RWE has won a tender to build a 30MW wind farm in the Hessian state forest, in Germany.
The project would be located on land in the municipality of Staufenberg, around 10km north of Giessen.
RWE Renewables Europe and Australia chief executive Katja Wünschel said: “We are very pleased with this tender success.
“Successfully implementing the energy transition also means taking into account suitable areas in the forest. Of course, nature and species protection aspects are taken into account.
“The Staufenberg site has been tried and tested: several wind turbines are already turning in the immediate vicinity of RWE’s planned wind farm.”
Accounting for over 42% of the state’s area, Hesse has an above-average proportion of forest. Bare areas or areas with good forestry are suitable for wind turbines.
However, biotopes, particularly valuable forest stands or sensitive areas that are used for recreation or the protection of biodiversity are excluded for the construction of wind turbines.
RWE is in contact with local stakeholders and is in talks to cooperate with the Kassel-based energy supplier and project developer EAM Natur Energie, which will also erect wind turbines on the adjacent municipal areas of the city of Allendorf (Lumda).
In addition, initial consultations have already taken place with Sonnenland eG, a local citizens’ energy cooperative, to discuss options for the participation of citizens and the surrounding communities.