The energy transition in Saxony-Anhalt reaches a new milestone: With one of the largest repowering projects currently underway in Germany, ENERTRAG SE and EBERT Erneuerbare Energien are sending a strong signal for the meaningful and valuable expansion of wind energy. In July 2025, a cooperation agreement was signed for the joint implementation of the Sonnenberg V wind farm – a project with clear regional roots and a nationwide role model effect.

ENERTRAG has been operating the existing wind farm with 37 turbines for almost 20 years and maintains good relations with the landowners, farmers and the municipality of Oschersleben.

EBERT Erneuerbare Energien has been active in the region since 2020 and, together with a group of regional landowners, has established ‘Bürgerwindpark Groß Germersleben Planungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG’ (BEG), which acts as an operational cooperation partner with ENERTRAG. EBERT manages the planning processes, is responsible for structuring local participation and ensures professional implementation in close coordination with the agricultural sector.

The strategic partnership between Enertrag and Ebert now serves as the basis for the repowering project, which, more than ever before, focuses on the participation of the local community, farmers and citizens. The flagship of this partnership is the successful implementation of a joint land pool with over 400 plots to allow owners to benefit equally from the project. The early involvement of the community in the planning process ensures that local interests are taken into account.

Part of the energy generated by the Sonnenberg V wind farm will be used to power the electrolyser currently under construction in Osterweddingen near Magdeburg. This is a component of ENERTRAG's large combined power plant system for renewable energy generation, storage, utilisation and repowering. The project thus makes a significant contribution to the development of sector coupling in Saxony-Anhalt.

Regional roots through close partnership with owners and farmers

What makes the Sonnenberg V wind farm special is its structured cooperation with the municipality and local landowners and farmers from Groß Germersleben, Klein Oschersleben and Peseckendorf. They are not only providing the land, but are also active project partners in a land pool that has been coordinated from the outset. Regional value creation thus remains in the hands of the municipalities – a concept that is rare.

Project scope and planning progress

A total of 29 latest-generation wind turbines are to be erected as part of the project, with outputs of between 6 and 8 MW per turbine and a total rated output of up to 235 megawatts. This makes Sonnenberg V one of the largest single repowering projects in Germany. The application for approval under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) has already been submitted. A uniform turbine design with tower heights and turbine types that are as homogeneous as possible is planned in order to exploit synergy effects in operation and maintenance.

Responsibilities and project architecture

The project development is based on a clear division of roles:

• ENERTRAG and EBERT are jointly developing the site concept for the wind farm and the associated grid and access planning.
• ENERTRAG is responsible for urban land-use planning and coordinating the approval process. ENERTRAG is also acting as the applicant for the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) procedure.
• The citizen energy company initiated by EBERT is contributing land rights through its local shareholders and is actively involved in the project design.
• A joint infrastructure company is planned, in particular to ensure that development is economically viable.

The aim is to divide the project rights proportionally after approval: ENERTRAG will receive 73% and BEG 27%. In addition, one of the turbines will be reserved for participation by a municipal or citizen-owned company – an innovative step to promote local acceptance. 

‘This project is a real milestone for us,’ says Dr. Tim Ebert, Managing Partner of the EBERT Renewable Energy Group. ‘What makes it special is that the landowners are not just stakeholders, but active participants. The close involvement of the agricultural community and regional stakeholders is our unique selling point and strengthens local value creation.’

Tom Lange, Senior Vice President Wind & PV Germany at ENERTRAG, emphasises: ‘The project shows how regional participation, economic prospects and technical implementation can go hand in hand at the highest level. Together with our partners, we are pursuing the goal of bringing climate-friendly energy production to the regions – in a structure that benefits everyone.’

Start of construction and outlook

Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of 2027, subject to official approvals. The new wind turbines will be erected in stages, depending on the dismantling of the 37 existing turbines. The eligibility of individual old turbines for EEG subsidies until the end of 2031 will be taken into account and dismantling will be coordinated accordingly.

With the Sonnenberg V wind farm, ENERTRAG and EBERT are sending a strong signal for the future of wind energy in Saxony-Anhalt – technologically modern, structurally innovative and firmly anchored in the region.