Municipality of Extertal Benefits from Wind Energy: VSB Commissions Extertal Wind Farm in North Rhine–Westphalia

Extertal (Germany) - Project developer VSB has successfully commissioned the Extertal wind farm in the northeastern part of the Lippe district in North Rhine–Westphalia. After around 14 months of construction and final works completed in December 2025, the two Enercon E-138 wind turbines are now feeding electricity into the grid.

Together, they have an installed capacity of 8.4 megawatts and generate, on a calculated annual basis, enough electricity to supply around 15,000 people. This means the wind farm produces about one-third more energy than is required by the residents of the municipality of Extertal.

According to the company, the municipality of Extertal will share financially in the revenues in line with the provisions of the Renewable Energy Sources Act. For each turbine, 0.2 euro cents per kilowatt-hour fed into the grid will be paid to the municipality. The official inauguration of the wind farm is planned for spring 2026 and will take place as part of a wind farm celebration.

Thomas Winkler, Managing Director of VSB Germany, stated: „We are pleased to start the year with the grid connection and successful commissioning of the Extertal wind farm.”

According to the company, the Extertal wind farm exemplifies the combination of technological innovation, regional value creation, and environmental responsibility. The use of modern AI solutions in wind farm planning and turbine operation helps make renewable energy generation more efficient and economical.

A key element is AI-assisted bird protection. Each wind turbine is equipped with four cameras that detect agricultural activities in the surrounding area. The image data are analyzed in real time, allowing for temporary turbine shutdowns during mowing or harvesting operations. The aim is to better protect birds of prey, particularly the red kite, which are more actively foraging during fieldwork.

In parallel with operations, the dismantling and restoration of temporary construction areas and transport routes will begin as soon as weather conditions permit. In addition, VSB is advancing further projects in North Rhine–Westphalia. The Arnsberg wind farm, with a planned capacity of 18 megawatts, is currently under construction in the Hochsauerland district. Its commissioning is scheduled for spring 2027.

Source: IWR Online, 21 Jan 2026