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Energiequelle GmbH has successfully commissioned nine Vestas V162 wind turbines at its Zeven project site in Lower Saxony, Germany. With a hub height of 169 meters and a rotor diameter of 162 meters, these are among the most advanced turbines currently in operation. The wind farm is expected to supply clean electricity to approximately 40,000 households annually, generating around 133 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.“We had over 600 hours of crane downtime, which equates to around 60 full working days,” explains project manager Robert Koddebusch. “The persistent wind and extreme wetness really demanded everything from us in the boggy landscape. It was an enormous logistical and technical challenge. The fact that the project still remained on schedule is impressive proof of the high level of professionalism of everyone involved and the commitment of the entire project team.”
Construction of the project was completed in a record time of just 14 months, despite several initial challenges. Following the initial project approval in February 2023, a third-party objection triggered a revision in planning to align with the updated Federal Nature Conservation Act. Final approval was granted in January 2024, delaying the start of construction by over six months. Work began in April 2024, with the first turbine coming online as scheduled in early May. All nine turbines are now operational and feeding renewable energy into the grid.
Eight of the turbines have been acquired by Encavis AG, one of Europe’s leading renewable energy producers. The ninth turbine is owned and operated by Bürgerwindpark Wistedt GmbH & Co. KG, ensuring local community participation.
Beyond its environmental contribution, the project brings economic benefits to the region through lease payments and municipal revenue-sharing. Energiequelle emphasized early engagement with local stakeholders, transparency, and long-term partnerships throughout the development process.
