Delivery of one of Germany's largest wind farms

With a total output of 61 MW Obernwohlde wind farm located northwest of Lübeck was one of the largest windfarms realised by BayWa r.e. in Germany.

With 20 turbines and an annual power production of around 130,000 MWh, the wind farm is supplying over 41,000 households with clean energy. Situated between six small villages, it’s expected to save over 80,000 tons of carbon emissions every year.

As turnkey contractor on the project our objective was simple: to deliver a first-class scheme to a high safety standard, on time and on budget. And to ultimately ensure the plant operates at peak efficiency for the investor.

Obernwohlde came with some unique challenges.  Situated in an area with a high density of aviation light masts to guide air traffic, the project required careful consultation with the aviation ministry to secure 20 individual planning permits to construct the 20-turbine site over four phases.  

Careful design of the site, including the grid connection point, internal and external access tracks and the internal grid, meant we were able to fully optimise its layout.

Two Turbine locations had property issues “land without landowner” and an existing track had to be moved around a turbine. The use of drones to survey over 20 hectares of land, saved time and money, over traditional onsite surveying methods.

We worked closely with local stakeholders and engaged with over 70 different landowners and farmers to agree numerous leases for the grid connection, some over 6km away. More than 80 permits have been granted for the project.

Investor, SUSI Partners, purchased Obernwohlde midway through the final stage of the project. They are now enjoying optimised yields and a reliable return thanks to our ongoing technical and commercial operations management, and energy trading of the green power generated.

Our effective liaison with the council and tight management of the construction site meant that despite the very tight timeframe, and the four-month delays caused by the two turbines with property issues, critical deadlines were met.

The team, stakeholders, local schools and community all came together to toast the opening of the wind farm. As well as generating green power, Obernwohlde is also being used by local schools to educate children on the features and benefits of renewable energy.