German energy firms Trianel and Vereinigte Elektrizitätswerke Westfalen (VEW) have established a joint venture to develop and operate a 63-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm in the state of Hesse, the companies said on Tuesday.
The new company, Windpark Rhoder Forst, will oversee the planning, construction, and operation of the wind project, which will consist of 10 Enercon E-175 turbines, each with a capacity of 6.3MW.
The wind farm is being developed on a site near the A44 motorway, between the Diemelstadt districts of Rhoden and Wrexen. The area has been significantly affected by storms and bark beetle infestations, according to the developers.
Upon completion, the project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply more than 41,000 households with renewable power.
“With their municipal background, Trianel Wind and Solar is the ideal partner for us because we have similar values and interests,” said Frank Benz, managing director of VEW. “Regional value creation and sustainable services of general interest are central factors for us.”
Benz added that the collaboration is aimed at fostering local support and contributing to climate goals. “In this way, we are taking a significant step closer to our goal of creating an almost climate-neutral district,” he said.
As part of the joint venture, Trianel Wind and Solar will lead project development, technical planning, and operational management. VEW will focus on land acquisition, local coordination, and stakeholder communication.
Trianel Wind and Solar managing director Arvid Hesse said: “We are extremely looking forward to this co-operation with an experienced partner with strong local roots.”
Under the ownership structure, VEW will hold a 51% stake in Windpark Rhoder Forst, while Trianel will retain the remaining 49%.
