#Germany #Dresden #Siemens Gamesa #Repowering Wind Farm #VSB Group

VSB Group Powers Up One Of Europe's Largest Wind Repowering Projects

In a significant stride towards renewable energy, VSB Group has successfully connected the Repowering Wind Farm Elster to the electric grid. This project, located in Germany, showcases an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, marking it as one of the largest repowering initiatives in Europe. With innovative turbine technology at the forefront, the energy output at this new wind farm has increased sixfold compared to its predecessors.

The new Repowering Wind Farm Elster is expected to produce approximately 235 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to supply roughly 67,000 three-person households, while drawing comparisons to cities like Heidelberg. Dr. Felix Grolman, CEO of VSB Group, highlights the broader impact, stating, "Every kilowatt hour from Repowering Wind Farm Elster strengthens Europe's energy sovereignty and brings us closer to achieving the EU's climate targets."

The Advantages of Repowering

Repowering not only enhances energy efficiency but also optimizes land use. The new 16 wind turbines, sourced from European manufacturer Siemens Gamesa, signify a breakthrough in renewable technology. According to Christian Essiger, Head of Onshore Business in Germany at Siemens Gamesa, these modern turbines provide a substantial increase in energy output while requiring less land, thus playing a critical role in climate protection initiatives. On average, each turbine in this project generates around 48 times more energy over its operational life than is utilized for its manufacturing and installation.

Furthermore, the repowering initiative boasts an impressive efficiency increase of nearly 600 percent, illustrating the immense potential of upgrading existing wind farms, particularly in regions such as Germany and France where older turbines still operate. With over twenty years of experience managing the Elster site, VSB Group is well-versed in ensuring that such projects uphold sustainability and economic viability. The transition involved dismantling outdated turbines between autumn 2021 and autumn 2022, wherein various components were either repurposed for spare parts or transferred to different operational sites.

Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, acknowledged the project's challenges in every phase, including grid connection, permitting processes, and dismantling. His insights emphasize the importance of durable partnerships and collaborations with local stakeholders and authorities to ensure smooth project execution.

Future Developments

The commitment doesn't end here; VSB plans to add two more turbines by autumn 2025, reinforcing their objective of maximizing energy output with minimum land footprint. Reflecting on future ambitions, Dr. Grolman remarked, "Fewer turbines, more output, and smart use of available land – that's the key to a strong European wind industry."

Contrasting Old and New Turbines

To better illustrate the advancements made through this project, consider the following comparison:


In summary, this remarkable project by the VSB Group not only contributes significantly to energy production in Europe but also serves as a benchmark for future wind farm repowering projects, promising both sustainability and energy efficiency for years to come. For more details on the project, visit Repowering Wind Farm Elster.

About VSB Group

Headquartered in Dresden, VSB is one of Europe’s prominent developers in renewable energy, specializing in project development for wind and photovoltaic parks, operational management, and battery storage solutions. As part of TotalEnergies since 2025, the company operates across six European nations and boasts a pipeline exceeding 18 GW while maintaining a significant portfolio in e-mobility solutions for freight transport. With a dedicated workforce of over 500 employees, VSB Group continues to champion the growth and implementation of renewable energy solutions across the continent.