VSB starts construction of Arnsberg wind farm in the Hochsauerland district

Wind farm developer VSB has announced the start of construction for the Arnsberg/Oeventrop wind farm in North Rhine-Westphalia. Since early November, site preparation has been underway for three wind turbines to be erected on forestry land. Commissioning of the 18-megawatt (MW) wind farm is scheduled for spring 2027.

Covering approximately 27 hectares in the Hochsauerland district, the Arnsberg/Oeventrop Wind Farm will consist of three Vestas V150 turbines. Together, they will generate enough clean electricity annually to meet the average consumption of around 25,000 people – roughly one-third of Arnsberg’s residents.

Currently, access roads for construction and heavy transport vehicles, as well as internal site paths, are being developed. Depending on weather conditions, construction will continue through the winter months. Foundation work is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with turbine installation planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Given the hilly terrain, steep gradients, and the site’s location within the Arnsberger Wald nature conservation area on former forest and clear-cut land, the project poses particular challenges in technical planning and environmental protection. Building wind farms in forested areas always requires a careful balance between advancing the energy transition and ensuring ecological responsibility. In close coordination with the Lower Nature Conservation Authority of the Hochsauerland district and the regional forestry offices Oberes Sauerland and Soest-Sauerland, VSB has developed effective compensation and reforestation measures. Together with local partners, the company will establish approximately 70,000 square meters of site-appropriate mixed deciduous forest to strengthen ecological resilience.

For the city of Arnsberg, the wind farm will deliver long-term regional value creation and financial flexibility for local initiatives. In accordance with §6 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), VSB will share 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated with all municipalities located within a 2.5‑kilometer radius of the turbines. The new wind farm thus contributes not only to clean energy supply for tens of thousands of people but also to sustainable regional growth and development.

“Few regions illustrate as clearly as the Hochsauerland how closely nature, quality of life and the energy transition are interconnected. Striking the right balance in expanding renewable energy was therefore our guiding principle throughout the approval process for the Arnsberg wind farm,” says Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany.

Dr Felix Grolman, CEO of VSB Group, adds: “North Rhine-Westphalia is currently the driving force of Germany’s energy transition, accounting for the largest volume of new wind energy capacity under development and approval. We are proud to contribute to this momentum – delivering affordable energy, secure supply and economic growth.”

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