Orsted has commissioned the St Wendel wind farm in Germany, completing construction just over a year after breaking ground.
Located south of the L131 between Niederlinxweiler and Dörrenbach, the three Vestas V162 turbines will generate enough electricity to power about 11,500 households, according to Orsted.
The 16.8MW project, built entirely on land owned by the town of St Wendel, is expected to deliver long-term financial benefits through lease payments, business tax revenues, and an annual €60,000 community bonus shared with neighbouring Ottweiler.
“With the St Wendel wind farm we show how the energy transition works locally – ecologically meaningful and economically sustainable,” said Stefan Bachmaier, managing director of Orsted Onshore Deutschland.
“Our goal is to implement projects with municipalities like St Wendel that protect the climate and strengthen regional value creation.”
Construction faced challenges due to difficult terrain and heavy rainfall in spring 2024, which caused an 11-week delay.
Adjusted logistics and repairs to forest tracks helped the project return to schedule by summer 2024.
Orsted said it prioritised environmental protection throughout development, incorporating measures to safeguard species such as dormice, wildcats and bats, while restoring forest areas to create new habitats.
Bachmaier added: “The St Wendel wind farm is a strong example of how local value creation, climate protection and reliable project development can go hand in hand.”