Orsted has completed construction of the St Wendel wind farm in Germany, commissioning the 16.8-megawatt project just over a year after breaking ground, the company said on Monday.
Located south of the L131 road between Niederlinxweiler and Dörrenbach, the onshore wind farm consists of three Vestas V162 turbines and is expected to produce enough electricity to supply approximately 11,500 households.
The project was developed entirely on land owned by the town of St Wendel and is anticipated to provide long-term local financial benefits through lease income, business tax revenues, and a €60,000 annual community bonus shared with the neighbouring municipality of 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 encountered delays due to challenging terrain and prolonged rainfall in spring 2024, causing an 11-week setback. Orsted said the project was brought back on schedule by summer following logistical adjustments and restoration of access roads.
Environmental considerations played a key role in the project’s planning and execution. Measures were implemented to protect local wildlife, including dormice, wildcats and bats, while reforestation efforts aimed to restore and improve habitats in the area.
“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,” Bachmaier added.
The commissioning of St Wendel adds to Orsted’s growing onshore portfolio in Europe, as the company continues to expand its presence in renewable energy markets across the region.
