When it comes to wind in forestry, there is one principle which always takes centre stage for us at greenwind: energy transition and forest ecology must not be played off against each other. They only work together. For our wind projects this means: we assume responsibility – professionally and transparently, based on sound nature conservation expertise.

Due to climate change and monocultures the condition of many forests is critical. Particularly damaged pine and spruce populations become unstable due to drought, beetle infestation and storms. At the same time, the following applies to Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria: the expansion targets for renewable energies cannot be achieved without suitable forest areas.

It is greenwind’s aim is to implement only those forestry projects where forestry practice and the energy transition point in the same direction. Two projects in Brandenburg have already been approved, while three others in southern Germany with a total capacity of approx. 134 MW are in various stages of the approval process.

We deliberately plan wind energy where the forest is already damaged and usually where the state forestry authorities or municipalities themselves recommend a change of use. Intact, near-natural mixed and deciduous forests are taboo. On average, the permanent area required for a plant is less than half a hectare, and temporary construction sites are completely reforested. The permanently used areas are compensated for by ecological forest conversion to climate-resilient, site-appropriate mixed forest, which marks the beginning of a more stable forest system.

Here, many specialist disciplines work together. Prior to construction, comprehensive surveys of breeding birds, bats, soil and biotopes are carried out. Animals are protected by construction time regulations, possible breeding sites are examined before trees are felled. Generally, trees are only released for felling after approval by the ecological construction supervision. In order to protect bats, shutdown times are stipulated in the permit. When it comes to the construction itself, the primary aim is to protect the existing forest structures. To this end, we design a layout during the planning phase that focuses on the use of existing paths, use storage areas outside the forest or use blade lifts that reduce the cutting required for transport by tilting it by up to 60 degrees. Fire protection reports are drawn up for all projects, as part of which the municipalities’ fire water supply is examined. Depending on the result, cisterns or wells are installed near the system, which are available in the event of a fire. In addition, the installation of a self-extinguishing system in the nacelle is mandatory at forest locations.

Forest locations offer a number of natural advantages for local residents and communities, especially in southern Germany. Many areas are located on ridges with good wind conditions. Municipalities benefit in the long term through lease income and financial participation in the wind turbines.

Wind energy in the forest is no substitute for consistent forest protection – it is a module within a larger transformation process. Properly planned, it can help stabilise previously damaged forests and at the same time creates urgently needed renewable energy.

More background: BWE brochure “Wind in the forest” -> download PDF