DRESDEN, Germany, Aug 19, 2025 – The VSB Group has connected the Repowering Wind Farm Elster to the grid. The project has an installed capacity of 105.6 megawatts, making it one of the larger repowering efforts in Europe. Output is six times greater than the original site due to upgraded turbine technology.
More energy, less land use
The new wind farm produces 235 gigawatt hours of electricity per year – enough to supply around 67,000 three-person households, 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.
Repowering sets new standards
The Elster site shows that repowering can increase efficiency by nearly 600%. The approach is relevant in countries like Germany and France, where older turbines are still in operation.
Future-proof development of existing sites
VSB has been involved with the Elster site for more than 20 years. Between autumn 2021 and autumn 2022, the original turbines were dismantled. Many components were reused as spare parts or kept in operation elsewhere.
“Grid connection, permitting, dismantling – the project posed significant challenges in every phase,” points out Thomas Winkler, managing director of VSB Germany, responsible for planning and construction. “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, measurable benefits
The 16 SG 6.6-155 turbines come from European manufacturer Siemens Gamesa. “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.”
Expansion starts this autumn
Two additional turbines will be added in autumn 2025. For Grolman, the path forward is clear: “Fewer turbines, more output, and smart use of available land – that’s the key to a strong European wind industry.”
Fact box: Old turbines vs. new turbines
|
Former wind farm (decommissioned turbines) |
Repowered wind farm |
|
|
Number of turbines |
50 |
16 |
|
Turbine type |
Enercon E-40 |
Siemens Gamesa |
|
Commissioning |
Between 2000 and 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 |
|
Hub height |
77.8 meters |
165 meters |
|
Rotor blade length |
20 meters |
77.5 meters |
|
Total height (tip) |
97.8 meters |
242.5 meters |
About VSB Group
VSB Group, based in Dresden, Germany, has worked in the renewable energy sector since 1996 and became part of TotalEnergies in 2025. The company develops and operates onshore wind and solar parks, battery storage systems, and e-mobility solutions for freight transport. It also provides dismantling services and manages projects as an independent power producer. VSB is active in six European countries, including Germany, Finland, France, Poland, Italy, and Croatia. The company has installed more than 750 wind and solar plants, oversees more than 3 gigawatts of technical and commercial operations, and maintains a project pipeline of more than 18 gigawatts. VSB employs about 500 people through its subsidiaries and continues to expand its portfolio across Europe.