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Several thousand people flocked to Germany's capital city last month to take part in a rally in support of renewable energy. The demonstration, which called for privileged status for renewables under future German energy law and retention of the existing premium payments for clean and safe electricity, brought much of Bonn to a standstill on September 23.

A convoy of 18 trucks loaded with wind turbine components and about 100 service vehicles moved slowly along the Adenauerallee to Bonn's government quarter. It was accompanied by banner waving demonstrators on foot who moved through the city to rally in front of the Bonn Art Museum.

"We expected around 2000 people from all over Germany, but over 5000 came," says Peter Ahmels from the German wind association, Bundesverband Windenergie, which co-ordinated the rally. Three hydro energy organisations, solar energy lobby groups Eurosolar and Solarenergie-Förderverein, and the metal workers trade union, IG Metall, were co-organisers of the demonstration, while over 30 other groups, representing renewable energies, the farming community, the church, tourism and youth lent their support.

Several renewable energy companies concerned about the future of their industry and jobs closed for the day so their complete workforces could take part. Wind turbine manufacturers Enercon and Tacke Windtechnik were among them.