Wind power, heat and hydrogen for Baruth: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Steinbach praises cross-sector energy concept 

During his visit to Baruth/Mark, Brandenburg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Steinbach, visited the Classen's laminate and fiberboard plant today and learned about the planned measures to reduce CO2 emissions. The plant intends to cover 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 of companies. In addition, waste heat from production will be used to supply heat to the neighboring towns of Baruth/Mark and Mückendorf. There are also plans to produce hydrogen on site to obtain synthetic fuels or chemical raw materials. Jörg Steinbach was impressed by the overall concept: "The wind power remains entirely in the region. This project shows how the energy transition can work locally. 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 around 1,000 local jobs. "We need the wind farm to secure 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 Classen company. A heat pump will bring the waste heat to the required temperature. The wind farm will supply the electricity for this. "This type of circular economy directly benefits local people, secures jobs, and ensures an affordable heat supply. This is what a successful energy transition looks like – a model for Brandenburg and the whole of Germany," says Ines Seiler, regional councilor for the Havelland-Fläming planning association in Baruth/Mark. The approval process for the wind farm is set to begin this year. Environmental studies, including the mapping of migratory and breeding birds, are nearing completion. The town of Baruth/Mark is developing a development plan. The aim is to start construction of the wind farm in 2026. 

The partner for the heat supply is EMB Energie Brandenburg GmbH. "We are now starting to plan the heating network," says EMB project manager Tom Beier. In July, the project initiators received the funding decision for the heating network planning: around 630,000 euros from the federal funding for efficient heating networks. The aim is to put the heating network into operation for 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 will be used as a precursor for glue production, further advancing the decarbonization of fiberboard production. "The collaboration with Classen a special 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. Around 70 employees in the naturwind group of companies also take care of interfaces for the storage of electricity generated from renewable sources and its use in other energy sectors, for example for heat generation, as synthetic fuels or chemical base materials. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and regionality, naturwind is working to create a clean and reliable energy supply for the future. The projects in the state of Brandenburg are managed by naturwind Potsdam. 

About EMB: 

As a regional energy partner, EMB has been supplying almost 145,000 private, commercial and industrial customers in Brandenburg as well as municipal utilities and regional suppliers with gas and green electricity for over 30 years. The company aims to promote the energy and heating transition in the state of Brandenburg. Whether gas, electricity or energy solutions: The aim 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 cooperation. 

Image: Group photo at the factory gate. Minister of Economic Affairs Jörg Steinbach (third from left) was welcomed by the project initiators at Classen: on the right, Fiberboard Managing Director André Hennig; second from left, naturwind Managing Director Bernd Jeske with 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 (2nd from right). Photo: Classen