Repowering Wind Farm Elster: From Vision to Reality of a European Lighthouse Project

How can an existing wind farm become more efficient, more powerful – and use less space? In this presentation, Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Neue Energien Deutschland GmbH, shares insights from the Elster Repowering Project in Saxony-Anhalt, one of Europe’s largest of its kind.

Using real project data, the presentation highlights how 50 old turbines were replaced by just 16 modern ones, resulting in more than triple the capacity (from 30 to over 105 MW) and six times the energy yield – now generating around 235 GWh annually, enough to supply power to 150,000 people.

Participants will be taken on a virtual “trip” through the newly developed wind farm and see original site maps to understand the transformation from the former layout. Key stages such as the decommissioning of old turbines and the repowering process itself will be presented in detail.

The presentation also focuses on the challenges of permitting, the use of innovative technologies, and valuable lessons learned – what worked well, what didn’t, and what others can take away for future repowering projects.

A hands-on case study of one of Europe’s most significant wind power projects – and a compelling example of what’s possible for the energy transition.