Paper goes Energy: As a paper producer, the Koehler Group has set itself ambitious targets. By 2030, the company wants to generate more energy from renewable sources than it needs for its own paper production. One of the measures can be admired in Blasbach in Hesse since December 2023: the Wetzlar-Blasbach wind farm with two Vestas V150 turbines, each with 4.2 megawatts and a hub height of 166 meters. „The Wetzlar-Blasbach wind farm is the first wind farm that we have planned and built ourselves in Germany,“ says Nicolas Christoph, Head of Wind Power, Solar, Hydro & Business Development at Koehler Renewable Energy. Koehler has gained support of the wind industry to operate the pilot project. As of January 1, 2024, wpd windmanager will take over the commercial and technical management of the two turbines.
„Even before the contract started, we had intensive discussions with wpd windmanager,“ explains Christoph. „For example, we discussed issues relating to communication and grid connection as well as commissioning. The company has a lot of experience. We can benefit enormously from this when operating our turbines.“ wpd windmanager is also very pleased about the collaboration. „The Koehler Group is a prime example of the success of the energy transition,“ explains Gerrit Baerwald, Sales Manager at wpd windmanager. „It is essential for us to support industrial companies on their way to an independent energy supply. As a family business, the Koehler Group is a pioneer in this area.“
The Wetzlar-Blasbach wind farm is expected to produce around 23,000 MWh of electricity per year. This corresponds to the annual electricity requirements of around 11,500 two-person households. In addition to the wind farm near Wetzlar, Koehler Renewable Energy is already planning to expand its own renewable energy portfolio with further wind farm projects.