LEAG Launches 133-MWp Solar Park, Boosts Lusatia Transition

• Transforming coal to clean: LEAG's 133-MWp solar park at Jaenschwalde mine leads Lusatia's green energy revolution with innovative engineering and biodiversity integration.

German utility LEAG has commenced construction on a 133-MWp solar park at the former Jaenschwalde mine in Lusatia, as part of its "GigawattFactory" initiative to transform coal sites into clean-energy hubs. The project leverages the advantages of mine-site repurposing, such as large controlled parcels for easier permitting and existing transmission corridors to reduce interconnection risks. Engineering adaptations include elevated tracker rows and reinforced cable routes to ensure reliability.

The solar park is both a symbolic and practical step for Lusatia, replacing coal capacity with clean power. LEAG plans to integrate PV with batteries and flexible demand to manage energy surges and evening ramps. The project will focus on transformer reservations, substation sequencing, and biodiversity plans, incorporating grasslands and pollinator habitats into the rehabilitated landscape, aligning with German utility-scale PV standards.

How is LEAG transforming the Jaenschwalde mine into a clean-energy solar park?

• LEAG is utilizing the existing infrastructure of the Jaenschwalde mine to facilitate the transition to a solar park, minimizing the need for new construction and reducing costs.
  
• The project is part of LEAG's broader "GigawattFactory" initiative, which aims to transform former coal sites into renewable energy hubs.
  
• The solar park will have a capacity of 133 MWp, contributing significantly to the region's renewable energy supply.
  
• Elevated tracker rows are being used to optimize solar panel efficiency and adapt to the terrain of the former mine.
  
• Reinforced cable routes are being implemented to ensure the reliability and durability of the energy transmission system.
  
• LEAG plans to integrate photovoltaic systems with battery storage to manage energy supply fluctuations and ensure a stable energy output.
  
• Flexible demand management strategies will be employed to handle energy surges and evening demand peaks.
  
• The project includes plans for transformer reservations and substation sequencing to streamline the integration of solar power into the existing grid.
  
• Biodiversity plans are being incorporated, with the development of grasslands and pollinator habitats to enhance the ecological value of the site.
  
• The transformation aligns with German utility-scale PV standards, ensuring compliance with national regulations and best practices.
• The initiative serves as both a symbolic and practical step towards replacing coal capacity with clean energy in the Lusatia region.