ABO Energy is considering a strategic shift from its traditional role as a renewables project developer to becoming an independent power producer (IPP), the German company said on Friday.
The Wiesbaden-based firm, which has focused on developing wind, solar, and battery storage projects for nearly three decades, said the move would allow it to offer more customised energy solutions for large-scale consumers, leveraging its experience in power purchase agreements (PPAs).
“We have been successful as a ‘pure play’ project developer for around 30 years – now is the right time to consider expanding our value chain,” said Managing Director Karsten Schlageter in a statement.
The company’s development pipeline currently stands at 34 gigawatts (GW), which, combined with in-house technical expertise, it believes positions ABO Energy to establish a diversified portfolio capable of offering baseload power to the market.
ABO Energy cited improved permitting conditions in Germany as a factor influencing the shift, noting that approved onshore wind capacity has risen from 1.9GW in 2019 to 14.1GW in 2024. Schlageter said the evolving market dynamics make it more attractive to retain ownership of projects rather than divest them entirely.
The company acknowledged that moving into long-term ownership and operation would require significant capital investment and confirmed it is in discussions with potential investors. Some early-stage talks suggest that investors may seek shareholder rights in exchange for funding.
Schlageter added that founder families Ahn and Bockholt have indicated a willingness to sell shares if needed, potentially paving the way for a return to a public limited company structure.
