Along with climate change mitigation regional value creation and employment are essential arguments for municipalities to engage in renewable energies (RE). RE can generate income for household consolidation and create jobs in innovative industries. Municipalities are often involved in promotion and permit procedures or take influence on energy supply via municipal utilities. Thus, they are a central actor for the extension of local RE utilisation and attraction of RE industries. On behalf of the Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia this study determines effects of value creation and employment through RE in two selected municipalities, the district of Steinfurt and the city of Bochum. In addition to estimations of current regional economic effects also potential future benefits are calculated which can contribute to raise acceptance of RE and give incentive to further promote the RE-sector in the municipalities.