PNE commissions “Gnutz Ost” wind farm – community wind foundation benefits from the project in the long term

• Four wind turbines with a total capacity of 18 MW commissioned
• Wind farm can supply around 11,600 three-person households with green electricity each year
• Gnutz community wind foundation supports numerous local projects and initiatives

Gnutz, 15 July 2026 – With the commissioning of the “Gnutz Ost” wind farm, PNE continues the successful development of the Gnutz wind energy site. Following the completion of the “Gnutz West” wind farm last year, the four wind turbines of the “Gnutz Ost” wind farm are now also feeding climate-friendly electricity into the public grid. At the same time, the project provides direct benefits to local residents: with the support of PNE, the Gnutz community wind foundation was established. It supports numerous local associations, projects and initiatives.

The wind turbines are located on agricultural land to the east of the municipality of Gnutz. Based on its annual electricity production, the wind farm is capable of meeting the demand of approximately 11,600 three-person households and making an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Wind energy creates added value for the region

The Gnutz community wind foundation was established on the initiative of local landowners. Payments made by PNE, together with the landowners’ decision to dedicate part of their lease income to charitable purposes, ensure the foundation’s long-term work and enable the funding of additional local projects.

Through these funds, the foundation supports numerous associations, projects and initiatives in the region. Projects currently receiving support include the conversion of the tennis court in Gnutz into a multi-purpose and padel court, the Gnutz Open Air festival, matching polo shirts for the children’s choir, and a senior citizens’ outing to the Eider Barrage.

“It is important to us that as many people as possible in the host communities benefit from wind energy projects. The Gnutz community wind foundation is an excellent example of this. It decides locally which charitable projects and initiatives are supported, ensuring that the proceeds generated from wind energy directly benefit the people of the region,” says Sven Hünefeld, Regional Manager North at PNE AG.

“From the outset, it was important to the landowners that not only they themselves, but also their fellow residents should benefit from wind energy. The community wind foundation makes this idea visible in the long term and supports projects that strengthen the local community,” says Reinhard Berg, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gnutz community wind foundation.

Measures for nature conservation and species protection

Comprehensive measures to protect nature and wildlife were implemented during the planning, construction and operation of the wind farm. These include temporary shutdowns of the turbines during sensitive periods for bats and during agricultural work in the summer months. In addition, impacts on protected bird species and interventions in existing landscape structures are offset through appropriate compensatory measures.

Protective measures for amphibians and ground-nesting birds were already implemented during the construction phase. All measures were carried out in coordination with the relevant specialist authorities and were accompanied by ecological monitoring.

Official inauguration in October

The official inauguration of the “Gnutz Ost” wind farm will take place on 9 October 2026. Together with project partners, representatives from politics and public administration, and local residents, the commissioning of the wind farm will be celebrated. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and the wind turbines used, as well as to visit one of the turbines.