Wind power, heat, and hydrogen for Baruth: Prof. Jörg Steinbach, Ph.D., praises cross-sector energy plan 

During his visit to Baruth/Mark today, Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Steinbach, toured the Classen’s laminate and fiberboard plant and learned about the planned measures to reduce CO2 emissions. The plant aims to meet its electricity needs from renewable sources in the future. To this end, Classen is planning to build a wind farm Classen with the naturwind group. Additionally, waste heat from production will be used to supply the neighboring towns of Baruth/Mark and Mückendorf with heat. There are also plans to produce hydrogen on-site to produce synthetic fuels or chemical feedstocks. Jörg Steinbach was impressed by the overall concept: “The wind power remains entirely within the region. This project demonstrates how the energy transition can work at the local level. It can contribute to a secure and affordable energy supply,” said Steinbach. 

For the Classen, the success of this energy project is crucial to securing the approximately 1,000 local jobs. “We need the wind farm to ensure our energy supply. We provide the waste heat from our production free of charge to the regional heating network,” explained André Hennig, Managing Director of Fiberboard GmbH, a company within Classen. A heat pump will bring the waste heat up to the required temperature. The wind farm supplies the electricity for this. “This type of circular economy directly benefits local residents, secures jobs, and ensures an affordable heat supply. This is what a successful energy transition looks like—a model for Brandenburg and all of Germany,” says Ines Seiler, regional councilor for the Havelland-Fläming Planning Association from Baruth/Mark. The permitting process for the wind farm is set to begin later this year. Environmental studies, including the mapping of migratory and breeding birds, are nearing completion. The town of Baruth/Mark is developing a zoning plan. The goal is to begin construction of the wind farm in 2026. 

EMB Energie Brandenburg GmbH is the partner for the heat supply. “We are now starting to plan the heating network,” says EMB project manager Tom Beier. In July, the project initiators received notification of funding for the heating network planning: approximately 630,000 euros from federal funding for efficient heating networks. The goal is to have the heating network operational by the 2026/27 heating season. 

Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Jörg Steinbach, also welcomed the plans for hydrogen production in Baruth/Mark. The plan is to use hydrogen to produce methanol, which, as an intermediate product for glue production, will further advance the decarbonization of fiberboard manufacturing. “The collaboration with Classen a unique local synergy effect here,” explained naturwind project manager Stephan Wiggeshoff. 

About naturwind: 

naturwind is an experienced renewable energy company dedicated to the development, planning, and operation of wind farms. Approximately 70 employees within the naturwind group also manage the integration of renewable electricity storage and its use in other energy sectors, such as for heat generation, as synthetic fuels, or as chemical feedstocks. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and regionality, naturwind is working to create a clean and reliable energy supply for the future. Projects in the state of Brandenburg are managed by naturwind Potsdam. 

About EMB: 

For over 30 years, EMB has served as a regional energy partner, supplying gas and green electricity to nearly 145,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Brandenburg, as well as municipal utilities and regional providers. The company aims to drive the energy and heating transition in the state of Brandenburg. Whether gas, electricity, or energy solutions: the goal is for all EMB products and services to be climate-neutral by 2040. As a heating service provider for cities and municipalities, EMB also relies on local partnerships. 

Photo: Group photo at the factory gate. Minister of Economic Affairs Jörg Steinbach (third from left) was welcomed at Classen by the project initiators: on the right, Fiberboard Managing Director André Hennig; second from left, naturwind Managing Director Bernd Jeske; and project manager Stephan Wiggeshoff (third from right). Also present were EMB Managing Director Leif Christian Cropp (left), Regional Councilor Ines Seiler, and Deputy District Administrator Dietlind Biesterfeld (second from right). Photo: Classen