#Germany #Renewable Energy #Dresden #VSB Group #Elster Wind Farm

VSB Group Unveils Significant Wind Farm Repowering Project in Germany

In an impressive milestone for renewable energy, VSB Group has successfully completed the repowering of the Elster wind farm in Germany, which is now recognized as one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe. With an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, this project marks a significant upgrade from the original setup, multiplying energy production by six times the previous output.

Advancements in Energy Production

The transition involved replacing the original 50 turbines with 16 state-of-the-art SG 6.6-155 wind turbines manufactured by the European giant Siemens Gamesa. This technological advancement has enabled the wind farm to produce approximately 235 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. This amount of energy is sufficient to power around 67,000 households, substantiating VSB Group’s commitment to enhancing energy sovereignty within Europe and aligning with EU climate objectives.

Felix Grolman, CEO of VSB Group, emphasized the direct benefits of this initiative. He stated, "Every kilowatt-hour generated from the repowering of the Elster wind farm supports Europe’s energy independence and brings us closer to fulfilling the EU's climate goals."

Innovative Repowering Approach

The repowering process at Elster involved not only replacing older equipment but also dismantling the previous turbines in a sustainable manner. Many components of the older turbines were reutilized either as spare parts or redeployed to operate elsewhere, thereby minimizing waste and promoting efficiency.

Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, outlined the complexities faced during this multi-phase project: "From grid connection to obtaining permits and dismantling, each stage presented significant challenges. Its success illustrates that existing sites can be revitalized and adapted to future demands through proven expertise and close collaboration with local partners and authorities."

The project also highlights a growing trend in renewable energy, where optimizing existing sites is viewed as a more resource-efficient solution compared to building new ones from scratch. This approach not only helps preserve land but also enhances the output in areas with pre-existing infrastructure.

Future Prospects

VSB is not resting on its laurels; an expansion is already planned, with two additional wind turbines expected to be added to the site in autumn 2025. Grolman reiterated the vision for the future, asserting, "Fewer wind turbines with greater output and a smarter use of available land is the key to a robust European wind energy sector."

The comparison metrics between the original and new installations are staggering:

• - Original Wind Farm: 50 Enercon E-40 turbines, operational between 2000 and 2002, providing a total capacity of 30 MW and an annual production of 36 GWh.
• - Repowered Wind Farm: 16 Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 turbines, operational from 2025 onwards, delivering an impressive total capacity of 105.6 MW and an annual production reaching 235 GWh.

Conclusion

As VSB Group continues to spearhead developments in renewable energy, the Elster wind farm stands as a testament to how innovative approaches to energy can pave the way for future advancements. With sustainability at the forefront, the company showcases how commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation can converge to create meaningful impacts on local and global scales. For further information on the project, visit VSB's website.