Wind as a source of energy

Wind in the woods

Protecting forests - utilising wind in forests

When we talk about wind in the forest, we are referring to forest areas. We are not referring to forests in the true sense of the word. When we talk about wind in the forest, we are mainly referring to commercially utilised or damaged forest areas.

It is good and right that certain forests enjoy special protection in terms of wind energy. Forests that are not protected or recreational forests nevertheless offer nature-friendly opportunities for green energy. We are therefore only planning potential turbines in forests that have a low nature conservation value.

High-quality deciduous and mixed forests as well as protected areas and forest functions with a particularly high ecological value for humans and animals are excluded from wind energy utilisation.

However, the forest as a wind energy area is also associated with major challenges. Not only in terms of nature conservation, but also with regard to logistical and technical planning details. In principle, the surface roughness of contiguous forest areas slows down the wind and thus reduces the wind potential. Modern turbines defy this physical hurdle and enable the economic generation of wind energy even in larger forest areas.

Why use wind energy in the forest?

There are many reasons for generating wind energy in the forest. One of them is the often greater distance from residential areas.

In addition, wind turbines blend in better with the landscape, making it possible to develop new inland sites in exposed locations.

Potential noise pollution and visual disturbances are reduced, which further increases the acceptance of wind turbines in the forest.

Wind energy in forests enables the utilisation of areas that are unsuitable for other purposes, such as agriculture, and thus supplements energy production in regions with limited open spaces.

Many forests already have forest roads and other infrastructure that can be used for the construction and maintenance of wind turbines, which minimises the impact on the forest.

Wind turbines in the forest are often less visible than in open areas, which leads to less visual impairment and can increase acceptance among the population.

Thanks to technically optimised planning and construction, the land consumption of wind energy in forests remains relatively low, as only selective interventions are required.

With environmentally conscious planning, the impact on nature can be minimised and protective measures for flora and fauna can be integrated to promote biodiversity in the long term.

Forested areas, especially at high altitudes, often offer stable and strong wind conditions, which leads to a higher energy yield. Today's turbine technology enables the wind to be utilised in a different layer of air, particularly through higher towers. In this layer, the wind remains unaffected by the surface roughness of the forest.

Which areas are suitable for wind in forest?

Optimal forest areas for the utilisation of wind energy

Commercial forests: These are managed forest areas that are regularly maintained and utilised, which supports their economic use.
Clear-cut areas and sparse forest areas: These are already partially cleared or less densely overgrown and offer ideal conditions without the need for extensive clearing. These are areas that do not fulfil any special protective function in the context of forest functions.
Existing areas with low ecological value: Forests that are already disturbed in their structure or characterised by monocultures are also well suited, as their ecological enhancement is possible through the project.

We offer you a non-binding and free analysis of your forest areas for the utilisation of wind energy.

Have your forest area checked now

Advantages for forest ownersProtecting the climate together

Financial income

By leasing land for wind turbines, forest owners can generate stable and predictable income. This income can provide important financial support, particularly for private forest owners and smaller forestry operations.

Securing forest protection

The additional income can help to finance the repair of forest damage and the reorganisation of the forest. This is particularly important in times of climate change, as an intact forest is of great importance for wildlife and the entire ecology.

Local value creation

The income from wind energy can also indirectly benefit the communities. For many years, we have been committed to social and cultural causes in our project regions throughout Germany.

Climate protection

The use of wind energy helps to reduce CO2 emissions and thus supports climate protection. This is an important contribution to the energy transition and the sustainable use of resources.

Active forest fire protection

Water supply for the fire brigade everywhere in the forest
Expansion of the paths for large fire engines
Self-extinguishing device in the engine room
Lightning protection device

The forests benefit from this

Extinguishing water wells on site

In the vicinity of the wind turbines, they ensure a rapid water supply in the event of a fire and thus support effective firefighting in the forest.

Wider access route

Existing forestry roads will be slightly widened and reinforced to ensure the safe transport and installation of wind turbines in the forest. This also improves access for rescue vehicles and other forestry uses.

Integrated lightning protection device

State-of-the-art lightning protection systems protect the forest around and below wind turbines by safely discharging lightning into the ground. This significantly reduces the risk of forest fires. Correct earthing of the turbines and regular maintenance of the protection systems are crucial to ensure this protective function in the long term.

A true success story

Wind in forest project in Tiefenbrunnen

Wind farm realisation on military conversion site

The particular challenge of this project was that the wind turbines were built in a forest. This meant that not only extensive nature conservation regulations had to be taken into account, but also increased fire protection requirements.

For the turbines in Tiefenbrunnen, we had our own wells drilled as extinguishing water extraction points to ensure a water supply in the event of a fire. Due to the depth of the wells, an external power generator was also required to pump the water and was handed over to the town's fire brigade.

Thanks to the comprehensive measures we implemented for the wind turbines, the fire service was able to work much more effectively during the major forest fires in Tiefenbrunnen in 2018 and 2022.

Nature conservation enjoys priority for wind in forest

If forest areas are converted into agricultural land or used for infrastructure projects such as wind energy, these are offset at least one-to-one, e.g. with:

Reforestation
Creation of biotopes
Upgrading existing forests

This means that no forest is lost through the operation of wind turbines. On the contrary: the forest is even made more resistant to the effects of climate change.

Climate-resistant forest reorganisation is necessary to ensure that newly planted trees have the chance to survive and grow in the forest in the years to come.

Your contact person

Sebastian Schiersch

Head of Project Management
Pioneer and Expert in Wind Energy within Forestry

+49 30 991 9129 14 schiersch@energiequelle.de

Wind in the woods

Why use wind energy in the forest?

1. Greater distance to residential areas

2. Efficient use of space

3. Utilisation of existing infrastructure

4. Minimisation of the impact on the landscape

5. Reduction of soil consumption

6. Protection of biodiversity

7. High wind potential