VSB receives approval for two more turbines at Elster Repowering wind farm
Press / Dresden / 17.10.2024
VSB Germany has received approval from the lower immission control authority of the district of Wittenberg (Saxony-Anhalt) for the construction of two additional wind turbines as part of the Elster Repowering wind farm project.
The expansion will increase the total number of planned turbines to 18, reinforcing the project’s prominent position as one of the most significant repowering initiatives in Europe. The newly approved turbines each have a capacity of 6.6 megawatts (MW). Once operational, they will bring the wind farm’s total installed capacity to 118.8 MW. The projected annual yield of around 267 gigawatt-hours (GWh) will cover the average electricity needs of approximately 75,000 three-person homes.
The approval was preceded by extensive planning and detailed expert opinions. These focused on key issues such as noise exposure, shadow flicker, and nature conversation and species protection. All relevant factors were carefully considered. This ensured that the project was compatible with the stringent requirements of the Federal Immission Control Act (BlmSchG). Following a thorough review by the relevant authorities, the process was successfully completed, providing the legal basis for the second expansion phase of the repowering wind farm.
Dr Felix Grolman, CEO of VSB Group: “Repowering is a key driver of the energy transition. At the Elster wind farm, we are almost quadrupling the installed capacity compared to the original 50 old turbines, and increasing the energy yield by as much as seven times – all in an area that is a third smaller than the original wind farm. This increase in efficiency shows how modern technology can help us achieve our climate goals faster and more sustainably.”
Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany: “The approval of the two additional turbines is an important milestone in our journey towards a sustainable energy future. The repowering project in Elster is an impressive example of how existing wind power sites can be optimised for further development. Projects of this kind are crucial to ensuring a reliable and climate-friendly supply of energy.”
Before repowering, the Elster wind farm had 50 Enercon E-40 wind turbines in operation, each with a capacity of 600 kW, giving a total installed capacity of 30 MW and an annual energy yield of 36 GWh. The first expansion phase of the repowering project is currently being realised with 16 modern Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 turbines. The concrete towers have already been completed and assembly of the steel tower elements and turbines will begin at the end of the year. The turbines are expected to be operational in the first half of 2025.