The foundation of Enercon in 1984 began with Aloys Wobben and just three employees in Aurich, Germany. This electrical engineering project evolved over the following decades into one of the most successful enterprises in the wind energy sector, eventually positioning its founder among the wealthiest individuals in the country.
Technical Foundation
Wobben was born in 1952 in Rastdorf, West Germany. He pursued studies in electrical engineering at the University of Oldenburg, where he completed a Diplom Engineer degree. This academic background provided the technical expertise necessary for his future innovations in renewable power generation.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Innovation and Industry Growth
The company trajectory shifted significantly in 1993 when Wobben transitioned production to a gearless wind turbine utilizing a full converter of his own design. The resulting Enercon E-40 model met performance expectations, which established the company as a key competitor in the global market.
Succession and Corporate Structure
In 2012, Wobben withdrew from active operational management due to health concerns. To ensure the continuity of the business, he transferred his shares to the Aloys-Wobben Foundation, effective 1 October 2012. This structural change made the foundation the sole shareholder of the Enercon Group.
Public and Industry Recognition
Wobben received numerous accolades throughout his career for his contributions to engineering and environmental technology. His honours included the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1997, the German Environmental Prize in 2000, and the Lower Saxony State Prize in 2009. He was also awarded the Karmarsch Medal in 2013, the Rudolf-Diesel-Medaille, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Kassel in 2006.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Rastdorf, Germany
- Died: 2021, Aurich, Germany
- Occupation: Electrical engineer, entrepreneur
- Company founded: Enercon, 1984
- Key technology: Gearless wind turbine with full converter
- Foundation date: 1 October 2012
- Net worth (August 2021): US$7.1 billion
Questions readers ask
What major technological change did Wobben implement in 1993?
He switched the production of his turbines to a gearless design featuring a full converter.
Who owns the Enercon Group following Wobben's retirement?
The Aloys-Wobben Foundation has been the sole shareholder of the company since 1 October 2012.
Achievements
- Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1997
- Worked as entrepreneur, engineer and electrical engineer
