News & Analysis

/LEIPZIG, GERMANY, April 10, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH^TM/ Witznitz Energy Park, with 650 MW capacity, is located 30 km. south of Leipzig, in the Saxony Province of Germany. The plant was built on the plot of the former Witznitz II lignite mine. The developer of this largest solar power plant in Europe at the moment is MOVE ON Energy. The plant occupies an area of around 500 hectares covering the municipalities of Neukieritzsch, Böhlen and Rötha on Lake Hain, which corresponds to the average consumption of around 200,000 four-person households per year.

The first part of the project (605 MW) is owned by the investment firm Hansainvest Real Assets and was connected to the grid at the end of March 2024. The remaining part of the plant, with a power capacity of 45 MW, should be connected to the grid by the end of this summer. Hansainvest is a subsidiary of the insurance group Signal Iduna and specialises in real estate and infrastructure investments. Signal Iduna manages over €7 billion in European real estate and infrastructure assets.

With the implementation of Witznitz Energy Park, the Leipzig district became home to the largest, non-state-subsidized solar power plant in Europe. The project owners’ goal is to supply citizens and industry in the location region with clean solar power. Another important target is to change the former mining region in a sustainable way, make a significant contribution to the further development of the tradition of the energy production location, and help maintain and create jobs.

Picture 1: Witznitz Energy Park at the end of March 2024; Image Credit: Hansainvest Real Assets

At the location of the Witznitz Energy Park, years of lignite mining have severely affected nature and the region. Part of the area shall be tested for agricultural use. MOVE ON Energy has not just built a solar power plant but is also a testament to innovation and sustainability. The project was meticulously planned according to the best sustainable practices, integrating regional transport planning into the ecological infrastructure measures of the Witznitz Energy Park. To preserve the existing biotope structures, the company is planting new hedges and structurally rich forest edges on an area of 130,000 sq.m. The green, approximately 13 km long cycling, riding and hiking trails not only connect the surrounding towns but also contribute to the region’s local recreation and leisure activities, making it a pioneer in eco-tourism.

Shell Energy Europe and Microsoft Corporation have recognised the financial viability and environmental responsibility of the Witznitz Energy Park. Shell Energy Europe will purchase the electricity generated via a 15-year corporate renewable PPA. At the same time, Microsoft Corporation has agreed to buy the power generated by 323 MW of solar capacity, helping them meet their commitment to having a 100% supply of renewable energy by 2025. As a subsidiary of Shell and a specialist in short-term trading, Next Kraftwerke has assumed balancing group responsibility and direct trading of electricity. With this PV addition to its portfolio, Next Kraftwerke is further expanding its position as Germany’s largest PV power trader, demonstrating the growing economic potential of renewable energy.

Picture 2: Witznitz Energy Park Layout View; Image Credit: MOVE ON Energy 

Germany’s draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) 2021 – 2030, submitted to the European Commission (EC) in December 2023, reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy. This commitment is a response to the fast-evolving geopolitical context and the energy crisis that have prompted the EU and its Member States to accelerate the energy transition and set more ambitious energy and climate objectives, including diversifying energy supplies. Germany’s plan to contribute to the overall EU target of 40% of renewables in national gross final energy consumption is a testament to its dedication.

The draft updated NECP outlines ongoing and planned reinforcements of the grid infrastructure internally and with neighbouring countries, further solidifying Germany’s position as a renewable energy leader. Germany’s ambitious 215 GW solar target by 2030 is now included in its new NECP, assuming a 119% increase compared to the former NECP. By 2030, the share of renewable energy in gross electricity consumption in Germany should be 80%.

More information about other large-scale solar projects planned in Germany, a detailed scheme of the permitting and administrative procedure for solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, a map of grid-saturated areas in Germany, and full contact details of important solar project owners and developers, and much other information you will find in: Germany Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Market Outlook 2024÷2033

In order to download the executive summary brochure with sample pages, please access from here: Germany Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Market Outlook – Sample

For a better understanding of the benefits of using our reports, you may read here: Benefit List – Reports of Renewable Market Watch – 2024

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