Munich wind power: Repowering projects secure green electricity for the future

Munich wind power: Repowering projects secure green electricity for the future

In today's world, wind energy is one of the most profitable technologies to produce green electricity. Especially in Bavaria, and specifically in Munich, the Stadtwerke Munich (SWM) rely on the expansion of this future -proof energy source. In 2018, the Hanseatic Wind Power Society was founded, which specializes in the acquisition, operation and new construction of wind turbines in Germany. Dr. Thomas Meerpohl, the head of the participation management at the SWM, emphasizes that Hansse wind power actively buys wind farms at the end of her lifetime, to either continue to operate or upgrade them through modern repowering. Around 130 MW have already been collected, which offer considerable repowering potential, which could further improve the future earnings situation.

But what exactly does repowering mean? This approach is the exchange of old wind turbines (WEA) through more powerful models. The aim is to adapt wind energy production to technical progress, which not only leads to higher electricity production, but also improves immission and species protection, as can be seen from a report by Wind-energie.de. It is particularly exciting that repowering also results in fewer systems, which reduces the dangers of birds of breeding and bats and thus makes an important contribution to biodiversity. In addition, modern WEA are often quieter and protect the landscape.

Expansion of offshore projects

In the area of ​​offshore wind, Hansse Windkraft also has a promising expansion project in the North Sea: the offshore wind farm Awel Y Môr. All necessary building permits have already been secured, and the application for a state feeder tariff will be carried out this year. If the application is successful, this major project could significantly increase wind power production. The subsidiary Unlimited Energy has also received two projects under construction and for three further permits, which underlines the ambitions of the SWM in wind energy.

But there are not only opportunities when it comes to repowering. Changes in the law have made it easier to secure space for repowering projects, but also have some legal challenges. Operators of existing systems and third parties strive for sustainable space protection, and the requirements of the financing banks have changed. According to the new regulations, contract types such as long -term full contracts, pre -contracts and suspensive contracts are used. However, this can complicate the negotiation processes, especially if several operators are affected by existing systems.

The future of wind power in Germany

The importance of wind energy will continue to increase in the coming years. A forecast suggests that the electricity requirement in Germany could double by 2045. That is why the expansion of wind power, both onshore and offshore, is of central importance for decarbonizing our energy supply. In the first half of 2024, 29% of the new systems were already installed by repowering, which indicates a growing interest in this sustainable approach.

By using proven locations, the construction work and the associated environmental impacts also decrease. The municipalities also benefit from higher income from increased earnings quantities, for example through payments according to § 6 EEG or trade taxes. It is therefore clear that wind energy not only contributes to the energy transition, but also has many economic advantages.