EnBW takes on solar projects in Brandenburg

Stuttgart/Cottbus. EnBW and Procon Solar GmbH in Cottbus have agreed the takeover of pre-developed photovoltaic projects in Brandenburg with capacity of around 400 megawatts (MW) and an option for a further 400 MW. This joint step will ensure that Procon Solar’s contribution to the energy transition thus far will continue, while strengthening EnBW’s position on its journey towards implementing its strategy. At least half of EnBW's generation portfolio is set to consist of renewable energies by 2025.

The contracts cover solar projects at various stages of development and are set to be undertaken in two stages. On 1 July 2022, solar projects in the advanced stages of development with capacity of around 400 MW will initially be transferred to EnBW. Linked to this, nine employees will move from Procon Solar to EnBW. The site in Cottbus will be retained and run by EnBW as an office in the future. Further projects in the early stages of development with capacity of around 400 MW will optionally follow by the start of February 2023 at the latest.

Harald Schmoch, Head of Renewable Energies at EnBW, emphasizes: “It is important for us to be a reliable partner in bringing about the energy transition – for the people and communities in Brandenburg as well as in the energy-producing region of Lusatia. We are confident that our experience of working with others at local level combined with the entire company’s expertise in the energy industry can bring real benefits to the region. EnBW is firmly committed to Brandenburg with its three existing solar parks in Weesow-Willmersdorf, Gottesgabe and Alttrebbin – all built without state funding and boasting a combined capacity of around 500 MW – and we wish to continue to play an active role in shaping the structural change of the energy-producing region.”

The managing director and partner of Procon Solar GmbH, Klaus Hoff, says: “Now, after 18 years of working with the sun, my personal outlook is naturally leading towards retirement. It is important to me that the ideas and solar projects started by the company are guided to success in conjunction with the proficient and committed employees. In EnBW we have found a strong partner for the energy transition in Lusatia. Its local character, regional roots established through reliable operation of its own solar power plants, economic strength and leading knowledge of the energy industry in matters relating to supply and the future of the energy transition were decisive factors.” He adds: “The business partners can draw on a proven partnership. In July 2018, for example, EnBW took over the pre-developed plans and project contracts for the 187-megawatt ‘Weesow-Willmersdorf’ solar park from Procon Solar GmbH and continued to develop and build the site until it was fully connected to the grid in March 2021.”

The expertise of the current project development team will be retained

EnBW was able to secure the services of the Procon Solar employees in order to further develop and work on the projects together. Thorsten Jörß, who is responsible for photovoltaic project development at EnBW, is delighted about the addition to his project development team. “That is a real bonus for us. It means that we can retain the wealth of expertise and remain well positioned for further projects in the region.”

EnBW project pipeline for solar energy rises to 3,300 megawatts

EnBW already has its own photovoltaic project pipeline of around 2,500 megawatts in Germany. With the addition of Procon Solar’s projects in the energy-producing region of Lusatia, EnBW’s pipeline will increase by over 25 percent to 3,300 megawatts. “We still have some hurdles to overcome together before the individual projects are approved and can be built. The crucial aspect here is that it involves pioneering projects aimed at expanding the use of renewable energies, which we would like to realize together with the communities, regional authorities and other stakeholders,” adds Jörß.