RWE, a major player in renewable energy, has marked a significant milestone in sustainable energy production by completing the revamp of the Elisenhof wind farm situated in the district of Paderborn. This overhaul stands as a testament to the potential of modernizing aging wind farms for increased efficiency and output.
The Elisenhof site, previously hosting nine wind turbines, now operates with just two more powerful units, effectively doubling electricity production. This enhancement has boosted the total output from 6.75 to 11.4 megawatts, illuminating the capability of innovation in elevating green energy endeavors. These upgraded turbines generate ample clean electricity, sufficient to power approximately 5,500 households in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Katja Wunschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This project epitomizes the success of the energy transition. By leveraging public support, we’ve amplified green electricity production more than twofold.”
Katja Wunschel highlighted the added benefits to local communities, mentioning the RWE climate bonus — a voluntary contribution of 0.2 cents for every kilowatt-hour produced, amounting to an annual supplementary income of around €40,000 for neighboring areas.
A notable aspect of this initiative involves repurposing the key components of the dismantled wind farm in Spain. RWE’s meticulous refurbishment of rotor blades, nacelles, hubs, and switching cabinets from the old turbines in its workshop allows these components to extend the lifespan of Spanish wind farms by a decade or more.
The momentum doesn’t halt with Elisenhof. RWE is engaged in another groundbreaking repowering project in the Emsland region. Here, a 1.8-megawatt turbine is being replaced with a 5.7-megawatt counterpart at the Lengerich site, promising a staggering 400 percent increase in electricity production, catering to around 4,000 households.
Looking ahead, RWE is set to revamp two additional wind farms in Lower Saxony. The company plans to replace 17 turbines spread across Lesse, Barbecke, Salzgitter, and the district of Peine, collectively amounting to 30.6 megawatts, with eleven upgraded turbines boasting a total capacity of 61.8 megawatts.
With a robust presence of around 90 wind farms in Germany, RWE is steadfast in its commitment to expanding its green portfolio. A forward-looking investment of approximately €11 billion net in the next seven years underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable energy advancement within Germany.