Slashing Carbon Footprints: The Near-Completion of a Gargantuan Wind Repowering Project in Wittenberg
Wind turbine renovation project on the verge of finalization - Wind farm modernization nearly wraps up
Let's talk about the game-changer happening in the district of Wittenberg, where one of Europe's largest wind repowering projects is just about to wrap up, according to Thomas Winkler, CEO of energy company VSB. This monumental venture aims to replace 50 outdated wind turbines with a snazzy 16-piece collection of cutting-edge wind power plants. The newcomers boast enhanced capabilities, churning out roughly six times as much power annually as their geriatric counterparts.
This colossal Zahna-Elster wind farm, boasting a colossal capacity of around 105 megawatts and an astounding annual production of about 235 gigawatt-hours, is more than capable of satisfying the electricity appetite of some 67,000 happy households comprised of three folks each.
During this renovation, quantity doesn't necessarily mean size;. In fact, the number of wind turbines is actually decreasing while their stature swells like never before. Gone are the days of 60 meters in hub height and 40 meters in rotor diameter; the new kids on the block shoot for the skies, soaring 165 meters up in the air with a rotor diameter of an impressive 155 meters.
"The beauty of this project lies in the fact that we are currently producing energy on two-thirds of the original area," affirmed Winkler. Two additional wind turbines have already received the green light and are expected to join the crew by the end of 2025. As of now, 8 of the 16 new wind turbines are already connected to the grid, with the final one slated to come online by early August.
The townsfolk aren't left high and dry either; the municipalities of Zahna-Elster and Jessen stand to rake in a hefty annual sum of 520,000 euros, thanks to a legally mandated participation in the project. Take a step beyond the municipal realm, and a crowdfunding model offering returns akin to a savings account has popped up, allowing residents to invest in the wind farm and collect interest—a sweet deal indeed!
Now shift gears towards environmental diddling. This project strives to set new standards in conservation and wildlife preservation. Wind turbines are programmed to automatically shut down during harvesting to ensure the safety of bird species that follow agricultural machinery. "This ingenious feature operates through GPS and functions fully autonomously," explained Winkler. The sky-high dimensions of the new wind turbines are a boon for bird conservation, considering their rotor blades whirl at dizzying heights that are less treacherous for avian life.
Speaking of conservation, waste reduction was a key focus in the dismantling of aged installations. "We've made every effort to recycle or repurpose as much of the old turbines as possible," added Winkler. Many of the older turbines were recycled, with a few even making their way to Poland, Lithuania, and as far as Australia for further use.
The grand finale for the wind farm is scheduled for August 15, and spirits are running high!
The community of Wittenberg is not only witnessing the completion of a significant wind repowering project but also the introduction of vocational training opportunities, as the energy company VSB has partnered with local institutions to offer education in renewable-energy and related industries, aiming to empower the next generation of renewable-energy professionals.
Additionally, the town's finance sector is poised to benefit from the wind farm's success, as residents have been given the chance to invest in the project through a crowdfunding model, earning returns reminiscent of a savings account, encouraging further community support for clean, renewable energy.
