Thuringia's largest solar park is being built in Posterstein: 80,000 modules and 49 megawatts peak (MWp) for the regional energy transition – Symbolic image: Xpert.Digital
Future energy in Thuringia: Groundbreaking for a 49-megawatt solar park
Solar park in Thuringia: Pioneers for green regional development
On March 11, 2025, the official groundbreaking ceremony for Thuringia's largest solar park to date took place in Posterstein in the Altenburger Land district. This ambitious project, covering an area of approximately 45 hectares and with a planned peak output of 49 megawatts, marks a significant step in the regional energy transition and promises both ecological and economic benefits for the municipality and the entire region.
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Project overview: Dimensions and timeline
The planned solar park in Posterstein, with its enormous size of approximately 45 to 50 hectares along the A4 motorway, represents a flagship project for solar energy in Thuringia. A total of 80,000 modules are to be installed, capable of generating a total peak output of 49 megawatts (MWp). According to those responsible for the project, the plant will produce more than 50 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to theoretically supply around 14,000 four-person households.
Construction has already begun, and the first piles have been driven into the ground. According to Nicolai Schlegel, the responsible project manager at Greenovative, construction is scheduled for completion by September 2025. Grid connection and commissioning are also planned for this year, so the plant is expected to feed electricity into the public grid from the end of 2025. Official full commissioning is anticipated for early 2026.
The partners behind the major project
The Nuremberg-based photovoltaic company Greenovative is the main player in the implementation of this major project. As Markus Buortesch, one of Greenovative's three managing directors, explained, the company is leasing the land from the Thonhausen agricultural cooperative for the next 30 years. For the company, the Posterstein solar park represents the largest solar park in its history and a significant milestone.
The Thonhausen Agricultural Cooperative, represented by its Chairman of the Board, Uwe Rößler, is not only the lessor of the land but also a co-shareholder in the operating company of the solar park. The cooperative, which already has experience with renewable energies (three biogas plants, a small wind turbine, and four rooftop photovoltaic systems), first considered the project of a large solar park over three years ago. For the agricultural cooperative, which manages nearly 2,000 hectares of arable land and 150 hectares of grassland and milks 420 cows, the energy sector now accounts for about a quarter of its revenue.
Economic and ecological significance of the project
Financial benefits for the municipality of Posterstein
The new solar park will bring significant economic benefits to the municipality of Posterstein. Mayor Stefan Jakubek (independent) explained that 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour generated will flow into the municipal coffers. With a projected annual electricity production of around 50 million kilowatt-hours, this will result in annual revenue of approximately €100,000 for the municipality. In addition, there will be business tax revenue, which will also benefit the municipality.
Ecological impact and CO2 savings
From an ecological perspective, the solar park makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Once completed, the plant's electricity production will save over 21,000 tons of climate-damaging CO2 annually. This represents a substantial contribution to climate protection in the region.
Of particular note is the approach taken to promote biodiversity on the site. A hedgerow has already been planted along the future solar park, and native wildflowers are being sown beneath the solar panels. These measures are intended to foster biodiversity within the solar park and thus make a positive contribution to the local ecosystem.
Synergy between agriculture and energy production
A special aspect of the project is the successful integration of agriculture and energy production. The land is temporarily repurposed by the Thonhausen agricultural cooperative for energy generation, but is not permanently lost to agriculture. Uwe Rößler, chairman of the board of the agricultural cooperative, is not persuaded by the debate surrounding the loss of land for food production. He argues that there is no food shortage in Europe and that energy is also needed, which photovoltaic modules can efficiently produce on the land.
Furthermore, the soil benefits from the undisturbed state during its use as a solar park, and the native flora and fauna benefit from the wildflower meadow planted beneath the modules. This concept demonstrates that renewable energies and agriculture do not have to be contradictory, but can complement each other effectively.
Technical challenges and framework conditions
The realization of such a large project naturally presents several challenges. Markus Buortesch mentioned that there were “one or two hurdles” that were overcome together. District Administrator Uwe Melzer emphasized in this context the importance of taking sufficient time beforehand to carefully weigh all interests.
A technical advantage of the Posterstein site is its relatively short distance of only 2.5 kilometers to the grid connection point. Nevertheless, like many other German PV projects, it is awaiting approval of the first phase of the Solar Package by the EU Commission. The outgoing German government plans to more than double the amount of electricity subsidized under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) per project. Subsidies are already secured for 20 MWp in Posterstein, but it is hoped that the remaining 30 MWp will also qualify for subsidies. Should approval not be granted, a buyer would still need to be found for this portion of the generated energy.
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Its significance for the regional energy transition
The Posterstein solar park represents a significant milestone for the energy transition in Thuringia. As the largest solar park in the state to date, it sets an example for the future energy supply of the region and demonstrates how rural communities can benefit from the energy transition.
Mayor Jakubek described the groundbreaking ceremony as a "historic day for the community." The municipality of Posterstein is thus taking on a pioneering role in independent and clean energy production. Following commissioning, a small-scale opening ceremony is planned to inform the local population about the park's technology and to properly celebrate this next step towards a successful energy transition.
A flagship PV project for the region
The Posterstein solar park exemplifies the successful integration of economic, ecological, and energy policy aspects. With an investment of approximately 30 million euros, this project will not only supply renewable energy to thousands of households but also generate substantial revenue for the community, create jobs, and make a significant contribution to climate protection.
The successful collaboration between the project developer Greenovative, the Thonhausen agricultural cooperative, and the municipality of Posterstein can serve as a model for similar projects in the region and beyond. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for Posterstein – as the location of one of Thuringia's most significant renewable energy projects.
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