greenwind has successfully optimised the noise performance of an existing wind turbine at the Pritzwalk West wind farm in Brandenburg. The Vestas V112, with a rated output of 3.45 MW and a hub height of 140 m, was approved in 2018. It had previously only been operated in noise-reduced mode at night. With the amendment permit granted, the turbine may now also be operated in Power Mode at night.

For the operator, this means added value that is clearly measurable: the projected increase in energy yield resulting from the optimisation amounts to approx. 700 MWh per year. This additional yield is achieved solely by adjusting the night-time operating mode – without the construction of new turbines and without requiring any additional land.

The approach:

The aim of the application for a variation under Section 16b(8) of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) was to reassess the existing plant’s scope under immission control legislation and to examine whether more powerful night-time operation is possible without breaching noise control requirements. Especially with already approved wind turbines, the precise reassessment of the noise situation can reveal considerable potential – especially when the legal situation changes.

We supported the project from the noise analysis through the expert assessment to the management of the amendment procedure. This included reviewing the existing planning permission status, assessing the relevant noise requirements, preparing the noise assessment report, and providing technical support throughout the application process right through to the technical implementation and documentation of the new operating mode.

The project clearly shows that optimising existing wind turbines can indeed be a key component in increasing renewable electricity generation.