Schwerin is going greener: New PV system protects solar energy and lizards!

Schwerin is going greener: New PV system protects solar energy and lizards!

The Schwerin public utilities recently set a remarkable example for the energy transition with a new photovoltaic project in the Schwerin Industrial Park. This new plant, which went into operation on October 24, 2025, has an impressive output of 10.27 megawatts and is expected to supply around 4,000 households with environmentally friendly electricity. On an area of ​​ten hectares, the municipal utilities, in collaboration with their subsidiary, GES (Gesellschaft für renewable Energies Schwerin mbH), have set up sustainable energy production and at the same time placed a focus on species protection. This combination of renewable energies and nature conservation is a real benefit for the region.

The photovoltaic system, which was built in the Göhrener Tannen industrial area, is not only technologically state-of-the-art, but also designed with ecological considerations in mind. The native sand lizard was already in focus during the planning stage. These special reptiles are native to the site. Before the construction work, the sand lizards were captured and placed in safe temporary holdings. After the facility is completed, it is planned to return it to its newly designed living space. Even the design of the facility has been adapted to create islands of light and shadow as well as small water bodies to promote the habitat of the preferred species. Schwerin public utilities reports that the modules were installed at a height of one meter to allow sheep grazing, which will also help maintain the areas.

Energy for the future

The importance of this new facility for the regional energy transition cannot be overestimated. Hanno Nispel, Managing Director of Stadtwerke, emphasizes that the generation of sustainable energy plays a central role in Schwerin. With an investment of around seven million euros in this project, the municipal utilities are underpinning their bet on the future of energy supply in the region. City and factory reports on the specific challenges that had to be overcome during the implementation of the project, particularly with regard to ammunition residues in the ground, which were nevertheless overcome.

The Schwerin public utility company is already planning additional systems for the use of renewable energies in order to further expand the regional demand for climate-friendly energy. Development in this area is important not only for environmental protection, but also for the economic development of the city. Bernd Nottebaum, head of the building, environment and transport department, emphasizes the importance of regionally generated energy for the economic stability of the region.

Renewable energies in a larger context

If you look at the overall situation in Germany, it is clear that renewable energies are playing an increasingly important role in the national energy supply. According to that Federal Ministry of Economics In 2024, renewable energies will already have reached 18.1% of total final energy consumption for heating and cooling. Investments in this area also amount to over 32 billion euros. It is clear that the energy transition is making significant progress not only locally, but also at the national level.

The combination of innovative technology, regional sense of responsibility and a focus on species conservation shows that the Schwerin public utility company has a good knack for sustainable projects. The new PV park in the Schwerin Industrial Park is not only an example of quick and careful implementation, but also a step towards a more environmentally friendly future for all of us.