Rheiderland, Bunde, Germany
Dairy farm with 150 cows and arable land (150 ha)
Consumption 94,000 kWh per yea
One EAZ-model windmill + Solar
The farm already operated two photovoltaic systems; one feeding into the grid, and one optimised for self-consumption. On top of that, newly installed milking robots increased electricity consumption only slightly, while spreading it much more evenly throughout the day.
Energy storage was also considered during the planning process. For the farm, however, the key question was how to better cover its own energy generation during periods with limited sunlight. Since batteries mainly help shift existing solar power to a later point in time, adding wind energy made particular sense in this case.
Instead of applying a standard setup, the project was designed around the Steenblock’s actual energy profile using consumption data, existing solar production, and operational needs to determine the right turbine and placement.
The result? A system that complements solar rather than competing with it, generating power precisely when solar cannot.
Like many on-farm energy projects in Germany, this installation involved more than just placing a turbine.
Permitting alone required coordination across multiple areas, including construction, environmental impact, soil conditions, and local planning authorities. The Ecoways team supported the process from application through to approval, handling communication and keeping the project moving.
At the same time, the project required:
When ground conditions required a change in foundation design, the team adapted the plan to include pile foundations, ensuring the project could move forward without delays.
For the Steenblock family, this meant one thing: no need to navigate the complexity alone.
For the Steenblock family, the decision a practical one:
“With a small wind turbine, you can actively contribute to reducing CO₂,” says Jelto Steenblock. “But just as important for us is lowering ongoing costs and making part of our energy spend more predictable.”
By combining solar and wind, the farm moves closer to a more stable, year-round energy supply, less dependent on external price fluctuations, and better aligned with how the farm actually operates.
Throughout the process, the installation was continuously adapted to fit the reality of the farm, from turbine placement to cable routing and construction timing.
Even practical considerations (like ensuring machinery and livestock could continue moving during installation) were factored into the plan to ensure installation didn’t disrupt farming operations.
