Witznitz Energy Park

Project description

Location

Witznitz Energy Park is in the vicinity of Leipzig in Saxony, Germany, and sprawls across the site of a former lignite mine. It serves as a symbol of successful structural transformation in the region, with Germany’s largest solar farm emerging on the site of a former coal-mining hub. Its prime location in Central Germany, with excellent connections to the supraregional power grid, makes the site ideal for large-scale renewable energy generation.

The region benefits from both climate-friendly electricity generation and from new economic opportunities, as the site provides long-term employment in operations and maintenance roles while contributing to value generation in a structurally weak region.

Property description

Comprising over one million PV modules, Witznitz Energy Park ranks as Europe’s largest solar farm. It covers an expansive site and relies on state-of-the-art photovoltaic technology to generate power. Meticulous planning strives to maximize energy efficiency while also taking environmental aspects into account. Compensation sites spanning some 160 hectares have been established to promote biodiversity and secure habitats for flora and fauna.

The site produces around 640,000 Megawatt-hours of electricity per year, thereby covering the electricity requirements of around 255,000 two-person households. The energy farm’s operation saves around 370,000 tons of CO₂ per year, which represents a significant contribution to climate protection and the decarbonization of German energy supplies.

Technical system

Witznitz Energy Park is equipped with state-of-the-art photovoltaic modules that ensure optimal yields in various weather conditions. The technical infrastructure comprises powerful inverters, transformer stations for grid feed-in and an intelligent monitoring system to monitor and control system performance.

The facility is connected to the German high-voltage network and feeds the electricity generated directly into the public power grid. The park's scale and capacity represent a significant contribution to grid stability and supply security in the region.

Sustainability and the environment

Particular attention was paid to environmental protection during the construction of Witznitz Energy Park. The 160 hectares of compensation sites provide valuable habitats for insects, birds and other animal species. Extensive cultivation of the spaces below and between the solar modules promotes biodiversity and contributes to environmental enhancement of this former mining site.

This site is emphatic proof of how to successfully combine large-scale photovoltaic installations and nature conservation. Annual savings of 370,000 tons of CO₂ per year corresponds to the average annual emissions of roughly 200,000 mid-range cars and thus represents a measurable contribution to achieving Germany’s climate targets.

Project status and realization

Witznitz Energy Park was developed and realized by Moveon Energy GmbH. The installation was successfully commissioned in March 2024 and thus represents an important milestone in Germany’s energy transition. SICORE Real Assets GmbH acquired the project on behalf of SIGNAL IDUNA, while HANSAINVEST LUX serves as the capital management company (Service-KVG).

The project was implemented in close collaboration with local authorities, energy utility companies and environmental organizations. This participatory approach ensured due consideration of economic, environmental and social aspects.

Significance for the region

Witznitz Energy Park is a prime example of successful structural transformation in a former coal mining region. Close collaboration between several stakeholders reduces the region’s dependence on fossil fuels, ensures lasting environmental protection and creates new economic opportunities for the region.

The project shows how to utilize brownfield sites in a meaningful and future-oriented manner. As a lighthouse project for the German energy transition, Witznitz Energy Park provides inspiration for further initiatives and underscores the feasibility and economic viability of large-scale solar power projects.