Large-scale wind energy collaboration advances: progress in wind farm development

The LEA State Energy Agency Hesse (LEA Hesse) is leading the charge in Hesse's energy transition, with a series of projects demonstrating local success. One such project is the planned wind park "Fernewald" north of Steinbach. This ambitious project, a result of genuine intermunicipal cooperation, is set to supply renewable energy to around 43,500 households.

The wind park will be built on areas of the municipalities of Fernwald, Buseck, and Gießen. The companies involved as project developers for the "Fernewald" wind park, in collaboration with the cities of Fernwald, Buseck, and Gießen, are Enercon and ABO Wind. Enercon has already submitted the building application to the government presidency of Gießen in June 2025.

Local participation, including municipalities and citizen energy cooperatives, is a focus of the project. The mayors of the three municipalities agree that the project should not only supply clean power but also strengthen regional value creation. Efforts were made to minimize the use of valuable and partially damaged forest areas during the wind park's construction, and it is planned to reforest the affected areas as quickly as possible after construction.

Expert opinions are being completed for the project, and further implementation steps are being prepared. Despite unavoidable interventions in the forest, implementation aims to be as gentle as possible, using existing paths. The submission of the building permit application and the planning progress indicate that the wind park project is moving forward.

The operating company for the Fernewald wind park is currently being prepared. Up to 70% of the shares could remain with the municipalities and regional partners. The short film showcases the intermunicipal cooperation driving the energy transition in the region, with LEA Hesse supported by contracting partners and project developers such as Lintas Green Energy GmbH and Land+Forst Renewable Energies GmbH.

No information about the short film's content suggests the presence of advertisements. Construction of the wind park is expected to begin in 2027, and the wind park will supply clean, renewable energy to thousands of households in the region.