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

VSB Group's Major Achievement in Renewable Energy

In August 2025, the VSB Group marked a significant milestone by successfully connecting the Repowering Wind Farm Elster to the energy grid. This impressive wind farm features an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, making it one of the largest repowering projects in Europe. This advancement is particularly remarkable considering that the new facility will produce approximately six times the energy that the original site generated.

A New Era for Elster Wind Farm

The completion of the first phase of the project has brought a fleet of 16 state-of-the-art wind turbines into operation. Each of these modern turbines is expected to contribute around 235 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, which is sufficient to power roughly 67,000 households. This output is on par with the energy consumption of a city the size of Heidelberg. Dr. Felix Grolman, CEO of the VSB Group, emphasized that each kilowatt-hour produced at the Elster Repowering Wind Farm bolsters Europe's energy independence and aids in meeting the ambitious climate goals set by the European Union.

The Power of Repowering

Repowering—upgrading existing wind facilities with new technology—has demonstrated its considerable potential at the Elster site. With an efficiency increase of nearly 600 percent, this project exemplifies how repowering can dramatically enhance energy production without expanding the physical footprint. This strategy is especially promising for countries such as Germany and France, where many older wind turbines remain operational. VSB Group has engaged with the Elster site for over 20 years, strategically navigating the phases of dismantling prior turbines and integrating their legacy components in new ways.

Overcoming Challenges

The repowering project's progress involved intricate planning and close collaboration with local stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and other partners. Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, noted that the project's successful completion is a testament to effective communication and long-term cooperation in addressing the various challenges faced during its various phases, including grid connection and permitting.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The new installation employs 16 Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 turbines. These modern turbines not only produce significantly more energy than their predecessors but also utilize less land, which is essential for promoting climate conservation. Each new turbine generates 48 times the energy needed for its manufacturing and operation over its lifetime, reinforcing the sustainability of the project.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, VSB Group plans to add two additional turbines to the Elster site in autumn 2025. Dr. Grolman stated that "fewer turbines, greater energy output, and optimal land use are crucial for fostering a stronger wind energy sector in Europe."

Comparison of Wind Turbine Technologies

Conclusion

The success of the Repowering Wind Farm Elster showcases the power of innovative technology and strategic planning in enhancing renewable energy infrastructure. As Europe pushes forward in its goal to reach sustainable energy levels, projects like Elster provide a template for how to effectively utilize existing sites to meet future energy needs.

For more detailed visuals and information on the project, please visit VSB Group's official website and the dedicated project page at www.windfarm-elster.com.