EnBW has commenced construction on a 72MW hybrid energy park in Gundelsheim, Germany - a significant advancement in the region's renewable energy growth.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the solar/wind hybrid facility, which includes a battery storage system, was attended by local dignitaries and Gundelsheim's Mayor Heike Schokatz.

The solar component of the park, now under construction, will feature 110,000 solar modules.

With an installed output of 60.5MW, the solar park will generate sufficient electricity to supply 23,900 households.

Gundelsheim Mayor Heike Schokatz stated: “This groundbreaking ceremony marks an important step for the energy park project – and for the development of sustainable energy generation in our region.

“Our city provides the ideal location for the project: The site is large and suitable for both solar modules and wind turbines. At the same time, the site is located above Gundelsheim and away from existing residential buildings.”

The facility covers an area of 64 hectares (ha) with 55ha dedicated to solar energy production, and will commence operations in the first quarter of 2025.

Along with the solar array, the energy park will incorporate biotope zones such as a pond and woody structures, and pathways to facilitate wildlife crossings.

The project also includes plans for a wind farm, with the approval application set to be submitted in the third quarter of 2024 and commissioning anticipated in the third quarter of 2027.

The wind farm will feature two Enercon E160 turbines, each with 5.6MW capacity, projected to produce 22 million kilowatt hours annually.

This is enough to cover the yearly energy needs of 6,600 households.

A 2.25-megawatt-hours battery storage system will be installed to optimise the use of the generated power, allowing for more flexible grid integration and the self-sufficiency of the park's power requirements.

EnBW project manager Stefan Wresch stated: “Many process-related aspects had to be taken into account when planning the solar park. Environmental associations were heavily involved in it all.”

“The project is challenging from a planning perspective, but the authorities have handled it with a great deal of expertise and a high degree of commitment.”

EnBW technical project manager Stefan Lederer added: “From a technical point of view, soil stabilisation measures were necessary, along with the use of new technologies. We mastered all of this, thanks to the highly constructive approach adopted by everyone involved.”