W.E.B Fireside Talks 2026

Under the motto “Achieving Goals, Shaping the Future,” the 2026 W.E.B fireside talks focused on corporate growth, increasing professionalization, and the central role of renewable energy in ensuring a secure and independent energy supply. WEB Windenergie AG (W.E.B) emphasized its role as a driving force in the energy transition and announced further expansion projects in Europe and Canada.

Renewable Energy as the Foundation for Independence and Stability

“The expansion of renewable energy is not only environmentally necessary, but also a sustainable foundation for energy security and economic resilience,” emphasized Stefanie Markut, Board Member for Corporate Development. Especially considering current geopolitical developments, it has become clear how important a stable, domestic power supply is for Austria and Europe. At the same time, electricity demand continues to rise, making the accelerated expansion of wind and photovoltaic installations essential.

More Achieved in Three Years Than in the Previous Decade

W.E.B is currently in an intensive phase of growth and professionalization. In 2024 and 2025, the company brought 52 facilities online. Including the projects scheduled for commissioning this year, this represents approximately 340 MW of new generating capacity. “We are now accomplishing in three years what previously required more than ten,” said Stefanie Markut, referring to the strong momentum within the project portfolio. This growth is based on active portfolio management, a clear internationalization strategy, and the continuous development of the company’s structures.

New Legal Framework as a Milestone for the Market

A key topic of the Fireside Talks was the importance of stable and modern legal frameworks. In particular, the recently adopted Electricity Industry Act (ElWG) represents an important milestone for Austria. It modernizes the electricity market and creates new opportunities for innovative business models.

The new regulation for energy storage systems is especially significant, providing greater clarity and planning certainty. Roman Prager, Board Member for Operations, stated: “With the new legal framework in place, we can now implement our battery project at the Grafenschlag site. This will complement the hybrid wind and photovoltaic project with a forward-looking storage solution. It is also positive that battery prices have declined significantly in recent years.” W.E.B announced that storage solutions will be considered as an integral component of all future projects.

Low-Wind Year Within Stable Long-Term Trends

Despite significantly increased generating capacity, W.E.B Group’s electricity production in 2025 was at the same level as the previous year. The reason was an unusually low-wind situation across Europe. There is currently no evidence linking this to climate change. A study commissioned by W.E.B and conducted by BOKU University Vienna found no indication that wind availability in Europe will decline in the medium term due to climate-related factors.

Efficiency and Digitalization as Growth Drivers

In addition to expanding capacity, W.E.B is working intensively to further professionalize its internal structures and continuously optimize cost structures. After a period of significant workforce growth between 2022 and 2024, employee numbers remained largely stable in 2025. Through process optimization and new software solutions, the company considers itself well positioned to manage the next phase of growth with its existing teams.

7,000 Shareholders—and a Look Toward a Mid-Term IPO

The number of shareholders continues to rise: W.E.B currently has around 7,000 shareholders. Michael Trcka, Board Member for Finance, commented: “We see significant potential, particularly among younger investors, and are therefore working intensively on measures to make W.E.B shares more attractive to this target group.” A potential initial public offering (IPO) is being considered as a strategic option, among other reasons, to facilitate trading via modern online platforms. At the same time, the company aims to strengthen its equity base to secure its planned growth over the long term.

At the upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2026, W.E.B will present a concrete plan for a possible mid-term IPO. However, no vote is currently scheduled. A formal resolution proposal could be introduced at the earliest at the following year’s AGM.

Outlook: Projects in Canada, France, Germany, and Austria

At the conclusion of the Fireside Talks, Florian Müller, Board Member for Project Development, provided a detailed outlook on upcoming commissioning projects:

• Canada: The Weavers Mountain project with 16 turbines is being implemented. Turbine delivery is expected in the summer, with commissioning planned by year-end. The next major project, Sugar Maple, is already in the permitting phase.
• France: The Poilly project with six turbines is progressing rapidly. All foundations have been completed, and implementation is on schedule.
• Germany: Wörbzig II is a smaller but technologically advanced project: Two 7-MW-class wind turbines with a hub height of 164 meters will generate a total of 14 MW—an output that would have required seven turbines around ten years ago.
• Austria: The Rohr II photovoltaic project in Styria will expand the existing facility.
• Czech Republic: A wind farm in Břežany is scheduled for commissioning in 2027, followed by Rasnice in 2028.

W.E.B on Track Toward 1 Gigawatt

Reaffirming the company’s ambitious expansion plans, Florian Müller concluded: “We remain on track toward 1 gigawatt. Our teams are consistently working on the implementation of ongoing projects and the further development of our portfolio.” With more than 30 years of experience, a strong project pipeline, and a stable power plant fleet, W.E.B considers itself well positioned to continue growing profitably—even in a changing market environment.