German renewable energy company Energiequelle has begun construction of the Werther and Bleicherode wind farm in the central state of Thuringia, the company said on Tuesday.
The project, developed in partnership with Helmetal eG and Feuer powerair, will feature four Nordex N163 turbines, each with a capacity of 6.8 megawatts (MW) and a hub height of 164 metres.
Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 15,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 37,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents per year, according to Energiequelle.
Planning for the project began more than a decade ago, with official approval granted in September 2024 following a permit application submitted in November 2022. Construction commenced after the project secured a contract in Germany’s April wind energy tender.
Energiequelle said foundations are scheduled to be completed by April 2026, with commissioning planned for January 2027.
Maria Löther, project manager at Energiequelle’s Erfurt office, said: “Both the municipalities and the landowners, as well as our cooperation partners, have shown great patience. The start of construction marks an important milestone and confirms that our trust in the project has paid off.”
Hans-Jürgen Weidt, chairman of the supervisory board at Helmetal eG, added that local communities would directly benefit from the project. “Revenue from the wind farm will help refinance a community wind turbine – laying the foundation for local citizens to benefit from the expansion of wind energy in Thuringia,” he said.
The Werther and Bleicherode development is Energiequelle’s second wind project in Thuringia, following the Sömmerda site, with additional projects scheduled to begin construction in 2026.
