ENERTRAG SE and EBERT Erneuerbare Energien formalized a strategic partnership to repower the Sonnenberg V wind farm. This collaboration aims to establish the project as one of Germany’s largest repowering initiatives.

ENERTRAG has long operated the existing facility, consisting of 37 turbines, for nearly two decades. The planned redevelopment calls for 29 modern turbines, each rated at 6–8 MW, pushing the farm’s total output to approximately 235 MW, nearly three times its current capacity.

The initiative stands out due to its robust community involvement. More than 400 landowners, primarily farmers and households from Groß Germersleben, Klein Oschersleben, and Peseckendorf, are integrated into a citizen energy company (BEG). This land trust structure ensures equitable participation and regional value retention from the outset.

Responsibilities are clearly split: ENERTRAG oversees site selection, grid planning, and regulatory approvals under German law (BImSchG), while EBERT (supported by BEG) contributes land assets and coordinates local stakeholder engagement. A joint infrastructure company will secure financial feasibility. Ownership will be shared 73 % by ENERTRAG, 27 % by BEG, with one turbine reserved for municipal or community participation.

A portion of the electricity generated will feed into an electrolyzer under construction in Osterweddingen, near Magdeburg. This element integrates Sonnenberg V into ENERTRAG’s wider system for renewable generation, storage, hydrogen production, and reconversion, advancing sector coupling in the region.

Project leaders emphasize both innovation and partnership. From EBERT, Tim Ebert underscores the importance of landowners serving as active co-creators, rather than passive contributors. From ENERTRAG, Tom Lange highlights the convergence of regional engagement, economic viability, and technical excellence as the pillars of the project’s success.

Construction is slated for the second half of 2027, pending final approvals. The new turbines will be installed in phases alongside the decommissioning of the current 37 units, coordinated to align with the eligibility of older turbines for EEG subsidies through 2031.