The 68MW Gickelfeld solar park in Külsheim, Germany, developed by EnBW, Thüga Erneuerbare Energien, and Stadtwerk Tauberfranken, has been officially inaugurated. This marks a significant milestone as the largest operating PV site in Baden-Württemberg.
During the ceremony, Thekla Walker, Minister for the Environment, Climate Protection, and the Energy Sector of the state, emphasized the project's role in advancing the energy transition.
"The joint model project at Gickelfeld is a crucial contribution to our energy transition," said Walker.
The solar park, capable of supplying approximately 24,000 households with electricity, consists of two major solar farms with shared infrastructure including grid connections, substations, cable routes, and on-site pathways.
Peter Heydecker, board member of EnBW Generation, highlighted the importance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in renewable projects.
"Partnerships and shared infrastructure are essential for success," Heydecker noted. "The Gickelfeld solar park exemplifies the benefits of collaboration, operating without subsidies under the EEG framework."
The southern section, developed by Thüga Erneuerbare Energien and Stadtwerk Tauberfranken, features approximately 38MW of installed capacity. Meanwhile, the northern section, operated by EnBW, has around 30MW installed.
Norbert Schön, managing director of Stadtwerk Tauberfranken, expressed satisfaction with the project's completion:
"We are pleased to have realized the Gickelfeld solar park in collaboration with Thüga Erneuerbare Energien and EnBW," Schön remarked. "The local impact of this project demonstrates how successful energy transition can be achieved through strong partnerships."
Thomas Walther, managing director of Thüga Erneuerbare Energien, emphasized the collective effort behind the project's success:
"This success is thanks to the collaboration of landowners, project developers, installers, and supportive local authorities," Walther acknowledged.
Minister Walker reaffirmed Baden-Württemberg's commitment to ambitious climate goals:
"We are dedicated to achieving our climate protection objectives, transitioning away from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy sources," Walker stated. "The Gickelfeld solar park sets a significant example of collective achievement towards our goals."
The inauguration of the Gickelfeld solar park not only boosts solar expansion in the region but also reinforces the state's commitment to a sustainable energy future.
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