The VSB Group has successfully connected the Elster Repowering Wind Farm to the grid, marking a significant milestone in European renewable energy. With an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, the project is now one of the largest repowering initiatives in Europe. Thanks to state-of-the-art turbine technology, the farm’s energy output has increased sixfold compared to the original site.
The new wind farm is set to produce 235 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year, an amount sufficient to supply approximately 67,000 three-person households—a community comparable to a city the size of Heidelberg.
“Every kilowatt hour from Repowering Wind Farm Elster strengthens Europe’s energy sovereignty and brings us closer to achieving the EU’s climate targets,” says Dr. Felix Grolman, CEO of the VSB Group.
Setting a New Standard with Repowering
The Elster site demonstrates the immense potential of repowering, achieving an efficiency increase of nearly 600%. This strategy is particularly promising in countries like Germany and France, where many older turbines are still in operation.
VSB, which has been involved with the Elster location for over two decades, oversaw the dismantling of the legacy turbines between autumn 2021 and autumn 2022. In a commitment to sustainability, many components were given a second life, either reused as spare parts or put into continued operation elsewhere.
Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, which handled planning and construction, pointed out the project’s complexity. “Grid connection, permitting, dismantling – the project posed significant challenges in every phase,” Winkler states. “Its successful completion shows how existing sites can be future-proofed through long-standing experience and close cooperation with local partners and authorities.“
European Technology Delivers Measurable Benefits
The project utilizes 16 SG 6.6-155 turbines from the European manufacturer Siemens Gamesa. These powerful turbines are key to the project’s success, delivering higher yields while using less land.
“Modern turbines like the SG 6.6-155 deliver higher yields using less land – and make a clearly measurable contribution to climate protection,” adds Christian Essiger, Head of Onshore Business in Germany at Siemens Gamesa. “Each turbine generates around 48 times more energy over its lifetime than is needed for manufacturing, installation and operation.“
Fact Box: Elster Wind Farm – Old vs. New
The transformation at the Elster site is detailed in the comparison below:
| Metric | Former Wind Farm (50 Turbines) | Repowered Wind Farm (16 Turbines) |
| Turbine Type | Enercon E-40 | Siemens Gamesa SG 6.6-155 |
| Commissioning | 2000-2002 | 2025 |
| Capacity per Turbine | 0.6 MW | 6.6 MW |
| Total Installed Capacity | 30 MW | 105.6 MW |
| Annual Energy Yield | 36 GWh | 235 GWh |
| Total Height (Tip) | 97.8 metres | 242.5 metres |
Future Expansion
The development of the Elster site is set to continue, with two additional turbines scheduled to be added in autumn 2025. For CEO Felix Grolman, the project highlights a clear strategy for the future of wind power.
“Fewer turbines, more output, and smart use of available land – that’s the key to a strong European wind industry.“
Source: Wind Farm Elster
