The VSB Group has finalized the repowering of the Elster wind farm, located in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The operation involved replacing 50 Enercon E-40 turbines with 16 SG 6.6-155 wind turbines from Siemens Gamesa, increasing the total installed capacity from 30 to 105.6 megawatts. The site’s energy yield has been multiplied by nearly six, rising from an annual production of 36 to 235 gigawatt-hours (GWh).
An industrial lever for wind farm modernization
This project is among the most significant repowering initiatives undertaken to date in Europe. It reflects the growing industrial strategy of optimizing existing sites rather than developing new ones. This approach presents several operational advantages, including a reduced land footprint while increasing production capacity. The new turbines have a unit capacity of 6.6 MW, compared to 0.6 MW for the original models.
In terms of land-use efficiency, the Elster site now generates 235 GWh annually with 16 turbines, compared to 36 GWh previously with 50 turbines. This improvement is based in particular on European technological components, such as the SG 6.6-155 models produced by Siemens Gamesa.
Technical and logistical challenges on an existing site
The project lasted one year, from autumn 2021 to autumn 2022. It involved dismantling the old infrastructure, some of which was reused or redeployed. The complexity of grid connection and the acquisition of permits represented major constraints, according to VSB.
The Elster project is part of a strategy to secure existing assets through targeted upgrade operations. The site’s operational life is thereby extended while meeting stricter performance criteria. This strategy may be replicated in other regions of Europe where the installed wind fleet is aging.
Extension prospects from autumn 2025
Two new wind turbines are expected to be added to the farm in autumn 2025, according to the group. The stated objective is to increase production without multiplying infrastructure. This approach could guide other operators facing land saturation or slow administrative procedures in several European markets.
With this project, VSB is strengthening its industrial presence on a site it has operated for over twenty years. The initiative is part of a broader trend of rationalizing energy assets, particularly in areas with high repowering potential.
