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

VSB Group Unveils Major Wind Farm Repowering Project in Europe

The VSB Group has marked a significant milestone in renewable energy by successfully connecting the repowered Elster wind farm to the grid. Located in Germany, this project features a remarkable installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, making it one of the largest wind repowering initiatives in Europe.

In comparison to its original setup of 50 turbines, the repowered wind farm employs just 16 state-of-the-art Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 turbines, which enable an impressive increase in electricity generation. Each year, the new wind farm is expected to generate approximately 235 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, which equates to six times the output of the older facility. This energy production is sufficient to power around 67,000 three-person households, similar in size to a city like Heidelberg. Dr. Felix Grolman, CEO of the VSB Group, emphasized that "Every kilowatt-hour produced by the Elster repowering wind farm enhances Europe’s energy sovereignty and brings us closer to our climate goals set by the EU."

Repowering: A Game Changer for Renewable Energy

The Elster wind farm is a prime example of the potential of repowering, showcasing an efficiency increase of nearly 600%. This approach is particularly relevant in Germany and France, where many older wind installations are outdated and underperforming. By upgrading existing sites, a significant market opportunity arises for enhancing energy production without requiring new land development.

VSB Group has actively managed the Elster wind farm site for over 20 years. Between fall 2021 and fall 2022, the original turbines were dismantled, with many components being recycled for new installations or repurposed for continued operation. Thomas Winkler, managing director of VSB Germany, noted, “The project presented high demands at every stage, from grid connection and permitting to decommissioning. This successful completion illustrates how existing sites can be sustainably optimized with extensive experience and close partnerships with local stakeholders."

European Technology at Work

The advanced turbines from Siemens Gamesa utilized in this wind farm represent cutting-edge technology within Europe’s renewable energy sector. Christian Essiger, head of onshore operations at Siemens Gamesa in Germany, stated, “Modern turbines like the SG 6.6-155 not only yield higher energy production while occupying lesser space but also contribute significantly to climate protection measures. Each unit generates around 48 times more energy over its lifecycle than what is required for its production, installation, and operation.”

Future Expansion and Sustainability Goals

Looking ahead, the VSB Group plans to install two additional turbines at the Elster site in the fall of 2025. Dr. Grolman made it clear, “Fewer turbines yielding more power while intelligently utilizing existing land is the path towards a robust European wind energy landscape.”

A Deep Dive into the Statistics

Conclusion

The VSB Group’s advances at the Elster wind farm underscore a growing trend towards efficient renewable energy solutions in Europe. With ongoing projects and future expansions, the legacy of VSB in transforming energy production continues to evolve, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in the wind energy sector.