German state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania proposes real estate tax for renewables

The state parliament in the northern German wind-power state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MWP) has proposed a real estate tax for renewable energy installations that should be introduced across the entire country, Frank Pubantz writes in the Ostsee Zeitung. “Municipalities could be compensated for the visual impact of wind turbines and other renewables on their land,” Pubantz writes, adding that industry representatives reject the measure. State parliamentarian Franz-Robert Liskow of the conservative CDU says MWP should endorse the tax in the federal economy minister conference and strive for a nationwide implementation “within three to four years.” The politician argues the already existing business tax on renewables would only pay off for municipalities after several years, whereas a real estate tax “benefits municipalities right after construction is finished.”