The statutory framework in Germany has led to a significant increase in the proportion of electricity produced from renewable sources since 2000. The amendment of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), which came into force on 1 January 2009, aims to continue this development. But this is necessary in order to implement the draft directive which was prepared at the EU level and stipulates that the proportion of energy produced from renewable sources should be increased to 20% throughout the EU by the year 2020. Under this draft, the proportion of consumer energy for Germany is to amount to 18%. This goal is closely linked with the goal of the German government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared with 1990 by the year 2020. Business companies and associations in the industry even assume that renewable energy will provide as much as 47% of the electricity needed in Germany in 2020. In any case, it is clear that this branch of industry offers very good opportunities for investors, banks, project developers, operators, power suppliers, manufacturers and insurance companies. But at the same time, the demands placed on the professionalism of all parties are increasing.

In addition to the legal and tax structure of projects and transactions, we also identify the relevant project risks in due diligence processes. We ensure that the legal solutions, including the consideration of the tax requirements, fit into the economic context of the project and the transaction, and we work together with our clients to develop a viable financing concept which satisfies the taxation, economic and legal requirements. The SIBETH consultants who work in the renewable energy sector are able to draw on experience gained from about 100 transactions (as of the end of 2008). Especially in the renewable energy sector, SIBETH has a close international network, with experienced and leading consultants almost everywhere in the world, so at any time it can provide support for projects and transactions with an international dimension.