Zelestra has progressed construction of its 27.5 MWdc Klevenow solar project in northeastern Germany, marking another step in its expansion across one of Europe’s most competitive renewable energy markets.

The project was awarded under Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act tender regime, known as the EEG, which underpins the country’s strategy to expand renewable generation while maintaining cost efficiency and grid stability.

Following initial civil works, most ground mounting posts are now installed. Around half of the low-voltage cabling has been laid and the high-voltage transformer has been positioned within the substation area. Solar module deliveries are expected within weeks, with full commercial operations targeted before the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Construction activities are supporting approximately 40 local jobs, aligning with federal and state objectives to demonstrate tangible economic benefits from energy transition investments.

Output and Carbon Impact

Once operational, the Klevenow plant is expected to generate roughly 28,700 MWh of electricity annually. Zelestra estimates the project will avoid approximately 9,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

The electricity will primarily supply commercial and industrial customers in the Pomeranian Triangle, a regional industrial cluster where energy price stability and supply security are central to competitiveness. As Germany advances its coal phase-out and accelerates electrification, incremental additions of renewable capacity remain essential to meeting national and European climate commitments.

Read more: Toyota Motor Europe to Build Circular Vehicle Recycling Facility in Poland

Hybrid Storage Integration

Zelestra is also developing a 30 MWh battery energy storage system at the Klevenow site. The hybrid configuration is intended to enhance flexibility, support peak demand management and improve grid integration.

As renewable penetration increases across Germany, storage assets are gaining strategic importance. Hybrid solar-plus-storage systems are increasingly attractive to utilities, traders and industrial offtakers seeking more predictable supply profiles in volatile wholesale markets.

Klevenow is part of a broader 2 GW development pipeline that Zelestra is advancing in Germany, comprising 25 solar projects and 15 battery installations. The company strengthened its local development capacity through its acquisition of East Energy in October 2024, expanding its execution capabilities in the German market.

Robert Hienz, Zelestra’s CEO in Germany, stated that the Klevenow project marks the beginning of an active construction phase, with more than 120 MW of additional solar capacity expected to break ground this year across five EEG-secured projects.

Explore OneStop ESG Marketplace: Solar energy

Market Positioning and Strategic Context

Germany’s energy transition framework combines federal policy instruments, competitive auction systems and private capital investment. EEG awards provide long-term revenue visibility, while hybridization with storage enhances asset resilience in a rapidly evolving power market.

Zelestra’s German operations now include more than 70 professionals across Hamburg, Berlin and Rostock. Local expertise remains critical in navigating permitting, grid connection requirements and community engagement processes.

For infrastructure investors and corporate energy buyers, projects such as Klevenow illustrate how medium-scale solar combined with battery storage is moving into full operational deployment. As Germany intensifies efforts to meet binding climate targets, execution discipline, grid integration and financial performance will determine the long-term value of these assets within Europe’s shifting power landscape.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more insights, case studies, and ESG intelligence.

Explore ESG Solutions on our marketplace - OneStop ESG Marketplace.

Keep abreast of the top ESG Events on OneStop ESG Events.

OneStop ESG Educate: Your go-to source for top ESG courses and training programs tailored to your needs.

Stay informed with the latest insights on OneStop ESG News.

Discover meaningful career opportunities on OneStop ESG Jobs.