German renewable energy developer VSB Group has completed grid connection of its 105-megawatt (MW) Elster repowering wind project in Saxony-Anhalt, replacing legacy turbines with fewer, more powerful units aimed at boosting output and land efficiency.
The upgraded wind farm is expected to generate 235 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, enough to supply around 67,000 households, the company said in a statement on Monday.
The project involved dismantling 50 older Enercon E-40 turbines, originally installed between 2000 and 2002, and replacing them with 16 Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 turbines. Each of the new machines stands 242.5 metres tall and is equipped with 77.5-metre blades.
VSB said the decommissioned turbines were taken offline between 2021 and 2022, with many components either reused as spare parts or redeployed at other locations.
“Grid connection, permitting, dismantling – the project posed significant challenges in every phase,” said Thomas Winkler, managing director of VSB Germany. “Its successful completion shows how existing sites can be future-proofed through long-standing experience and close cooperation with local partners and authorities.”
The company plans to install two additional turbines at the Elster site in autumn 2025.
Felix Grolman, chief executive of VSB Group, said the project contributes to energy security and environmental goals: “Every kilowatt hour from Repowering Wind Farm Elster strengthens Europe’s energy sovereignty and brings us closer to achieving the EU’s climate targets.”
Christian Essiger, head of onshore business in Germany at Siemens Gamesa, added: “Modern turbines like the SG 6.6-155 deliver higher yields using less land – and make a clearly measurable contribution to climate protection.”
The Elster repowering project reflects a broader industry trend of replacing aging wind infrastructure with modern, higher-capacity turbines to improve efficiency and environmental performance.
