

Our analysis incorporates a wide range of geodata. This includes data on settlement structure, bodies of water, protected areas, nature and landscape conservation, aviation, infrastructure, soils and state and regional planning.

Repowering analyses for potential areas

We investigate both the potential for new wind turbines and the repowering of existing turbines. With an extensive database on operators and the age of the turbines, we can derive the repowering potential by identifying the existing turbines within the identified potential areas. This allows municipalities to benefit from more powerful new turbines at established locations.

As part of the potential area analysis, we also identify the repowering potential in the area under investigation. In addition to the analysis, this is based on our nationwide data set of wind turbines.

Individual area analyses

In addition to overall spatial location concepts, we also carry out detailed analyses for individual areas. These detailed analyses support the prioritization of sites for a planning area. Site profiles are created that contain all relevant information for the initiation of land-use planning on the basis of maps.

The evaluation of the initial potential areas gives you a basis for making decisions on investor inquiries. Here is an example of how different inquiries could be dealt with on the basis of the analysis:
Investor A: Area is not part of the potential area. The application can be rejected directly.
Investor B: Area is part of the potential area, but has few favorable criteria and is located near a settlement. The request should be examined again in detail.
Investor C: The site is part of the potential site landscape and has a large number of favorable criteria. Application can be accepted in principle.

What sets us apart

With our many years of expertise, we identify the most suitable sites for municipal planning authorities throughout Germany. Our fast, independent and precise assessment is based on comprehensive geodata and interdisciplinary collaboration to efficiently drive forward the energy transition.

Extensive expertise

As one of the largest independent service providers, we carry out potential area analyses for municipal planning authorities throughout Germany. We use professional, legal and technical exclusion criteria to determine the most spatially compatible areas.

From individual distances to residential areas to yield potential in agriculture and height restrictions for wind turbines, we include all relevant geodata in our calculations.

Interdisciplinary team

With over 40 highly motivated and talented employees, we are an innovative and versatile team. As a scientific spin-off of the University of Hanover, the efficient transfer of research from science to practice is at the heart of our work.

Our goal as geographers, engineers and computer scientists is to contribute to the success of the energy transition through interdisciplinary collaboration with innovative digital solutions.

Time frame

We are characterized by a particularly fast processing time of just a few weeks, which is well below the standard processing times in the industry. This is made possible by our comprehensive geodatabase, which we always keep up to date. By using state-of-the-art geoinformation systems, we achieve particularly high-quality and precise results.

Neutral basis for decision-making

On the basis of our potential area analysis, we carry out an independent area evaluation using numerous restriction and favorability criteria. We provide the planning authority with extensive map material and a solid geodatabase for independent further processing.

Dismantling costs in project development

In Germany, the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) requires the calculation of dismantling costs when applying for approval for wind turbines. Here we offer support by preparing a reliable and realistic calculation of the dismantling costs in order to ensure a safe project realization.

Expert opinion during the operating period

Changes over time in relevant factors influencing the expected dismantling costs lead to planning uncertainties with regard to the statutory dismantling obligation. We offer individual or periodic dismantling cost analyses based on current data in order to enable operators to set up provisions in compliance with the law at all times.

Expert opinion on dismantling costs for investments

As part of due diligence when purchasing an existing wind farm, a careful examination of all investment details, including the provisions made for the dismantling of the wind farm, is essential. We provide reliable and realistic analyses of the dismantling costs, which are crucial for assessing the value of a wind farm.

Dismantling costs at the end of the operating period

Wind turbines reach the end of their service life after the EEG subsidy expires or due to technical ageing. A precise calculation of the dismantling costs is crucial in order to avoid surprises due to insufficient provisions. We prepare precise cost analyses to provide reliable estimates and give you clarity about dismantling costs and provisions.

Our municipal customers

Numerous municipalities and districts already rely on Nefino’s expertise. With our support, numerous site concepts have been developed and areas designated for wind and solar parks.

City of Elze

City of Elze

Municipality of Alfeld

Municipality of Alfeld

Municipality of Nordstemmen

Municipality of Nordstemmen

Municipality of Lamspringe

Municipality of Lamspringe

Municipality of Wathlingen

Municipality of Wathlingen

Joint municipality of Flotwedel

Joint municipality of Flotwedel

Municipality of Diekholzen

Municipality of Diekholzen

Municipality of Faßberg

Municipality of Faßberg

City of Wermelskirchen

City of Wermelskirchen

Municipality of Eschede

Municipality of Eschede

Special solar systems

Have you already found out about the many possibilities for your projects thanks to special solar systems?

You can find further information on the various options on our separate page.

Reaching the goal together – our approach

No matter how different your specific concerns may be, we always focus on your needs! Thanks to our many years of expertise in supporting municipal planning authorities, we understand your individual requirements and challenges. This enables us to achieve the best possible results together with you in a tried and tested process.

Have we aroused your interest?

Frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the significance of the energy transition for municipalities and the comprehensive services that Nefino offers municipal planning authorities.

Nefino supports municipal planning authorities throughout Germany in identifying suitable and spatially compatible sites for ground-mounted photovoltaic and wind energy plants. We offer comprehensive potential site analyses, site concepts and individual site analyses. With an interdisciplinary team and state-of-the-art geoinformation systems, we create a neutral basis for decision-making that takes into account all relevant geodata and local conditions.

In the field of ground-mounted photovoltaics, Nefino works closely with municipal planning authorities to avoid conflicts of use and to manage the expansion in a targeted manner. We develop a catalog of criteria that takes technical, legal and local conditions into account. Our analyses include data on settlement structure, bodies of water, protected areas, infrastructure and much more in order to identify areas eligible for funding under the Renewable Energy Sources Act.

Nefino offers comprehensive potential area analyses for wind energy that enable municipal planning authorities to identify the most spatially compatible areas. Our analyses are based on a nationwide data set of wind turbines and take into account operator information, the age of the turbines and possible repowering potential. This helps local authorities to replace existing turbines with new, more powerful ones.

In addition to climate protection, the energy transition also brings financial benefits for local authorities. Under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), local authorities receive payments from the plant operators, which can be used for social infrastructure, nature and climate protection as well as cultural and educational projects. In addition, renewable energies generate income from business taxes, leases and citizen participation, which strengthen the regional economy.

Nefino is characterized by particularly short processing times, which are well below the industry average. Thanks to our comprehensive and always up-to-date geodatabase and the use of state-of-the-art geoinformation systems, we are able to deliver high-quality and precise results within just a few weeks.

Do you have any questions?

Sales Manager: Sebastian Beiß

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Claas Gubner

Sales Manager: Sebastian Beiß