The energy output has increased sixfold compared to the original site – made possible by state-of-the-art turbine technology.
The new wind farm produces 235 gigawatt hours of electricity per year – enough to supply around 67,000 three-person households, comparable to a city the size of Heidelberg.
“Every kilowatt hour from Repowering Wind Farm Elster strengthens Europe’s energy sovereignty and brings us closer to achieving the EU’s climate targets” said Dr Felix Grolman, CEO of the VSB Group.
With an efficiency increase of nearly 600 percent, the Elster site demonstrates the vast potential of repowering. This strategy is particularly promising in countries like Germany and France, where many older turbines are still in operation.
VSB has been involved with the Elster location for over two decades. Between autumn 2021 and autumn 2022, the legacy turbines were dismantled. Many of their components were given a second life – either reused for spare parts or in continued operation elsewhere.
“Grid connection, permitting, dismantling – the project posed significant challenges in every phase” added Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, which was responsible for planning and construction. “Its successful completion shows how existing sites can be future-proofed through long-standing experience and close cooperation with local partners and authorities.”
The 16 SG 6.6-155 turbines come from European manufacturer Siemens Gamesa. Two additional turbines will be added in autumn 2025.
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