VSB Group Connects a Large European Repowering Project to the Grid

From News Desk

Photo courtesy – VSB Group

The VSB Group has successfully connected the Repowering Wind Farm Elster to the grid. With an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, it ranks among the largest repowering projects in Europe. The energy output has increased sixfold compared to the original site – made possible by state-of-the-art turbine technology.

More Energy, Less Land Use

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,” says Dr Felix Grolman, CEO, 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.

Future Proof Development of Existing Sites

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,” points out Thomas Winkler, MD, 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. “Modern turbines like the SG 6.6-155 deliver higher yields using less land – and make a clearly measurable contribution to climate protection,” adds Christian Essiger, Head of Onshore Business in Germany at Siemens Gamesa. “Each turbine generates around 48 times more energy over its lifetime than is needed for manufacturing, installation and operation.”

Two additional turbines will be added in autumn 2025. For Grolman, the path forward is clear – “Fewer turbines, more output, and smart use of available land – that’s the key to a strong European wind industry.”

Fact Box – Old Turbines vs New Turbines

	Former wind farm (decommissioned turbines)	Repowered wind farm
Number of turbines	50	16
Turbine type	Enercon E-40	Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155
Commissioning	Between 2000 and 2002	2025
Capacity per turbine	0.6 MW	6.6 MW
Total installed capacity	30 MW	105.6 MW
Annual energy yield	36 GWh	235 GWh
Hub height	77.8 metres	165 metres
Rotor blade length	20 metres	77.5 metres
Total height (tip)	97.8 metres	242.5 metres

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