Flagship Project for the Municipal Energy Transition: Feldheim in Brandenburg Shows How Communities Can Shape Their Own Power and Heat Supply

Feldheim/Kallinchen (Germany) - Feldheim is celebrating 15 years of energy self-sufficiency. The Brandenburg village supplies itself entirely with electricity and heat from renewable sources and is regarded as a model project for a decentralized energy transition - an example of how local communities can successfully combine technological innovation and sustainability.

Since 2010, Feldheim has covered its entire energy needs from wind, biogas, and wood. The project was created through close cooperation between citizens, the municipality, the agricultural cooperative, and Energiequelle GmbH. On the occasion of its 15th anniversary, the stakeholders are taking stock - and looking ahead to new plans for repowering existing wind turbines and developing hybrid solutions.

Energy self-sufficient since 2010: A model for the decentralized energy transition

This week, Feldheim near Treuenbrietzen is celebrating a special anniversary: 15 years ago, it became the first energy self-sufficient village in Germany to go online. Since then, residents have met all their electricity and heat needs from renewable energy sources - independently of the public grid.

The foundation is a wind farm with 52 turbines, whose capacity far exceeds local demand. Heat is provided by a biogas plant, a woodchip heating plant, and a power-to-heat system powered by wind-generated electricity. A battery storage system balances short-term fluctuations.

At the heart of the concept is the village’s own distribution network: Feldheim operates an independent electricity and local heating grid to which all households are connected. The operator is Feldheim Energie GmbH & Co. KG, a consortium consisting of the town, local businesses, the agricultural cooperative, and Energiequelle GmbH.

“The openness in Feldheim, along with the willingness and curious interest to make a difference together, enabled the development here. By involving the municipality, businesses and all citizens, we can not only supply the village sustainably with clean energy but also share in the revenues,” says Energiequelle Managing Director Michael Raschemann.

Siegfried Kappert, a long-time resident, adds: “Politically and economically, we unknowingly took the right path back then. Today, we are proud to be part of Feldheim and to share our story.”

Education, participation, and future plans: Feldheim as a beacon project

Feldheim has long been more than just a technical showcase. The “New Energies Forum” (NEF) teaches visitors from around the world how self-sufficient energy systems work. Every year, more than 3,000 people visit the exhibition center - from school classes to international delegations.

In 2024, the NEF was honored by the German UNESCO Commission with the National Award “Education for Sustainable Development.”

Mayor Michael Knape emphasizes: “Everything that happens in Feldheim is closely coordinated with all stakeholders. And it pays off. Feldheim is a true community project.”

The success story is far from over. Many of the wind turbines are due for repowering, and Energiequelle is planning a hybrid park. The visitor center is also set to be further developed to strengthen educational work and public outreach.

Feldheim thus remains a symbol that the energy transition is not merely a political goal but a local community endeavor - showing how economic, ecological, and social interests can come together when everyone pulls in the same direction.

Source: IWR Online, 29 Oct 2025