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Energiequelle has successfully commissioned two new Enercon E-160 wind turbines in Raßlitz, Saxony, as part of a major repowering initiative. The modern turbines, each with a hub height of 166.6 meters and a capacity of 5.56 MW, replace older E-58 models. This upgrade increases the site’s energy output eightfold, with an expected annual generation of approximately 40.8 million kilowatt-hours—enough to supply over 10,000 households with renewable, carbon-free electricity. The wind farm has since been sold to Encavis AG, a leading European producer of renewable energy with a broad portfolio spanning wind, solar, and battery storage projects.
Years in the Making
The commissioning follows a lengthy and complex planning process that began in 2013. Lease agreements were finalized in 2017, but it took until 2020 for the site to be formally designated for wind energy in the regional development plan. Energiequelle was then able to submit a permit application under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), which received approval in late 2022. Fabian Musall, Head of Project Management at Energiequelle’s Dresden office, explained : “After successfully participating in the Federal Network Agency’s tender and receiving the maximum award, we were informed that the originally planned substation was no longer available due to increased capacity. We had to quickly mobilize all resources to build our own substation.”
Throughout the development phase, the project faced multiple regulatory changes under Saxon law, as well as growing public resistance to wind energy in the region. Despite these challenges, the successful completion marks a significant achievement for regional energy transition efforts and sets a precedent for future repowering projects.
