Investing in the future

Wind risk

The wind does not always blow consistently. WindShareFund will consult available wind reports over a longer period of time. We then base our forecasts on a conservative estimate of the average wind forecast.

Technical defects in turbines

There may be technical defects in the wind turbines. Any technical defects are resolved by the wind turbine supplier under a comprehensive service contract. The supplier guarantees 95% to 98% technical availability (exact percentage depending on the manufacturer: Enercon, Siemens, Nordex, Vestas or General Electric). If availability falls below this level, the supplier will compensate for lost revenue.

External factors

There is a risk of damage to the wind turbines due to external causes. The wind farm is insured against damage due to a number of causes such as lightning strikes, aircraft damage and explosions and for damages caused by a source external to the wind farm as well as for damages caused by fire within the systems of the wind turbines. However, not all damages can be insured (under acceptable terms). Examples include damage caused by terrorist attacks, natural disasters or war.

Decrease in energy price

What if the energy price falls? It is for precisely this reason that we are investing in wind turbines in Germany that fall under the original German EEG legislation with a guaranteed fixed offtake price for renewable energy for a longer period of time.

Construction and permits

Circumstances may arise during the construction of wind turbines that lead to the postponement or adjustment of the necessary permits. WindShareFund does not assume this risk: we only invest in functioning wind turbines that are already connected to the electricity grid and produce renewable energy.

A detailed overview of all the risks is included in the prospectus, which you can download without obligation.

The 7 certainties of WindShareFund ClimateBonds:

1.  High quality onshore wind turbines in Germany.

2. Binding German energy legislation (the EEG) guarantees fixed purchase prices of renewable energy for (more than) the entire term of the ClimateBonds.

3. We only invest in functioning wind turbines that are connected to the electricity grid.

4. Technical availability guarantee from 95% to 98%.

5. The wind turbines are insured to the greatest extent possible.

6. We only work together with strong partners who we consider to be reliable, in our experience.

7. Green and sustainable investment with a base interest rate of 3%.

Why is WindShareFund investing in Germany?

Germany has a strong economy, consistent legislation and is at the vanguard in wind energy. Germany has a stable investment climate in general and in renewable energy in particular. The original EEG (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz), within the scope of which WindShareFund Europe N.V. buys wind turbines, guarantees fixed purchase prices for renewable energy. This legislation is valid for at least 20 years and provides a basis of stability and certainty.

What specifically does the original EEG entail?

The EEG is an incentive scheme for the production of renewable energy. It consists of firmly established legislation that regulates that energy generated from renewable sources is “given priority” over energy from fossil sources. A fixed fee is also set for any renewable energy supplied. The scheme stipulates an obligation to purchase sustainably generated energy at a fixed price. This determination is issued for a period of 20 years per wind turbine. The German authorities indirectly guarantee, through this legislation, that the energy generated must be purchased at a fixed price.

Is the 3% base interest rate per year guaranteed?

Investing always involves some risk. However, ClimateBonds feature a fixed interest payment that can almost always be distributed. This could change only in very exceptional situations. Strictly speaking, the 3% base interest rate is therefore not fully guaranteed. However, ClimateBonds is a very stable investment product as the risks are fully hedged where possible. In addition, we work exclusively with reliable, reputable parties. This means that, as a participant, you do not run more risk than necessary. You can find more information about risks and certainties on our website.

How does the profit sharing work?

The wind turbines will be sold at the end of the term of the ClimateBonds. Profit may be left after deduction of all costs and taxes. 50% of this profit will be distributed to the participants on a pro rata basis. This means that 50% of the profit will be divided by the number of ClimateBonds, and that amount will be multiplied by the number of ClimateBonds a participant has. This amount is then paid to each individual participant.

What is the minimum investment?

The minimum deposit is €1,000. An investment of €1,000 means you can participate with 1 ClimateBond. It is also possible to purchase more than one. The relatively low entry price makes investing in WindShareFund accessible to more people.

What costs will be charged when I register?

WindShareFund has managed to keep participation costs as low as possible. As a participant, you pay a one-off 2% issue fee based on the participation fee. No further costs will be charged to you during the term of the investment. WindShareFund will not charge you for management fees or other costs. Your interest rate payment will continue throughout the term, with no need for you to worry about unexpected costs.

What are issue costs?

Issue costs are the costs WindShareFund incurs to be able to offer the issue. These costs are incurred, among other things, for raising capital in the fund. It is a one-off fee to be paid by the investor. In simple terms, the issue of the ClimateBonds is made possible by the issue costs charged.

How does an investment of €7,000 make my household CO2-neutral?

Renewable energy production offsets energy generated by CO2 emissions. The production of wind energy does not generate CO2 emissions. A two-person household emits approximately 8 tonnes of CO2 annually through energy in the home and transport. Investing in one WindShareFund ClimateBond represents a direct CO2 reduction of 1.2 tonnes per year. Investing in seven WindShareFund ClimateBonds achieves full CO2 offsetting for an average household of two people.

Why does WindShareFund invest in onshore wind turbines?

Onshore wind turbines are easily accessible. In addition, an onshore wind turbine, for example, is less exposed to the effects of weathering than a wind turbine at sea (e.g. the long-term effects of salt water) and therefore has a longer lifespan. This means less frequent maintenance and lower maintenance costs. The construction of wind turbines at sea also entails higher costs. At sea, materials have to be transported to the location on the water. In addition, it is also more complex and costly to construct the foundation of a wind turbine at sea. In short, the costs of an onshore wind turbine are lower.

Why has the WindShareFund IV prospectus been registered with and approved by the Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF)?

WindShareFund’s mission to accelerate the energy transition aims to have a much more international impact in the short term. We do this by offering ClimateBonds in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. This immediately reaches a much larger audience. Luxembourg’s central location in relation to the other four countries, as well as its excellent reputation and expertise as the investment fund and banking capital country of Europe, means that WindShareFund has chosen to have the prospectus approved there. The CSSF is the national financial markets authority in Luxembourg. In the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France, the prospectus has been registered by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in accordance with European regulations and is registered in the registers of the relevant financial authorities.