Enertrag and Ebert Erneuerbare Energien are joining forces to develop one of Germany’s largest wind farm repowering projects.
The two companies have signed a co-operation agreement to jointly implement the Sonnenberg V wind farm in Saxony-Anhalt.
Enertrag has been operating the existing 37-turbine wind farm for almost 20 years, maintaining a relationship with the landowners, farmers, and the municipality of Oschersleben.
For the repowering project, the existing turbines will be replaced with 29 latest-generation wind turbines with a total rated output of up to 235MW.
Enertrag and Ebert said their strategic partnership will enable the repowering project to focus on the participation of the local community, farmers and citizens.
Together with a group of regional landowners, Ebert has established a citizen energy company, BEG, to act as a partner with Enertrag.
The partnership includes the implementation of a joint land pool with over 400 plots to allow owners to benefit from the project.
An application for approval under the Federal Immission Control Act has already been submitted.
The citizen energy company initiated by Ebert is contributing land rights through its local shareholders and is actively involved in the project design.
“This project is a real milestone for us,” said Tim Ebert, managing partner of Ebert. “What makes it special is that the landowners are not just stakeholders, but active participants. The close involvement of the agricultural community and regional stakeholders is our unique selling point and strengthens local value creation.”
Tom Lange, senior vice president of wind and solar for Enertrag in Germany, added: “The project shows how regional participation, economic prospects and technical implementation can go hand in hand at the highest level.
“Together with our partners, we are pursuing the goal of bringing climate-friendly energy production to the regions – in a structure that benefits everyone.”
Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of 2027, subject to approvals. The new wind turbines will be erected in stages, depending on the dismantling of the 37 existing turbines.
Part of the energy generated by the Sonnenberg V wind farm will be used to power the electrolyser currently under construction in Osterweddingen near Magdeburg.
Picture: Gunar Hering (Enertrag) and Tim Ebert sign the co-operation agreement