The key to being successful in business, Baturina said, is in, “existing at the cutting edge, in the vanguard, which means being constantly aware of the innovations, following up even those ideas that at the first sight seem improbable and unrealizable.”

That approach explains the latest investment made by her Austrian company that signed an agreement with the German renewable energy provider RE-Pro (RE-Pro Renewable Energy Provider KGaA).

Previously, Baturina said that the overall investment in the RE-Pro renewable project was €10 million, and the sum may still be doubled. More proposals to expand the capacities are being considered, including purchasing new sites in Southern and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of the new venture is to achieve the total capacity of 135 MW.

Yelena Baturina is new to the renewable energy market; she explains the investment decision is due to her interest in the “eco solutions for the improvement of the future.”

Asked why there are so many German and Austrian aspects in her business, Baturina said, “The attitude of the business community towards investment in Austria and Germany has always been positive, as both the countries have earned their reputation as countries with a consistent economic environment.”

Format Magazine also asked Baturina to comment on what industry is currently the most reliable in terms of profit and durability: “My experience enables me to make comparisons, and I believe that European development and construction industry shows steady income.”

Yelena Baturina is the owner of hotels in Austria, Russia, Czech Republic and Ireland. She is also the founder of the BE OPEN Foundation which she established in 2012. The foundation implements research and educational programs in different countries.