Where once fighter bombers climbed into the air, climate-friendly electricity is now generated from solar energy: GP JOULE built Solarpark Ammerland on the site of the former Oldenburg air base, supplying some 6,000 households with electricity.
Thanks to its innovative technology made in Germany, Solarpark Ammerland can be operated economically even in a less sun-drenched region such as Oldenburg. In total, we installed some 196,000 so-called thin-film modules on a surface area of 57 hectares, developed and manufactured by Q-Cells in Bitterfeld. The inverters were produced and supplied by REFUsol in Metzingen. Fitted with this technology (CIGS thin-film modules Q.SMART), the plant is the largest of its kind in the world. Every year the solar power plant produces 20 million kilowatt-hours of climate-neutral energy, saving 11,800 tons of CO2. The new solar park was designed and built within a very short period of time: planning began in March 2011 and completed in June of the same year. GP JOULE was able to implement the subsequent construction and installation of the technology within four months.
Since commissioning in 2011, we have also been responsible for technical and commercial management.
The start of the photovoltaic plant marked an important milestone for Lower Saxony's energy industry as it pursues its course towards a climate-neutral energy supply for the state. At the same time it was one of the largest conversion projects in the region: from 1933 to 2008 the site was used for military purposes. Afterwards, the green spaces of the property were put to agricultural use. Prior to the construction of the solar park, specialist companies inspected the site extensively for bombs and ammunition, but no critical material was found.
It was possible to gain the services of Aquila Capital as an investor for Solarpark Ammerland – a bank-independent investment company specialising in alternative and non-traditional plants.
“With Solarpark Ammerland we are revitalising fallow land and taking a major step forward towards a sustainable power supply from renewable energy sources for the state of Lower Saxony. The project clearly illustrates that there are forward-looking, efficient and highly economical utilisation concepts that can be realised quickly and without great bureaucratic effort – especially in converted spaces.
Ove Petersen, Managing Director GP JOULE
